For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
While the girls were having some problems at the penal colony, Rock and the guys were also having some problems. And their problems could mean they won’t get out of there safely. Burk had just called Rock to look at something. “We don’t have enough fuel to get us out of here,” said Burk. Rock was still at the back of the jet. “What do you mean?” asked Rock, “We were tight, but I think we can make it okay.”
“Take a look for yourself Rock,” he replied, “but there is no way we can get back out with that little fuel.” Rock came up to the front right away, and he just stood there staring for a minute, not sure what he should say. “There was more than that when we landed,” said Rock finally, “we must have a leak somewhere. And that is not a good thing.
We will never get out of the country now and the longer it takes for the girls to get back, the worse off we will be.” Rock then called me to fill me in on what was happening. Before Rock had called me, Jennifer had come into the bedroom and told me she sensed terrible danger for the team. Now I know why. I communicated with Kat right away and told them they need to get back to the jet immediately.
Kat then asked if they could bring one more girl along, a friend of Natasha who is serving 300 days in solitary confinement. She is at day 97 and… I interrupted her and said to bring her along, but hurry. Sky went with Natasha down a short hall and at the end was the room where her friend was. Sky opened the door easily and Natasha woke her friend and said they were being rescued and to come with her.
Sky had put light into the room from herself so they could see, but just dimly in case Valeska had not been allowed any light. There wasn’t much light in the hall, so that was okay. They caught up with the other girls at the main entrance and off they went, getting into their car quickly. But, the prison alarm began screeching away. It was amazing at how quickly guards began to show up.
Next problem was getting through that main iron gate. Nakedra was driving and she had been getting emergency driving training from Sky and Jennifer, our two wildest drivers! Catalina and Alizea lowered their windows in the back seat, one on each side as they neared the gate. Kat and Carine were holding onto them to protect them from being shot.
Sky was protecting the car since it was not bulletproof like our cars. The two girls shot small packages through a tube launcher at the gate hinges. Six explosions took place and the gate fell flat to the ground ahead of them and out they went driving away as fast as Nakedra could get the car to go. Unfortunately they were being followed quickly by prison vehicles.
The lead truck chasing them had a machine gun attached to it which kept firing at them. “I hope you can hold off all those bullets Sky,” said Kat. “No problem with that,” replied Sky, “um, but maybe keep your heads down, just in case.” “We can’t let that machine gun follow us to the jet,” said Carine, “they could damage the jet a lot with that thing, more than it is I mean.”
Meanwhile, Rock called me again and said that Oskar and Bear had done an inspection and found that the front wheel braces were damaged and probably wouldn’t survive a takeoff on that rough old runway. That is not news I wanted to hear. I immediately called Aari and let him know the latest news about the jet.
“We will likely need to send you in for a long distance rescue,” I said, “and it will be getting light about that time which will make things a lot harder, but we have no choice.” “Rock will get it fairly close for us Steve,” he said, “providing he gets it off the ground.” “Thanks for that bit of encouragement Aari,” I said.
“You’re welcome Steve,” he replied. I think one of us doesn’t understand sarcasm. The worst thing is Rock can’t land that jet just anywhere and he certainly can’t land it at an airport either. Landing in a field will mean crashing for sure, but what choice does he have? That’s providing he can find a field large enough to land the jet. And if they don’t have front wheels, it definitely won’t be a good landing.
I think I will be doing a lot of worrying for a while. Back to the girls fleeing down this country road after leaving the main road. “Okay, time to get rid of that machine gun,” said Catalina, and she opened her window tossing a package into the air which landed right on top of the truck. There was a loud explosion and the lead truck was destroyed, effectively blocking the whole road.
The ditches on each side were deep, so the truck and 2 cars following that lead truck were not able to get around it. “Well, that stopped our friends nicely,” said Carine as she looked back. “Just don’t miss our turnoff,” Kat yelled to Nakedra! “It’s okay, Fluffy has us covered!” Nakedra yelled back. “Who is Fluffy?” asked Carine. Nakedra put a stuffed cat onto the dash.
“Fluffy, meet Carine,” she said calmly, “Carine, this is Fluffy, my answer to lack of GPS.” “Hi, me Fluffy, me give directions to humans,” said the stuffed cat. “How about that,” said Sky, “our lives are in the hands, I mean paws, of a stuffed cat!” That got most of the girls laughing, except the girls who didn’t understand English. But once it was translated for them, they also laughed.
“Well, I don’t have my own cat,” said Nakedra, “so I bought Fluffy. He only repeats what he is told, but it’s better than nothing.” She patted Fluffy on the head. “We will get you your own cat when we get back home,” said Sky. “But Steve said no more cats,” said Nakedra, “I already asked.” “I will do the asking,” said Sky, “then we will go looking for your cat.”
“Think you can convince him?” asked Nakedra. Sky looked at her and smiled, Nakedra giggled. “Human Nakedra, watch for small road coming fast.” said Fluffy. Suddenly Nakedra turned sharply turning down a road barely wide enough for their car. “Almost landed in that ditch,” said Sky, “perfect points for that turn.”
They stopped suddenly beside the jet which was ready to go as soon as the girls got on board. Surprisingly the front wheels stayed on for their takeoff, but fell off just after they were in the air. But Rock was more worried about their fuel, which they were losing much too quickly…
To Be Continued.
©2025 Steve McLeod.
What an exciting escape! The prison personnel were too close for comfort but were stopped. The fuel leak is definitely worrisome. At least they got in the air but how long will they remain in the sky. If they are in the hostile country, they might not remain free for long. It is certainly a dicey and dire situation. Steve was right in sensing immediate danger for the team. if they were going to get out time is of the essence. If they stayed at the penal colony any longer, all the prisoners would have wanted to escape. Hope they can land somewhere that they have a chance in escaping out of that country,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it was a good thing that Sky’s electrical shield held off the bullets from that machine gun. They had barely enough fuel to get in and out again, losing any along the way will mean a forced landing inside the country. They need to get as close as possible to the border so they can walk out easily. Otherwise Aari and his team will need to go in to rescue the others. That will be dangerous, some could get shot or captured which would require another rescue and that one would be much harder. Fortunately being at night, the prisoners were asleep or they would have ended up making too much noise. We will soon see how far they get in their jet! 🤔👩😼👻🕵️♂️✈️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they will go a little further but hopefully they will be able to hide in plain view.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They want to try and “borrow” a couple of cars to travel as far as possible. Aari and his team will be coming to meet them, providing the rescue team travels far enough.🤔🕵️♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds dangerous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, but hopefully it works out okay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tell Rock to look for a cactus 🌵 to land in! It’s a bit prickly but a soft landing!😂😂🤭🤭
This is exciting!! It’s terrible what they do to the girls in that colony!😠 Someone should go and let all the inmates out and blow it up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a little cold in that country for growing cactus!
If we could get those girls out, we would do it, but i suppose they would just build another to replace it. Parts of this story is based on truth. The penal colony is a real place in a real country and they do treat the women in that place in the way I mentioned. It’s old, cold and dirty in that place. Hopefully the team can get away safely with the 3 girls they rescued. Fortunately they have 3 ghosts with them for protection. Or do they? 🤔👩😼👻🕵️♂️✈️
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least they have Rock with them. He’s always good to have around in dangerous situations. But how far from the closest friendly border? Will they be walking or steal another car? Maybe a helicopter? Although there are almost too many people to fit in one of those.🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, there are 4 guys, all of them big. Bear is Rock’s cousin and nearly as big as Rock. Oskar is also near their size. Burk is the smallest of the group, but still big and strong. 3 of them are pilots. However, there are also 3 ghosts, 3 girls they rescued and 6 other girls. They would need a big helicopter, or maybe 2 cars if they can get them. Walking might be the best if they are not far from the border. Aari is waiting in one country for them, so they need to aim for that one, but there is no way to reach it with the fuel they have left. There are problems on the way for our courageous team!🤔🕵️♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
But you have more help to send if needed, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, lots of help and some is not far away. We do our planning well these days, and with a total team of 60 people, we can do a lot. But still, things can go wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, i look forward to reading what happens next.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, so do I. Wait, I’m writing it, but I’m still looking forward to see what happens. I need to break for supper, back soon.😊🕵️♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okie Dokie, m2 😋😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me 3 and I’m back again!😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, did I miss you? I hope not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What? You didn’t miss me?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning, sleepy Steve! Did you sleep well dream hard, rest harder? What’s on the agenda for today? I went to the flying field already this morning, I came back with both planes in the same condition they left home in! It was really cold here this morning. It was less than 50 degrees!!🥶 Let me know when you’re around or a square or even a quadrangle!!😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We here at the Investigators never seem to sleep well, always on guard for those surprise attacks that come our way frequently.
Hey, good for you, getting out there bright and early like that. Yeah, it was a bit cool here this morning too at -36, I think we’re at -20 now and should only go down to -30 tonight. Could be into melting weather by Sunday!🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, hey! Now you’re talking! I sure hope your weather turns warm soon or the frost may go so deep it will stay frozen until fall again!😲 Besides, you could use a good defrosting… you’re looking a little blue around the edges…🤭🤭🤭🥶🥶🥶
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, this comment just came through to me, I thought maybe you were not home. Well, if it does get that warm, I hope it stays that way and not lead to a late spring. We shall see. It was just plain cold out there today. Glad I didn’t have to be outside for long.🥶❄️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need to go read today’s chapter. BRB
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait, there isn’t…
LikeLike
Oh… wait!😲 I don’t see one for today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have it ready yet, but it will be soon.😊✈️The jet has to crash first.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh… phew! I thought i missed it! Crash?? You didn’t say it would crash!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Crash? Who said anything about crashing? I mean, once they run out of fuel that jet could probably glide along for at least a few hundred feet before heading straight down.🤔✈️
LikeLike
Hey, did you read tonight’s chapter yet?
LikeLiked by 1 person
😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought you would like that explanation. And in tonight’s chapter we get to see the, um, you know, and the um, explosion that follows. That was a big one!🧨🔥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning Dusty! Cool again up here with a temperature of -38 this morning! Kind of a strong wind today too.🥶
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, but watching the weather news yesterday, they said a warming trend is on the way coming to you soon!😁😎 What’s happening on the frozen tundra today?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, beginning Thursday, sort of, and by the weekend it is supposed to be real nice. Almost swimming weather.
Not much happening. Took out my garbage, I will repot a couple more of my plants. There are 5 left to do. I decided to repot everything and good thing I did, they needed it. No wonder some of them were not doing well.🌱🪴 I have to do an extra post today, I’m behind again. Hard to believe I used to do 4 a day.🤔🌞☕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah… you need go as much as you can comfortably. I went fir my walk already this morning. 4 miles!!🥵 It’s tough getting this old bus moving again…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s not bad at all. Once it warms up a bit I will get back to my walking again. I might even go to the end of the block and back.😂😹
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe it!!😁😉 I may be off line for a few hours this afternoon. I have some new items for my planes coming (hopefully today), and then I have a flying club meeting this evening from 6 until after 8, then an hour drive back home so I most likely won’t get a chance to chat later today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, not a problem, we can pick it up tomorrow then. I need to get some vacuuming and other cleaning done today anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just received an update on my brother. It seems he took a sudden turn for the worse. It looks as though I may need to head back to MN in the next few days. I will try to keep in touch as best I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear that Dusty, please keep me posted about that. I will keep you in prayer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
My brother passed away last night. So, leaving in the morning, I’ll be back on March 10th.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry to hear that Dusty. I will keep you in prayer during this time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will be staying here for another month. They are having a celebration of life in March and not a funeral service as I thought they might. So, there is no need to leave just yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I should have checked my comments sooner but thought you would be gone. Yeah, I can understand that.
LikeLike
How are you feeling today Dusty? Just having a relaxing type day?🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, not really. Just trying to keep myself and my mind occupied so as not to think to much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, that’s a good way to do it, that’s what I tried to do as well. It was a bit warmer today though it was hard to tell since it was so windy. Nice and sunny though.🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m signing off for tonight, early laundry morning tomorrow. I’ll be back fairly early in the morning. Have a good night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, you also. Goodnight 🌙 🌃 🌉 🌌 😴
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning Dusty! I’m finally awake! For the second time this morning. Sigh.🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I thought i slept late at 9:10 am!😲
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I was up at 2:07, went down to do laundry at 3:30 and decided on a short nap at 9 which turned into a long nap until noon. There was a woman looking at the apartment next to me this morning so maybe I will be getting a new neighbor soon. Still, she might pick one of the other 7 empty apartments in the building. They have all been empty about a year now.🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I thought there was a housing shortage, how do the empty ones affect your rent?
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a housing shortage here even though they have built two new apartment buildings over the past couple of years and they are going to start on another one this year. But they are all operated by the same housing board and the woman who was in charge of renting the apartments retired last year and no one else had the authority to take her place. But they finally hired someone for the job. Kind of a crazy way they do things at that housing board. More than 300 people on a waiting list for an apartment, there are empty apartments and they remain empty. Our rent is not affected by the empty apartments, which is a good thing. My rent went up 27% as it was. If it does that again this year that will make things a bit tough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a huge jump! I don’t know how anyone can afford that all at once.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it, that’s for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Busy weekend planned? Make popcorn 🍿 jump around on one foot. Hit your head. Let Muffin use your feet as a chew toy?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m back! Fell asleep again, then had to make supper. Now I probably slept too much and won’t sleep tonight. Wow, I haven’t had popcorn for such a long time, I should get some on Monday. Nice relaxing weekend for me, what other kind is there around here?😂😹 I would like to do some baking though. But I need to dust this place again too, it gets dustier here than my last place!😒
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, guess what? Chapter 8 is already out and ready to be red, I mean read! I know you have been anxiously waiting for it to come out since I didn’t get it out yesterday, so figured I would let you know.🤔🕵️♂️
LikeLike
It’s winter! All the dirt and dust is covered in snow…🤔How can that be?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I figure it’s the electric heat in here that’s doing it. Electricity comes from water. The water is filled with dirt. The electricity burns the dirt and produces dust. How’s that for an explanation?🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, must sign off and head to bed again. Good night, talk tomorrow!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must have some really dirty water!😂😂😂😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, I think it’s those southern dust storms doing it. How’s the weather? Supposed to hit 32 or higher today and tomorrow! 🌞🙃 Unfortunately, the warmer weather has made the sidewalks very slippery, dangerous walking out there now.😒
LikeLiked by 1 person
The temperature here is about the same!😂😂 The sidewalks are just wet, though. Still to cold 🥶 for getting out flying or walking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We might even get some rain tomorrow, don’t want that though, makes things much too slippery since it will drop below freezing again tomorrow night. Oh well, we get what we get. Yep, ya gotta be careful about ice forming on the wings, could cause them to crash! Did you like last night’s chapter? More intrigue, kidnapping and an unlikely helper!🤔🕵️♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, honestly, I have not. But, I will go and read it now.😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okie and dokie!
LikeLike