This was a fight like no other that we have had as a team. Ronja has great resources and she knows how to use them. The attack began with missiles fired from helicopters which basically destroyed our fortress, which is also our home. Then fire bombs were dropped on top which ended up burning what was left. Then Ronja’s men attacked, coming in with armored vans.

Team 5 from Baldwin Security were outside and fought back, but they were terribly outnumbered. Still, they stopped 18 attackers. But 8 of them died and two were badly wounded. Inside it was bad. By the time Kat arrived everything was over. She tried to help the ones she could find and dragged them out. Nelson died, Baldwin survived and was not that badly wounded.

He had dropped his phone and bent down behind his huge desk to pick it up when that second explosion happened. That desk saved his life. Trisha tried to run downstairs when an explosion hit the roof over her head and collapsed on her, killing her instantly. Annelie, Carine and Bridgette are unaccounted for. Crystal, Beryan and Galyna are badly wounded and are now at the clinic. Kat was back at the clinic now too and she told Dawn and Kera what Carine and Trisha meant to me.

Dawn began to cry and without thinking bent over and kissed me. “Oh,” she said, “guess I should not have done that.” “That is okay Dawn,” said Kat, “I know that Sky would not mind.” Meanwhile, back with Rock and his team. Rock let loose with a loud booming “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!” and walked off by himself. After a bit he came back.

“I cannot lead the team right now,” he said, “I just cannot think straight. Kristina, please take over.” “Okay Rock,” she said, “I understand.” She then called Kat and asked her to take over as team leader at home. Kat said she would. Then Kristina called Richard and told him that Kat was in charge of the home team, but he was still in charge of security.

“You need more help up there Kristina,” he said, “if Ronja did this here, no doubt she is watching you too. But she likely will not attack you until you find the gold. You need to be very watchful though and camp in the best hidden area you can find. I will send some choppers up there to help you, they will watch around you farther afield so no one can sneak up on you.” Kristina thanked him and then went over to Mandar.

“I have been trained to lead this team,” she said, “but this is something way different than normal. I need some extra wisdom to help me right now. Please help me out. I guess this means I am not really ready for the job, but I want what is best for everyone.” “My dear Kristina,” said Mandar, “one of the qualities of a great leader is knowing when to ask for help.

I will be very glad to help you. Now, we must be very diligent and watchful. We are in a very vulnerable area right now. Ronja may not attack us yet, but she is also a wounded bear who will not necessarily think rationally. She wants revenge and now that she has had some success attacking home base, she will most likely strike again and perhaps very soon.”

“I agree with Mr. Mandar,” said Alfred, “Ronja is a very dangerous woman right now and all she wants is to destroy your team. I must ask, Kitten seems to be very distraught over all this, did she perhaps lose a man in her life in that attack?” “Yes, in a way she did,” said Mandar, “but not what you think. She lost her father, though we do not know for sure if he will live or die.”

Alfred looked at Mandar, somewhat confused. “I know my good man,” said Mandar, “but Major did not die before, it was done that way so enemies of his would not search for him.” “Ah, I see,” said Alfred, “a wise way to do things for sure. Too bad I could not have seen him again, I would have enjoyed that very much.” “He would too, my good man,” said Mandar, “he would too. I hope it will happen yet. Storm, you Tiia and Tandi get some sleep, we need you to guard us tonight.”

The cats found a nice spot to lie down, curled up together and slept until nightfall. Then they spread out to keep watch. With their excellent hearing and eyesight, they were perfect for this job. And they could stay completely hidden from the enemy. Just after midnight Storm saw some movement and quickly saw that it was a human. He contacted the other cats and soon they too saw people…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.