Rock came back into the library after about 30 minutes. “Have you tried contacting Muffin, or Storm?” he asked, knowing that Annelie would have by now. “Yes, but I am not getting through to them,” she said, “either something is blocking the transmission, or…” “Let us stick with the idea that something is blocking the transmission,” said Rock quietly. “Yes, that is a good thought,” said Nelson.

“If they were to hike back, which route would they take?” Rock asked Annelie. “It would be route 3, the longest way out, but the safest way as well,” she replied, “if they are all okay, it would take about 4 days. If anyone is hurt, it would take longer.” “Safe to assume that at least one of them is hurt,” said Rock. “Yes,” said Annelie. Just then another message came through from Mac.

“Steve was blind,” repeated Annelie, “so Catalina and Muffin were going to take him back by hiking. Kate tried to keep the guards attention on her so Catalina and Steve could get away safely. She would not have survived all the gunfire going her direction. Storm escaped the car and ran off to try and find Muffin and help her. They are bringing back two passengers that helped them get the boy, a Colonel who Kristina knew from years ago, and his daughter.”

“Kristina knew a Colonel from that country?” asked Rock, “how strange is that?” “Yes, amazing what hidden gems our team members have sometimes,” added Nelson. “I want Aari and his team to go stay at the rendezvous point of route 3,” said Rock, “they will stay until I call them back. Make sure they bring enough supplies to last a week at least.”

Then they got another message from Sky saying she wanted to go with Aari. Mac said he should go along as her bodyguard since that is the arrangement made with Steve. And Rusty insisted on going too saying he could help find them if they decide to go looking along the route. “Good idea,” said Rock, “make that 2 weeks provisions, extra cat food and water, medical supplies, stretcher, whatever else he thinks they may need, and go look for them. Send Team 4 with them too, the rest come home with Team 5.”

Annelie sent the message and everyone began getting ready. They stopped at a nearby city to pick up all the supplies they needed, medical supplies they already had with them. Meanwhile, back to us. Catalina had turned to see who had grabbed her wrist and gasped when she saw. It was Kat! Meowr!=Muffin, Muffin!

Storm came bouncing through the long grasses and Muffin joined in bouncing around Storm. “How did you manage to get away?” Catalina asked. “There was only one man left after the others chased the car,” said Kat, “he was a Major and he tried several times to shoot me but was unable to do so. I had no bullets left so I just walked toward him and he came at me to fight.

That did not last long and he was dead when I left. Storm and I met along the way.” “So nice to see you again Kat,” I said smiling, “even if I cannot see you. But we really need to get out of this spot, that helicopter might come back after us. We need to get under the trees again.” “Right,” said Kat, “up you get and let us get walking.” “I cannot walk fast,” I said, “I hurt my leg in that jump off the wall.” The girls got me up and off we went.

It did not take long to get under the trees, but we needed to try and walk as far as possible. Now that we have been seen, they just might send soldiers to look for us. “This route is the longest one,” I said, “and it will take us even longer than expected to make the trip since I have to walk so slowly. That will mean rationing our food and water.”

“There was a stream on the map that should not be too far away,” said Kat, “we might be able to get water there.” Meowr.=We can catch our own extra food too. “Please do not mention that Storm,” said Catalina. The cats giggled. They took turns napping on the girls backpacks while we walked. One of them needed to be awake at all times to listen for helicopters or other human noises that we might miss.

Soon it was dark and the end of day one for our hike back. Fortunately Catalina was one of those on the team with a tent, which was supposed to be good for 3 people. Only certain team members carried tents, others carried different things. “This is not for 3 people,” I said, “we will certainly make a change in that for next time.” “Why?” asked Kate, “it is nice and cozy.” For safety reasons I was in the middle. My leg was throbbing, even with painkillers…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.