“Dr. Stone’s past is checkered with many similar examples of his complete disregard for human and animal life,” Richard added.
“I will make sure Jake understands the risks,” Josephine replied as Dakota walked over next to her so she could pet him.
“He seems to have taken a liking to you,” Richard commented.
“Like most Montana families, we had some horses when I was younger,” Josephine replied as she proceeded to scratch Dakota’s velvety soft ears. A moment later, Dakota suddenly raised his head up and looked over at Siyeh Pass attentively. Then he nudged Richard as if asking for permission to go up and investigate. Richard hopped up on Dakota’s back, and then reached down for Josephine. She looked a little hesitant, but Richard pulled her up before she could protest. Once she was seated, they took off up the hill to intercept the hunting party.
When they reached the group, a loud but familiar voice rang out.
“Hello Richard. I’m so glad you found us,” Jake said with a welcoming smile.
“Thanks to Josephine’s clever note,” Richard replied.
“That’s great, but tell me, where the hell did you get a horse?” Jake said with a look of disbelief.
“The horse is a long story, but I have some unfortunate news…”
“Where’s Matt?” Jake interrupted.
Richard lowered his head and hesitated for a moment. “I am so sorry, your son was killed shortly after we left the production facility.” Jake’s face went pale, but he looked more annoyed than upset.
“I told him not to go, but he always insisted on doing the opposite of what I said. No doubt he died like a coward!” Jake said with a look of disgust.
“No, not at all. Your son died a hero. He saved my life and I will never forget his sacrifice. You should be proud of him, he wasn’t a coward,” Richard replied sharply.
“So what happened?” Ethan said he saw both of you escape in a tank,” Jake questioned.
“Matt spotted an armored patrol sneaking up on us when we were attempting to retrieve some weapons in Simms. He knew we would both perish if the Augs caught up to us, so he took it upon himself to act as bait and lure them away. His plan worked. The Augs chased after him and overlooked me. Regrettably, he was outnumbered and outgunned, but he did not suffer, I confirmed that once the Augs had gone,” Richard said with a look of reverence.
“Amazing,” Jake replied. “He never showed me an ounce of respect, but he was willing to give his life for you?”
“He didn’t do it for me, he did it for the cause,” Richard insisted.
“You must have made a hell of an impression on him… I was sure he would come running back with his tail between his legs once the shooting started,” Jake surmised.
“Why would you think that?” Richard asked.
“He was dishonorably discharged from the reserves for abandoning his post…” While Jake continued reciting all of his son’s failings, Richard looked back over his shoulder at Josephine and whispered, “Why is Jake being so hard on Matt?”
“I think it’s just a defensive reaction to the loss,” Josephine whispered back. “His way of lessening the emotional pain by focusing on the things he didn’t like about his son.”
“Don’t blame yourself Richard,” Jake said, unknowingly interrupting them. “Matt volunteered, and he knew the risks. We’ll pay the Augs back for this,” he added.
“If there is anything I can do, just let me know,” Richard replied, followed by a poke to the ribs from Josephine as a reminder of his promise to not to rush off into battle.
“Well Richard, I am happy you made it,” Jake announced as he looked down at the settlement.
“Where is Ethan?” Richard asked.
“Oh, he and Sean are back about a mile. They shot a small doe and they didn’t want to be the first ones back. I think they’re a little embarrassed by their prize,” Jake said with a smirk, still hiding the pain of his loss.
“Okay, thanks,” Richard said as Jake and the other men continued down the trail to the camp.
A few minutes later Sean and Ethan came up over the pass and when they saw Richard and Josephine waiting for them, they rushed down to greet them.
“Richard!” Ethan yelled out in excitement. “I’m so happy you and Matt made it!” Richard’s expression instantly changed and Ethan realized something was wrong.
“I’m so sorry, Matt was killed by the Augs after our escape,” Richard said with a sad look.
“Oh no! I thought you both made it, what happened?”
“The Augs came after us in four brand new tanks that they must have had hidden somewhere else on base. When we reached Simms, Matt lured them away, but in doing so, he sacrificed himself so that I could get away,” Richard admitted.
“I’m glad you made it,” Ethan said with a sniffle, as he wiped his watery eyes.
“He was very courageous,” Richard said in a thankful tone. Ethan only nodded and then eyed Dakota for a moment.
“So, where did you get a horse?” he asked as Dakota flicked his ears and then stretched out his neck out so he could sniff Ethan.
“He found me back at Simms, kind of a funny story, but I’ll tell you about it later. More importantly, what on earth happened to you the night that you were at the back door on watch?” Richard asked.
“I went out searching for some fuel for the tank, and actually found some. After I finished putting it in the tank that Matt had told us about, an Aug jumped me from behind. He took me to one of the labs and questioned me for several hours, but I just played dumb. After that, he brought in Dr. Stone, and that’s when the explosions on the opposite side of the lab complex started going off. As the attack intensified, Dr. Stone suggested that we leave. I wasn’t armed and I couldn’t find you guys, so I followed him out to his helicopter pad. Things just kept exploding and I thought you guys might have been killed, so at that moment, Dr. Stone seemed like my only means of escape. Once we got into the air, I saw you and Matt getting into the tank, and I figured you’d be okay. When I told Dr. Stone about the settlement, he offered to helped me if we granted him asylum,” Ethan said in a reluctant tone.
“Did you see the Augs threaten Dr. Stone once the attack started?” Richard asked.
“No, but it was chaotic. Augs were running everywhere, and Dr. Stone wasted no time evacuating the building,” Ethan replied.
“Why do you think Dr. Stone wanted to leave the Augs’ protection, when he could have just as easily flown to another part of Great Falls where he would have been safe?” Richard asked.
“He didn’t know what the scale of the attack was, further away seemed safer I guess,” Ethan surmised.
“After Dr. Stone and you landed near the settlement, did he take anything from the helicopter?”
“He had a bag with personal items in it, but that’s all,” Ethan recalled.
“Has anyone searched his things or checked to see if he is in communication with the Augs?” Richard asked.
“I don’t think so, but he never leaves the camp,” Ethan replied.
“All aircraft are equipped with portable satellite linked radios, even helicopters. I know that Mitch used one when he crashed his chopper, and I bet Dr. Stone’s helicopter had one aboard it,” Richard said looking troubled by the thought.
“What do they look like?” Ethan asked.
“I’ve never actually seen one,” Richard admitted. “Just keep an eye on him, and spread the word about the possibility that he might have a radio. If anyone sees anything suspicious, make sure they come tell me.”
“Okay,” Ethan replied.
“Richard, stop plotting against Dr. Stone,” Josephine interrupted. “Let poor Ethan and Sean go so they can rest and get some food.”
“Alright,” Richard replied. “Josephine has a good point, I know you boys are eager to get back.”