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The Stepping Stone
Chapter Three: First Contact
Scott A. Gese

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Chapter 3

First Contact

John and Darcy stepped onto a lush green lawn. The old man stood before them, waiting. Darcy turned to see a solid wall of granite at their backs. Something was engraved on it, but she didn’t have a chance to read it, as the old man had her attention. “There’s no time to waste. Follow me.”

John and Darcy remained silent as they followed the old man, marveling at their surroundings. It was a stark contrast to where they had just come from. Everything was clean and well-manicured, with bright, vivid colors. The path they hurried along wound through tall trees of various hues, their leaves rustling in a slight breeze while birds chirped among the branches. The air was fresh and easy to breathe, and the temperature was perfect. Tropical plants were everywhere. There was no graffiti or homeless people along the path. It had been a long time since either of them had felt this good about anything; the place had an immediate positive effect on them.

The old man turned off the main path onto a more secluded, tree-lined route. They caught glimpses of a nearby street, but no cars were in sight. A couple rode by on a scooter while others walked or rode bicycles. The houses were modern and well-maintained, with small yards kept neat and tidy. They arrived at an ornate gate that opened automatically, allowing them to pass through. They walked along a third path leading to a house set back from the road. The old man opened the front door, and they stepped inside.

“Who are you, and where are we?” were the first words out of John’s mouth.

Darcy chimed in with her own question. “When are we?”

“I’m sure you two have many questions, and they will all be answered in due time. For now, I have one for you: Are you hungry?”

“Hungry? That's a strange question,” John thought, then replied, “I... yeah, I suppose I could eat something.”

“And how about you, my dear?”

“Sure, I guess so.”

“And what would you like?”

“What would I like?”

“Yes, just name it.”

Confused and unsure of what she had gotten herself into, Darcy played along. “How about an avocado chef salad with a slice of olive loaf bread?”

“And how about you, young man?”

“Anything at all?”

“Yes, just name it.”

“In that case, I'll have a pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries... and a small green salad.”

“Very good. I'll be right back. Please, sit here at the table.”

John and Darcy exchanged a knowing glance as the old man went into the other room. They took a seat at the table, and no sooner had the old man left than he returned with a large tray of food. The salads were cold, while the sandwich and fries were hot. The old man also brought a steaming bowl of clam chowder, along with a pitcher of cool water and three glasses.

The food looked delicious. Once he sat down, they began to eat and talk.

“This is amazing. How did you do this so quickly?” Darcy asked.

“It all has to do with setting intentions, my dear. Whatever you want can be yours if your mind is in the right place.”

“Please, let me introduce myself. My name is Leeson. I am the son of my father, who was named Lee.” He glanced at Darcy. “And your name is...?”

“My name is Darcy, and this is my friend, John.”

“Darcy and John. I am very honored to meet you. As for the question of when you are, you are here now. Where are you? You are in the same world as the one you just left.”

John nearly choked on his sandwich. “Say that again?”

“Yes, I know this may be difficult to comprehend. We are on the same timeline from the same place. The difference is we live in parallel universes. When you came through the doorway, you crossed over from one to another.”

Darcy tried to process this. “If we are from the same place and the same time, why is this universe so different from ours?”

“That is a very good question, Darcy. Let me try to explain.

There are many parallel universes. They all coexist as variations of our respective realities. They are stacked. Each one can be found between two others, but they are not permanently connected. Each can move independently in either direction. The ones below your own experience more of the dark side, while the ones above experience more pure light. Each is always in flux due to the spiritual influence of those on either side. Each universe moves one way or the other at its own pace. You have crossed over to a universe a little closer to the light.

Basically, we are all influenced by both the dark and the light. There is a spiritual battle going on between the two. I'm afraid your universe, like all others, is caught in the middle. You feel the spiritual forces from both sides. Good and evil cannot exist within the same space. Each universe is being pulled in opposite directions. Eventually, this struggle will cause humanity to destroy itself, at which point it will start over again, either a little closer or a little further away from the light. It's nothing new. It has happened many times to all universes.”

“So you're saying there is never any hope for us? We will always be in flux? Is that right?” John asked.

“I'm afraid so. At least until the time when you make it to the light. Each time you are offered the opportunity to prolong the inevitable. The question is, when it does end, will you begin again a little closer to the darkness or to the light? In fact, that is why I have brought you here.”

John was still confused. “And why have you brought us here? I don't fully understand.”

“You will understand in due time,” replied Leeson.

“How much time?” Darcy asked. “Can we go back? My father will be worried about me.”

“Yes,” replied Leeson. “You will go back. Your father will never know you were gone. For now, you are my guests here. Feel free to make yourselves at home. You may go out into the backyard, but please don't leave it. If word gets out that you are here... well, let's just say some would not take kindly to that.”

Darcy didn't like what she was hearing. “Are we prisoners here?”

“No, you are my guests. You will go back in due time. Until then, my home is your home. Now, if you will excuse me for a short time, I have some business to take care of.” Leeson gathered up the dishes, stood up from the table, and left the room.

“Wow,” remarked John. “This is unreal. I kinda like this place.”

“It’s nice, but my intuition tells me there's something he's not telling us. What is it with this 'in due time' stuff? He's being very vague. If we're not able to go back now, then as far as I'm concerned, we are prisoners.”

“Well, he did say your dad wouldn't even know you were gone. I figure we're here, and we're pretty much at his mercy. I say we stay vigilant, but we trust him for now. If things start to get sketchy, we'll confront him. For now, I'm willing to go with the flow.”

“I don't flow well,” replied Darcy. “Consider me on heightened alert.”

“As we both should be,” replied John. “Let's go check out the backyard.”

They got up and walked through the kitchen to the back door. As they passed what John thought might be the refrigerator, he stopped. “He did say to make ourselves at home. I sure would like a cold beer right about now. I wonder?” John opened the fridge. It was empty except for a freshly poured glass of ice-cold beer sitting on the shelf. John didn't know what to think. He didn't realize it was there because he had intended for it to be there. He pulled it from the fridge and took a drink. “Now this is good. It's like I said, Darcy. I kinda like this place.”

They continued out to the backyard, where they found a couple of chairs among some large plants in a beautifully landscaped garden. As the sun went down, the clouds began to reflect its long rays of red and orange. They witnessed one of the most vibrant sunsets they had ever seen.

They were both lost in the moment when Leeson stepped out of the house. “I see you discovered the replicator, John.”

“Yes, I hope you don't mind. You did say to make ourselves at home. I was amazed it was the only thing in there.”

“That's the power of the mind. We lack very little here,” replied Leeson. “Come into the house. I want you to meet someone.”

John and Darcy followed Leeson into the house, where an older woman sat at the table. “John, Darcy, I'd like you to meet Anna. She is my confidant. I asked her to come over so we could share some knowledge with you. Please, sit down.”

“This sounds serious,” remarked John.

“It is absolutely serious,” replied Leeson. “Not one word of what we are about to tell you is to be spoken beyond this room as long as you are here.”

“That's something I'd like to know,” Darcy interrupted. “How long are we going to be here?”

“We will take you back to the gate in due time, Darcy. Please be patient. You have been brought here for a reason—one we are about to explain to you now.”

“I can be patient for now, but at some point my patience will run out. Don't let me reach that point.”

Leeson smiled at Darcy. “I assure you, that point will not be reached.”

Darcy was satisfied with Leeson's answer. “Okay, I'm glad we have an understanding.”

Anna spoke up. “I can see Leeson did well to invite the two of you to this table. Your level-headedness and outspoken manner are rare and valuable qualities. You will need them in the future.”

“In the future? I'm not planning on having much of a future here,” replied Darcy.

Leeson began, “I understand. Your time here won't be long. I've told you a little about the parallel universe we each exist in. I mentioned how your universe is in flux. I would like to delve deeper into what I know. Maybe it will help you better understand why you are here.

“Your universe is fighting a battle between the flesh and the spirit. It is a struggle between darkness and light, or, as you might put it, good and evil. This situation has persisted for many thousands of years, with neither side able to overtake the other.

“We fight the same battle, but our universe has managed to overcome the darkness more than yours. We have been observing your struggle since the beginning and have witnessed how darker universes have infiltrated yours, using their power and knowledge to influence you. Our universe has influenced yours as well, but our motivation is somewhat selfish. It’s less about helping you move closer to the light and more about preventing the darkness from affecting your universe to the point where those influences bleed over and negatively impact our own.

“We have worked hard to keep our achievements from being tainted. We do everything we can to block the darkness while striving to move closer to the light. This is merely self-preservation. I hope I've provided you with some understanding of the overall situation. Do you have any questions?”

John and Darcy both had questions.

John spoke first. “So you're telling me we're locked in this struggle between good and evil, and my universe has no chance of ending this battle as long as I'm alive? That sounds hopeless and depressing.”

Before Leeson could respond, Darcy interjected, “I have a question as well. How have you influenced our universe? Why don't you just put an end to what’s happening there? You make it sound like you have everything figured out.”

Anna replied, “Allow me to address your questions. John, you will always have the chance to become more than you are. It comes with spiritual maturity, which takes time. Humankind in your universe has nearly extinguished itself on several occasions, and those who survived learned valuable lessons. Like the rest of us, your universe is moving toward a spiritual awakening. It may not happen this time around, but it will happen. Our history is no different from yours, except that we have matured beyond your current spiritual understanding.

“Darcy, as I mentioned earlier, we are intervening more this time than in the past. Previously, we intervened at key moments to help alter the course of your history for the better. Ultimately, it will be up to you to save yourselves. We cannot do that for you.”

“Is the portal we used to come here how you connect with us?” asked Darcy.

“Yes, this gate and many others have been used in the past. Those in charge here have shut them all down. This one was left open because...” Anna paused and looked at Leeson for confirmation.

Leeson continued, “This is where things get complicated. You two are not the first we have brought into our confidence. Let me start from the beginning. Things are not as they seem here. Many thousands of years ago, we were where you are now. Our current state came at a price. Like you, there were those influenced by darker forces who wanted to enslave us. You are fighting for your very freedom. We did the same. Despite how wonderful this universe may seem, the truth is that the people here are enslaved. There is no real freedom.

“The freedom of this world was traded away for safety and peace of mind. Everything the people have is freely given in exchange for compliance. Everything belongs to the state. The people own nothing. Currency is earned through obedience. Travel outside the city limits is forbidden. Gathering in groups of more than twenty is prohibited. Not everyone is allowed to have children. The people’s bodies, minds, and lives are controlled from cradle to grave. Surveillance is constant. The people are slaves.

“Your universe is at a point where it could follow in our footsteps and end up in the same situation. I highly recommend against that. It is not worth the price. Anna and I, along with others, have done our best to influence your universe. We want you to learn from our mistakes.”

At this point, John grew concerned. “You said you are under constant surveillance. If you’re discovered while we’re here, what will happen to us?”

Leeson considered this. “We've never faced that problem, and here's why. Do you see these items Anna and I have around our necks?”

Darcy interrupted, “I've wondered about those. I've seen several people wearing them. They all look the same. I don’t think they’re just jewelry.”

“You are very perceptive, young lady. We wear these because we are known as the Keepers of the Light. We are part of the system that controls the people of this planet. We are part of the state, but there is a faction among us that disagrees with the status quo. We are working to change it.”

Darcy looked confused. “I’m not sure I understand this 'light' thing. You keep a light? What is the light?”

Leeson smiled. “The light refers to enlightenment. We keep it AWAY from the masses. This is how we control them. We don’t allow them to know the truth. This is what I and others want to change.”

“Why don’t you just tell them?” asked John.

“It's not that simple. The knowledge would be quickly suppressed before it could reach enough people to make a difference, and those who tried to share it would disappear. Right now, most who did hear the truth wouldn’t believe it. They have been controlled for too long. It will take more than just telling them; they will need to be shown.

“You need to understand, our universe is not at peace, even if it may seem that way. We are at war; it has just been internalized. Give us some time to enlighten you. Then we will send you back, hopefully with the wisdom you need to help fight a winning battle.”

“Listen, Leeson,” replied John. “I have never been one to fight against these evil people. My plan was to cut and run. I was thinking of hiding out in the woods. I doubt my plans will change.”

“Getting out of the way is human nature. Here, in the beginning, everyone wanted to avoid what was coming at them. Many ignored what was happening, thinking they wouldn’t be affected, but they were. Ignoring it only made it worse. Their resources were cut off, and they weren’t prepared. Many millions died. Those who survived faced a harsh reality.

“Once they began to see the truth, it was too late. The deep state had gained full control. The small groups who recognized the truth and resisted were easily eliminated. Hiding out in the woods might seem like a good idea, but it’s not. If the people of this world had banded together, they might have had a chance. That’s what you need to do. It’s not too late. I hope by the time you leave here, you understand that.”

“How did you become part of the apparatus that suppresses your people?” asked Darcy.

“Through my father. He was high up in the government. He groomed me... No, he brainwashed me from an early age. I was completely unaware at the time and followed in my father's footsteps, doing what I was told without question. I did things I'm not proud of. Now, to make amends, I’m part of the resistance fighting for freedom—yours and mine.

“We have taken control of what we now call the Gates of Light, at least those connecting your universe to ours. We do not control the Gates of Hell. And yes, they do exist.”

“What are the Gates of Hell?” asked John.

“Those are the gates the state uses to traffic citizens from your universe to the dark side, mostly young children and young adults. They are enslaved and subjected to worse fates. In return, the dark side grants the rulers of your universe power and wealth, which they use to bribe politicians and wealthy elites. These people seem to work for your benefit, but most are compromised and actually work against you.”

Anna had been listening patiently and now spoke again. “Leeson and I are elites, or Keepers of the Light. We are part of the government and, as such, part of the problem. We, along with a few other elites, have awakened. As Leeson stated, we are fighting a war. We see the need to cut off the negative influence seeping from your universe into ours. Your universe's dark side influences us to some degree. If we can accomplish this, we will maintain our strength while weakening the hold the government of your universe has over its people. Furthermore, disabling the Gates of Hell in your universe would halt human trafficking, thus cutting off the funds flowing to your politicians and elites. This would cripple your government and empower citizens who believe in freedom. The gates to the dark side need to be closed. It’s imperative.”

“What do John and I have to do with all of this? We’re nobody special,” asked Darcy.

“Oh, but you are,” Anna continued. “Leeson has come to your world searching for the one person who has the qualifications to accomplish what we need. Those of us who have awakened lack that ability, and we don’t dare try to recruit someone from our world who does. We need someone from the outside who understands quantum computers—someone who can access specific programs and make changes that cannot be altered—changes that will close the gates to your universe’s dark side forever. Leeson has found such a person, but so far, he has been unapproachable. He is too well insulated. You know this person, Darcy. His name is Dawson Avery.”

Leeson and Anna looked directly at Darcy, whose reaction was one of disbelief.

“Dawson Avery! That’s my father.”

“Yes, we’re well aware of that. This is why you are here.”

“My father is a CIO for a large corporation. He may be in charge of the IT department, but he doesn’t know anything about quantum computers.”

“Then you don’t know the full story of your father,” replied Leeson.

Darcy was getting upset. “Well then, why don’t you just tell me? Since you seem to know more about him than I do.”

“I don’t know why your father has kept his past from you. I’m sure he has his reasons. I have my own reasons for telling you, so let me fill you in. Your father started his career as a computer engineer. He worked with 35T, your universe’s Military Intelligence, for years before starting his own computer engineering company. He sold that and became a freelancer. Your father now works as a CIO for a shell company, but in reality, he is the lead hacker for one of the largest security companies in the world. He does know about quantum computers—he hacks them for a living.”

Darcy was speechless. “I’m… I… I don’t know. I don’t know if I believe you. I don’t know what to believe.”

“I’m sorry if this is hard for you. Your father could be instrumental in our cause. We need him.”

“You need my father, but you have me. I don’t get it?” Suddenly, Darcy had an "Oh shit" moment. “Wait a minute. Is this a kidnapping? Are you going to use me to get to him? Is that what this is all about?”

Darcy jumped up from the table. “I want out of here right now,” she demanded.

Anna spoke up. “Darcy, this is not a kidnapping. Please calm down. We are asking for your help—nothing more. We’ve tried to contact your father, but as I stated, he is too well insulated. We were hoping you could help us. Yes, we need your father, but we need your help to reach him. Please, will you help us?”

John stood up from the table. “I accidentally found those stairs, and at the time, I didn’t even know Darcy.”

“Everything was set into motion some time ago,” replied Leeson. “There are no coincidences. You found the stairs and met Darcy because you were supposed to. We made sure of that. Again, we need your help. Will you help us?”

“Can you give us some time to discuss this?” asked John.

“Yes, indeed,” replied Leeson. “It’s getting late. Let me show you your sleeping arrangements. We will talk about this tomorrow. Either way, if you decide to help us or not, I will take you back to the gate, and you will be free to leave. We will not hold you here against your will. Does that sound fair enough?”

They all agreed. Leeson showed John and Darcy to their rooms and left them to discuss their thoughts.

Leeson and Anna stepped out the front door as Anna prepared to leave for the night.

“What do you think, Anna? Will they help us?”

“I’m not sure. The good thing is they’re talking about it. All we can do is concentrate on sending them wisdom. Whatever they decide, we don’t necessarily have to live with it. We’ll find another way to reach Dawson Avery. Ransom is not out of the question.” Anna let that thought linger as she took her leave.

John and Darcy stepped into the backyard. Darcy’s head was spinning. “I can’t believe what they are saying about my father. I know he’s good with computers. He knows things I don’t understand, and he can easily answer any computer question he’s asked. But a hacker?”

“Not just any hacker,” added John. “A quantum computer hacker. There aren’t many people who understand that type of system, let alone be able to hack one. So what do you think about what Leeson and Anna said?”

“I think I’m going to need to confront my father about what they said. Right now, my intuition says don’t trust them. If my father confirms what they said, then I might change my mind. I’ll see if he wants to talk with them. If not, that will be the end of this adventure for me.”

Darcy went back into the house and went to bed. John decided to sit outside under the stars for a while before calling it a night.

Before long, Leeson came into the backyard and sat down next to John. “Darcy is having a hard time believing what she was told this evening. I can tell.”

“Can you blame her?” questioned John.

“I suppose not. It would be a hard reality to discover your father was not who you believed him to be.”

“So tell me something, Leeson. Why should we believe what you’ve told us so far? We know nothing about you. You could be using us for nefarious reasons. You said it yourself, you’re high up in the government—a government that has given you everything you ever wanted. For all I know, you’re working to align the government where I live with your own. It’s heading that way now, and you may be trying to push it along a little faster.”

“I can understand your confusion. I don’t know if I would believe it myself if I were in your position. What do you feel down in your gut?”

“My gut tells me you have it made here, and it would be hard to give it up.”

“But that’s the thing. I don’t plan to give it up. I plan to share it with everyone. We all deserve to have the very best of everything. It’s wrong on many levels to keep what I have from so many others. This is why we need your help, why we need the help of Darcy’s father. I hope you can persuade her of the importance of his assistance.”

“That’s not up to me, Leeson. That will be up to you. We’ll see how she feels in the morning. It’s been a long day, and sleep will do her good. As for me, I think I’ll do the same and head for my bed. I have to say, this has been the most interesting day of my life.”

“I only hope you’ve enjoyed it. I will see you in the morning.”

With that, Leeson went back into the house, and John found his way back to his bedroom. He had a fitful night’s sleep; there was a lot on his mind.

The following morning, John was up early. Darcy was already sitting at the table, eating eggs benedict and drinking hot coffee. “It’s amazing how that box works. I wish I could take one home.”

“And how soon do you want to get out of here?” John asked.

“As soon as Leeson shows himself. I haven’t seen him yet this morning,” she replied.

“What are you going to tell him?”

“It’s like I told you last night. I’ve decided to confront my father. It will all depend on how that turns out. Personally, I’m not one hundred percent convinced Leeson is telling us the whole truth. Call it intuition if you like; something just doesn’t feel right about that man. I can feel it.”

John went to get himself a cup of coffee. As he returned to the table, Leeson walked in the front door. “Sorry to leave you two on your own. I had some important business to attend to. So, Darcy, I’ll get straight to the point. What have you decided?”

“I’ll discuss what we talked about with my father. I’ll need a way to get back in touch with you. But… if my father decides to turn you down, you will never hear from me again.”

“I’m afraid I can’t ask for more than that,” replied Leeson. “One week from today, I will activate the gate. Step through at sundown, and I will meet you. Will that give you enough time?”

“Next Sunday at sundown works just fine. If there’s nothing more to discuss, I’d like to go home now.”

“Yes, that will be fine. It’s early, and no one will be out yet. Now would be a good time.”

They gathered their belongings, and Leeson led them back to the gate. The gate was a large wall of polished stone, with a dedication inscribed for those who gave up their freedom to become the peaceful and happy society they are today.

Darcy asked, “If your society is peaceful and happy, why do you say the people are not free?”

“Look around. Do you see anyone outside enjoying this fine day?”

“No,” replied Darcy.

“That is because they are not allowed outside yet. Not for another hour. Would you call that freedom?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“If you come back with your father, I'll fill you in on so much more.”

Leeson took a small handheld device, typed something, and then told John and Darcy to step through.

“I hope to see you in one week's time,” commented Leeson.

Darcy stepped up to the wall. “Just step through?” she asked.

“Yes, right now it's not as solid as you think.”

Darcy stepped through the wall and disappeared.

Before John stepped through, he turned to Leeson. “If Darcy decides not to come back, will I be welcomed back?”

Leeson smiled. “We shall see,” he said.

John stepped through the portal, and Leeson deactivated it.

John found himself standing at the top of the stairs with Darcy.

“What took you? I thought maybe you changed your mind and decided to stay.”

“It was tempting, but I wasn't sure if you knew your way out of here.”

Darcy replied half-jokingly, “You gave up 'Paradise' for me? How sweet.”

“Yeah, that's the kind of guy I am,” he replied, silently wondering what he would do now that he was back on his home turf. He knew his life would never be the same.

From the top of the stairs, John could see his sleeping bag sprawled out on the ground below. When he reached the bottom, he realized someone was in it. He cautiously moved toward the bag and pulled it back. It was the agent who had shown up with Matt.

John jumped back, startled. The agent pulled his gun out from inside the bag and pointed it at John.

“Hey, hey, don't shoot. What the hell are you doing in my sleeping bag?”

The agent dropped his arm while still holding the gun, grimacing in pain. “So, you came back, did you? It's more than I can say for your partner.”

John questioned the agent. “Partner? What partner?”

“You know, Matt.” The agent tried to sit up, but it was too painful.

“He's not my partner. At least not since he brought you into the picture. What's going on here? Where is Matt?”

“I don't know. He went to get help.”

“You look like you're in pain. Tell me what's going on here.”

“I chased you up the stairs. You disappeared, and I went after you. Not sure what happened. I stepped off the landing and fell to the rocks below. I broke my leg, and I'm not sure how many ribs. I broke my phone, so I couldn't call for help. Matt didn't have his, so I sent him back to the car to get help. That was yesterday afternoon. I told him I didn't want to spend the night here, but here I am. I'm damn lucky a bear didn't get me last night.”

Darcy chimed in, “We're going to have to get him out of here somehow.”

“There's no way in hell we're going to do that,” replied John.

“I'll walk on this busted leg if I have to. No way am I spending another minute here by myself. For all I know, you two might just forget about me like your buddy Matt did. Either we're all going, or none of us are going.” The Fed pointed his gun in John's direction.

“Fine with me,” replied John. “Get your ass up and start walking because, like I said, I'm not carrying you.”

The agent sat up. “Do you have anything to eat? I haven't had so much as a bite in the past thirty-six hours.”

Darcy reached into her bag and handed him two power bars. “What's your name?” she asked.

He took the bars and began to open one. “Thank you. My name is Eldon, Eldon Granford.”

Eldon ate both power bars and slowly got to his feet.

John took a quick look around and found a forked branch that could be used as a crude crutch. “Try this. See if it will help.”

Eldon took the branch and used it as best he could as they began to walk out.

It was slow going, and Eldon did more than his fair share of complaining along the way. After two hours of rough terrain, they had gone about half a mile. Eldon was not doing well. Suddenly, Darcy called out, “Stop! Quiet! Listen. I heard something.”

They all stopped and kept quiet. “There. Did you hear that?” It was faint. It sounded like someone yelling. It was a call for help. They all heard it, and they all thought the same thing... Matt!

John called out, “Hello, do you hear me?”

“Yes, yes, I hear you,” came the reply.

“Follow my voice. I'll keep talking.”

John kept talking until Matt finally came into view. “Thank God. I thought I was going to die in these woods.”

“You're not alone,” quipped Eldon. His tone was enough to let Matt know he was not happy with him.

John spoke up, “So glad you're here, Matt. Give your friend a hand so we can get the hell out of here before dark.”

It was still a slow process, but they managed to get to their cars before the sun went down.

John looked over at Matt. “Darcy and I are heading home. That leaves you to take your friend to the hospital.”

Before Eldon got into the car, he turned his attention toward John and Darcy. “Expect a visit, both of you. What I saw back there in the woods is a matter of national security. Consider those steps government property and off-limits to you two. If you even come close to them, I'll have you arrested.” He eased his way into the car as he continued his threatening remarks.

John and Darcy got into theirs. “Well then,” remarked John. “I guess that's that. It doesn't look like we'll be coming back here next week... or ever.”

“Suit yourself. I still plan on talking to my father. If he wants to do this, we'll figure out a way. You can bow out if you want.”

“Wait a minute now. You were the one who said you didn't trust Leeson. Are you changing your tune?”

“No, not at all. I still don't trust him, but that's just my nature. I'll continue to distrust him until he proves me wrong. I think we both agree that we don't like the direction this world is heading. I'm not interested in becoming a slave to anyone, no matter how pleasant the surroundings may seem.”

John considered Darcy's statement. “I agree, but I would really like to have one of those boxes in my kitchen.”

Darcy chuckled at the comment. “Yeah, that would be nice.”

John started the car, and they hit the road toward home. “Tell you what. If you get your father to agree to a meeting with Leeson, I’m all in. We still have those two trail cams in place. Let’s keep an eye on them and see what develops regarding the Feds. We’ll get through that gate next week, one way or another.”

They drove the rest of the way home in relative silence, both lost in their own thoughts about the most interesting weekend of their lives.

It was the following Wednesday when the U.S. President instituted harsh mandates concerning public gatherings, including concerts, sporting events, and religious services. No more than ten people could gather until the growing riots calmed down. If they didn’t, he threatened to impose Martial Law.

Portland was a powder keg with a lit fuse, and the surrounding areas were feeling the heat. The mayor of Portland had lost control, and for reasons of his own, the state governor wasn't willing to step in—at least not yet. If things weren't brought under control quickly, the whole city would go up in smoke.

The riots were part of a deep-state plan to seize control and wrestle away more freedom from the populace. The U.S. wasn't the only country under siege; leaders from around the world were complicit in the plan. They were either blackmailed into it with threats of revealing past misdeeds or simply evil incarnate. Either way, it seemed as if the Gates of Hell, as Leeson put it, were indeed open and needed to be closed. It might be the only way out of the situation if it wasn't already too late.

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