Stampede
Head East
After lunch Seth and Randy sat at a picnic table reviewing perimeter strategies around camp. Seth looked up to see Jovel come over.
“Hi Randy. Hi Seth. Listen, several other sightings of purple hats and bandanas have been reported. They’re mostly in town, but they’re asking people about us.”
Seth looked at Randy. “What?”
Jovel continued. “One guy asked me if I knew of anyway to get to the lake by avoiding the main streets.”
Randy circled the gully behind Hobart Mills on the map. “This is our most unprotected path, through this gully. It’s only a matter of time before a few of them reach the camp.”
A knocking at the other end of the bench caught everyone’s attention. They looked over to see Trent with his riding gear on. “Sorry to interrupt gentlemen, but I think I’m going to spend the night in Reno, and head east in the morning.”
Seth let go of the map, which scrolled up. “I heard mumblings recently, but I didn’t expect it this quick.”
Trent set his helmet on the table. “I know you want me to stay, but I’ll be happier with my girl back east.”
Seth asked. “How far are you going?”
Trent answered. “All the way. I scouted the east about a year ago when I was on vacation. There’s a someone out there I need to see. I can cut across most of the country on highway 80. It can be done in a couple of days.”
Randy asked. “How are you going to get through the checkpoints?”
Trent smiled. “That’s easy. I know what they are looking for. I’ll tell them I wanted to attend my trial in front of my family. That I rebelled on my own in California, but the seriousness of the situation woke me up. Now I’m going home so I can partake in the great rapture with everyone! Isn’t it great that God is here!”
Seth laughed. “Be careful man. You sound like you mean it.”
Trent tapped himself on the temple. “Come on man. I’m no dummy, but I know how to sound like one.”
They all laughed.
Seth pointed at Trent. “You have to sing one more song after dinner.”
Trent checked his watch. “I need to get to Reno before sunset, but I can make it if it’s just one song. You know I love to sing.”
Seth laughed at him. “Yeah, but for us it’s a love hate relationship.”
Trent put his head down. “It’s not that bad.”
“I know.” Seth smiled. “We’ll miss hearing you. The people in the welcome crew will miss you. You are the first face people see when they get here you know? How you handled them has set the tone for everyone. If you ever want to come back I hope you do. Anytime.”
“Thanks Seth. You guys are special to me.” Trent reached out to shake his hand.
Seth put his hand behind his back. “Not so fast. Let’s get a full belly and go play some music. We’ll shake hands when we meet again. Just remember what to do if you get pulled over.”
“What’s that?” Trent asked.
Seth smiled. “Just pretend we’re spiritually dead, pretend you’re one of them.”
“Is that why you like that song?” he asked. “Now I get it.”
After dinner they walked down to the dock. Danny already turned everything on and had the instruments ready. Seth sat behind the drums. “Let’s start tonight’s band practice with 'Pretend We’re Dead'.”
Cruz looked over to Jovel. “I love L7.”
They both made a little air guitar move.