Free Chaos Mortalitus by Mark LaMaster Page A

switch and my mother says goodnight as Angela explains all her plans for our son to my father. "Well Ash, you did absolutely fabulous! You've made your mother very proud. Make sure you take care of Angela son, she needs you now more than ever."
     
    A strange feeling comes over me of absolute helplessness and as the minutes tick by these farewells feel so permanent. Why is that? Why this uneasiness? "Don't worry mom, I'll always be with all of you, never forget that. Never forget how much I love all of you." I reply as I kiss my mother's cheek.
     
    She stares back at me sensing something only a mother can as she can feel the beat of my heart. Though she may not understand it, something is happening to her son, something big is coming in his life. Grace Mortal's love for her son is undying, but this is far from her reach as destiny waits for none. My father holds my mother's hand as they head out into the parking lot. "Ride safely you guys!" Angela calls out to them. "We love you!"
     
    Jason Scott and Greg Knight cruise at a high speed on the local freeway heading toward a secluded base of operations near the coastline. A secure message comes in as a holographic display reveals a familiar face issuing orders. From the center console of the vehicle the soldiers watch their superior, Jonathan Reynolds as he speaks to his primary tactical team. "All team members must rendezvous at choke points to begin Operation Payload Retrieval. We should have a location within the next forty-five minutes. This is crunch time men! No mistakes or it's your ass! Wait at your scheduled checkpoints for further orders." Jonathan's message concludes and vanishes.
     
    "Crazy shit! What do you think this is all about, aside from the obvious?" Greg asks.
     
    "Political bullshit if Jonathan's involved, mixed with alien technology. Honestly I don't want to know what any of this is about, I mean this is way over our heads." Jason replies.
     
    "Lame, I wish we didn't have to leave in such a hurry, we never get to chill with Ash anymore." Greg complains. "Damn duty calls crap."
     
    "After this is over with, I'm sure we'll get some leave. We should charter a boat and take Ash and Angela out fishing or something. Maybe we can convince her to bring some cute friends." Jason says as he bumps his fist with Greg's.
     
    "Sounds like a plan."
     
    "Ok, get your game face on Greg. We've got work to do."
     
    Back at the gallery, everyone has pretty much gone home for the evening and all things considered, the show was a big hit. Kalden, Angela and myself sit in front of the building getting ready to head home.
     
    "Thanks for everything tonight guys. The whole event went exactly how I planned. I couldn't of done it without the both of you." Kalden says expressing his genuine gratitude.
     
    "Glad to be of service Kalden, we all make a pretty good team." Angela says.
     
    "So do you guys have any plans for the late evening?"
     
    "I think some relaxing is definitely in order." Angela quickly responds.
     
    My stomach begins to growl a bit as my hunger has returned. "I second that. I'm starving now, all this running around and I forgot to have dinner."
     
    "So I guess you want me to stop and get Super Burger again huh?" Angela says knowing me so well.
     
    "You don't have to if you don't wanna', I'm sure I'll survive."
     
    Kalden shakes his head for he keeps a healthy diet and is a vegetarian. "You eat that stuff way to much Ash, it's so bad for you."
     
    "But it tastes so damn good."
     
    "Ok guys well looks like I'm going to head home myself, still have some work to do this evening. I'll see you at the shop tomorrow my friend and then we can decide what's next." Kalden says getting ready to leave.
     
    "Sounds good to me. I'll be in late tomorrow, but I'll be in for sure, I've got some new ideas I wanna' pitch." I reply as my friend extends his hand toward me. Shaking it as I lean in and hug him, for I hope he knows how much he has truly helped