Free Consigning Fate by Jacqueline Druga

effect on the men in this community. Man…” He rubbed his chest. “I make them want to be gay so they can have me. What can I say?” After an exhale, he walked out.
    Ellen bit her lip to hold back her laugh.
    Hal shook his head. “He’s is so not right.” He gave Ellen a kiss to her cheek. “See you tonight.” Then Hal followed Frank.
     
    <><><><>
     
    What were they thinking?
    In the clothing warehouse, items were often packed up and set aside. Items not used. At least that was what Roy figured. The box was marked useless.
    He took the clothing; if he was going to be in Beginnings any longer he needed a change of clothes.
    It was in the box he found the worn, brown, leather jacket.
    His first thought was that he couldn’t believe it was marked useless.
    Roy loved that jacket. So much so, he put it on, stood in front of the mirror, gave a double thumbs up, and say, “Hey”.
    He grinned.
    He stood admiring himself, even doing his hair in the Fonz style. He looked good.
    After a prolonged fashion pause, Roy returned to his notes. He wanted to work on them before sundown so he could get all the light. Notes on the HG Wells. A simple dome like contraption that was no longer viable.
    Caught up, Roy barely heard when the front door to the trailer, opened. Quickly he gathered his items and prepared to escape into his hiding spot. Until he head the call of his name.
    He could relax. It was his one and only friend in Beginnings. The one and only person that knew he was there. That he was a genetic recreation.
    He stood from his seat on the floor and went to the living room where he knew his friend was waiting, and possibly bearing food.
     
    <><><><>
     
    Frank made them wait. Not too long, but long enough for him to walk around the table where Hal, Robbie, Henry and Danny were seated. He held the sheet of paper Jimmy had given to them earlier.
    “Beginnings doesn’t have a clue, or the people of Beginnings don’t have a clue yet about the impending war. We’re going to have to tell them we suspect something, because … our once arch enemy, and soon to be ally, is ...” Frank dropped the paper on the table “On his way to Beginnings.”
    Unison, ‘what’s’ erupted, and everyone grabbed for the sheet.
    “Notification,” Frank said. “I called Lang and told him we got the fax. He’s traveling alone. Robbie, I need you to man the radio controls for when he arrives. He is flying in and will need coordinates.”
    Robbie nodded. “Got it.”
    “No.” Henry argued. “No, I hate him now. He can’t come here.”
    Hal spoke, “How are you going to explain this one to the community?”
    “I have to call a community meeting. A quick one. Hal, you’ll have to be in Bowman for when he arrives.”
    Hal nodded.
    “If possible be on the landing strip.”
    Hal nodded.
    “Secure him a place to stay.”
    Another nod from Hal.
    “In New Bowman,” Frank said.
    “What!” Hal blasted. “I don’t want him, Frank.”
    “Tough. You have to have him.”
    “Says who?”
    “Me. I’m the fucking president.”
    “And I don’t want to hear that bullshit.” Hal quipped. “He can’t stay in New Bowman. I have to inform my own men. We have to send Henry, the ambassador to Jordan and Creedville to explain this.” Hal sighed. “He should stay here, in Beginnings. He’s more contained.”
    Henry gasped. “We don’t want him here either, Hal.”
    “Gentleman he can’t be the enemy anymore. We have a common cause. Maybe this is the thing that will bring this country back together.”
    “Under whose rule?” Hal asked. “You think George is gonna give up his leadership.”
    “I don’t fucking care.” Frank said.
    Hal grumbled. “This feels weird.”
    Robbie added. “Tell me about it.”
    Henry whined. “This sucks.”
    “Weird as it is,” Frank said. “Awkward as it is. He’s coming.”
    “Can I ask why?” Hal questioned.
    Frank replied. “As he stated in his letter. To mend fences, build better