A New World: Sanctuary Read Online Free PDF Page A

  Robert asks.
    “Going to check on Mom.   I can’t get her on the phone.   I’ll be back by the time the vehicles are secured,” I answer.
    “Can I go?”   He asks.
    “Yeah, that’s fine.   Bri, Nic and Michelle, I want you to stay here with the others.”
    The sound of boots shuffling and walking on the cargo floor fills the aircraft as everyone finds a place to settle in for the rest of the evening.   Our rest is broken by the echoing of the hollow, metallic thuds periodically through the night.   The night runners eventually give up close to dawn and we are afforded a small period of rest.
    Another dawn breaks over the Cascades to our east, filling the cockpit with its radiance.   My head is aching from all of the time spent at altitude with its low humidity.   I am dehydrated coupled with a lack of sleep.   I feel a little overwhelmed thinking about the busy day and times ahead.   There isn’t time or room to ‘take a break’ and deal with the issues another day.   Lynn stirs beside me and heads into the back after a good morning kiss.   I get up shortly thereafter thankful I don’t have to plop right down into the pilot seat.   My rear end could use the rest.
    The feeling of being a touch overwhelmed, with all that needs to happen today, almost brings me to a standstill and I’m not sure where to even start.   One step at a time , I think heading out into the chill of the morning air.   The sun rising above the hills is refreshing and fills my low energy to an extent.   It feels a little colder than it should due to our spending the last few days in warmer climates but it is rejuvenating.   There is not much talk among our group as most of us are lost in our own thoughts and feel spent from our efforts to get here.   It feels like this should have been a destination rather than a beginning.   There is a prevalent feeling of wondering if any of us have the energy to embark on this endeavor.   However, we also know we don’t have the luxury of doing nothing.
    Standing in the light morning breeze, I try calling my mom once again and still get no answer.   Drescoll, the rest of Green Team, and Robert stand beside me waiting to head out.   I then dial Kelly getting several rings before she picks up.
    “Jack, are you coming down to get us?”   Kelly asks answering.
    “Yeah, we’ll be down but I can’t get there until later this afternoon.   I’m not exactly sure when but we’ll be there,” I answer.
    “Who is we?”   She asks.
    “Lynn, Robert, Bri and I.”
    “Oh.   Okay.”
    “You mentioned Brian and Jessica were with you.   Where’s Carrie?”   I ask with the sun fully rising and casting our shadows long across the dark gray tarmac.
    There is a pause before she answers, “She was with her dad and I haven’t heard from her.   Can you go see if she’s okay on your way down?”
    I feel my stress level increase as I don’t think I will be able to get the things accomplished that need to be done here, check on Mom, see about Carrie, and get down to Kelly.   Even though the daylight hours are longer, there is so much that needs to be done and I’m not sure what condition our possible future sanctuary is in.   It may take some time to ensure it will provide the safe haven we need.   There is someone who needs help and I want to be able to do both.   The time constraint makes this impossible.
    “We’re under a bit of a time crunch here and I may not be able to do both.   If there’s time, I’ll head over there, otherwise I’ll head down and we’ll see about her on the way back,” I respond.
    “What do you possibly have to do that you can’t go see if she’s okay?”   Kelly asks a little irritated.
    “I have a group of people here to see to and we just landed yesterday.   We have a lot to do to make sure we’re safe for the evening.   I’m sorry but I have to see to them as well.   I’ll call you when we’re on our way and I’ll go look for