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  “Welcome Mister Elk Man and Mister Red Fern,” said Levi, “This is wonderful news, but how do you know they are our enemy? No, wait, first let’s find a place to sit and have some coffee. Then we can get to know each other, and you can tell us all you know about our enemy.”

  David nodded and asked if they could retrieve their rifles first.

  The Sergeant Major said that he would secure them and that the weapons would be returned when the men left the encampment.

  Sergeant First Class Jones was distraught that he only had day-old muffins. Still, he could supply them with fresh coffee while the cooks warmed up the muffins.

  The A Troop 1st Sergeant made sure that a table and chairs were set up and ready for the meeting.

  After introductions were made, the men all sat down in the ROA’s Air-Conditioned Tactical Van, before Levi asked David Elk Man to speak.

  The first question Levi asked of David Elk Man was why he was wearing paint on his face?

  “Sir,” said the Indian Brave, “we wear this paint because we have gone to war with those same wicked men that you seek to destroy.”

  David told them that he and his companion Henry Red Fern were members of the Tigua Tribe. He spoke of how the evil ones had fought with the vicious criminal Mexican Drug Cartel, the Zetas, and how the Tigua had been told of Levi’s arrival. It was requested by the Arizona Apache Chief, Daniel Two-Dogs that the Tigua Tribe should make contact with the White Tribe that followed the evil ones.

  Gus couldn’t help himself as he interrupted Elk Man, saying, “My friend, while it is true that the predominance of our Tribe is White, I would ask that you look at us more closely. We are not just White Men, we have White, Black, Brown, and Yellow Men.”

  David Elk Man, at first, looked a bit surprised, then quickly broke into a broad grin, showing a mouth full of white teeth, before saying, “Oh, yes, I see what you mean. I certainly did not intend any disrespect. You see, in our culture, all men other than those of The People are considered White. For example, a Black Man would be called a Black-White Man. The word White does not necessarily mean the color of a person’s skin. Though, of course, that is not always the case. For example, the Black Horse Soldiers of the 1800s were called Buffalo Soldiers because their skin is often the same color as a Buffalo, yet any other Black Man was just another Black-White Man.”

  Now everyone around the desk chuckled politely before Levi said, “I think I see your point. Correct me if I am wrong; the term White Man belongs to anyone who invaded the Indian lands.”

  David and Henry were now concerned that they may have said the wrong thing but did not know how to clear the air. David began to try, but after stuttering a few words the Sergeant Major jumped in saying, “I understand completely, and I am so very glad that those days are over. In fact, it appears that The People now have a fresh start. My friend, I know, well, at least I think I know, of the injustices which were caused by my people, but I know, without a doubt, that those days are gone. Once we complete our mission to defeat these Black Knights, we want nothing more than to return to our own homes. This is your land and we will always respect that fact.”

  Before anyone else could say anything, Levi said, “Hear! Hear! Sergeant Major Cobb. You are one hundred percent correct, yes, well said.

  Mr. Elk Man, I apologize for the interruption, would you please continue? I believe you were speaking of developing a friendship between the Republic of America and The People.”

  “We were encouraged to seek a lasting friendship with those who were after the men in black,” said David. “To begin this relationship our Chiefs have decided that we, the Tigua, would share information about these soulless men who were all dressed in black uniforms. That, General Levins, is why we are here today.”

  Levi shook his head in a thankful gesture as Sergeant First Class Jones arrived with fresh coffee and warmed-up muffins. The General’s Dog Robber said, “Sir, I apologize, but all I could get are yesterday’s muffins. The coffee is fresh, I hope it’s okay. Oh, and sir, I also found enough for the TOC staff and even one for myself. Hey, go figure, huh?”

  Levi could not hide his smile as he said, “Well done, Sergeant Jones, I was concerned that you might not be able to find a muffin for yourself.”

  “Yes, sir,” replied Jonesy, with a smile equal to that of his General, “I surely was lucky, but you know what they say, sir, good things come to good people.”

  Gus could not resist adding his two-cents worth when he added, “Yes, Sergeant, it is the little things that make life worth living. Right now, however, we really should be getting back to the business at hand.”

  “Oh, yes sir, of course, I apologize for the interruption,” said Jones.

  Levi smiled and shook his head as he told Jones that he was more than pleased with his Dog Robber.

  As Sergeant Jones turned to excuse himself, Gus added, “Jonesy, well done, son, well done.”

  Then turning back to David Elk Man, as Sergeant Major Cobb poured the coffee, he said, “Mr. Elk Man…”

  “No,” David Elk Man interrupted, saying, “please, call me David.”

  “Why, thank you, David, and please call me Levi.”

  David looked at Levi and said, “Sir, I see by the stars on your collar that you are the Chief of this Tribe. For me to call you Levi would show immense disrespect. No, I am afraid that I could not do this. I hope that you understand.

  “Of course, I understand, and I bow to your customs. Now, David, I have some questions because I must admit that I am a bit confused, I mean, how did you know those we chase are the evil ones, and how did you know we would be following them?”

  David smiled and said, “Yes, of course, General, we received word of your coming over two years ago. The arrival of both you and the evil ones was foretold to us. The Medicine Man of The People received a vision from the Great Spirit telling us of your arrival, and of a battle somewhere between New River, and Black Canyon City, in the Central Highlands of Arizona. There, you and The People will join forces and together, you will fight to the death against these evil men.”

  “David, who are these People you speak of?”

  Again, David Elk Man smiled and said, “You would know them as Apaches, Hopi, Navajo, and all of the other tribes of the west, but we are more than that; for we are the unification of the Tribes into one nation, the Nation of The People.”

  “I see,” said Levi, “at least I think I see. You are telling me that all the Indian Tribes are forming a nation that will be known as The People, am I right? You also are telling me that your Medicine Man saw our arrival in a dream more than two years ago?”

  “Well, yes and no, we are joining with the other tribes of the Southwest and becoming one Tribe to be known as The People, but your coming was foretold by a vision, not a dream.”

  “David, that is very interesting, but why did your Chiefs name this new Tribe, The People?” asked Levi.

  “Chief Levins, for thousands of years before the arrival of the White Man, we have always been The People. The name is not new, it is very, very old.”

  “I see,” said Levi, “tell me, David, can I meet with your Medicine Man?”

  David’s face took on a sad expression as he revealed to Levi of the passing of Taza Geronimo, the Great Grandson of the Warrior Geronimo. He also told Levi that the capital of The People was near the Prescott, Arizona area and that our Great Chief is Taza’s Grandson, Chief Daniel Two-Dogs.

  “David,” interrupted Levi, “I apologize for the interruption, but I am curious about why you call Geronimo a warrior. I always thought he was an Apache Chief.”

  David smiled at Levi and said, “Most people think this is so, but he was never a Chief. He was a Medicine Man who became a Warrior Leader of a band of Chiricahua Apaches (the Tchihende, the Tsokanende and the Nednhi) who would not make peace with the White invaders. They carried out numerous raids as well as resistance to United States and Mexican military campaigns in northern Mexico. In the end he did sur
render, for the fourth and final time in 1885. After thirty-six years of resistance he made his final peace with the United States. He died in 1909 at the age of eighty. Oh, and he had a total of nine wives, but only three known children. He is buried in the Apache Graveyard in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

  Does that answer your question, General Levins?”

  Levi was somewhat awed as he said, “Yes, David, it does, and I thank you for the lesson. I mean, I had no idea.

  Again, I apologize for the interruption, please continue telling how I can meet with your Chief Two-Dogs.”

  He said, “Yes, sir, of course. If your helicopters can reach Prescott, I know that Chief Daniel wishes to speak with you as soon as possible. Are you able to do this?”

  Levi quickly turned to the Sergeant Major and directed him to send someone to find Colonel Levins and get her to this meeting.

  Colonel Susan Levins arrived less than five minutes later and was introduced to David Elk Man and his companion Henry Red Fern. After being filled in on the information gathered by these representatives of the Tigua Tribe, Susan said that she would have to take several birds; two Snakes for security and two Hueys, one for a ground crew to conduct refueling ops. The second Huey would carry medical support and an Infantry Fire Team of four Troopers.

  “I’ll need to study the maps to make sure we can make the jumps to airports that we are sure will have fuel.”

  “Agreed,” said Levi, “but, don’t forget, I’ll also be going.”

  Susan said, “Oh, yes, of course, sorry about that, sir. Tell you what, I’ll add on another Snake and fly it myself. You can ride along in the Gunner’s seat; sound good?”

  Gus’s face took on a dubious expression as he looked at Levi and then reminded him of what happened the last time he rode in the Gunner’s seat before turning to Susan and saying, “Colonel Levins, do not let this man talk you into doing anything stupid, okay?”

  “Roger, Wilco, Over and Out,” laughed Susan.

  Elk Man said to Susan, “I apologize for interrupting, but did I hear you correctly, did you say that you have flying snakes?”

  “Oh, the term Snake is just a nickname for our Helicopter Gunships which were identified in the old US Military as Cobra Gunships. Actually, ours is the model used by the Marine Corps. The Super-Marine Cobra, it has twin-turbocharged engines, and they are named Super Cobras.”

  “I see,” said David, “thank you for the explanation.”

  She smiled at David and said, “You are most welcome,” before turning to Levi and requesting permission to leave, so she could prepare the mission.

  “Of course,” said Levi, “let’s see how quickly we can make this happen.”

  “Roger, sir, on the way.”

  Gus asked if there was anything else, they should know before leaving.

  “Yes, there is one other thing,” said David, “you will be met along the way by other Tribes of The People who will keep you informed of the progress of the evil ones, and of our efforts to slow their advance.

  We would love nothing more than to destroy them, ourselves, but we have not the means to do so. Therefore, we misdirect them and nip at their heels.

  You will be met next, near the Fort Sill Apache Rez.”

  “Fort Sill,” said the Sergeant Major, sorry, David, you must still be thinking about Geronimo, but we are not going to Oklahoma.”

  Now David and Henry smiled broadly as David said, “Yes, we know, it is confusing, but the Fort Sill Apache Rez is along the I-10. Once, these Apaches lived in the Fort Sill area but were moved here many years ago. We can only assume that the name of the Rez was to identify that particular Tribe.”

  “Thank you, sir, I appreciate the clarification,” replied the Sergeant Major.

  General, may I say that the conversation with your, what did you call him, your Dog Robber, was both entertaining and curious?”

  Levi, Gus, and Bradley all laughed as the Sergeant Major, said, “David, Sergeant First Class Jones runs the Administration for the company. It is a standing joke that since Sergeant Jones always manages to come up with muffins for our meetings, we just started calling him the General’s Dog Robber. A Dog Robber is the person who gets things for his General, by hook or by crook.

  Sergeant Jones is not just the General’s Aide, he is a highly competent leader and administrator. No, the Dog Robber thing is just an ongoing joke that helps keep our morale up. In truth, we’d be lost without him.”

  The meeting then broke up, and everyone was pleased to have the new information and to have made these new friends.

  After the men rode off, Levi and Gus turned to each other at the same time, and both said, “Radios!” This caused all three men to laugh.

  Gus told Levi that he thought the ROA should provide both radios and training to each of the friendly tribes they encountered.”

  “We’ll have to send a mission back to Bliss to procure them from Depot Supply. How many do you think we should get?” asked the Sergeant Major.

  Levi’s face took on a thoughtful expression before saying, “Do you think we could find, oh, I don’t know, how about ten. Will there be that many at Bliss?”

  The Sergeant Major smiled and said, “Genrul, there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands of functioning tube-based long range radios sitting in Depot storage facilities all over the country. Come to think of it, sir, I recommend that we pick up, oh, say, ten from Bliss. Then when we get near Tucson, we could send a couple of Hueys to Davis-Monthan to procure more. I guarantee that Davis-Monthan Air Force Base will have hundreds more in their Depot. That way we will avoid damaging any from Bliss, and it will provide an excellent opportunity to check to see if Steiner has gone to the Tucson Air Force Base.”

  “Excellent idea, Brad, get with supply and get the mission underway. So, Sergeant Major, how many do you think we should liberate in total?”

  “Well, sir, personally, I think ten would be a good start, and perhaps another twenty from Davis-Monthan. I’m sure that having reliable long-distance communications just might help this Chief Two-Dogs with his plan to unite all the Tribes of the Southwest. It should also make for a lot of goodwill.”

  Levi laughed and said, “Okay, okay, I readily admit, I’m no logistician. Sergeant Major have the detail get your ten for a start. Guys, I think this could turn out to be a really good thing.

  Gus; let’s start with the Tigua Tribe. Send a jeep to ask them to come on back, then find a couple of commo volunteers to teach them how to use the radios. Oh, yeah, I like this plan, yep, I really do like it.”

  Sergeant First Class Jones, standing nearby was very happy to hear his General sound so excited, for a change. Oh, yeah, this good deed will certainly help, not just Levi’s mood, but it’s one small step for mankind’s return from the edge. He walked away whistling a happy tune. Jonesy truly felt a kinship with Levi, no, it was more like a paternal kind of faith and trust. Sergeant Jones would be the first to volunteer to follow Levi down into the bowels of Hell itself.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  0730 Hours

  I-10 West

  ROA Convoy

  Two days later Gus met the Chief of the Fort Sill Apaches, from whom he learned of the brick hanging from the overpass, and the tire shredders, along with the damage it inflicted upon the evil ones. The Chief also proudly allowed Gus to see the three pickup trucks taken from the Knights following successful ambushes.

  Gus was pleased to hear this news and to share a radio with the Tigua Tribe of The People. Receiving such a gift and to have nothing of equal value was not the way of The People, so the Chief insisted that Gus receive one of the trucks taken from the mercs.

  Gus didn’t really want the truck, but he also knew that to turn down the gift would also be an offense, so Gus readily accepted. As the two men sat on comfortable chairs, Gus asked the Chief for a favor.

  “Of course,” answered the Chief, “if it is within my power to help, of course, the Tigua always help our friends.”

 
; “My friend,” said Gus in a voice that portrayed a desire for help, asked, “it is my belief that we may have need of this fine pickup truck upon our return from Arizona. It would be of great assistance to us if we could leave it here with you. At this time, we have too many vehicles and too few drivers, so if you could hold it for us, I would be eternally grateful.”

  The Chief appeared to consider this proposal for several seconds before saying, “Of course, my friend, we are honored that you would trust us to hold something so valuable for you. Though, I must say that I am a bit concerned about this important truck sitting for long periods if your return is not soon.”

  Gus looked sincere as he said, “Chief, it would be a great relief to us if you could exercise the truck by driving and maintaining it while we are away.”

  “Done,” said the Chief, “we shall protect it with our lives until your return.”

  “My friend, you have my earnest thanks for so honoring us.” And with that the deal was struck. The Tigua got the radio and the necessary training, plus they were able to keep the truck while not losing face. This was truly a win/win for both the Tigua and the ROA.

  The Chief also informed Gus that he was still about three-hundred and fifty hard, hot miles behind Steiner.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  The People and the ROA

  20 May 03, 1420 Hours

  Cliff’s Castle Casino

  Camp Verde, Arizona

  Levi had hoped to meet with Chief Two-Dogs at his office in Prescott, that lovely little town, which had been the original Territorial Capital of Arizona, but the Chief was at his ranch near Camp Verde. Levi, therefore, decided to land at Cliff’s Castle Casino which is adjacent to the misnamed cliff dwellings called Montezuma’s Castle. The local Chief made his way to meet Levi, under a flag of truce. After discovering Levi’s desire to meet with Chief Daniel, he had detailed two Braves to use one of his precious vehicles to bring their leader so that he could meet with the Chief of the White Eyes.