Part 11
By Tommy Boy
Tommy Boy sat at the table looking at her computer. She looked at her ankle that was swelling. She hadn't noticed last night, but she had twisted her ankle. With that done, that left her to man the post while the others got to explore. With that said, she started looking over the data that had been collected before the expedition. She plotted where the stone was on the maps and let it run an analysis.
"Radar?" She asked to get his attention from setting up his hand model scanner. "Look at this and tell me where you think it's best to explore." She had a thought but she wanted a second opinion.
Radar looked over her shoulder and looked over the map as she had done. "To the left, I would say west of the rock. About a mile?"
That was what she was thinking. Not far from there was a creek and springs, water falls.
Knuckles returned from walk, waiting for the action to start. "Why don't you two go on ahead." A woof was sounded to her and she amended the group, "And Oddity, go on ahead and I'll send Blair and the others after you."
Radar nodded, picking up his back and scanner. "Be good to give this a work out." Tommy set up the other laptop computer. "You scan and it should register here. I have the walkie talkie on so let me know when you get there."
Radar nodded and followed Knuckles and Oddity across the meadow.
Tommy Boy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was nice being outside and relaxing. This strip to meet up with Blair and Jim came at a time when it was needed. Things had been tense at the Institute. Things were still fresh between her and Rawhide. Being near each other in a room made them bristle. Adding Thunder into the mix just made things worse sometimes. But coming to times of assingments, they were professional enough to do what they needed to do. They still worked well together.
She heard Perfect Tommy whistling. The guys were returning to camp.
"Any luck with the drawings?"
"Blackfoot." Blair answered. He settled into the field chair next to Tommy Boy and started looking at the screen. "Hey, look there to the left." He pointed to the screen.
Tommy Boy answered. "Radar and Knuckles are on their way there. I'm waiting for them to start the initial scan of the area."
Blair stood up and went to his tent pulling out his pack. He picked up a few items, and water bottles and readied himself to follow. "Who wants to go?"
Jim knew he better go to keep his Guide in line. Perfect Tommy nodded, since Knuckles had gone out exploring.
"Why don't you go on Thunder. Get some exploring done yourself."
Thunder looked to Rawhide then back to Tommy Boy. "You sure?"
"I'm sure. You go have fun."
Grabbing his own gear he gave a look to Rawhide and left with the others.
Blair had watched them from the creek and laughed. "The triangle thing going on."
Jim watched as Perfect Tommy and Thunder approached. "You sure it's good to leave them together?" Perfect Tommy asked.
Thunder looked back one more. "It might do them some good, time between them. If at all, work on their friendship."
Perfect Tommy looked at Thunder, Thunder explained. "They have known each other for over ten years. Her real family is Rawhide and Buckaroo. She needs to keep that."
Perfect Tommy nodded. "So maybe they will talk?"
"Maybe."
They followed Blair and Jim into the woods looking for Radar and Knuckles. Looking for ruins of an ancient tribe.
----------
Chap/12
BBI_fiero
---------------
Knuckles scanned the wooded area. She assumed her dog Oddity drifted out into the woods to answer `natures' call'. After 15 minutes had gone by, she began to think it was longer than usual. The bounty hunter finished tightening her boot laces. "I'm going to search for Oddity."
Radar looked back.
"I'll return later."
The british technician just nodded. The stark emphasis in her voice hinted to him there was no sense inquiring further.
He unfastened his backback and commenced unloading some equipment. Blair suddenly walked into view. "Hello Radar!?Say, whats that?"
"Good day, Sir Blair!?.This? It is part of the Ground Sonar."
"Hmmm?I had heard the Banzai Institute been known to carry advant garde logistics."
"I think we should begin our research here..Perhaps we may find something of relevance by scanning around your Rock Paintings."
"Wonderful idea!?????Jim!"
Jim was now catching up to his friend. He hacked at final some tall weeds before replying. "Yes, Doctor?"
"I'm going to assist Radar with these instruments?May as well set up an out post since we're going to be here awhile."
"Sure Doc". Thinking back at the difficulties he had earlier with the clothesline, Jim muttered to himself "Here we go again!"
----------
Knuckles heard a woof. It wasn't very threatening however the bark relayed concern.
The bounty hunter hastened her jog after the dog, brushing aside vines and grasses.
Observing her compass, the Jesse James Bar owner realized they had backtracked.
They were headed back to camp.
"Oddity! What are you up to boy?"
She was becoming annoyed.
"If you're playing games with me-"
A mechanical roar filled the air. Sputtering noises of combustion engines. Knuckles found a rocky area. Deciding to hide, the bounty hunter dropped to her knees. She found a ledge to crawl behind. Listening more closely, she determined some of the disturbances were 2-cycle.
She spotted Oddity a few feet away peering down the hill.
The white animal turned his head. Before the dog would,- well-, do what a dog does, Knuckles interjected. Holding 2 fingers to her lips, the woman spoke up. "Shhhhh!! Quiet Oddity!"
The dog obeyed and quickly laid down on all fours. The bounty hunter reached into her jacket and took out a pair of small binoculars.
Below them 4 motorcycles raced into view. Smoke and debris trailing them. Observing their driving patterns, the woman determined the Harly gang weren't very skilled at dirt biking.
Taking one more quick look at her compass, knuckles just realized the intruders seemed to be on a direct path to Tommyboy.
-------------------------------
Chapter 13
By The Chronicler
Heading straight for TommyBoy who was laid up back at camp, all alone and with a done in ankle. And Knuckles wasn't even sure she was armed beyond the tranquilizer rifle she had left at the Cavalier's side... just in case. Knuckles shook her head, angry that her nice, calm, relaxing time was going to be upsetted by a handful of punks. With a sigh, she resigned herself to the duty. Closing her eyes, she took a moment to recall the map of the area. Every now and then, she was thankful for her photographic memory. Quickly picking out a path that would bring her out ahead of the bikers, her eyes snapped open. With a whistle, she called to Oddity, then spun about and ran into the woods. She never doubted that Oddity was close behind... well, knowing him, she was a bit behind him.
-----------
Hillary was terrified.
When Buzz had returned, the crazy man had him go back in the trees and bring out the bike he had "come across a ways back." To the horror of the three friends, they had recognized the dirt bike as the one Ohio had ridden out on. The crazy man ordered them to mount up and ride out. He wanted to play. So, there they were, ripping through the forest once again, but, this time, only one of them seemed to be having any fun: the crazy man. He brought up the rear, warning them that if they tried to get away he'd shoot at them. And, he admitted, he might not get all of them, but, sure as hell, he'd get at least one of them!
It was enough of a threat to keep the three kids in line.
Hillary was in the lead, the two boys as close behind her as possible. She was following a deer path along a rocky ridge about half way up a hill. it was a soft slope down, but the hill took a sharp, tilt above the path, almost, but not quite, a cliff.
Suddenly a flash of white caught her eye, bouncing through the trees, on the edge above.
A thrill raced through the girl's already pounding heart. The wolf? When Ohio had told them about his encounter, they had laughed at him, accused him of being frightened away by a squirrel. But, could he have been telling the truth? Cold there really be a wolf? Or, hoping beyond hope, could it be help? Someone was coming to their rescue?
Turning the corner, Hillary let out a scream, turning and sliding her quad sideways until it bounced to a stop against the cliff.
Knuckles feet dug into the ground, holding herself in position as the bikes skidded to a dusty halt, one after the other. Her feet apart, her hands on her hips, she squared off across the path. The clearing where the base camp was was only a few more hundred yards down the hill. She was stopping them right here, right now!
"Alright, punks! Off the bikes!" she ordered.
"Says who?!" snapped the last biker.
To Knuckles amazement, Hillary leaped off her quad and dived behind the bounty hunter. She hunkered down and tried to hide. The two boys started to follow, but the man flashed a gun.
"Stay!" the crazy man snapped. "Don't you listen to her! We're playing!"
"What the hell..." Knuckles grabbed the nearest of the boys and yanked him off his bike, practically tossing him behind her. Her hand hesitated at her back where she had tucked her .44 Starr. But she stopped short of drawing it. There was no way she'd get a shot off before he did. and, if it was just her, she'd have taken the chance just because she was pissed off. But, now there were three kids to take account of.
So, time to try it good, ol' Cavalier style.
Knuckles held her hands up. "Alright, no shooting, now." her eyes locked on the gunman, she waved to the second boy. "You are gonna let these kids head on down the hill here."
"I am, am I?" the crazy man laughed. "Says who?"
Okay, skip good, ol' Cavalier style. She was getting royally pissed off, now! "I say, you stupid, son-of-a.... Oddity!"
A deep bark sounded just above his head.
The gun man spun about shooting up into the trees.
Knuckles leaped forward, grabbed the last kid. "Go! Run! Down the hill!" she ordered. She didn't wait to see if they would obey. She continued pass, slamming her fist into the man's jaw, knocking him back off of the bike. "Take them home, Oddity!" she ordered as she leaped over the bikes, following the man back. Her eyes scanned the ground for the gun.
"Wolf!" Hayden screamed.
Startled by the declaration, Knuckles spun about.
Hillary was already taking care of situation. "Stupid! That's a dog!" She grabbed her boyfriend's arm and dragged him passed Oddity.
Oddity barked at them, spun about, and barked at them again. When the three ran passed, he fell in behind, barking and snapping at their heals, chasing them away from the danger.
With a sigh of relief, Knuckles turned back to the fight.
But the crazy man had recovered. Using his bigger, heavier body as a battling ram, he lowered his head and slammed into her. With a growl of amusement, he lifted her up and carried her back.
Knuckles would of cried out, but she suddenly couldn't fine the air needed. She suddenly realized that she was in trouble as her feet left the ground. With every ounce of strength she had, she slammed her fists on either side of his head, boxing his ears.
With a cursing cry, her attacker threw her away from him. Falling across a bike, both Knuckles and the two wheeler slipped down the edge of the hill. Tumbling one over the other until, with a crash at the bottom, Knuckles was finally able to kick away.
Brusied, battered, out of breath, and losing consciousness, the girl looked up, desperately trying to spot her attacker.
Standing above her on the path, the crazy man laughed down at her. His twisted mind though of something fun to do as his eyes drifted from her to the bike which was spilling gasoline out onto the ground. With a grin, he scooped up his gun, aimed, and fired.
Just as the Knuckles' eyes closed and the gas ignited, he turned away. "Now, where did those little brats run off to?"
----------
Part 14
BY regalo3000
_______
Buzz then tackled the crazy man, smashing into him with great force. They both rolled down the hill toward the motorcycle which was now in flames. Hillary and Hayden took a look over the hilltop, to see if Buzz would come through all right.
Buzz was pounding on the crazy man's face, and the fire was too damn close. Soon the man fell unconscious. Hillary ran to her Quad and pulled out the fire extinguisher. She ran down hill and put out the fire.
Buzz helped knuckles to her feet. Are you okay, ma'am?
Yeah, I'll be fine, said Knuckles. Who is that nut?
We don't know who he is, but you're right, he's a nut.
Ohio and Hayden were running down the hill now.
Tie that crazy man up while we still have the chance, Hayden was screaming.
Wow, Buzz, that was a fantastic tackle, just like Back in school.
Yeah, said Buzz. We need some rope.
I got some, said Hillary, who proceeded to go back to her Quad.
Hill, is there anything you DON'T have in your Quad? asked Buzz.
Hillary smiled.
The crazy man was stirring now. Buzz gave him another punch for good measure. He went out again.
Hey, wait a minute, said Ohio. I know you! You're with Team Banzai! You're Knuckles!!!
That's right, she smiled.
Oh, Holy Crap, said Buzz, punch!!!, I thought I recognized you!
Are any of the others here too, asked Hayden.
Yeah, plenty.
Oh, wow, said Ohio, I'm getting me some autographs!!! We're gonna hang out with The Banzais!!!
Punch!!!
----------
Part 15
Tommy Boy
Tommy Boy tried to get comfortable. Her foot propped up on one of the large coolers.
Rawhide noticed Tommy Boy fidgetting. He went to his tent and pulled out the travel pillow and resettled her leg.
Tommy Boy looked sheepishly at him. "Thanks."
Rawhide sat down at the table looking at her. "Just because things on a more personal note is on the rocks between us, doesn't mean that we can't be civil or even somewhat like friends." He took a deep breath and went on. "I know that you hate me."
Tommy Boy interrupted, "That is a strong word."
"But it fits." Rawhide conceded. "And you are testing me. Thunder is good but of all the people to turn to."
Tommy Boy smiled at his humored voice. "If I turned to anyone else they would have ran as soon as you pulled your 'I'm he-man act'. Face it, I had to find someone who could stand up for himself against you and the lot of Cavaliers."
Rawhide nodded.
"Friends?"
"I never said differently."
The radio crackled. "Group 1 to Home base .. over."
Tommy Boy picked up the radio, "Home base, over."
"Ready to make the first sweep of the meadow."
"Computers ready. Let me know mark start, mark end."
"Roger."
Tommy Boy had the two lap tops open waiting for the first call.
"Mark start."
Information started coming through on the computers. One was digital anaolg information and the other computer was showing readings in a graph. Five minutes later the radio called mark end.
Tommy Boy saved the data and set up for the next line.
Rawhide watched the flow of information. After the second run he went back to working on his preparations for his own walk about. When he finished with his pack, he looked to see Oddity coming across the meadow. Stopping at the creek's other bank he sat and barked to them.
Tommy Boy looked from the dog to Rawhide. "Looks like you have been sent for."
"What did she get herself into this time?"
"What makes you say that?"
Rawhide looked at her as he put his pack. He went to the truck and pulled out one of the rifles and handed it to her. He didn't like the thought of leaving her alone. "Call Perfect Tommy and tell him to come back here. And when did you not know Knuckles getting into something."
"I can hope can't I?" She pulled the radio over and called over to the group. She didn't want to get PErfect Tommy concerned, just asking him to return since Rawhide was here on his own research program.
Rawhide crossed the creek and followed Oddity wondering what he would be finding.
----------
Chap/16
BBI_fiero
---------------
Blair was hunched over some rock art symbols, observing the debris. A notebook lay on the ground alongside a small hand shovel. The Anthropologist had planted several small flags in the ground marking off a boundry so no one would accidently disturb the sacred area.
About 100 feet away on higher plain, his friend Jim was tying the last strap to the makeshift outpost. The tent stood at a slieght angle,one side was offset from the other creating a sort of trapazoid rather than a rectangle. However, to the peace officer, this was progress from his previous effort.
Jim stood up and called out to the British BBI. "Hey-Radar!"
"Yes, Mr. Jim?"
"Up here?I'm finished."
The technician climbed up from lower ground eventually reaching the plateau the peace officer was standing on. He spotted the makeshift lab the man had set up.
Jim had his hands on his waist. " Well, here's this afternoons' efforts. What da ya think?"
The british intern double checked the awkward construction, slowly making a complete circle around the tent. Despite being abstract, it seemed structurally sound to him.
Radar put on his native UK politeness. "Jolly good!?I was getting worried about my equipment..This will help."
The two men began transporting the extra gear towards the tent. They were carrying the di-pole when Radar noticed something peculiar.
"Gee whiz! Didn't know how heavy an Antennae could be!"
"Lets' stop for a second."
"Eh? Whats' up Radar?"
"Not sure?You tell me."
Jim looked at the Brit and noticed his attention was focused down below. The peace officer immediately glanced in the same direction.
"Is your friend performing, ah, what you Americans call, a Rain dance?"
Jim stared a few seconds before answering. The Anthropologist was wavering between rocks and seemed to be muttering to himself.
"I don't know what the heck Blair is up to."
-------------------------
Rawhide pursued the white dog through the brushy area. The man transversed about a mile or so when he noticed some smoke way off in the distance. He doubled his pace, thoughts racing in his mind.
It wasn't white smoke indicating wood rather it was black in color. Rawhide readied his gun in anticipation. He eventually reached the hill. Oddity disappeared from view. The Hong Kong Cavalier adjusted his hat. "Doesn't that dog ever stop?"
The cowboy climbed the hill. Looking down Rawhide spotted the source.
"Hmm, looks like smoldering remnants of some motorcycle or quad."
-------------------------
Part 17
By Nicki Knight
==========
"'bout freakin' time you showed up."
Rawhide spun about.
Four scruffy teenagers stood over a bruised and battered Knuckles who sat on the ground gingerly picking at a scraped elbow.
Instantly Rawhide's fists came up, his jaw set. "You kids sure as heck better have a good explanation..."
"Easy, cowboy." Knuckles raised up a hand to still him. "Brats, yes. But that's the one I'd prefer you shot." She waved a hand to the crazy man tied up a few feet away. "But, hey, nice to know you care."
"Chalk it off as not wanting to drive you all the way back to a Ranger's station for medical treatment." Rawhide returned, taking another look at the situation.
Truth was the four kids looked too scared to tie their own shoes, much less mess Knuckles up that badly. 'Course Xan would have trouble messin' Knuckles up that bad and not look a little scared. A quad and two dirt bikes were stopped a little ways up the path. Another bike was still smoldering down at the bottom of a crevasse. The tied up guy glared at all of them at once with huge, crazy eyes, an angry fist size bruise on his jaw.
"Medical treatment?" Knuckles shook her head and climbed to her feet. "You're an old worry wart."
Now that she was on her feet, Rawhide looked her over, from head to toes and back. "Girl, you are about six different shades each of black and blue. And looks like you have a pretty good crack on that thick skull of yours... and you still haven't given me much of an explanation beyond which one I should shoot!" He set his fists on his hips. "This is becoming a nasty habit. You do realize that, don't you?"
"Yea, well..." She rubbed her head, wincing as she touched the nasty bump forming. "At least I'm predictable." When Rawhide didn't look convinced, she growled "All I need is an ice pack and a bottle of aspirin. And for you to shot him and beat the crap out of these brats."
"Hey!" Ohio protested. "We saved your butt!"
"My butt wouldn't have needed saving if you all weren't tarring up the forest with those damn things and getting yourself in trouble!" Knuckles snapped back. "Rawhide, beat the crap out of them!"
Rawhide frowned. He glanced down at Oddity, apparently the only other sane creature on the path at that moment.
Wining, the dog dropped to his belly on the ground and threw a paw over his nose.
The big Cavalier sighed. "You and me both, buddy."
----------
Perfect Tommy was jogging back to base camp. He couldn't help but be a little thankful for whatever had drawn Rawhide away from camp.
Yea, right, his own thing. Not even the discovery of an undiscovered bug would draw the over protective galloot from Tommy Boy's side when she was laid up. 'Course Knuckles was out on her own, which, roughly translated, meant trouble. So, Rawhide was probably out taking care of that.
But, hey, got Perfect Tommy off bush detail and back to the luxury of camp where he could find a sunny spot, put his feet up, and work on his tan.
The toe of his boot suddenly caught on something and the Cavalier fell hard to his knees. He caught himself just in time before planting his face in the dirt.
"Son of a ..." He stopped when he saw what was poking up out of the dirt between his hands. "Woe..."
==========
Chapter 18
By The Chronicler
==========
Pushing himself up, Perfect Tommy quickly began to brush the pine needles and dirt away, revealing a triangular shape stone. The stone was polished to a shine, a carving at the center.
The Cavalier tried to pick it up, but it didn't budge. Shrugging, he mumbled "They'd probably want it left as is anyhow." With one thumb, he flipped his go-phone one and queued Radar. "Hey bud." he greeted before Radar had a chance to ask. "Got a thingy here your injun might want to take a look at."
He could here Radar sigh. "Thingy? Injun? Really, Perfect Tommy...."
"Lecture later." Tommy cut him off.
Again Radar sighed. After a moment, Blair came on. "What do you have?"
Perfect Tommy described his find.
"Can you described the carving to me?" Blair wanted to know.
Perfect Tommy shrugged. "Looks kinda like... fire, maybe." He traced his finger around the edge of the stone. "You know, it's kinda like an arrow... like pointed somewhere." He let his eyes drift up, following the direction the stone seemed to be indicating. It seemed to be heading right into the brush... but there was no trees in that line. It was an overgrown path.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Perfect Tommy rose up and started in that direction.
"Perfect Tommy? What are you doing?" Radar wanted to know. When he didn't get an answer, he grew concern. ""Tommy, you're supposed to be going to see to TommyBoy. Remember?"
Perfect Tommy hesitated. He turned back, pulling a electronic marker from his belt. They had all been given a supply to mark all artifacts they found. He sunk it in the dirt at the edge of the stone, then started for the overgrown path again.
"Perfect Tommy!" Radar was being insistence.
"I'm headin' back to camp. Don't worry." he lied. Then pushed his way through the brush.
----------
Radar looked up at Blair.
Blair was frowning. "You think he's getting himself into trouble?" he wondered, noting the Brit's concern.
"He's Perfect Tommy, isn't he?" Radar grumbled. He looked down at his equipment, wondering if he should go after the boy or stay put and look after his gear. Finally, he growled "He's all grown up. He can handle himself." Adding to himself `and if he can't, that's why we trace his bloody go-phone.'
==========
Part 19
By Regalo3000
_______
They had placed the madman inside one of the tents. Buzz had volunteered to watch the man until the Rangers arrived. Knuckles and the rest of the Team went about with their studies of the surrounding area, but, hadn't found anything new. Buzz didn't care about those things, not while he had a madman to watch; all he cared about was everyone's safety. The ropes around the crazy man's body clung tightly but he had a plan to free himself. He hit his head against the side of the tent and made it shake. When Buzz had come to investigate he found the mountainman struggling uselessly with the ropes.
You bastard, let me out of here, I didn't do anything wrong!
Yeah, right, whatever you say, was Buzz's response.
Buzz wanted to knock the man out again, but, then rejected the idea. Leave him be, Thunder had said. The Rangers are on their way to come pick him up, and there's no reason to use violence again.
He continued thrashing about inside the tent. Buzz soon felt that the madman was tied-up pretty well and could not get out of the ropes. He left the madman to himself while he sat down on a rock reading a signed copy of a Buckaroo Banzai comic book.
After a few more tent-shakings Buzz decided to completely ignore the madman, and that's exactly what the madman wanted. He rolled onto his back and did his best to shake loose the cigarette lighter that was in his right pocket. After a few attempts at this it came sliding out and onto the floor of the tent. Smiling, he maneuvered himself so that his hands, which were tied behind his back, were able to grab hold of the lighter. Using the lighter he began burning the ropes that held him secure. Surely, the fire burned his skin but he did not scream, he'd been burned before. He remembered his evil father, burning him with cigarettes. The smell of burnt skin always made him recall the awful memories. Then he had the mental impression of a series of dominoes all tumbling into one another until all had fallen, and he understood this as cause and effect. His biological father had started the dominoes falling and he existed simply to stand and watch helplessly as they continued falling. It's not my fault. I didn't start it. He did. I just can't stop it. I can't help myself. I have to set fires. I'm addicted. The pain was getting sharper now, like backing up directly into a pot of hot boiling water. He bit his tongue so as to not cry out. But then his hands were free! He quickly untied his feet.
The smoke had drew Buzz's attention and he ran over to the tent quickly and looked inside. A heavy fist smashed him in the face knocking him backward. That's for all the times you hit me, said the madman. Then he took back his gun from the unconscious teen and pointed it at him. No, I've got something better planned for you, said the man to himself, then he began laughing.
_______
Hey! said Knuckles, as she saw the madman ride off on the Quad. Bolderdash, he's getting away! Then she saw the crazy man waving a gun and she backed off. And he has a gun too!
Oh, crap, said Thunder. There goes our leisurely walk in the park.
Hillary cursed loudly when she saw her bike being taken.
What happened? said Ohio, who had come running over with Tommyboy at his side and an autographed slip of paper in his hand. Where's Buzz?
Oh my gosh, said Hillary. Buzz! They saw the plume of smoke billowing into the sky. They grabbed fire extinguishers and headed for the tent where the madman had been held.
They all ran up to the smoking tent and found Buzz to be quite alive and regaining consciousness. He knocked me out, said Buzz, feeling the pain in his head. Thunder and Knuckles put out the fire with the extinguisher.
He took my Quad, said Hillary.
Tommyboy said, Let's notify the Rangers by cellphone that there's a madman on the loose. But it was too late, the Rangers had already arrived, and there was no prisoner to hand over. After a lot of talk it was agreed, the teens would leave with the Rangers, and Team Banzai would continue with its expedition at its own risk. They were done with studying and photographing the Blackfoot Tribe Stones and were now ready to join the other half of the Team in its quest to find the lost city ...
_______
Damn, said Rawhide, walking up to the Cherokee, a flat. Then, he also noticed the back tire was flat as well. What the hell? He walked around the jeep. All the tires were flat. Furthermore, every single vehicle was also temporarily out of order. Every single frigging tire was slashed.
If I didn't know any better, said Rawhide to himself. I would swear somebody didn't want us to leave.
Over here, help! somebody was yelling. Rawhide strode over to where Jim and Blair were. Blair was holding his hands together and they were shaking in an odd manner. Jim was trying to calm him. Rawhide was reminded of a divining rod, a simple contraption used to find water underneath the earth. Suddenly, the Blair's arms shot out and he lost control of his body. He fell forward and landed on his belly. Jim made a rush to lift him but Blair's arm shot out. Don't touch me, he said, I'll lose it!
Lose what? asked Jim.
The bloody vision! said Blair. He stood up slowly and stared at the brush in front of him. Yes. He was right. He stepped forward and knelt, pushed some debris aside revealing a flat stone. He brushed more aside revealing a path of stones. The ceremony began here, he said. At this marker.
What ceremony? asked Radar.
The ceremony of fire, these Ancient Ones they were able to walk through fire! Don't ask me how they did it or why!
Blair ran ahead! It's not a lost city, he was saying now, it's a lost Meeting Place, a door between worlds!
Hey, wait! Jim was screaming. Blair! Blair, come back!
It was difficult keeping up with Blair. Even a seasoned cop such as Jim had trouble keeping up, and he had chased quite a few good runners in his day. But it wasn't so much that Blair was running quickly than he and the others were actually slowing down, as if something were pouring a thick liquid on the path that impeded their movements. They all felt it.
So, then, it's not my imagination, said Rawhide. This path IS difficult to walk.
Yes, Radar agreed. Then they came to a kind of semi-clearing.
What they were standing in was a small circular amphitheater, something ancient that had not been disturbed for a millenia or so until they had entered it. But it was all overgrown with plants.
Tommy! screamed Rawhide, who rushed up to the unconsious Cavalier, who although standing on his feet looked very much tied to a stone post.
There was a sound in the brush, like the movement of a deer. Rawhide pulled out his weapon.
It was Knuckles, Thunder and TommyBoy. We just thought we'd join you, said TommyBoy. Boy, do we have a story to tell. What the hell? she had only just noticed Perfect Tommy's unhealthy predicament. Radar and Rawhide went on to untie the man from the post.
Is this is somebody's idea of a cruel joke? asked Rawhide. What the hell is going on?
Blair was barely conscious, his breath came in quick gasps, his hands reached out and stroked the air in front of himself, as if he were a mime in a local park, as if he was stuck in some kind of coffin feeling his way around a dark confined space, and losing air fast. We are lost! he was saying. The gods are angry! We have desecrated the Meeting Place of the firewalkers!
What's wrong with him? asked Perfect Tommy.
Then, a booming voice, like that of a sky god, came out of Blair's mouth: YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE IN THIS SACRED PLACE!! YOU ARE NOT WORTHY TO TROD THE PLACE WHERE THE BLACKFOOT PEOPLE FIRST TOUCHED THE EARTH WITH THEIR FEET!! YOU WILL NOW PERISH AT THE HANDS OF ONE OF YOUR OWN!! And then he paused looking up at the sky as if he could see something hovering in the air above them. He pointed up. Blair yelled out in his own recogizable human voice: This place! It can only be visited by those who are about to die! Allow those ready to die come and test their worth! Then he fell unconscious.
At this point I would say now I've heard everything, said Perfect Tommy, if I only understood one sentence of what he just said.
Blair suddenly awoke and seemed himself. What happened? he asked. How did I get here?
What happened? replied Jim. You were bloody possessed! Running around like a lunatic, spouting insane gibberish!
I was? said Blair. I don't remember. Well, there's always a first time ...
Perfect Tommy was becoming conscious again.
Tommy, said Rawhide. Who did this?
Some guy in an Indian outfit, said Perfect Tommy, he called himself Poia. He said more terrible things than this would happen if we stayed here.
Stay here? said Rawhide. With all our vehicles out of commission, we ain't going nowhere fast.
I remember! said Blair. He walked around waving his arms at the site around him. The ceremony of fire began that way at the triangular marker. The firewalker would come, behind him the Elders of the Blackfoot Tribe. Here, there would be a fire, and there would be water to put him out. No one ever survived the fire. Everyone died. All but one. And do you know how he did it. This Poia? The water that was meant to douse the victim after he walked through. Poia doused himself BEFORE he entered the fire. That's how he became famous and the leader of his Tribe!!!
Blair began to laugh and laugh and laugh.
It was then that Knuckles saw something that was not worth laughing about.
_______
Part 20
by Tommy Boy
It was then that Knuckles saw something that was not worth laughing about.
**
In his escape, the mountainman was running through the valley on the Hillary's quad. He didn't know if he would be persued. He kept it open on full throttle, making dangerous curves. After several minutes though, a curve got him unawares and he turned over. The mountain man rolled several times and went into unconsciousness. The quad flipped also, loosening it's gas cap and slowly leaking. Not far, some sparks from the crash ignited dry grass. Soon the gas and smoldering fire merged, creating a beginning to a fire.
The elk that had been initally startled by the creek by the crash, grew weary. Eyeing the smoke they slowly retreated down the valley. Soon, they would be scurrying for cover.
**
Knuckles in the distance saw the dim smoke. Jim turned and looked to see what she was looking at. "Smoke." He announced.
Rawhide looked at the group. "Let's get back to camp, grab our packs and start out. We don't have much time."
Tommy Boy followed the group back to the campsite. She eyed the smoke and wondered. This was not going to be easy. Her ankle still throbbed. The swelling had just now started to go down. She knew already with the walking she had done was not helping.
Making her way to the work station she closed her computers and readied them to pack. Radar took on and put it in his bag. She did the same with hers.
She could here Rawhide and Thunder both making calls on their go phones. Rawhide was calling home while Thunder was calling the park rangers and informing them of the situation and evacuation plans.
With the vehicles out, they only could get out one way, hiking.
Tommy Boy turned and opened up the ice chest and started pulling water bottles out. Soon she was throwing them to each member of the group to stuff into the packs.
Once she secure her pack she was tapped on her shoulder. She turned to see Rawhide looking down at her (everyone was toward by the tall man (remember he 6'4"+))
"Sit," he told her.
"We really need to get going ..." Tommy boy started to say.
"First we check that ankle of yours."
Sitting on the bench, she let Rawhide take off her boot and tape it like a gymnast's hurt ankle. "Better support." He rebooted her foot and put the kit into her pack.
Gathering the group. "No heriorics folks. Let's keep a pace and make our way out. Perfect Tommy, I know you aren't a hundred percent but stay with Knuckles. Tommy Boy, let one of us know if it gets to much, I have the field stretcher."
They started off down the dirt road. By walking it would take some time to make it to the rangers station.
----------
