Ezikel Exiled CH 1

April 26, 5016

“Its ok lil man. We’ll get’m next round.” Walking out of the laser tag arena my son looked up at me, his lip poking out as he pouted about our loss.

“But dad, she’s up by 1 now. She’s gonna try to rub it in my face all week.”

I laughed to myself, realizing that he was more upset over the fact that his sister was in the lead, than the fact that he had lost.

At least he’s not a sore loser.

From across the room we heard,

“GOTCHA DAD!! What’s the score now huh, Josie?? Hmm...lets see, can we say 10-11!!! GIRLS RULE! Right mom?”

Strolling out of the women’s locker room, my wife and daughter high fived.

“Yes baby, we do.”

Veronica cut her eyes over at me, “Aint that right baby?”

Tilting my head, I looked down at Josiah.

“What do you think? You think they run the world?”

He looked over at his sister who was sticking her tongue out. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he drew his hand across his throat and pointed to his sister.

“We run this dad. We just decided to let them feel good for a minute.”

Sizing her up I puffed my chest,

“You heard the man, we run this.”

Laughing all sat down for pizza, which had finally arrived at our table. My 10 yr. old twins, Josiah and Saphira, had the best worst rivalry siblings could have. My wife and I gave them an outlet for any quarrels they may have during the week, Laser Tag. And since then, it’s been a regular outing of ours.

I wish everyday could be like this.

The thoughts of my war torn life flooded my mind as I watched the faces of my family. Their laughs…their smiles…

“Dad, can we go play Ninja Effect after we eat?” Josiah pointed over towards the arcade area as the waitress set the pizzas down on the table. Saphira jumped in the seat next to me,

“Can I pray this time? Josie prayed last time.” Nodding my consent, we linked hands and bowed our heads.

“Lord, thank you for letting us come to Game Zone and be together as a family. Let this food nourish our bodies and please bless the hands that prepared it for us. Lord thank you for letting me and mom win today,” I squeezed her hand smiling, but to also keep her in line, “Oh, and Lord, please let dad never have to leave us again. We all really love him and miss him when he’s gone. And if he has to go please watch over him and make sure he comes back home to us, just like you always do. Amen.”

A resounding amen engulfed the table as everyone else started into the pizza and fries sitting before us. Slowly my head rose.

I hate this. She’s right, I’m never here.

Across the table, Veronica gave me a knowing look. Smiling and then winking she mouthed, her love and that a surprise awaited after the kids were dropped off later. It had been too long since we have had any alone time. I had just recently returned from a tour in the Extraverse, which had ended quite horribly. Most of my platoon hadn’t returned and I had been a prisoner of war for over 4 months. Seeing her smile now, you would have never imagined she had so recently been traumatized by these facts. Reaching for a slice of pizza I happened to notice someone entering the establishment. His dark fatigues emblazoned with silver and gold streaks told the whole story.

And this is why I never get to be with my family. “Colonel Willard, we have a situation sir.” Executing a crisp salute the corporal stopped a mere 3 steps from us. Rising, I could see the fear in my family’s eyes. They knew that if I walked out of the door right now, they probably wouldn’t see me again for months.

“Your immediate presence has been requested by the High Catalyic Counsel.”

The High Catalyic Counsel….Why in sam hell would they need me? The Triteirions have been appeased, the venician timing contracts were taken care of, and the uprising on Listeria was quelled. I just got home, why do they….

“Go on hunny, we’ll be here when you get back.” Veronica’s words cut my thoughts, causing a lump to form in my throat. Hatred, pain, annoyance, and sorrow filled me as I gave my family a solemn good bye. After brief hugs and kisses, I headed towards the door.

I cant look back.

Feeling the eyes of my family boring into my back I heard Josiah say,

“No matter where you are God can see you dad…No matter how far away you are…we’re always together in his hedge of protection.” Nodding, in response a tear welled in the corner of my eye as I reminisced on the day I taught him that phrase. 5 at the time, he was upset that I was leaving. I had told him that to ease the separation. My lil man is growin up and I’m missin it…

Exiting the buildings second set of doors; my thoughts were returned to the matter at hand when I noticed the gleaming black Astonia Malitia sitting before me. The fastest, sleekest, classiest mode of land transportation ever created was sitting right before me.

“Umm…did I miss something? Or are you not here to escort me to the High Counsel??”

The slight smirk crossing his lips told the whole story.

“Actually sir, I was informed to give you that message only while in the presence of your family. You are to report to Sector 59-98, bay 3 for further instructions.”

Sector 59-98??? In all my years of service I have never heard of a Sector 59-98…

Cocking my head, I guess my inquisitive look told the whole story.

“The Counsel figured you may not remember where it was and the vehicle was equipped with a pre-programmed GPS sir. You are to arrive as soon as possible and any speeding violations which may occur in route will immediately be waived.”

A sinister grin crept across my face at the thought. I get to speed?!?!?! I’m not complaining, but where are they trying to get me to go?? “

“I was also informed that your mission itinerary and situation description are located in the glove compartment. Enjoy your trip sir.” Snapping a quick salute, he tossed me the keys before jumping into his transport and zooming away.