Alternative Universe
What happens if Hawkins laptop never passed by Beck’s deck?  What if Beck didn’t see the evidence to make him defect?  What happens to Heather who’s sitting in jail accused of treason?
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Beck pulled back up in front of City Hall.  He told the guards standing out front to escort Heather back to her ( Read more... )

Alternative Universe
What happens if Hawkins laptop never passed by Beck’s deck?  What if Beck didn’t see the evidence to make him defect?  What happens to Heather who’s sitting in jail accused of treason?
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Heather admits to ( Read more... )

This chapter shares the same themes as the previous chapter.  Beck wrestling with his demons, and struggling to avoid having the ends justify the means.

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Despite Heather’s “relaxation techniques”, Beck slept fitfully.  He kept tossing and turning, trying to figure out a solution.  A little before 5 am, he gave ( Read more... )

Warning.  This is a dark chapter.  It deals with some darker themes, like when does the end justify the means, and how do we prevent repeating the mistakes of our past.

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They spent the afternoon and evening trying to figure out the identity of the mole.  It was tedious work.

They analyzed the list of ( Read more... )

Takes place immediately after the events of Chapter 11

As with previous chapters, contains some minor profanity.

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They all sat down in the living room.  Jake and Beck explained the situation, including their narrow escape from the ASA and why they believed there was a mole.

Beck concluded.  “Until we figure out who the mole is, I don ( Read more... )

Normal disclaimers, including some minor profanity

By popular demand, there is a “Gibbs smack” in this chapter!

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Jake raised his hands in the air.  “Mom, I know I can piss you off at times, but I’m sure you don’t want to shoot your oldest son!”

Gail lowered her weapon.  “Jake.  Is that you?”

“ ( Read more... )

Disclaimers
I’m not an expert on truck chases, horses, or geography (although according to some very basic research, there are caves in southern Kansas.)
There is also some minor bad language in this chapter.

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“Any ideas?”

Jake glanced quickly at Beck.   “Yeah, but I don’t have time to explain!  Can you just ( Read more... )

I apologize but this is a longer chapter than the previous ones.   I couldn’t find a natural spot to break it up without disturbing the flow!

I hope to have the next chapter posted by the end of next weekend.

Also, warning - there is some minor bad language in this chapter.

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While Heather isn’t actually in this chapter, the Beck/Heather relationship is explored through the Jake/Beck interactions.

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It was about 200 miles from Jericho to the Texas border.  Since Jake used a circuitous route of back ( Read more... )

Almost three months had gone by since Beck and his officers defected.

They were now on the brink of war.

Diplomatic efforts had been attempted and failed.  The two sides were too far apart.  Both the ASA and the USA/Texas wanted to unite the country but each wanted to do it under their own flag and on their own terms.  There was no common ground for ( Read more... )