The Four Corners of the Earth

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

As the airplane banked into its final leg of the flight to Oklahoma, the team discussed what they knew so far — most of the revelations around the four corners of the earth, the Horsemen and the deadly weapons that the Nazi war criminals had buried inside old military leader’s graves. The plot was vast, complex, and necessarily so — because the Order had wanted it to be viable for a hundred years. And even now, according to the text, the fourth Horseman was the ‘true last judgment’.

In light of the weapons discovered so far, what the hell could that possibly be?

Drake pondered it. First, they had to get to Fort Sill and stop everyone getting their hands on the weapon of Famine. And worry about others heading straight for the fourth Horseman — the Scourge of God. I mean… what kinda title is that?

“Can I ask a question?” he said, as the plane began to descend.

“You already did,” the geek guffawed, causing Hayden, Alicia and Mai to close their eyes, their patience worn.

“How did Geronimo come by his title?”

“Geronimo was a true fighter. Even on his deathbed he confessed his regret at his decision to surrender. His final words were: ‘I should never have surrendered. I should have fought until I was the last man alive.’ He also had nine wives, some simultaneously.”

“But the worst Indian that ever lived?”

“During his military career Geronimo was famous for his daring escapades and innumerable escapes. He would disappear into caves that had no exit, later to be seen outside. He would win consistently, though always outnumbered. There is a place in New Mexico, to this day, known as Geronimo’s Cave. One of the greatest stories involve him leading a small band of thirty eight men, women and children who were terribly hunted by thousands of American and Mexican troops for over a year. So, he became the most famous Native American of all time, and earned himself the title of ‘the worst Indian that ever lived’, among the white settlers of the time. Geronimo was one of the very last warriors to accept the United States’ occupation of their lands.”

“I was once called ‘the worst bitch that ever lived,’” Alicia recalled wistfully. “Can’t remember who by.”

“Only once?” Kenzie asked. “That’s odd.”

“It was most likely me.” Mai gave her a small smile.

“Or me,” Drake said.

Dahl looked like he was wracking his brains. “Well, I think I remember…”

“Fort Sill,” the pilot said. “Ten minutes out. We have clearance to land and the area is hot.”

Drake frowned as he made ready. “Hot? Is he reading from a redacted script, or what?”

“Must be eighty down there.” Kinimaka stared out a very small window.

“I think he means — troubled,” Yorgi spoke up. “Or under attack.”

“Nah, he’s referring to its status,” Smyth told them. “Highly prepared.”

The plane touched down and came to a swift stop. Almost immediately, the rear cargo doors began to open. The team, already stretching and on their feet, hurried out into the sunshine which glared hard off the asphalt. A chopper was waiting, which whisked them away toward the grounds of Fort Sill. As they flew in, a Fort Sill colonel apprised them of the situation.

“We’re on full alert here. Got every gun prepped, armed and aimed. Geronimo’s gravesite too, and we’re ready to roll.”

“We’re five out.” Hayden said. “Coming in hard on the gravesite. I’m sure you’re aware of all potential hostiles.”

“I’ve been fully prepped, ma’am. This is a United States Army site, a Marine Corps site, as well as a home to Air Defense and the Fires Brigade. Believe me when I tell you we have all our angles covered.”

Hayden signed off and watched Fort Sill appear below. Drake studied the area and made a final check of his weapons.

I bloody well hope so.