The Game Has Begun
Adam, Coyote, Pete, and Cally were surprised when they woke up. The Tramp Islander was at full sail.
They sat at the mess table having breakfast.
“Look at us,” Coyote said, “four old timers heading for another rodeo.” He said to Cally, “Do you really think we have what it takes?”
“If I didn’t,” Cally said, “I wouldn’t be here.”
“I still toss ‘em young fellers out of the bar,” Pete said. “I’m not as quick or strong as I used to be. I find out when older, I didn’t have to be so quick and strong. I use my head for thinking and butting.”
“I think we’ve all found that out,” Adam said. “And my horse appreciates that, too. I don’t have to work him as much as I used to.”
“There are some things that needs to be done before we get to our destination,” Cally said. “We older guys should walk back and forth on the four deck at least an hour a day. You can break it up into four fifteen-minute times if you like. Make sure you walk fast. Get the heart pumping. I know you guys are strong and in good shape—for your age, but we never know how much stamina will be needed. For best results, jog a little. It’s up to you. Also, some push-ups. Do stretching. I’m leaving this up to you. There are men assigned for the security of the island. They are younger and in better shape. We must assume they are well-trained and better than us.”
“Our chances are slim?” Pete asked doubtfully.
Adam sipped his coffee. He set the cup on the table amidst a ripple of doubt. “I know every man at this table. I’ve sweat, bled, and wept with every one of you. I can’t think of anyone better than the men at this table. Pete, you’ve sailed with me and we’ve cleaned your bar of some pretty bad hombres in the past. Cally, you and I have done a couple of things together that we had to put our lives in each other’s hands. And Coyote, you and I have stared down bulls, stampedes, storms, brush fires, and roughneck oil riggers. I don’t care what’s on that island; when we’re done with them, they’ll be questioning their manhood.”
Cally looked around the table. “The man in charge of the security of the island and the training is a retired Marine Major. There’s information about him in the box given to Trace by Franks. Read about him. Get to know him. You know him, you know his men.”
“And our advantage is he doesn’t know us, right?” Coyote said.
“Yes, but don’t underestimate his ability and that of his men to adapt quickly,” Cally said.
“It is like a game of chess,” Adam said. “We have to think as many moves ahead as possible.”
“When does the game begin?” Pete said.
“It already has,” Adam said.
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