The Last Phoenix

The Story of Eddie

Eddie was the proverbial rich kid.  His father was second generation money and wasn't shy about letting everyone know he was loaded.  Eddie was always dressed in better clothes and this, of course, got him picked on at school.  You can't play the kinds of games the other boys play, when you are wearing $150 Italian leather shoes.  Leather soles and grass just don't mix.

Eddie had everything money could buy, but he didn't have the things that every kid, rich or poor, needs: love and friendship.  His parents were always busy with something 'important' and his older brother had left for college when Eddie was only seven years old.  Then, the Christmas Eddie was ten, his brother had, had to get married.   Six months later, June 23, 1978, his nephew Tiger had been born.

So Eddie was all alone.  At school he made good grades, and that was held against him, as well, by the other kids.  There was only one kid that would tolerate him being around, and that was Dennis White.  Dennis was a couple of years older than Eddie, but he was smart, too, and at least Eddie could carry on a conversation with him.

When Eddie turned sixteen, his parents gave him a very expensive sports car.  He hated it.  He would much rather have had an old junker he could fix up, something he could do, not buy.

A month after Eddie's birthday, Dennis was coming home from his job, working in a burger place, the 5:00 to midnight shift, on Friday night. A drunk driver hit and killed him as he walked home.  Eddie was devastated.  The one person he could talk to had been killed and no one understood why he was upset. 

His parents refused to let him pay for the funeral and forbade him attending.  After all, he was not 'our kind of people,' his mother had said, her nose literally sticking up into the air.  Eddie thought that was very true, he wasn't their kind, but Dennis was HIS kind of people.

Eddie skipped school on Monday and spent the day in the library and County Records Office.  Tuesday he attended his friend's funeral. After the funeral, Eddie drove home, left the note on his bed and walked away, never to be heard from again.

Two days later, when his parents finally realized he wasn't home, they found the note in his room:

To Whom It May Concern:

I have decided to disappear and seek a more fulfilling life on my own.  I know you will not understand this, but that is nothing new.  Do not worry, I am not doing anything stupid; I'm just making my life the way I want it to be.  Tell my brother and Tiger I will miss them.

Sincerely,
Edward

One week after the funeral, a new recruit, D. White, entered Marine boot camp and began his years of active duty.

Christmas, nineteen years later, Master Sergeant White returned to his home town.  They were gone; even the old house had been replaced by a shopping center which was there now.  There wasn't a trace of where they all had gone.  He walked the streets with his wife and two little boys.  He pointed out the places that he remembered as a boy and tried to make up happy memories.  He bought the boys an ice cream cone and while his wife watched them, he slipped to the back of the drug store and the pharmacist was still the same guy he remembered. 

"Mr. Mac?  How are you?"

"Nobody's called me that in ten, fifteen years.  Who are you, Son?"

"Now, I'm Master Sergeant Dennis White."

"Only Dennis White I know was killed ... Edward?  Is that you?  My God, boy, you look great.  Sorry about your folks."

"Please, I'm Dennis, now.  Eddie is someone else.  What happened to my parents?"

"The story goes that they had been visiting your brother and Tiger and their car ran off a bridge on the way home.  Just Tiger left now, and he has a place in the City. Haven't seen him since he went to college, I guess."

"What happened to my brother and his wife?"

"Well, she got sick, I'm not sure what, and the treatments used up most all the money left from your folks, and she died anyway.  Your brother had taken a job with a big company, and he was over in Northern Ireland and got caught in a bombing, never knew what hit him.  Totally senseless."

"I'll have to look Tiger up when I get back; My unit is shipping out to Afghanistan on Wednesday.  It was real good seeing you again.  Please don't say anything about who I am.  It could cause me some real problems with the Corps."

"Semper Fi, Marine."

Eddie soon forgot all about looking up his nephew as his first deployment to Afghanistan came.

*

It happened on Sergeant White's second tour to the Middle East.  He was returning from a Staff Meeting when a roadside bomb went off, taking him and his Hummer out.  First report was that there were no survivors.  When the medics arrived, they were surprised to find vital signs, and a chopper was called immediately.  He was in a coma and was airlifted to Germany.

As can happen, unfortunately, the press got the Sergeant's name, and it was as she was driving home on the interstate that Anne heard on the radio that "Dennis White, Marine Corps Master Sergeant was killed today..."  She began crying, and with her vision blurred by tears, she missed the curve and was killed instantly as her car crashed into the trees in the median.

The kids' daycare center called the police when they had not been picked up.  Child Protective Services came and took the boys when the Mother's death was confirmed.  Luckily, a foster home was available that could take both boys.

In the hospital, three months later, the badly wounded Marine opened his eyes.  "Where am I?" he asked a Nurse who was writing something on the chart at the foot of his bed. 

She jumped and said, "You are in the hospital.  I'm going to call your doctors; they will be delighted you are finally awake."  She left the room before he could ask more questions.

In a few minutes, a young doctor came in and shined a light in Dennis' eyes, checked his heart, wrote something down in his chart and left.  He didn't say a word.  Master Sergeants don't like being treated as if they don't exist.  He began examining the room, pretty standard military issue.  He looked at the window and did a double take; there were bars on the window.  He started to sit up and realized he couldn't move.  He was restrained!  "Nurse!" he yelled, in his best DI voice.

Soon the nurse returned.  After a quick look at her collar, he said, "Lieutenant, am I under arrest?"

"Yes, you are."

"Why?  The last thing I remember is driving back to the base from a meeting." He said.

"Well, they say you are impersonating a dead Marine."

"Lieutenant, ma'am, I am Master Sergeant Dennis White."

"That's what the dog-tags said, but he died."

"Only the Navy!  Ma'am, I am not dead."

"You'll have to take that up with Major Phairrette (pronounced ferret, it's French){I know, not really, Jeez, don't write, I'm not anti-French, unless I hate a quarter of myself.  Well I guess it's possible, I'll ask my therapist.}.  He's the one who thinks you died."

"Please let him know I would like to see him."

"Oh, don't worry; he is on his way."  The nurse turned and left the room.

About twenty minutes later, a weaselly looking officer entered the room.  He was wearing gold rimmed glasses, certainly not military issue; his uniform was tailored to fit his paunch.  He was definitely borderline on being able to pass the Marine Physical.  His beady eyes scanned the room then he sat on the chair.  "So, just who are you?"

"It's nice to meet you too, Major Phairrette.  I am Sergeant Major Dennis White, service number 110238762."

"No, you are not."

"Major, I am who I am."

"Don't get wise with me.  I have two death certificates here for Dennis White.  One is dated three months ago, and the other is dated twenty two years ago.  Care to explain that."

"There is obviously a SNAFU, sir."

"I am just trying to figure which offense to try you on, next time.  Either you are not White, and you stole his tags, then got injured, or you are still not White, and enlisted twenty two years ago under the name of a dead boy.  Either way, I've got you.  So want to tell me about it?"

"No, sir.  I would like to speak to legal counsel."

"Yup, guilty.  I knew it.  You think you're so tough.  Well we'll see who's tough, when I get through with you."

The little ferret got up and left.  Later the nurse returned, "Ma'am, could you possibly take these straps off?  I would really like to use the head."

"I'm sorry, but the Major said you were to remain in restraints.  I'll get a corpsman to assist you."

After taking care of business, Dennis asked, "Am I allowed a call?  I'd like to talk to my wife and boys."

"I'll check on that, Sarge, and see what we can do."

"Thanks."

About half an hour later, the doctor came back.  "Bailey said you wanted to talk to your wife?  You're kidding, right?"

"Why would I kid about something like that?"

The doctor laughed, "Oh, you do a great act!  The real Sergeant White's wife died three months ago."

Dennis paled. "What?!? The boys?  What is going on?  Three months ago?  Why wasn't I informed?  Wait, I haven't been gone three months, I shipped out on October 23 and this is, what, December fourth?"

The doctor laughed, "Man, you're good!  I don't know what game you're playing, but you're really good.  Go for the section eight!  December fourth, hah!"  He left laughing, leaving his patient in a shocked daze.

When the nurse next came, she had a dinner tray.  Dennis looked at the slip of paper on the tray, 17-Mar-06.

Between mouthfuls, he asked, "Is it really March seventeenth?  I've been out more than three months?"

"I don't know.  You have been in the prison unit here for a little over two weeks."

"Prison?  Where am I?"

"Fort Leavenworth, Kansas."

"Ma'am, I really need to see a JAG officer."

"I'll put the request in for you."

Two days later, Dennis was released from the hospital unit and put in the maximum security unit.  He was alone in his cell and allowed twenty minutes out in the yard each day, with no contact with anyone, for exercise.  At first he could barely walk, but he concentrated on rebuilding his strength.  Each day he received a visit from Major Phairrette, and each day he requested a JAG officer. 

Finally, two weeks later, a Navy Ensign showed up.

Dennis looked at the Ensign's sleeve, single stripe and a star.

"I am Ensign Clemons.  I understand you have been asking for a JAG?"

"I'm sorry, Sir, but I think I need a real lawyer, not a line officer, Sir." Dennis said.

"I'm third year law, and here for my two weeks active duty.  In June, I graduate and get my JAG insignia and another half stripe on the sleeve.  Besides, you were convicted in a Court Martial, so you really don't have any right to full council."

"How could I be convicted?  I was in a coma, for cryin' out loud."

"Highly unlikely."

"Ensign, I don't care if it's unlikely, I woke up two weeks ago in the hospital unit.  The last thing I remember, before that, was leaving General Harrison's office and heading back to my base.  Now I've been laughed at, when I asked to talk to my wife and sons.  That prick of a doctor laughed right in my face and told me my wife was dead, and then walked away, laughing.  I have been asking for a JAG, since I woke up.  Nobody tells me anything.  I'm locked up here like I'm a frickin' terrorist, and nobody will tell me anything."

"Okay, go ahead and tell me your story.  For God's sake, tell me the truth.  Let me then go find out just what the hell is going on.  There is no way in hell; you should have been tried, if you were on sick call and in a coma, for Christ's sake."

Dennis started his story about when he first realized that his father's money made him different.  How his best friend had been killed and he had assumed his identity, so he could join up earlier.  His twenty two years in the service, his medals, his wife and two wonderful boys.  When he was done, he sighed and looked at the furiously writing Ensign.

"Okay, Eddie, first thing you have to do is go back to your real name.  As far as I can tell, the only thing you did wrong was enlist two years too soon.  You used a false identity to do that, which is a huge deal now, post 9/11, but back then, it wasn't a big deal at all.  Looks like somebody really has it out for you.  The reason they are treating you like a terrorist is because that is exactly what you got convicted of being.  I don't know how this all happened, but I know one thing for sure, something just isn't right.  Now, if anyone asks your name, give it to them and volunteer no information, but answer direct questions as close to 'yes' or 'no' as you can.  I'll start researching this and let you know how it goes.  I don't know when I can get back to you, but I promise I will.  I'll not forget."

"Thank you, Ensign Clemons."

"Hey, Sarge. Just call me Fred."

"No fraternizing with the enlisted men, Sir." Eddie grinned at the Ensign.

With a big grin Fred said, "Technically, as of right now, you are a civilian, so no problem.  See?"

They shook hands and Fred left.  Dennis's, ah, Eddie's, daily routine didn't change, day after day week after week.  No one spoke to him, except Major (ferret face) Phairette, who asked the same questions, got the same answers and request for legal representation.  Eddie was getting pretty depressed.  He did get to go to the library once a week and he could get two books.  He now chose the books by how thick they were, the thicker the better.  There seemed to be a great many thick books about computers and psychology in the library.  A strange mix, but he was working his way through them, two at a time.

One day, someone mentioned within his hearing that it was June.  He thought of Ensign Clemons and how he was now Lieutenant JG Clemons.  He wondered if he had forgotten all about the poor Master Sergeant sitting here, rotting away.  He sat around for long hours, worrying about his two boys.  He had asked permission to write to them and had been laughed at. He was still refused pen and paper. 

Then one morning, there was a change in routine.  He was taken to the showers early, he was issued shaving gear; back in his cell there was a dress uniform.  The fit was barely acceptable, and there were no insignia on it, but it was good to be in uniform again.  He was then escorted to an interrogation room and left there to wait.

About ten minutes later, the door opened and a Navy Captain, Marine Lieutenant Colonel  and a Navy Lieutenant JG entered.  The Captain began, "We are here to review your Court Martial.  Please explain to us your position."

"Sir, I am somewhat at a disadvantage.  I was doing quite well, and on my second deployment, when suddenly I'm waking up here in the prison hospital.  Lieutenant Clemons told me I had been convicted of being a terrorist.  Sir, that is about as far from the truth as one could get.  I have requested to be allowed to contact my sons, and that has been met with contempt.  Sir, I haven't even been told what charges I was convicted of, or even what my sentence is."

The Lt. Colonel asked, "Is there anyone who can verify who you are?"

"As Master Sergeant White, or as Edward, sir?" Ed asked.

"Sir," Lt. JG Clemons interrupted, "I have here signed and notarized affidavits from three people in Edward's home town who, when they saw his picture, recognized him as Eddie, who was presumed dead, after his best friend's funeral.  I also have statements from General Harrison, his aide, and the medics that arrived at the bombing site and found the Sergeant still alive."

The Lt. Colonel looked over the papers and handed them back.  "You realize, of course, that this has nothing whatsoever to do with the charges in the Court Martial."

Fred looked at the other two officers, "Sirs, I think this information is important in two ways. It lends credibility to the Sergeant's story and, Sirs, he is not the man accused, tried and convicted."

"Now, don't start that kind of crap with me, Boy..." the Lt. Col. started.

The Captain cut him off, "Good point, Lieutenant, so just what do you recommend?"

The Major cut off Fred's reply, "We could be opening up a real can of worms here, sir.  He had his day in court; we're done."

"He didn't have his day in court!  He was in a God damned COMA!... Sir!" Fred said emphatically.

"Of course, he was there.  You can't have a Court Martial without the accused." the colonel said like he was talking to a child.

"Sir, I was in a coma from December third until March seventeenth.  If I was there, it was in the hospital bed." Eddie took a deep breath, "Sirs, I can give you no information about this Court Martial, since I obviously was not there.  You haven't even told me what I have been accused and convicted of.  A terrorist?  I've spent the last twenty-two years defending this country, even if it was with the wrong name.  My record should speak for me."

The Captain stood and withdrew a digital camera and took a couple of pictures of Eddie.  He put the camera away, shook hands and they left.  The guards then escorted Eddie back to his cell and waited for him to remove the uniform; then they left.  Eddie put his orange jumpsuit back on and returned to reading his latest book on the psychology of the adolescent mind, from the library.  His mind, however, wasn't on the book, but on the meeting.  Fred hadn't forgotten him, and had evidently done some very impressive leg work.  The Four Striper seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, and a sense of fairness.  That Major was just like Ferret, okay Phairrette; he didn't want to make any waves, unless it made HIM look good.  Well there wasn't anything to do now but wait.  And wait, he did.

*

It was August before Lieutenant JG Clemons returned to Fort Leavenworth.

Eddie was once again escorted to the interrogation room.  Fred was there waiting for him.  "The Captain and I have done it!  Congratulations."

"Done what?" Eddie asked.

"We got the Court Martial reviewed, and it turns out, the Ex-Major Phairrette had an Arab stand in for you, while he presented his bogus case.  None of the Officers could identify you as being the defendant.  A whole new investigation is being launched.  You are released, and your status is in limbo, pending further review, but now we can get you out of here." Fred handed Eddie a bag that had civilian clothes in it.  "Go ahead, get changed, and let's get you the heck out of here."

An hour later, Fred and Eddie were sitting in a booth in a small ma and pa diner, having lunch.  Eddie had forgotten how good real food could be.  "Thanks Fred, it is really great to be out of that place.  Can I go get my boys now?"

"I'm afraid there is some bad news there.  I've made contact with Child Protective Services, and I've run into a brick wall.  The boys have been fostered, and they are reluctant to pull them out, if your future is uncertain.  They completely stonewall every move I make.  Then, there is the name problem; your last isn't their last name.  They do not know your real name.  I'm working on this, as much as I can."

Eddie took a deep breath, counted to ten, and then to twenty; it didn't help.  "You know, Fred, you are the only one who has even tried to help me.  I don't know what I can ever do to repay you, but I do thank you from the bottom of my heart. If there is ever anything I can do for you, you just let me know."

"Look, I know all this is complicated, and there doesn't seem to be a resolution, but try to be patient, and don't do anything drastic.  I'm really sorry, but I cannot devote my time to you as I would like to.  I am pursuing getting your rank and pay reinstated but that may take some time.  The state has seized your personal property to cover the costs of the foster program, so you are in effect penniless until that is resolved."

Eddie smiled, "It's okay. I have a money market account that is in my real name, and it has been growing for the last twenty-two years.  I'll be okay."

Fred grinned. "You are full of surprises.  Do you have anywhere to go, any family?"

"Tiger, I guess.  Last I heard, he was working in Philly."

"Give me his name, and I'll have him tracked down.  In the mean time we have a plane to catch.  I'm stationed at Pax River, south of DC.  I live off base and figured you could bunk at my place while we sorted some of this SNAFU out."

*

It was early December when Fred came home one night with a big grin.  "Eddie!  I got news today!"

Ed came out of the kitchen where he had just put a meatloaf in the oven.  "Good news, I hope.  You get full Lieutenant?"

"Ha! That's a laugh!  No, I got a lead on that nephew of yours.  He's working in Philly, and I got his address!" Fred said, handing Eddie a computer printout.

Ed took the paper and stared at it.  "He's my only living relative.  I wonder if he would meet with me?"

"There's only one way to find out, call the number." Fred handed Eddie his cell phone.

Eddie dialed and waited, "The number you have dialed is no longer a working number."

"Boy must be behind in his bills.  Maybe I'll take a little trip up to Philly."  Eddie remarked.

"Sounds like a great plan.  I sure wish the Marine Corps would move a little faster on all this red tape so we could get the CPS to move.  I'm getting a bit worried about this whole situation.  I'm thinking that you might want to get a lawyer in the Pittsburgh area to handle this.  I have a friend who could help; he would be more up on the local laws." Fred suggested.

"Not yet, You are doing fine and I don't think anyone could do better." Eddie grinned at Fred.

"This from the bouncer at the hottest bar in Lexington Park." Fred teased.

Eddie flexed his muscles, "Hey, I treat the boys fair, and I don't call the cops.  I carry them to the gate and turn them over to the SP (Shore Patrol) to take them to the brig or their barracks.  No locals involved.  Everybody wins.  Now let's eat, I got to get to work."

The following Tuesday, Eddie was driving North.  He was off till Friday night.  His first stop was his nephew's apartment, or rather the address of his nephew's apartment.  What was there was a construction site.  So, next he headed to the address of where his nephew had worked.  The front desk informed him that the person he asked for had not worked there since May.

As he was leaving, a man was entering and said, "Hey, buddy, long time no see!  Oh, excuse me, I thought you were someone else.  You two could be brothers."

On a hunch Eddie replied, "Oh, he's my nephew.  I had kind of lost touch, and his old apartment has been torn down, and now he has left here.  I'm kind of at a loss."

"Let me put this stuff in my office, and I'll take you to lunch and tell you what I know; it might just be useful."

Later, at a little deli, the two men sat eating their Cheese Steak Subs; "He and I shared a cubicle.  Last I talked to him; he was getting ready to move.  He got laid off on Monday, his landlord gave them all eviction notices on Wednesday, and some lawyer told him on Friday he had inherited a huge estate, because he was the only surviving family member.  Hey, you could probably get a piece of that too!"

"Nah, I just want to see Tiger again.  Do you know where he went off to?" Eddie asked.

Not exactly, just this; he handed Eddie a post-it.  "Thanks so much.  This Marine owes you a big one."

"Oh, that's why you lost touch."

"Yeah, they reported me dead.  I was surprised when I came out of the coma, that I was dead.  Everything is still all messed up."

"Well, you go find him.  I know he will be thrilled to see family.  He was always wishing he had some."

"Will do.  Thanks again."

Friday night, Eddie talked to the owner of the bar and gave his two week notice.  New Year's Eve was going to be his last night.  Fred was trying to talk him out of moving to Western Pennsylvania.  "What if this nephew of yours doesn't take you in?"

"I don't expect him to, actually.  I just want to meet him, and maybe he can recommend that lawyer for me." Eddie said.

Fred rolled his eyes, "I know a really good lawyer in that area.  He is the son of one of the Partners in Dad's Law Firm.  He's a Fred too."

"Okay, give me his name and number, and I'll check him out."

Eddie and Fred spent New Year's Day resting and watching football.  Early the next morning, Eddie began his trip.  He was taking his time and enjoying the scenery.  He had purchased a used SUV, since they were pretty cheap with the current gas prices.  He had all his belongings stowed in the back, both boxes of them.  The Corps had not yet returned any of his belongings, pending the outcome of the upcoming hearing.

When he stopped for lunch, he called the lawyer Fred had referred him to.  It was kind of strange; this guy was in the same town as his nephew.  He got the secretary; the lawyer was in court and wasn't expected back until the next day.  Eddie made an appointment for three o'clock the next afternoon.  He stopped for the night in Cumberland, Maryland.  It was a cheap motel, but had a bed and bathroom and it was clean. 

'Well today's the day,' Eddie thought, as he left the room and headed for his SUV.  It was shortly after one when he stopped in this small town for lunch.  His nephew lived just outside of town.  He pulled through the fast food place and sat in the parking lot eating, despite the gathering of butterflies in his stomach.  This Marine Master Sergeant, battle hardened, not afraid of facing enemy gunfire, was nervous about meeting his nephew, jeez.

He managed to take an hour to eat his lunch, while running a thousand lame greetings through his brain.  'Hi, I'm your Uncle.'  'You don't know me, but I'm your Uncle.'  'Hello I'm Eddie you must be my nephew, Tiger.' 'No, no, he wouldn't still be called that.  And if that guy was right, he's filthy rich, and I will have to get past a butler or something.  Maybe I should call for an appointment or something.'

Eddie's gaze fell on his USMC ring.  His wife and boys had given it to him two years ago, for Christmas.  It was a little small and they had been unable to remove it in the hospital.  He put the SUV in gear, "I'm a Marine.  Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!" (Oh well, that was a Navy guy, but it fit.)

A half hour later he drove down the street two blocks and saw the lawyer's office.  He parked right in front and waited until it was time for his appointment, then he went in.  There was no one in the front office.  A man peeked out the door. "Jeez, I've got a three o'clock, but I'm free after that.  How about I meet you at your place and have dinner? Oh, and the hair cut looks good on you."

Eddie looked around and he was the only one there.  "Excuse me?"

The head popped back out the door and stared at him.  "Jesus H. Christ!  Sergeant White, I presume."

"Ah, not any more." Eddie replied, somewhat taken aback.

"Well, no matter, come on in, man.  I just got finished setting the two nosiest people in the world on the task of looking for you, and here you come, just casually walking into my office.  Man, oh man, this even tops yesterday." The lawyer said, grinning.

"You were looking for me?" Eddie was now totally confused.

"My client is, he said something about the Marines being wrong about your death, and all."

"Well, I guess Dennis White IS dead; he actually died twenty-two years ago.  I just assumed his identity, so that I could enlist, since I was sixteen at the time."

"Ah, that answers that.  Close the door, and let's talk.  I still can't believe you just walked in here like that. What a weird coincidence.  Jeez, it's like some kind of bizarre mystery novel, or something."

To be continued ... in ... The Last Phoenix

Author's Notes:
This has been a very special project.  I usually write with Darryl and TSL, reading segments as I write them, using a chat program where we put the paragraphs and review them for continuity.  This story, however, has been a secret, and the first time TSL sees this, will be when he edits it. He is going to be so surprised.  See, I'm Evil to my editors too.  
Another fun thing about this situation is that our associate editor, Arli J., had a visit from the Haven gang. They jumped into his head, and there was a character among them whom he didn't remember from either Haven or Haven2.  He mentioned the guy's name to me, and I almost died. You see, I had made a complete family tree on paper, to help me keep things from 'Shorty's Christmas' and 'Haven' straight.  In that family tree, I had included this one particular character that Arli mentioned. I hadn't mentioned him to anyone, by name. 

This is his story.  Thanks, Arli, for reminding me of him, or I may never have written his part of the story.  I suspect, however, that he contacted you so you would tell me and remind me to put him in there.

Those of you who haven't figured this out, I guess you will just have to  wait and read Haven, Book Three, Chapter one.  There, you will pick up the story, and you will see just how it ties into Haven, Fire and The Last Phoenix, and possibly a couple of other stories as well.  
Let me know if you enjoyed this, and think you know what is going on.
            Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:

First of all, let me point out that I get visits from the Haven gang quite often. They worm their way into my head without asking and tell me plot points that they say I should be sneaking past Str8mayb, and they hope he won't notice.  Now they are talking to Arli, too. I'm glad they are, though, because now Str8 can't always blame me for it anymore.

I wonder how many of you have this all figured out. I strongly suspect that many of you have.  There were some clues thrown around, here and there. Don't bother looking here for any more of them though. My lips are sealed. I wonder if Arli has it figured out.  As Str8mayb said, it is all his fault.  But the really weird thing is that Str8mayb had it written down earlier, and Arli must have seen that family tree. I really do think Arli is psychic.  The question is though, is he a good detective?  As much as we have thrown some things around to misdirect you, we haven't actually cheated, at least not to any great extent. I promise that we have been completely fair, in so far as what we have said and in what we have not yet said. In fact, we have carefully gone over this story with a fine tooth comb, to make sure that the things that we say in here fit with what has been said elsewhere.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Associate Editor's Notes:

Str8mayb has been blaming this story on me, saying it's all my fault that he had to write it.  Not so!  All I did was ask a simple question.  But, ya know what?  I'm so glad I did, or we wouldn't have had this great story.  Yes, I did figure out what is going on, but only because I'm an addict for Str8's stories.  I think he's one helluva an author!  I can't wait to see where this is going.  Eddie needs to be a part of the Haven and Phoenix adventure.  I'd really like to see "Tiger's" face when they meet.  Keep those chapters coming, Str8!  Your fans are waiting IMPATIENTLY for more!
Arli J

Fort Chief Editor's Notes:

As I mentioned in one of my author's notes for my story "A Tale of Mantasia" this is the chapter that Str8mayb kept secret from me. The really cool thing is that he let me choose which story it was to be added to; well that was an easy choice and so here it is.

As usual Str8mayb has done a wonderful job with adding new characters and new details into his storyline.

I could also say I wish I knew where this particular story line is going but I already do and to a large extent so do you.

TSL