Hank thought that breaking camp was more time consuming than setting up. They were almost done though. Alongside the road the convoy had come in on two nights earlier sat an impressive number of vehicles, all for twenty-five people. He knew those numbers would grow once they took on refugees again. The semi that was equipped with the latrines, showers, and laundry was first in line, followed by the equally large semi that held the refugee tents and cots. Tables and chairs for the dining facilities, as well as the tents for cooking, eating, and the medic were in there too. Next was the water tanker that would be refilled as soon as they found a potable source, and the diesel fuel tanker. The six motorhomes that were used by the senior staff and the two pickup trucks were last in line at the moment and would be replaced by the two transports and empty school buses. The food truck, a large delivery van that held all edible supplies and the kitchen equipment, was the last to break down and the first to be set up. It would take its place at the front of the line, right behind the lead truck, when they were ready to move.
“Are we ready to button-up the command center and hook it up to its semi-tractor?” John asked.
“Yes, as soon as the generator is hitched up to the heavy duty pickup and moved out of the way,” Sam told him.
“I think we’ve done this in record time.” John smiled. Knowing they were about to get on the road again had him optimistic.
***
“Sgt. Walker, please have a seat,” Vivian said to the new arrival. “Your men have done a remarkable job at setting up quickly. They’re to be commended.”
“Thank you, Commander Jarrett, they’re a well-trained group,” he said. “And if I may be candid, I think they are all anxious and appreciative to have some in-field experience.”
“Speaking of in-field experience,” she went on, “I’ve found it best to be a bit less formal among the higher ranks. In private, I prefer first names, Thom, so you can call me Vivian. In public though, especially in front of your troops, as Commander or Captain Jarrett, whichever you feel more appropriate.”
“Captain?”
“Weren’t you briefed that I hold the rank of captain in the army?”
“No, ma’am, I wasn’t.”
“I think as commander of the post though, I outrank myself,” she chuckled. “Also, even though she doesn’t have any military experience and no rank, my personal assistant, Haley Hanson, is to be treated with the respect that I would be treated with, understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“If I’m not available, seek her out and I will get your messages and be disturbed if it’s urgent,” Vivian said. “If it’s top secret, however, save it for me. I will redact it and inform her with what she will need to know.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“All this ‘yes, ma’am’ is giving me a headache.” She sighed. “Come on, Commander Coulter is getting ready to leave.”
***
John waited impatiently beside his aging motorhome. As before, he brought up the rear, though this time it was as second in command. John’s biggest concern was that Haley would ask to ride with him, although he hadn’t seen much of her the past two days. His walkie squawked.
“John, we’re ready to leave. Come to Jarrett’s command center for a few goodbyes.” Hank disconnected abruptly.
John made his way to the area of activity and stood beside Hank, who was smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
“I want to thank everyone who made my loss here more bearable, especially John Tiggs,” Vivian said. “He found me half dead and brought me back.” She looked at him and smiled. “And I hate to do this to you John, but I’m taking from you another of your successes. I’ve hired Haley as my new PA, so she won’t be going with you.”
John was stunned.
Haley, hair freshly cut short and free of the bleached blonde, stepped out of the crowd and stood in front of him. “Goodbye, John, I’ll never forget you.” Her bottom lip quivered as she reached out to him. He folded her in his arms, hugged her tight, and kissed her cheek.
“You just passed life lesson number three,” he whispered in her ear. “It’s called letting go.”