Page 64 of Forbidden Moon
While the rest of the team finished packing the waiting vans, Sheppard met with the two men chosen to lead the Gladstone mission for last-minute instructions. Oscar York, imposing as always, had replaced Lou Harmon as his Second and leader of his Elite Team. He and Artem Sanford, a technology and communications expert, would be working together with Ben’s security team to protect Gladstone from this latest threat.
Except for the designated drivers, they’d been working non-stop since yesterday to gather the needed equipment and work out a rudimentary plan of action. Unlike the disastrous attack by Lyle Wilburn’s people, this threat came from the human population—far more dangerous and sweeping in its scope. If Gladstone were exposed, the domino effect threatened shifters everywhere. Theymustbe identified and stopped, and Sheppard happily provided the muscle and means to do it.
“You’re being sent to supplement, not take over. Do your best to integrate with Gladstone’s people and make it work. I can personally vouch for Caleb Vogel. He’s sharp, dedicated, and deeply committed to his pack and Alpha. Now that we know where the threat is, we have a much better chance to neutralize it. I don’t need to remind you of the crucial nature of this mission. Everything we are as a people, including our lives, may hang in the balance if we fail.
“Gladstone has suffered enough recently, and we owe them in ways I cannot fully explain. I will be standing by to provide whatever additional assistance you may need. You not only have my support but the backing of the entire council. Make sure Ben knows it. Do your job, make us proud, and get back here in one piece. That’s an order.”
Sheppard offered a weary smile and escorted them downstairs and out into the parking lot where the rest of the team waited. He watched them load up and drive away, wishing he could have gone along to share in the danger. A jaw-cracking yawn confirmed he was running on fumes, and as soon as he sent Ben a text with the team’s ETA, he intended to go home and begin the longest wait of his life.
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GLADSTONE, NEAR NOON
“... so except for breakfast, my family will be eating here in the packhouse. Cody will provide an extra set of hands to help keep the kitchen open around the clock until this is over. Besides our own people, we have an additional thirty men arriving today who will need meals. Their schedules will likely be all over the place as they rotate in and out. I also asked our packmates to help with serving, cleanup, and prep so the three of you can focus on cooking.”
Perdy, Michelle, and Cody attentively listened as Ben continued his explanation of their new duties.
“I know how busy you’re going to be, so I’m not expecting any baking or desserts unless you have extra time. If you hear any complaints, send them to me. We may also need simple, transportable meals for the security cabins near our farthest borders. Decide what you need, and we’ll make a run into Escanaba for the supplies. Once Linda closes up the Daycare, she plans to help out wherever needed. I’ll be sticking close to the packhouse to help coordinate things, so come to me if you have any issues.”
Ben left them to finish preparing lunch, heading for the conference room—now designated as the new Surveillance Hub. Dan King, temporarily pulled off the Delta Avenue Apartment project, was busy upgrading the electrical service to accommodate the equipment they expected.
“Good work, Dan. Do you have everything you need here?”
“Looks like it, but I could use some help for an hour or so.”
Ben considered his options and then sent a text.
“Done. I asked Nolan to send Abigail over from the new guest house cabin. Is Caleb still in the building?”
“I think he’s in the Fitness Center, uh, I mean the Tactical Center. He wants to talk to you before the team arrives.”
Ben thanked him and turned to go as his phone vibrated with a text.
> Duluth package has arrived. Clear to proceed?
> Yep. Send them through.
Ben collected Caleb so they could greet their visitors together. Passing through the packhouse doors, Ben explained that he’d been on his way to see him.
“I heard you were looking for me. What’s up?”
“How is this going to work, Ben? I mean, who’s actually in charge? I don’t want some power struggle to get in our way; I need a clear line of authority.”
Ben wasn’t surprised by the legitimate concern. Pissing contests were a waste of time and energy.
“This is my pack, and you are the head of my security. Hopefully, whoever they sent will be willing to work with you. I’ll step in if I have to, but I expect honest communication and cooperation. I don’t think Alpha Sheppard will have sent us a problem child.”
A fleet of nondescript black vehicles, four long passenger vans, and two windowless cargo vans rounded the corner into view. Ben directed them to pull in near the meadow, lined up in a long row. While the others filed out to stretch and look around, two men approached to speak with him. The first, a muscular Beta with a determined face and confident gate, reminded Ben of Lou. The other fellow, a friendly-looking Delta with an average build, followed slightly behind his comrade.
“Welcome to Gladstone, gentlemen. I’m Ben Blair, and this Caleb Vogel, my chief of security.”
They both reached out to shake hands.
“Oscar York, Team Leader, and Alpha Sheppard’s Second. This is your new electronics specialist, Artem Sanford. We’ve heard a lot of good things about this pack, and we’re here to support and supplement your existing team. Why don’t I introduce you to the guys and show you some of the goodies we brought with us?”
Ben glanced at Caleb on their way over to say hello, a shared smile between them. Sheppard had indeed sent his right-hand man to oversee the operation. It couldn’t get any better than this—until he got a glimpse of the equipment packed into the cargo vans. One contained a fleet of new dirt bikes, a command tent, and most of their gear. The other held an enormous stash of boxed electronics, including laptops, satellite phones, communications equipment, trail cameras, and advanced optical drones for overhead surveillance.
Astonished, Ben and Caleb practically drooled over the added manpower and technical capabilities represented here. Ben spoke first.
