Page 55 of Silent Dust
Excitement rippled through the crowd. “Wait, you’re actually going to make us work?” Blast teased, clutching his chest in mock horror. “I thought this was about sitting around and drinking beer!”
Bear grinned, shaking his head. “There will be plenty of that too. But as the business grows, we’ll be employing veterans from all branches. My team gets first dibs.”
Link, who had been quietly watching, stepped forward, casting a sidelong glance at Commander Michaels, who was nodding approvingly. “Bear,” he said, extending his hand, “I’m in. Being a single dad now, I told the Commander I’m not re-upping. He’s helping me stay stateside for the rest of my enlistment.”
Bear clasped Link’s shoulder with genuine pride. “You’ll be a great dad, Link. Samir’s lucky to have you.”
After shaking hands, Link moved over to sit next to Swede. “I need your help,” he whispered, his expression resolute. “Samir’s mother is still somewhere in Basra.”
As the night deepened, conversations flowed freely, mingling laughter with the clink of bottles. One by one, the members of Bear’s team pledged their commitment—once their enlistments ended, they wanted to join this new adventure.
“Alright, then,” Bear said, raising his bottle high. “To new beginnings and the Brotherhood Protectors! May we always have each other’s backs, no matter where life takes us.”
“Cheers to that!” Hank shouted, sparking a chorus of laughter as the group raised their bottles in unison.
“Just don’t forget the beer!” Swede added with a wink, provoking another round of hearty laughter.
A deep sense of fulfillment washed over Bear. Despite the day’s chaos, they had emerged stronger—more united than ever. Together, they would face whatever challenges came their way, side by side, just as they always had. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and Bear couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them all.
34 - EPILOGUE
Bear climbeddown the steps off the porch of his new farmhouse, the fading sunlight painting the Blue Ridge Mountains in shades of gold and amber. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth—a peaceful contrast to the chaos that had once defined his days.
His eyes followed Amelia and Kenzi as they knelt in the yard, gently tending to their rabbits. The girls’ laughter floated on the breeze, light and carefree—a sound Bear cherished more than words could express. Watching them, he felt a deep sense of gratitude and quiet pride.
It had been a year since that barbecue—the night he announced the formation of the Blue Ridge Protectors, a new chapter of the Brotherhood Protectors here in Virginia. That moment marked a turning point, a deliberate step away from his life as a Navy SEAL and into a future filled with different kinds of battles.
Bear took a slow breath, letting the tranquility settle over him. This was home now—a place where family, purpose, and peace intertwined. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, he knew he was exactly where he was meant to be.
After weeks of searching for the perfect piece of rural land, Bear and his team found a sprawling farmhouse nestled in Highland County. The charming white clapboard house featured a steeply pitched roof and a welcoming porch adorned with rocking chairs.
The surrounding property was expansive, offering plenty of space not only for the main farmhouse but also for new homes the family and team members were beginning to build. Bear and Flora had added a house for their family nearby, and Link was building one for himself and Samir—not far from the main homestead. It was the start of a growing community, with hopes that eventually every member of the Brotherhood Protectors would find a place here, close to one another.
The landscape was breathtaking—rolling pastures alive with wildflowers, dense woods creating a serene border, and a rustic barn nearby enclosed by a wooden fence that held goats, horses, and chickens. These animals brought life and lessons of responsibility and empathy to the children.
Bear and Hank Patterson negotiated with Lukas and Eloise Meyer, an older couple rooted in the community. The Meyers agreed to sell the property while staying on to manage the farm, allowing them to keep their bond with the land alive.
The orchard, vegetable garden, and sparkling pond added to the idyllic setting. The Blue Ridge Mountains rose in the distance, majestic and steady—a daily reminder of the life they built.
Bear oversaw remodeling the main kitchen with commercial-grade appliances and expanded the dining room to seat large gatherings, fostering camaraderie. The farmhouse was adapted to house team members temporarily, and the basement was transformed into a secure conference room, equipped with encrypted communications.
The past year had been a whirlwind. Flora worked as a Medical Examiner nearby, balancing flexible hours with homeschooling the kids. Rhys and Kenzi’s curiosity for science grew in a barn-turned-lab, while Amelia, reading above her age level, found the farm her playground.
Amelia and Kenzi bonded over caring for the rabbits, learning responsibility through hands-on experience. The mission in Basra and Flora’s unexpected hospitalization led the team to rethink their futures. Many, like Link, chose to leave active service, embracing new lives near Mountain View Farm.
Link and Samir, now adopted and part of the family, thrived in their new home. Link and Swede transformed the basement into a cutting-edge communications center, a symbol of their dedication.
Samir’s English flourished as he joined the homeschooling circle, forming lasting friendships with Rhys and Kenzi. The children, despite age differences, formed a close-knit group, sharing laughter and watchful care.
Lukas and Eloise became mentors in farm life, passing on knowledge about animals and gardening. Their patience and passion nurtured the children's connection to land and nature.
Each night, the sky deepened to a rich indigo, stars twinkling as if blessing their journey. Bear and Flora shared quiet moments on the porch, sipping coffee in the cool air, surrounded by the sounds of the evening.
Then Bear’s phone buzzed sharply. Pulling it from his pocket, he frowned at the unknown number before answering.
Static crackled, then a strained voice broke through.
“Bear, I need your help.”
“Moose?” Bear asked, surprise and concern lacing his voice. “Moose?”
