SITUATION ROOM
Soldier Sam was going to finish the script by himself and hand it to Cupid with the statement that he didn’t understand a single line.
But it was too much—Soldier Sam was too far gone. He blew up when he was half through and went on a Bourbon Binge and arrived back at Cupids Office to find a message that Cupid wanted to see the script right away.
Soldier Sam was in a confused state when his door opened and Sarina came in with a typescript in one hand, and a copy of Cupid’s note in the other.
Sarina and Soldier Sam walked to the Bulletin Board and Soldier Sam found out Cupid was interested in Valentines Day Activities where popular movies could be translated into another language.
'Oh!' Sarina exclaimed. 'Those are all fantastic Valentines Day Activity pictures. And “Stairway Access to Confusion” is my Bronx Friends’ favourite picture and “Penny for Your Thoughts?” is mine.'
'I thought “Angels Exist Working Magic” and “You’re Waiting for.. ME?!” were by far the greatest pictures,” Soldier Sam said excitedly. 'Great Stuff! 'I’ve been here a long time and I have never done a Valentines Activity in another language
Sarina and Soldier Sam walked up to a stage and Soldier Sam sent his idea to Cupid. Cupid said he would keep himself busy straightening his arrows to strike while Sarina and Soldier Sam rehearsed a scene.
"What've you done? Are these all Love Stories?" asked Cupid.
"Yes.” answered Sarina. “At first I was held back over concerns about language translation, but once I got started it was very simple. You just get on with your Valentines Day Activity and dream."
Soldier Sam was enthusiastic. "It was written in the Flash Cards, Sarina, we were supposed to collaborate. Cupid will be wild."
"I've always wanted to do my Valentines Day Activity in another language," said Sarina. "I'll explain it to Cupid.
Soldier Sam sat in a daze. If Sarina’s script was good--but how could a first script be good? Sarina should have fed it to him as he wrote; then they might have something.
The uncertainty started Soldier Sam’s brain working--he was struck by his first original idea since he and Sarina had first started talking about it.
Soldier Sam turned to Cupid for some input. That’s when Cupid came over and told Sarina what he wanted. Sarina was interested.
"Listen outside Cupids office, Sarina. If he's in, push it under his door. If he's out get it delivered to him, wherever he is. Say it comes straight from the Language Learning Directorate Then you can step out for lunch so he won't catch on, see?
Cupid opened Solder Sam’s script.
To Cupid’s vast surprise it was technically proficient--the dissolves, fades, cuts, pans and trucking shots were correctly detailed. This simplified everything.
Soldier Sam was turning back to the first page and looked to see what Sarina wrote at the top.
Then, working frantically, Soldier Sam made several dozen small changes. He substituted the phrase "At the present time” for "Right Now!", he put "Please" instead of "It is requested to” and also replaced "In accordance with" with the efficient "Per!" and “In consideration of the fact” was substituted for by “Because”
“Look Cupid, I can do this Valentines Day Activity if I learn a few romantic words or phrases in another language like “Je t’aime” means “I Love You” in French, “Je t’adore” means “I like you a lot” in French, and “Te Amo” means “I Love You” in Spanish.
Then Sarina came back from lunch.
Soldier Sam’s response to Sarina was clear "Right now I got an important Valentines Day Activity angle to work on. I can’t spend all my time learning another language.
Sarina turned to Cupid.
"There's your Valentines Day Activity, Cupid.” Soldier Sam is here for one reason only--because he Loves Me. There's nothing against him but he belongs to Language Learning Days as much as--as much as--" Sarina’s eyes fell upon Soldier Sam..
"What do you mean?" demanded Cupid.
“Well, In the beginning, it’s sparks and fast heartbeats..” Started Sarina. “You use a common language between you – often English – and you don’t care much for a misplaced verb or a poor choice of adjectives.
“Yeah, Sarina, mistakes are one more chance to see your charming smile. Communication happens through glance, touch, laughter. Words don’t seem to matter, right.” Soldier Sam said.
“Learning a common language between the two of you sounds like a great Valentines Day Activity,” Cupid approved. “The words in your partners language are playful, exciting and form a great bond with each other.”
Soldier Sam added, Then there will come a point when speaking the language is a little more than a game “ You learn to say I Love You; you understand a few sincere compliments. It’s like a secret code between you, making your relationship thrilling and unique.”
“But then there comes a time for reality” Cupid:wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page.
Soldier Sam and Sarina planned to make this Valentine’s Day Activity a go and promised to come back next year and discuss these encounters so maybe Cupid would let them take an even bigger step a year from now.
"All signed up and ready to go," said Sarina. "Look at this Soldier Sam, now—the whole year we going to sit in the office and send notes in two languages to the big shots!
"So what's the answer, Cupid?" asked Soldier Sam.
"Who's going to the top?" asked Sarina, now showing excitement.
"It’s going to be quite a ride for both of you. But I’m sure it’s going to go great” Cupid approved of Sarina and Soldier Sam’s idea with conviction. “Not many partners have such a great idea for Valentine’s Day Activities!!”
TRAINING
Soldier Sam’s Training for New Starship Missions was not at all like what he expected. Rams Mascot was not a typical Instructor.
Rams Mascot challenged Soldier Sam “do you not once again plan to skip any of your training, as you have indicated?” Soldier Sam was astounded. Who had told Rams Mascot such a thing, since it was something he had only confided as much to Sarina, and only once had he attempted something he had not even begun to figure out how to do. In reply, Rams Mascot was silent, and did not challenge Soldier Sam any futher. Soldier Sam had done what he was required to do at the Training Camp.
For the chairman, it would prove to be an extremely instructive week, which had not been the case for some time now. Because of the wide variety of aims laid down for the next operation and the opposition from the Mainland we were likely to encounter, it was obvious to the chairman that the full fleet flank would need to become involved. It would be a fully coordinated and joint effort and each of the columns would have to assume vital roles. There was considerable chatter among the officers which was unrelenting and did not please the chairman. He couldn’t figure exactly what was going on with our advance and he told the officers to speak clearly with one voice. It soon became clear that we would be approaching the patrol without knowing if they had their wireless working and was able to communicate with the Mainland to call for reinforcements.
Everyone is rolling dice during simulations like at a craps table, looking for the right combination of symbols that will load a torpedo tube or raise a shield or move the ship to just the right spot to fire on the enemy. Meanwhile, the teams steal glances across the table to see what the enemy is doing. It is stressful, barely controlled chaos.
The chairman figured one of the unit commanders would take control but none emerged, so everyone started chatting up the communications that had just come back online to see what units has made it back to the terminal. He upset with the whole situation and wanted everyone else to know it. Many of the officers had expressed concerns during the last briefing at the terminal, and they had been required to answer all of them and supplement their arguments with maps, estimations of the Mainland force structure and requests for supplies to be added to the inventories. What is the terrain like? How clear are the skies and who is aligned against us and in what number? How high are the mountains, are there any tanks and what about air support?
LAST DAY ON EARTH
The Dutchess of Bronx is a Classical Story.
Soldier Sam and Sarina were going to the Yankees Game, so there were general rejoicings. Solider Sam had waited a lifetime to go to Yankees Stadium, and at last the moment had arrived.
Sarina had the 5 Train Journey all worked out and on her head was a Fitted Yankees Cap. Sarina was so beautiful that as she got on the train with Solider Sam all the people cheered. 'Sarina is the most beautiful Dutchess of Bronx we have ever witnessed” they cried, and they threw down colorful flowers on the Train floor as she boarded.
'Your Yankees Jersey looks so beautiful on you Sarina” Solider Sam couldn’t help saying 'but you are even more beautiful today than I could have ever imagined. Sarina blushed, adding even more Rose Color to her face.
'She was like a Princess before” said a the guy taking their tickets at the Turnstile, 'but she is an even bigger deal than that” and the whole line of people with tickets were delighted.
For the next few minutes everybody went about saying, 'Sarina, Sarina.. She is like a Red Rose;' and Soldier Sam gave orders at the concession stand that there would be free beer that night for everyone at Yankee Stadium.
Soldier Sam considered it a great honor to buy everyone drinks at the Game and the appreciation from the fans was duly published on Twitter.
When it became time for Sarina to throw out the First Pitch the entire Stadium shook with celebration. Sarina walked hand in hand with Solider Sam to the mound.
Then there was, after all, the actual Game against the Red Sox. Solider Sam and Sarina had tickets in the Front Row behind the Yankees Dugout and commenced the festivities by slamming an entire beer in a Classic Plastic Cup.
'It is quite clear they love each other,' said the Yankees as they took the field.
'What an honor!' thought Solider Sam. To be appreciated by the Bronx Faithful.
Once the Game got underway, Sarina considered just how happy she was to be there cheering on her Bronx Bombers. “The Yanks are going to kick some Red Sox Butt! Making them cry on their plane ride back to Boston!” Sarina found herself shouting.
The Yankees put on a grand display of Home Runs like a Fireworks Show and the Game had just started. Sarina had seen offensive fireworks from the Yanks before, but for some reason they seemed even more Special today. It was a strikingly gorgeous Summer day in the Bronx.
'Are the Bronx Bomber Fireworks like all the time, Sarina?' asked Soldier Sam as he tried to contain the Ketchup, Mustard, Onions and Relish Condiments. Soldier Sam always tried to fit more than the usual apportionment in the Silver Tinfoil Hot Dog Wrapper but usually found himself regretting it once it was time to eat back at their seat.
'They are like a gift from God, replied Sarina. “I prefer them to stars myself, as you always know when they are going to appear, but Yankee home runs are always unpredictable. Well at least when the Bookies hadn’t fixed the game” Sarina admitted.
Solider Sam certainly agreed.
'Yankee Stadium is so very beautiful!” Sarina exclaimed. 'Just look at that crisp application of the Chalk Lines on the basepaths. Why! they could not be lovelier. I am so very glad we have Yankees Tickets today.“:
'Any place you love in the world to is special, Sarina. But I know Yankee Stadium pretty much takes the Cake.” Soldier Sam was impressed at the job the Grounds Crew had done to prepare for the Big Game too.
The Yankees are always the Biggest Deal in the World to me, Solider Sam” Sarina continued. Yankees Stadium is like the moon. It will always live forever in our Hearts.
“I heard all about the Matchup this morning on Twitter. Sarina said. If Twitter says the same thing over and over a great many times, it becomes true in the end.
Suddenly, another sharp crack of the bat reminded both Soldier Sam and Sarina, that, despite how easily the beers had started to become emptied, there was still a Baseball Game to be played.
Then came another fine-looking Rocket of the end of a Yankee’s bat, whizzing over the short porch in Right Field. Sarina always cheered whenever the Yankees even got a routine hit, but her excitement could not be contained after a Moon Shot like that, widening the already substantial Yankees lead.
Sarina made the brilliant observation that the Red Sox will always Suck, attracting attention from the others in their seating section.
“YES!!” Soldier Sam was getting pretty involved in the Game too.
Solider Sam was something of a sports politician, but had always taken a prominent positive bias toward the Yankees when Sarina was involved, so he knew the proper Parliamentary expressions to use.
'Quite Brilliant,' Soldier Sam continued, Slamming His Beer and wondering when the Beer Vendor would venture down the Aisle to serve Sarina.
As soon as the inning came to an end the Beer Vendor appeared, and Solider Sam began getting his order started.
Soldier Sam spoke with a very slow, distinct voice, as if he was explaining the importance of Amphibious Landings to a group of young Marines.
'How fortunate it is for you to appear with more beers,' Soldier Sam remarked. Sarina and Solider Sam had finished their drinks at the same time and she was proud of her accomplishment, even though Solider Sam was already several rounds ahead of her. But who’s counting?
Really, it was always that way, but today could not have turned out better for Sarina. Princesses are always Lucky.
'Dear me! said Sarina, 'I thought it was quite the other way, that we were keeping an even pace.'
'It may be so with you,' Soldier Sam answered; 'Indeed, I have no doubt that it is, but with me it is different. I am a very remarkable Beer Competitor, with a storied history“
“A Drunk, you mean“ laughed Sarina, 'I know it is True, for I saw it written on your face.'
'Well, I said I was when we first met,' answered Soldier Sam, in a severe tone of voice, and Sarina began at once to bully Soldier Sam around, in order to show that she wore the pants in the relationship..
'I was saying,' continued Solider Sam, 'I was saying - What was I saying?'
'You were talking about your Love for beer,' replied Sarina
'Of course; I knew I was discussing some interesting subject when I was so rudely interrupted. I don’t really appreciate rudeness and bad manners of any kind, even from the Love of My Life. No one in the whole world is as sensitive as I am, I am quite sure of that.'
'What do you mean a sensitive person?' said Sarina to Soldier Sam.
'A person, who, because he has major issues himself, doesn‘t like to rain on other people‘s parades,' answered Soldier Sam.
What are you laughing at?' inquired Soldier Sam; 'I am not laughing.'
'I am laughing because I am so happy we are here at Yankees Stadium enjoying the beautiful game,” replied Sarina. “Don’t take life so seriously, Soldier Sam” Sarina suggested.'
'Certainly,' agreed Soldier, who was now in better spirits; 'that is only common sense.'
'Common sense, indeed!' said Sarina. But Sarina was Brilliantly uncommon, and very remarkable. Why, anybody can have common sense. But Sarina has imagination, for she never thinks of things like everyone else. That was one of the countless reasons Soldier Sam Loved Sarina.
The only thing that sustains Soldier Sam through life is the existence of Sarina and this is a sentiment that is eternal, it existed long before he even know who the embodiment of his dreams would be.
'Well, really,“ Soldier Sam said “It is a most joyful Day at the Ball Park, and when you soar up into the air I intend to tell the stars all about it. The world sees them twinkle when I talk to them about you.'
'Ah! What a view of life you have, Sarina! continued Soldier Sam; Just as I expected out of you today. You are Brilliant and Beautiful in every possible way
'You had really better keep yourself focused on the game,' said Sarina 'That is the important thing.'
'Very important for you, I have no doubt,' answered Soldier Sam. “Me too.
Now Solider Sam and Sarina’s attention was back on the Game. “Let’s Go Yankees.. Let’s Go Yankees, came the always enthusiastic cheer from the Bronx Crowd, Truly the Best Fans in Baseball.
'Let the fireworks begin!” Sarina joined the noise of the over capacity crowd at Yankees Stadium; and stood up with the rest of the Bronx Faithful.
It was certainly a magnificent display.
'What a delightful voice you have, Sarina!' Soldier Sam was so in Love and Happy that he had finally found a friend to go to Yankees Stadium with!
STARSHIP TRAVEL
You are in charge of a Starship with an original Crew who have been on call to man the ship their entire lives, even while Earth was still together before being blown to pieces when the Sun exploded.
Even though the Rams Fans aboard the Starship vividly recall the excitement they experienced at Rams Stadium on Earth the original crew on board has never been to a Rams Game, only shown Virtual Reality Footage of the Rams filmed in a time and place they had never experienced.
Even while you are the Captain of the ship you too had been a long running resident of Earth and the opinion of the Crew is always that living aboard the Starship is better than being on the ground.
You and the Rams Fans can’t wait to get off the ship and establish Rams Stadium in all of it’s glory on any planet you can find, so you devise a plan to change the ship's course to a nearby Galaxy full of unexplored Planets.
But Soldier Sam has taken control of Spaceship command andhe alone has the authority to parcel out the power required for transit to the new planets and if his plan succeeds, your Starship with run the risk of being lost in space forever.
You can’t wait to get down to the surface so You and the Rams Fans can experience a better way of life, but Soldier Sam has a different plan and intends to abandon the group on the surface of a planet without the possibility for Rams Football surface and take the Starship up into orbit.
With Soldier Sam’s knowledge of the location of vast supplies and advanced technology, he is essential to your Operations unless you can find someone else on the ship with his Skill Set. You know about Soldier Sam’s plan and if word gets out, it may immediately lead to unrest among all the Rams Fans on your Starship.
Sarina’s takeaway from that catastrophe is not the traditional narrative of saving Rams Fans. Instead, it’s an excess of preparedness and over-engineering that barely managed to save Rams Fans, and might not even have managed that without nearly perfect weather during the peak galaxy season. No moon and flat calm, as the Rams Fans said.
The Radio Crackled. Sarina and Soldier Sam both heard the noise.
“Rams Mascot is that YOU?!!” Sarina was shocked.
“Wait, Rams Mascot, I can’t hear you. Speak up!” Sarina shouted.
“Rams Mascot we have a bad connection. Hold on while Soldier Sam and I fix the ship so we can hear you. Sit Tight! Don’t Go anywhere, We will reestablish the connection,” Sarina Promised.
Performance of the Starship exceeded design. When confronted with the overwhelming force, such an impact at a relative velocity, extending much of the length of her hull … Sarina and Soldier Sam weathered it.
The Starship stayed afloat and in trim the whole time. Because of the heroism of crew members in the boiler rooms who knew they were sacrificing their safety in the effort, the lights stayed on.
Sarina and Soldier Sam wanted to believe terrible things happened for reasons. They wanted there to be a flaw to correct, something they could have done better. A choice could have somehow made differently. We want disasters to be preventable.
But the Galaxy doesn’t work that way.
“Where are You, Rams Mascot?” Sarina shouted into the radio receiver.
Rams Mascots voice came through loud and clear.
“WHERE ARE YOU, RAMS MASCOT?” Sarina wanted to know as soon as possible. “Can the Planet’s Terrain and Atmosphere support Rams Football””
“I’m on Planet CAPELLA! Check it out, Sarina!”
Planets warm air reaches the cool wall and roof, loses its extra energy, and recirculates to the warm surfaces, thus setting up a steady state of trapped warm air in which the surface of the soil and plants and the average air temperature are higher than the temperature outside
Sounds perfect for Rams Football” exclaimed Sarina.
Sarina signaled on the Video Chat to get a close look at Ram Mascot’s position on the Planet .
Sarina went directly to the controls with her Captains Suit, and her Adventure Goggles pulled tight.
Rams Mascot said he knew a secret railway through the terrain of the Planet that might get him to the new Rams Stadium unobserved.
And glanced at Soldier Sam’s Report on Rams Fans activities that day.
"Get a chance to read it?" Soldier Sam asked in a tone of expectation.
.
"It's Great” responded Sarina. Better than your usual stuff. Listen, Rams Mascot is with me now."
"Have you signed him up to scout out the terrain on Planet?” Soldier Sam was full of curiosity about the potential for Rams Football to be played there.
"I'm going to.” Sarina decided. “Seems he wants to work with Me. Here, you talk to him, Soldier Sam"
We are coming to Rams Planet, Rams Mascot! But we have to make 2 Stops.
First we are going to Planet X for some Upgrades to our Starship since we expect to Drift for Long Time to land on Rams Moon.
Then New Starship Upgrades for Big Fight to get from the Moon to Rams Stadium.
We are going to make a day of it on Planet X while our ship gets fixed. It will be an Adventure!!
Then we will go on a Day Trip on Your Rams Moon too.
“Look, Solder Sam!” Planet X is fast approaching “ said Sarina. Prepare for landing!!”
After Sarina’s assurance, Soldier Sam was confident and was just enjoying every moment of it. After a span of several minutes, Sarina prepared the landing.
PLANET X ACTIVIES
It was July Fourth. Independence Day. Sarina had been invited to spend the night at Soldier Sam’s “Hollywood Estate". Even though a full display had been planned, Sarina brought a box of her very own fireworks to be let off that night.
“Soldier Sam is taking me to an organised fireworks show tonight before we have our celebration late into the night”, Sarina had explained to her friend earlier that week. “It will be great fun!”
Once Sarina arrived the first thing she said to Soldier Sam was “ Great we can take our box of fireworks with us to the public park. “ Sarina was so excited.
“Oh, no.” Soldier Sam looked surprised. “We cannot take our own fireworks with us to organised displays. It would be too dangerous.”
Sarina was very disappointed. Then she had an idea! “We could give them to the organisers and have them sparked for us”. She suggested.
Soldier Sam smiled. He explained that the professionals use special fireworks at the display. “They are very big and the people have to be specially trained to use them. But we can watch our own fireworks when we get back from the show.”
“Oh Great!”, Sarina exclaimed. I will be able to light them off then. Soldier Sam almost fell over backwards in shock! “Sarina!!” he laughed at her. “Don’t you know only experience practitioners like me should touch fireworks?” “But…”Sarina protested.
“Fireworks need to be treated very carefully”, Soldier Sam explained. Each year there is some unfortunate circumstance where there are serious accidents when people play with fireworks without Extensive Training.
“Oh, I didn’t know,” replied Sarina.
“Ok Sarina, it’s time for you to get ready said Soldier Sam.” It’s getting late and we want to make sure we find a good place at the Park for our Picnic Blanket so we will not miss the display.”
“I’m all ready!” Sarina was excited for the moment. “Let’s Go!”
“Sarina”, Soldier Sam cautioned, “Do you have your pants tucked into your boots? That’s a special safety tip, Sam explained. Now stray fireworks and sparks can’t set your feet on fire.
Now they were ready!
The Fireworks Display at the park was Brilliant. Sarina stayed close to Soldier Sam keeping safe. He insisted she keep behind the fencing like everyone else so as to keep a safe distance from the fireworks.
The crowd hooted as giant colourful fireworks lit up the summer sky. Red, white, blue, amber, green there were so many beautiful colours making the night seem as bright as the day, commented Sarina.
And everyone cheered with delight as huge rockets soared right in to the sky exploding loudly sending out plumes of crackling, dazzling, glittery colours which seemed to pause in the air, frozen in time if only for a moment before finally twinkling out.
“It was So Brilliant”, Sarina exclaimed when she and Soldier Sam finally made it through the traffic and back to the house.
Every year, Sarina do looked forward to seeing Soldier Sam, standing at the bottom of the driveway , holding an enormous metal ‘Navy Surplus’ Torch. He always planned his display with military precision and would refer to his ‘Order of Ignition Sheet’ which sounded very impressive to Sarina but it was usually written on the back of a Dinner Napkin.
Every element of the display was carefully considered. The weekend before the big day, Soldier Sam took Sarina to choose the fireworks. Not being content with the selection at the local stores, he would drive to a specialist supplier, several miles away and went to great length to read all the labels and discuss the various effects with the shop owner.
Sarina loved to hear him talk about Rocket Cones, Screechers, Spitting Comets and names like Tropical Storm, Hornet’s Nest and Crackling Cauldron.
Back at the House, Sarina was impatient. “Let’s Get Started!” she said Excitedly.
“Fantastic”, agreed Soldier Sam as they started to set up things for what they had planned. We are going to light off your fireworks too, but we need a sturdy metal tin to put them in so why don’t you run in the house to get it and then put it in the middle of the driveway.
“Sarina, please put your fireworks on the table but don’t open the box! I have to do that for you.” Soldier Sam was always big on protecting Sarina from anything that might go wrong in all aspects of Life, not just Fire Works on the Fourth of July.
“Now you have to be sure we have a proper rocket launcher so why don’t you start to think about what we should do about that. You must never use a milk bottle or anything like that. It’s too dangerous”
“And also grab a bucket of water, so we will have something to put the sparklers in when they stop crackling.” He added, but Sarina was in the house rummaging through various cabinets and other places where she might find what she was looking for.
Soldier Sam took Sarina’s Fireworks out of the box and placed them in the tin. “Now Sarina, do you have your firework code memorised ?” he inquired.
“I know all about the fireworks code”, Sarina answered proudly. “It’s a special set of rules that tells you how to be safe next to fireworks. “
“Well done, Sarina”. Soldier Sam was excited for the Localised Display of Fun.
Sarina whipped out a briefing pamphlet and started reading the code underneath the light of the garage lamp.
As soon as it was all set up, Solider Sam hooked his iPOD up to the speakers and played Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” track and this signalled to Sarina that the Fun was just about ready to get started!.
A theatrical experience then followed as Soldier Sam performed “Miracles” in the driveway. He would light each fuse with a long taper and call out “Stand well clear… Launch in ten seconds!”
Sarina would then yell the countdown, from ten down to one, getting more excited with each number. Most fireworks went off at “four”, always taking Sarina by surprise.
Looking back, years later, Sarina realised this was clearly a deliberate strategy but she fell for it every time and then whooped with excitement as each firework worked its Colourful Magic.
Soldier Sam liked to watch Sarina, at her station sitting on top of the Picnic Bench waiting for the brief moment when she would be framed by the light of an exploding firework. The look of delight on Sarina’s face was one that Soldier Sam would carry with him for the rest of his life.
The climax of the display was the Rockets. Soldier Sam and Sarina would always buy the biggest one they could find with names like “Tornado” or “Meteor” or “Super Storm”.
The finale was extra special for Sarina since she would be allowed to light the taper but Soldier Sam always held her arm, ready to snatch her away if there was a problem.
Sarina and Solder Sam watched in awe as the rockets soared into the sky before exploding into a shower of coloured lights. Sarina paused from looking at the lights and turned toward Soldier Sam and their eyes met for a Special Moment.
“That one’s for you Sarina.” Soldier Sam laughed. “Isn’t She a Beauty?!"
TAKE OFF FROM PLANET X
At the fixed time the signal was given. Sarina and Soldier Sam hastily got into the cockpit. After a few minutes, Sarina took her seat. Soldier Sam was ordered asked to fasten belts and given earplugs to escape the whirl of the plane. Sarina started the machine.
Sarina and Soldier Sam are on Boat Destined to Arrive at Magic Island in Time for Sarina’s Birthday Party!! But the Trip did have it’s Difficulties.
On the morning of Sarina’s Birthday the sea and the sky were each of the grey hue of the dawning. Later, carmine and gold was painted upon the waters.
The morning appeared finally, in all its splendor, with a sky of pure blue, and the sunlight flamed on the tips of the waves.
On the distant dunes, the Lighthouse reared above them. No people, ground vehicles or rescue boats appeared on the beach. Sarina and Soldier Sam both wondered why the Island had not invested in aerial drones. One would think they would need some to provide for defense.
Now Soldier Sam and Sarina were thinking this Island might be deserted
The voyagers scanned the shore. A conference was held in the boat. "Well," said Sarina "if no help is coming we might better try a run through the surf right away. If we stay out here much longer we will be too weak to do anything for ourselves at all."
Solider Sam silently acquiesced in this reasoning. The boat was headed for the beach. Soldier Sam wondered if none ever ascended the Light House, and if then they never looked seaward.
"Now, Soldier Sam," said Sarina, "It’s going to swamp, sure. All we can do is to work it in as far as possible, and then when it swamps, pile out and scramble for the beach. Keep cool now, and don't jump until it swamps."
Soldier Sam took the oars. Over his shoulders he scanned the surf. "Sarina," he said, "I think I'd better bring it about, and keep it head-on to the seas and back her in."
"All right, Soldier Sam," said Sarina. "Back it in."
Soldier Sam swung the boat then and Sarina looked over her shoulders to contemplate the indifferent shore.
The monstrous in-shore rollers heaved the boat high until Sarina was again enabled to see the white sheets of water scudding up the slanted beach.
"We won't get in very close," said Sarina
There were no hurried words, no plain panic. The duo simply looked at the shore.
"Now, remember to get well clear of the boat when you jump," said Sarina.
Seaward the crest of a roller suddenly fell with a thunderous crash, and the long white comber came roaring down upon the boat.
"Steady now," said Sarina.
Soldier Sam was silent. He turned his eyes from the shore to the comber and waited. The boat slid up the incline, leaped at the furious top, bounced over it, and swung down the long back of the wave. Some water had been shipped and Sarina bailed it out.
But the next crest crashed also. The tumbling flood of white water caught the boat and whirled it almost perpendicular. Water swarmed in from all sides
The little boat, slammed with this weight of water, reeled deeper into the sea.
"Bail her out, Soldier Sam, Bail her out!" said Sairna.
"All right, Sarina," said Solider Sam.
Sarina figured the next one would do them in, for sure. . "Make sure to jump clear of the boat." she shouted.
The wave moved forward, huge, furious, implacable, relentless and unstoppable.
It fairly swallowed the dingey, and almost simultaneously Sarina and Soldier Sam tumbled into the sea. A piece of lifebelt had was in the bottom of the boat, and as Sarina went overboard she held on with everything she had.
The water was icy, and Sarina reflected immediately that it was colder than she had expected to find it on the coast. This appeared to her dazed mind as a fact important enough to be noted at the time. The cold water was tragic.
When Sarina came to the surface she was conscious of little but the noisy water. Afterward she saw her companion in the sea. Soldier Sam was swimming strongly and rapidly.
There is a certain immovable quality to a shore, and Sarina wondered at it amid the confusion of the sea. The piece of life-preserver lay under her and sometimes she whirled down the incline of a wave as if she was on a handsled.
Sarina had arrived at a place in the sea where travel was beset with difficulty. She did not pause swimming to inquire what manner of current had caught her, but there her progress ceased for a moment.. The shore was set before her like a bit of scenery on a stage, and she looked at it and understood with her eyes each detail of it.
Solider Sam approached her from quite a distance. Sarina was calling to him, "Turn over on your back, Soldier Sam! Turn over on your back and use the oar."
"All right, Sarina." Soldier Sam turned on his back, and, paddling with an oar, went ahead as if he were a canoe.
The intercom countdown suddenly caught Sarina and Soldier Sam’s attention.
They didn’t know what it was for, but they knew that they did not want to stick around to find out.
They dashed out of the door and back down the hallway. Soldier Sam zapped the adversaries in front of them before they could even lift their ray guns while Sarina covered the back.
There were shots flying through the air from every angle and the noise of shouting everywhere.
MOON ACTIVITIES
Sarina quickly picked up the Phone & dialed the number to the Security Chief at the air base.
The Chief sounded excited. “I’ve had a report that one of the pilots using the air base has been acting suspicious lately. He used to seem like a good guy & stay around for a couple drinks & a cigarette or two after he lands. Now shortly after he gets in he leaves in a waiting helicopter. He never says where he is going. We are starting to think he is a Secret Agent.”
“That is strange,” Sarina remarked. “A helicopter! The kind of aircraft that can take off & land vertically” she asked.
“Right! It can also fly at lower speeds & hover around a Target.” Said the Chief.
“Have you any idea where the secret agent goes?” Sarina asked, hoping to trip him up if he didn’t have his story straight.
“No flight plane was filed with me.” The Chief said.
“Who owns the Plane?” Sarina inquired.
“I don’t know, but now I mean to find out,” the Chief replied. “Whenever the pilot asked for landing instructions he only partly identified himself .
“What about his history as a Pilot?” Sarina asked.
“He only first showed up here several months ago. Seems efficient & no Red Flags popped up in his record of service. The flight arrival path is part of his regular schedule, and I’ve been watching it for anything that could be the least suspicious.”
“I have an idea,” said Sarina. “Next time he shows up and takes off in his helicopter, my friend & I will follow him.”
“Follow him? The chief wasn’t registering what her plan was.”How?”
“In my plane” Sarina responded matter of factly.
“But if you were to take off immediately behind him & trail it on the same course,” the chief countered, “wouldn’t that arouse the pilots suspicions? He isn’t stupid.”
“We would take off from another air field” Sarina said. “Hold on just a minute, will You?”
Sarina signaled for her friend to come over & he handed her an aeronautical chart. Spreading it out, Sarina carefully examined the surrounding terrain. “Here we go”, she told the Chief. “We’ll go there & wait. When you see the pilot boarding the helicopter, let us know. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.”
Sarina’s friend excused himself, the called his maintenance & operations guy to have the plane fueled and ready to fly at the crack of dawn.
As the first rays of sunlight appeared in the east the next day, Sarina got up, put her shoes on & started to go to work doing her hair. She was surprised to see her friend already in the kitchen cooking up some raspberry chocolate pancakes. She had completely forgotten Yankees highlights were on Sportscenter.
“Yum, I’m Super hungry!” Sarina was smiling even though she hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep and the alarm clock had surprised her.
After eating, they make quick progress to the airfield & made a final check on the weather. The forecaster on the radio came on in between innings of the Yankee Game and reported that it would be “Ceiling & Visibility Unlimited” for at least another 48 hours.
“The Ship’s all ready to fly,” said the mechanic. He had done his job well in preparation for their mission & greeted them as they walked across the tarmac.
Sarina and her friend got into the plane and fastened their seatbelts. A sudden roar echoed across the field as Sarina started the engines. She made a quick but thorough check of the instruments. Minutes later, they were airborne & climbing rapidly towards their destination.
“We should get there with plenty of time to spare”, her friend tried to assure her.
Sarina scooped up the receiver when it suddenly activated. “This is the Security Chief, Ma’am. Your secret agent just got into the helicopter. Its taking off from the pad right now.”
“Roger.” Sarina replied. “We’re on our way!”
“There’s the helicopter, Sarina. Get ready!” her friend was very confident in her abilities.
The Secret agent veered slightly & Sarina kept following at a safe distance. A short time later, the helicopter made two complete turns, then reverted to course. Sarina did the same. Moments later, their quarry repeated that manoeuvre.
“Why all these Fucking Turns?” Sarina complained.
“He’s probably checking to see if he is being followed” her friend replied.
“Do you think he’s spotted us?” Sarina asked.
“No doubt”, her friend concluded. “But we’ve nothing to lose by continuing the chase.
Then, suddenly, the gap between the two crafts started to close quickly as the helicopter reduced speed. One glance at the airspeed indicator told Sarina her plane was dangerously close to a stall.
Sarina was just about to increase power & get the hell out of there, when the Secret Agent suddenly executed a sharp turn & headed directly at them!
Sarina quickly executed a quick manoeuvre out of the way, but the sharp movement of the controls were not giving them any sort of really enjoying themselves any more.
Sarina & her friend were thrown against their seatbelts as the plane started to drop. The wind whistled against the wings.
“Hang on!” Sarina shouted as she pulled the throttle closed & applied aileron & rudder control.
Sarina managed to level the wings, then concentrated on recovering from the steep dive. As she eased back slowly on the wheel, they were pressed down into their seats by the increasing G Force.
Finally, Sarina had the aircraft back to straight & level—but with not much altitude to spare. She increased power and the plane climbed higher. For a moment neither of them spoke.
“Whew. Goodness Gracious!” Sarina finally exclaimed as she looked in the mirror at her hair to make sure it hadn’t fallen out of place during the Wild Ride.
Her friend was relieved too. “I can’t say I’m much for this kind of manoeuvre. “ he admitted.
Sarina had made her decision. She quickly agreed. “Who gives a Flying Fuck about this Secret Agent anyway. Let’s head back to get some dinner at Burger Palace. The Yankees Game is still on after all, Right?”
LANDING ON RAMS PLANET
The Starship flew very fast rushing through space without a bump or a jolt when all of a sudden bad weather overtook Sarina and Soldier Sam. The Starship began to swing from side to side and Sarina was a little troubled in controlling it.
We started to close in on another Mainland patrol. The unit was in the centre, and there were two others on our flank. The chairman told the officers to keep moving straight ahead and move as quickly as possible. We figured the patrol would be surprised that we were coming for them as fast as we were. There was no point in relenting our pursuit and the patrol likely considered our advance to be a menacing concern.
It soon was realized that the patrol was quite resolved to stay in the fight. The chairman fell back on the principles of attack he had learned during training. The unit had to follow up the strike on the patrol before they would have a chance to get themselves off of the ground and mount a strong defence with adequate countermeasures. The only thing left to do was to instigate an assault that would force the patrol into capitulation.
The wireless operator determined that the patrol had in fact been in contact with the Mainland the whole time It took a little time to decipher the messages and we decided to wait for more information. Three options presented themselves to the chairman, First, the patrol could be disposed of and we would wait for a response from the Mainland, Alternatively, the patrol could be left under guard and we could try and pick up the action later. Finally, the patrol could just be left where they were and matters would end as they were.
To leave the patrol under guard would diminish our the readiness level of our force since they would be all tied up, and to leave them without guard would give they too good of a chance of the Mainland forces following up on us in a few days. The chairman put the situational problem to the officers and most were committed to aggressive action, and they saw no real alternative because they decided leaving them under guard was an untenable option and they simply did not want to let the patrol go on their way without incident.
After some time had passed, the chairman came up with a solution that would at least leave his conscience intact. We would go on with our forces not compromised and do as we had been directed. He decided that the answer was to make sure the patrol had no chance of meeting up with the garrison in the short-term, and this would enable his unit to get away from adverse consequences resulting from their mission.
Once evening fell upon the unit, the officers consulted the maps and planned the march ahead. We had covered quite a distance during the week, so the chairman agreed to press forward along the decided trajectory in principle, although we would have to maneuver around a group of islands which would slow the unit down considerably. Some of our stateside authorities came over the wireless and wanted to know what was going on.
The chairman considered the communications to be an unwelcome intrusion on a mission that they could not possible understand, give their distant vantage point. As the officers reported, they thought that, at best, no Mainland operatives were watching or tracking our movements and, at worse, if other patrols were to give chase, the odds would likely be in our favour, given the geography of the islands we were headed for momentarily.
We set off toward the islands filled with vigor and positive thoughts and met a good pace as we pressed forward with a dogged determination to make good time. On this particular leg of the long journey we were glad for the prospect that we would have a few uneventful an secure moments, and the officers spotted a location were we could hole up and regain our peace of mind, if only for a while. We cleaned ourselves up and hydrated to quench our thirst and hunger for the first time in several days, which buoyed our spirits.
The officers immediately began to be concerned that the Mainland forces might be leaving a trap for us, since our route had not been met with any more patrols. The chairman did not think this was the case, since there seemed to be not a single sign of immediate danger. We fully intended to leave our trajectory for the time being to find some cover, but there was really nothing around but open space. The officers wondered aloud about our intentions to lay low and not seek out another engagement, where we would at least be reasonably sure about the state of the Mainland patrols.
The adversaries were split into two groups, one on Sarina and Soldier Sam’s left and one on their right.
The ones on the left who followed Sarina and Soldier Sam out from the moon and then the other group has arrived at our position coming from Rams Planet.
“What are we going to do?” asked Soldier Sam.
RAMS STADIUM
PART 1
Sarina and Soldier Sam met at the 50 yard line of Rams Stadium and Rams Mascot started his way from the sideline to join them. It was to be a fantastic contest. Sarina and Soldier Sam were going to compete in a football passing battle with the winner taking home a big prize.
Sarina readied herself to begin and Soldier Sam picked up his first football too.
Rams Mascot cast a glance at Sarina who was said to have nerves of steel in contests of this sort. While Soldier Sam was just trying to make it through another Rams Game.
Sarina’s attention was focused on her target, a cardboard monolith with a hole in the center into which the victory over Soldier Sam on that day would be solidified.
Sarina’s eyes met Rams Mascot’s and showed a defiant look. Sarina and Soldier Sam were about to make their first football passes of the night.
Solider Sam and Sarina confronted each other like two Statues of Liberty in the night and their attention was fixed on their targets.
Rams Mascot smiled, transforming his face with an appearance of great authority as he would be serving to officiate the contest.
He turned to Sarina and said “I declare Sarina, you look more beautiful with each passing day.
Sarina’s face brightened and her smile was for all to see that night at Rams Stadium. Sarina, like everyone else in the world liked a nice compliment every once in a while.
“That’s my sentiment too” added Solider Sam. “Sarina, you’re the best!”
“Of course no one in this stadium will ever forget that” Rams Mascot assured, “but we have to keep our eyes on the ball right now. This is a contest to the finish!”
Sarina fired the first toss of the football and Solider Sam’s first attempt followed quickly. The competition was underway!
Rams Mascot looked at the two of them, “You guys are completely crazy. In front of this whole crowd, one of you will rise victorious.
“This proposal to compete came about very quickly” Soldier Sam admitted. “I’m still not ready but at the same time ready as I will ever be.”
"Yes," said Rams Mascot. “It was very sudden. After just a few months.”
"What did you call it?" Soldier Sam asked.
“Quickly as the Sun Rises and Sets” answered Rams Mascot.
“You didn’t think it a good Idea to wait?” Rams Mascot asked.
“There was no need” Soldier Sam replied “I am perfectly certain there is no other NFL Stadium I would rather compete in. So that was an easy decision for me. And what will the prize be?”
Suddenly, Sarina’s first toss whizzed though the target. She was well on her way to that Prize to be presented at halftime.
“Don’t interrupt me with conversation right now, Rams Mascot” Sarina instructed.
That night the dusk began to creep into Rams Stadium, Sarina glanced up for a moment at the sky to check the conditions. She had nailed a couple passes to their destination by now.
“It’s getting difficult to see the target in this darkness” complained Soldier Sam. “Why doesn’t someone turn on the Scoreboard?”.
“Rams Mascot, you had better get on your mobile device to operate the Scoreboard. Solider Sam is right. We heed some light.” Sarina was insistent.
Rams Mascot started up the controls but said “It doesn’t seem like we need a Light Show quite yet.”
"Yes, we do," returned Soldier Sam said peremptorily. "We must have a light. I must finish this tonight or I can't get the prize, whatever it may be, and I can’t see to catch up to Sarina. She is already quite a bit ahead.
Sarina can obviously see the target very well, “Rams Mascot observed. Why cant you?”
"Are you trying to save electricity or are you lazy, Rams Mascot?" Soldier Sam asked. "I can go and get the light myself, but I still have this contest to win.
Sarina paused for a moment. "Rams Mascot, we must have the light,"
"I am sure I don't want to take my efforts into another Stadium” warned Soldier Sam.
"Why, I never heard such a to-do about lighting up the Scoreboard." Rams Mascot complained.
Rams Mascot turned on the lights. The end zone was now visible to both Sarina and Soldier Sam.
"Does the light hurt your eyes, and is that the reason why you didn't want the lights on, Rams Mascot?" asked Sarina kindly.
"I always like to sit in the dark," replied Rams Mascot.
Sarina continued to hit her pass target. Soldier Sam was missing left and right.
Suddenly Sarina noticed the end zone. Her glance became a steady stare. She looked intently when her next pass attempt was suspended in the air.
Then Sarina looked away again and took the next football, then she looked again, and again turned to her task.
Soldier Sam looked at the end zone too taking note of something sitting there. He looked intently, then turned to Sarina.
"What IS that?" asked Soldier Sam..
"What?" asked Sarina. She could see something too.
"That strange Glow in the middle of the end zone," replied Soldier Sam. The stadium lights had disappeared again
"Why don't you turn around and look, Sarina?" asked Soldier Sam in a wondering and somewhat curious way.
"I am in a hurry to finish this contest” answered Sarina. The clock has almost run out. I’m going to win for sure.
"Look at this Glow! What is it? Solider Sam, look, look! Rams Mascot look! WHAT IS IT?"
Then Rams Mascot burst out in a wild cry after a shuddering glance at the end zone.
"Oh, Sarina, there it is again! There it is again!"
Sarina turned, and stood steady confronting the end zone. "How should I know?" she said.
"It has been there every game this Season” Rams Mascot said.
“Every Game?” Solider Sam was surprised.
"It—it looks like—like—" Soldier Sam wasn’t sure what it was.
"I know what it looks like well enough," said Sarina. "I've got sharp eyes. It’s a Magic Pirate Treasure Chest"
“And that Glow, observed Solider Sam. “That intense of a Glow could only be coming from one thing. A Super Bowl Ring!”
"It looks like that," burst out Rams Mascot in a sort of frenzy of shock. "Only--
"Yes, it does," Sarina exclaimed whose tone matched Soldier Sams, "only— Oh, it is incredible! What is it?"
"I ask you again, how should I know?" replied Sarina. "I see it there like you. How should I know any more than you?"
"It MUST be something in the Treasure Chest," said Soldier Sam staring wildly around.
"We moved everything in the end zone; Rams Mascot said "it is not anything in the Treasure Chest.
PART 2
Sarina turned to Rams Mascot. "Of course it is something in the Treasure Chest" said Sarina "How you act! What do you mean by talking so? Of course it is something in it."
"Of course, it is," agreed Solider Sam, looking at Rams Mascot suspiciously. "Of course it must be. It’s not just a coincidence. It just happens so. Perhaps it is the Glow that makes it. It must be something in the Treasure Chest."
"It is not anything in the Treasure Chest," repeated Rams Mascot with a defiant tone.
Rams Mascot stood and stared a moment longer. His face showed a gamut of emotions—surprise, conviction, then furious incredulity.
Suddenly Rams Mascot began hastening towards the end zone. He grabbed ahold of the treasure chest, turning over to see the effect upon the bright glow. Not a line of its outlines wavered.
Sarina clutched Soldier Sams hand. The contest was over. They both stood in a corner of the end zone out of Rams Mascot’s way.
For a few moments Rams Mascot raged about the end zone like a caged wild animal. He moved that Treasure chest every which way and; when the moving of it did not affect the Glow, he flung it to the Turf, with Sarina and Soldier Sam watching.
Then suddenly Rams Mascot desisted. He laughed and began straightening up the scene, he flung the great box down.
"What an absurdity," Rams Mascot said easily. "Such a to-do about a Glowing Treasure Chest."
"That's so," assented Sarina, in a voice which she tried to make interesting. As she spoke she looked about the area.
"Just as good as ever," Rams Mascot said pleasantly. He laughed again, looking at Sarina and Soldier Sam. "Did I scare you?" he said. "I should think you might be used to me by this time.
Rams Mascot continued, “You know my way of wanting to leap to the bottom of a mystery, and that Treasure chest sure looks like a mystery-- and I thought if there was any way of accounting for it I would like to without any delay."
"You don't seem to have succeeded," remarked Sarina, with a slight glance at the Treasure Chest..
Rams Mascot’s eyes followed Sarina and he hesitated perceptibly.
"Oh, there is no accounting for Glows from a Pirates Treasure Chest," Rams Mascot said, and he laughed again. "A Football Mascot is a fool to try to account for a mystery like that."
Then the Bell rang signalling the start to the Game, so Sarina and Soldier Sam went to their seats, but Rams Mascot stayed in the end zone.
Sarina turned to Solider Sam as they walked towards their seats.. "He looked like a demon!" Sarina declared.
Solider Sam led the way with an alert motion and Sarina followed close behind with a bounce in her step. She knew she had won the pre-game football toss contest.
"I can't sit in these seats again,” Sarina complained. “Lets get back on the field and watch from the sideline, Soldier Sam.
"Very well, we will watch the game from the sidelines," replied Soldier Sam.
So Sarina and Soldier Sam watched the First Half of Football while Rams Mascot was tabulating the results of the competition Sarina had so clearly won, just to make it official.
"What are you going to do about the Treasure Chest Mystery Sarina?” asked Soldier Sam.
"I am going to see what Rams Mascot is about," replied Sarina bravely
"You had better stay where you are," said Soldier Sam.with guarded sharpness.”It’s not safe out there.
"I am going to see," repeated Sarina firmly.
Rams Mascot, evidently reasoning that the source of the strange Glow must be in the Treasure Chest and was making systematic passes and thrusts all over and through the intervening space with an old sword he had saved from his Pirate Days.
Not a square inch was left unpierced. He seemed to have divided the space into mathematical sections. He brandished the sword with a sort of cold fury and calculation; the blade gave out flashes of light, the Glow remained unmoved. Sarina, watching, felt herself shocked at the effort.
Finally, Rams Mascot ceased and stood with the sword in hand and raised as if to strike, surveying the Treasure Chest in the end zone for another place to strike.
"He looked like a demon!" Sarina said again. "Have you got any of that Bourbon with you, Soldier Sam? I don't feel as if I could stand much more of this ridiculousness"
Indeed, Sarina looked overcome. Her beautiful face was worn and strained..
"Yes, there's plenty," said Soldier Sam "you can have some whenever you like. I’ve already started."
"I think we had both better take some," said Sarina. "Oh, my God, Soldier Sam, what—"
"Don't ask and don't speak," said Soldier Sam.
"No, I am not going to," replied Sarina; "but—"
Rams Mascot was still making a lot of noise.
"What are you doing that for?" asked Sarina.
“I just realized the Football Passing Prize is in the Treasure Chest” answered Rams Mascot “You want your Prize don’t you Sarina? I have it all added up. You are the Winner!!”
“Sarina is the Winner of the Pre-Game Football Passing Contest” Rams Mascot announced to the over capacity crowd there at Rams Stadium that day.
“The only problem is.. I can’t open the Treasure Chest and I actually have no idea myself what the Prize inside the box is!!” Rams Mascot explained.
Sarina and Soldier Sam looked at Rams Mascot with surprise. If Rams Mascot didn’t know what the Prize was inside the Pirate Treasure Chest was, then who did?
Presently Soldier Sam rose—he could not have told why; something seemed to impel him, some will outside his own. He walked towards the Treasure Chest again and began to examine it right then and there in the end zone.
"Soldier Sam has not got any tools," said Rams Mascot with a skeptical tone. “ I had a sword and I couldn’t get that open no matter what I did.
Sarina, who was busy drinking her Bourbon, rose also, took a few stumbling steps and followed Soldier Sam.
The Rams Stadium Bell rang, and no one heard it except for Sarina and Soldier Sam. The Bell rang a second time and then stopped.
Sarina and Soldier Sam approached the Treasure Box. It was still Glowing and they had finally gotten close enough to see a piece of tape over the presumably locked box that was still Glowing.
Sarina read the inscription on the tape, “You both competed today, and only one of you has been declared the Winner, but I am here to tell you that you are both Winners in My Book.”
“Just reach for the Locked Latch and open it together”, the inscription continued.
Sarina and Soldier Sam looked around the end zone for Rams Mascot. He had disappeared!
Sarina and Soldier Sam grabbed open the Treasure Chest...
"Oh, my God," Sarina was shocked, "there are—there are TWO—Super Bowl Rings!! That is why the box Glowed so Strongly.."
Sarina and Soldier Sam glanced at each other each other, staring at the beautiful Rings. Barely able to keep their balance due to all the Bourbon they both grabbed the Rings.
Sarina and Solider Sam both felt at that moment that the two of them had actually won a Super Bowl themselves.
Even though all they had really done was participate in a Pre-Game Football Passing Contest. They went back to their seats for the Second Half.
Spoiler ALERT.. The Rams Won that night! And so did Sarina and Soldier Sam.
Soldier Sam was going to finish the script by himself and hand it to Cupid with the statement that he didn’t understand a single line.
But it was too much—Soldier Sam was too far gone. He blew up when he was half through and went on a Bourbon Binge and arrived back at Cupids Office to find a message that Cupid wanted to see the script right away.
Soldier Sam was in a confused state when his door opened and Sarina came in with a typescript in one hand, and a copy of Cupid’s note in the other.
Sarina and Soldier Sam walked to the Bulletin Board and Soldier Sam found out Cupid was interested in Valentines Day Activities where popular movies could be translated into another language.
'Oh!' Sarina exclaimed. 'Those are all fantastic Valentines Day Activity pictures. And “Stairway Access to Confusion” is my Bronx Friends’ favourite picture and “Penny for Your Thoughts?” is mine.'
'I thought “Angels Exist Working Magic” and “You’re Waiting for.. ME?!” were by far the greatest pictures,” Soldier Sam said excitedly. 'Great Stuff! 'I’ve been here a long time and I have never done a Valentines Activity in another language
Sarina and Soldier Sam walked up to a stage and Soldier Sam sent his idea to Cupid. Cupid said he would keep himself busy straightening his arrows to strike while Sarina and Soldier Sam rehearsed a scene.
"What've you done? Are these all Love Stories?" asked Cupid.
"Yes.” answered Sarina. “At first I was held back over concerns about language translation, but once I got started it was very simple. You just get on with your Valentines Day Activity and dream."
Soldier Sam was enthusiastic. "It was written in the Flash Cards, Sarina, we were supposed to collaborate. Cupid will be wild."
"I've always wanted to do my Valentines Day Activity in another language," said Sarina. "I'll explain it to Cupid.
Soldier Sam sat in a daze. If Sarina’s script was good--but how could a first script be good? Sarina should have fed it to him as he wrote; then they might have something.
The uncertainty started Soldier Sam’s brain working--he was struck by his first original idea since he and Sarina had first started talking about it.
Soldier Sam turned to Cupid for some input. That’s when Cupid came over and told Sarina what he wanted. Sarina was interested.
"Listen outside Cupids office, Sarina. If he's in, push it under his door. If he's out get it delivered to him, wherever he is. Say it comes straight from the Language Learning Directorate Then you can step out for lunch so he won't catch on, see?
Cupid opened Solder Sam’s script.
To Cupid’s vast surprise it was technically proficient--the dissolves, fades, cuts, pans and trucking shots were correctly detailed. This simplified everything.
Soldier Sam was turning back to the first page and looked to see what Sarina wrote at the top.
Then, working frantically, Soldier Sam made several dozen small changes. He substituted the phrase "At the present time” for "Right Now!", he put "Please" instead of "It is requested to” and also replaced "In accordance with" with the efficient "Per!" and “In consideration of the fact” was substituted for by “Because”
“Look Cupid, I can do this Valentines Day Activity if I learn a few romantic words or phrases in another language like “Je t’aime” means “I Love You” in French, “Je t’adore” means “I like you a lot” in French, and “Te Amo” means “I Love You” in Spanish.
Then Sarina came back from lunch.
Soldier Sam’s response to Sarina was clear "Right now I got an important Valentines Day Activity angle to work on. I can’t spend all my time learning another language.
Sarina turned to Cupid.
"There's your Valentines Day Activity, Cupid.” Soldier Sam is here for one reason only--because he Loves Me. There's nothing against him but he belongs to Language Learning Days as much as--as much as--" Sarina’s eyes fell upon Soldier Sam..
"What do you mean?" demanded Cupid.
“Well, In the beginning, it’s sparks and fast heartbeats..” Started Sarina. “You use a common language between you – often English – and you don’t care much for a misplaced verb or a poor choice of adjectives.
“Yeah, Sarina, mistakes are one more chance to see your charming smile. Communication happens through glance, touch, laughter. Words don’t seem to matter, right.” Soldier Sam said.
“Learning a common language between the two of you sounds like a great Valentines Day Activity,” Cupid approved. “The words in your partners language are playful, exciting and form a great bond with each other.”
Soldier Sam added, Then there will come a point when speaking the language is a little more than a game “ You learn to say I Love You; you understand a few sincere compliments. It’s like a secret code between you, making your relationship thrilling and unique.”
“But then there comes a time for reality” Cupid:wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page.
Soldier Sam and Sarina planned to make this Valentine’s Day Activity a go and promised to come back next year and discuss these encounters so maybe Cupid would let them take an even bigger step a year from now.
"All signed up and ready to go," said Sarina. "Look at this Soldier Sam, now—the whole year we going to sit in the office and send notes in two languages to the big shots!
"So what's the answer, Cupid?" asked Soldier Sam.
"Who's going to the top?" asked Sarina, now showing excitement.
"It’s going to be quite a ride for both of you. But I’m sure it’s going to go great” Cupid approved of Sarina and Soldier Sam’s idea with conviction. “Not many partners have such a great idea for Valentine’s Day Activities!!”
TRAINING
Soldier Sam’s Training for New Starship Missions was not at all like what he expected. Rams Mascot was not a typical Instructor.
Rams Mascot challenged Soldier Sam “do you not once again plan to skip any of your training, as you have indicated?” Soldier Sam was astounded. Who had told Rams Mascot such a thing, since it was something he had only confided as much to Sarina, and only once had he attempted something he had not even begun to figure out how to do. In reply, Rams Mascot was silent, and did not challenge Soldier Sam any futher. Soldier Sam had done what he was required to do at the Training Camp.
For the chairman, it would prove to be an extremely instructive week, which had not been the case for some time now. Because of the wide variety of aims laid down for the next operation and the opposition from the Mainland we were likely to encounter, it was obvious to the chairman that the full fleet flank would need to become involved. It would be a fully coordinated and joint effort and each of the columns would have to assume vital roles. There was considerable chatter among the officers which was unrelenting and did not please the chairman. He couldn’t figure exactly what was going on with our advance and he told the officers to speak clearly with one voice. It soon became clear that we would be approaching the patrol without knowing if they had their wireless working and was able to communicate with the Mainland to call for reinforcements.
Everyone is rolling dice during simulations like at a craps table, looking for the right combination of symbols that will load a torpedo tube or raise a shield or move the ship to just the right spot to fire on the enemy. Meanwhile, the teams steal glances across the table to see what the enemy is doing. It is stressful, barely controlled chaos.
The chairman figured one of the unit commanders would take control but none emerged, so everyone started chatting up the communications that had just come back online to see what units has made it back to the terminal. He upset with the whole situation and wanted everyone else to know it. Many of the officers had expressed concerns during the last briefing at the terminal, and they had been required to answer all of them and supplement their arguments with maps, estimations of the Mainland force structure and requests for supplies to be added to the inventories. What is the terrain like? How clear are the skies and who is aligned against us and in what number? How high are the mountains, are there any tanks and what about air support?
LAST DAY ON EARTH
The Dutchess of Bronx is a Classical Story.
Soldier Sam and Sarina were going to the Yankees Game, so there were general rejoicings. Solider Sam had waited a lifetime to go to Yankees Stadium, and at last the moment had arrived.
Sarina had the 5 Train Journey all worked out and on her head was a Fitted Yankees Cap. Sarina was so beautiful that as she got on the train with Solider Sam all the people cheered. 'Sarina is the most beautiful Dutchess of Bronx we have ever witnessed” they cried, and they threw down colorful flowers on the Train floor as she boarded.
'Your Yankees Jersey looks so beautiful on you Sarina” Solider Sam couldn’t help saying 'but you are even more beautiful today than I could have ever imagined. Sarina blushed, adding even more Rose Color to her face.
'She was like a Princess before” said a the guy taking their tickets at the Turnstile, 'but she is an even bigger deal than that” and the whole line of people with tickets were delighted.
For the next few minutes everybody went about saying, 'Sarina, Sarina.. She is like a Red Rose;' and Soldier Sam gave orders at the concession stand that there would be free beer that night for everyone at Yankee Stadium.
Soldier Sam considered it a great honor to buy everyone drinks at the Game and the appreciation from the fans was duly published on Twitter.
When it became time for Sarina to throw out the First Pitch the entire Stadium shook with celebration. Sarina walked hand in hand with Solider Sam to the mound.
Then there was, after all, the actual Game against the Red Sox. Solider Sam and Sarina had tickets in the Front Row behind the Yankees Dugout and commenced the festivities by slamming an entire beer in a Classic Plastic Cup.
'It is quite clear they love each other,' said the Yankees as they took the field.
'What an honor!' thought Solider Sam. To be appreciated by the Bronx Faithful.
Once the Game got underway, Sarina considered just how happy she was to be there cheering on her Bronx Bombers. “The Yanks are going to kick some Red Sox Butt! Making them cry on their plane ride back to Boston!” Sarina found herself shouting.
The Yankees put on a grand display of Home Runs like a Fireworks Show and the Game had just started. Sarina had seen offensive fireworks from the Yanks before, but for some reason they seemed even more Special today. It was a strikingly gorgeous Summer day in the Bronx.
'Are the Bronx Bomber Fireworks like all the time, Sarina?' asked Soldier Sam as he tried to contain the Ketchup, Mustard, Onions and Relish Condiments. Soldier Sam always tried to fit more than the usual apportionment in the Silver Tinfoil Hot Dog Wrapper but usually found himself regretting it once it was time to eat back at their seat.
'They are like a gift from God, replied Sarina. “I prefer them to stars myself, as you always know when they are going to appear, but Yankee home runs are always unpredictable. Well at least when the Bookies hadn’t fixed the game” Sarina admitted.
Solider Sam certainly agreed.
'Yankee Stadium is so very beautiful!” Sarina exclaimed. 'Just look at that crisp application of the Chalk Lines on the basepaths. Why! they could not be lovelier. I am so very glad we have Yankees Tickets today.“:
'Any place you love in the world to is special, Sarina. But I know Yankee Stadium pretty much takes the Cake.” Soldier Sam was impressed at the job the Grounds Crew had done to prepare for the Big Game too.
The Yankees are always the Biggest Deal in the World to me, Solider Sam” Sarina continued. Yankees Stadium is like the moon. It will always live forever in our Hearts.
“I heard all about the Matchup this morning on Twitter. Sarina said. If Twitter says the same thing over and over a great many times, it becomes true in the end.
Suddenly, another sharp crack of the bat reminded both Soldier Sam and Sarina, that, despite how easily the beers had started to become emptied, there was still a Baseball Game to be played.
Then came another fine-looking Rocket of the end of a Yankee’s bat, whizzing over the short porch in Right Field. Sarina always cheered whenever the Yankees even got a routine hit, but her excitement could not be contained after a Moon Shot like that, widening the already substantial Yankees lead.
Sarina made the brilliant observation that the Red Sox will always Suck, attracting attention from the others in their seating section.
“YES!!” Soldier Sam was getting pretty involved in the Game too.
Solider Sam was something of a sports politician, but had always taken a prominent positive bias toward the Yankees when Sarina was involved, so he knew the proper Parliamentary expressions to use.
'Quite Brilliant,' Soldier Sam continued, Slamming His Beer and wondering when the Beer Vendor would venture down the Aisle to serve Sarina.
As soon as the inning came to an end the Beer Vendor appeared, and Solider Sam began getting his order started.
Soldier Sam spoke with a very slow, distinct voice, as if he was explaining the importance of Amphibious Landings to a group of young Marines.
'How fortunate it is for you to appear with more beers,' Soldier Sam remarked. Sarina and Solider Sam had finished their drinks at the same time and she was proud of her accomplishment, even though Solider Sam was already several rounds ahead of her. But who’s counting?
Really, it was always that way, but today could not have turned out better for Sarina. Princesses are always Lucky.
'Dear me! said Sarina, 'I thought it was quite the other way, that we were keeping an even pace.'
'It may be so with you,' Soldier Sam answered; 'Indeed, I have no doubt that it is, but with me it is different. I am a very remarkable Beer Competitor, with a storied history“
“A Drunk, you mean“ laughed Sarina, 'I know it is True, for I saw it written on your face.'
'Well, I said I was when we first met,' answered Soldier Sam, in a severe tone of voice, and Sarina began at once to bully Soldier Sam around, in order to show that she wore the pants in the relationship..
'I was saying,' continued Solider Sam, 'I was saying - What was I saying?'
'You were talking about your Love for beer,' replied Sarina
'Of course; I knew I was discussing some interesting subject when I was so rudely interrupted. I don’t really appreciate rudeness and bad manners of any kind, even from the Love of My Life. No one in the whole world is as sensitive as I am, I am quite sure of that.'
'What do you mean a sensitive person?' said Sarina to Soldier Sam.
'A person, who, because he has major issues himself, doesn‘t like to rain on other people‘s parades,' answered Soldier Sam.
What are you laughing at?' inquired Soldier Sam; 'I am not laughing.'
'I am laughing because I am so happy we are here at Yankees Stadium enjoying the beautiful game,” replied Sarina. “Don’t take life so seriously, Soldier Sam” Sarina suggested.'
'Certainly,' agreed Soldier, who was now in better spirits; 'that is only common sense.'
'Common sense, indeed!' said Sarina. But Sarina was Brilliantly uncommon, and very remarkable. Why, anybody can have common sense. But Sarina has imagination, for she never thinks of things like everyone else. That was one of the countless reasons Soldier Sam Loved Sarina.
The only thing that sustains Soldier Sam through life is the existence of Sarina and this is a sentiment that is eternal, it existed long before he even know who the embodiment of his dreams would be.
'Well, really,“ Soldier Sam said “It is a most joyful Day at the Ball Park, and when you soar up into the air I intend to tell the stars all about it. The world sees them twinkle when I talk to them about you.'
'Ah! What a view of life you have, Sarina! continued Soldier Sam; Just as I expected out of you today. You are Brilliant and Beautiful in every possible way
'You had really better keep yourself focused on the game,' said Sarina 'That is the important thing.'
'Very important for you, I have no doubt,' answered Soldier Sam. “Me too.
Now Solider Sam and Sarina’s attention was back on the Game. “Let’s Go Yankees.. Let’s Go Yankees, came the always enthusiastic cheer from the Bronx Crowd, Truly the Best Fans in Baseball.
'Let the fireworks begin!” Sarina joined the noise of the over capacity crowd at Yankees Stadium; and stood up with the rest of the Bronx Faithful.
It was certainly a magnificent display.
'What a delightful voice you have, Sarina!' Soldier Sam was so in Love and Happy that he had finally found a friend to go to Yankees Stadium with!
STARSHIP TRAVEL
You are in charge of a Starship with an original Crew who have been on call to man the ship their entire lives, even while Earth was still together before being blown to pieces when the Sun exploded.
Even though the Rams Fans aboard the Starship vividly recall the excitement they experienced at Rams Stadium on Earth the original crew on board has never been to a Rams Game, only shown Virtual Reality Footage of the Rams filmed in a time and place they had never experienced.
Even while you are the Captain of the ship you too had been a long running resident of Earth and the opinion of the Crew is always that living aboard the Starship is better than being on the ground.
You and the Rams Fans can’t wait to get off the ship and establish Rams Stadium in all of it’s glory on any planet you can find, so you devise a plan to change the ship's course to a nearby Galaxy full of unexplored Planets.
But Soldier Sam has taken control of Spaceship command andhe alone has the authority to parcel out the power required for transit to the new planets and if his plan succeeds, your Starship with run the risk of being lost in space forever.
You can’t wait to get down to the surface so You and the Rams Fans can experience a better way of life, but Soldier Sam has a different plan and intends to abandon the group on the surface of a planet without the possibility for Rams Football surface and take the Starship up into orbit.
With Soldier Sam’s knowledge of the location of vast supplies and advanced technology, he is essential to your Operations unless you can find someone else on the ship with his Skill Set. You know about Soldier Sam’s plan and if word gets out, it may immediately lead to unrest among all the Rams Fans on your Starship.
Sarina’s takeaway from that catastrophe is not the traditional narrative of saving Rams Fans. Instead, it’s an excess of preparedness and over-engineering that barely managed to save Rams Fans, and might not even have managed that without nearly perfect weather during the peak galaxy season. No moon and flat calm, as the Rams Fans said.
The Radio Crackled. Sarina and Soldier Sam both heard the noise.
“Rams Mascot is that YOU?!!” Sarina was shocked.
“Wait, Rams Mascot, I can’t hear you. Speak up!” Sarina shouted.
“Rams Mascot we have a bad connection. Hold on while Soldier Sam and I fix the ship so we can hear you. Sit Tight! Don’t Go anywhere, We will reestablish the connection,” Sarina Promised.
Performance of the Starship exceeded design. When confronted with the overwhelming force, such an impact at a relative velocity, extending much of the length of her hull … Sarina and Soldier Sam weathered it.
The Starship stayed afloat and in trim the whole time. Because of the heroism of crew members in the boiler rooms who knew they were sacrificing their safety in the effort, the lights stayed on.
Sarina and Soldier Sam wanted to believe terrible things happened for reasons. They wanted there to be a flaw to correct, something they could have done better. A choice could have somehow made differently. We want disasters to be preventable.
But the Galaxy doesn’t work that way.
“Where are You, Rams Mascot?” Sarina shouted into the radio receiver.
Rams Mascots voice came through loud and clear.
“WHERE ARE YOU, RAMS MASCOT?” Sarina wanted to know as soon as possible. “Can the Planet’s Terrain and Atmosphere support Rams Football””
“I’m on Planet CAPELLA! Check it out, Sarina!”
Planets warm air reaches the cool wall and roof, loses its extra energy, and recirculates to the warm surfaces, thus setting up a steady state of trapped warm air in which the surface of the soil and plants and the average air temperature are higher than the temperature outside
Sounds perfect for Rams Football” exclaimed Sarina.
Sarina signaled on the Video Chat to get a close look at Ram Mascot’s position on the Planet .
Sarina went directly to the controls with her Captains Suit, and her Adventure Goggles pulled tight.
Rams Mascot said he knew a secret railway through the terrain of the Planet that might get him to the new Rams Stadium unobserved.
And glanced at Soldier Sam’s Report on Rams Fans activities that day.
"Get a chance to read it?" Soldier Sam asked in a tone of expectation.
.
"It's Great” responded Sarina. Better than your usual stuff. Listen, Rams Mascot is with me now."
"Have you signed him up to scout out the terrain on Planet?” Soldier Sam was full of curiosity about the potential for Rams Football to be played there.
"I'm going to.” Sarina decided. “Seems he wants to work with Me. Here, you talk to him, Soldier Sam"
We are coming to Rams Planet, Rams Mascot! But we have to make 2 Stops.
First we are going to Planet X for some Upgrades to our Starship since we expect to Drift for Long Time to land on Rams Moon.
Then New Starship Upgrades for Big Fight to get from the Moon to Rams Stadium.
We are going to make a day of it on Planet X while our ship gets fixed. It will be an Adventure!!
Then we will go on a Day Trip on Your Rams Moon too.
“Look, Solder Sam!” Planet X is fast approaching “ said Sarina. Prepare for landing!!”
After Sarina’s assurance, Soldier Sam was confident and was just enjoying every moment of it. After a span of several minutes, Sarina prepared the landing.
PLANET X ACTIVIES
It was July Fourth. Independence Day. Sarina had been invited to spend the night at Soldier Sam’s “Hollywood Estate". Even though a full display had been planned, Sarina brought a box of her very own fireworks to be let off that night.
“Soldier Sam is taking me to an organised fireworks show tonight before we have our celebration late into the night”, Sarina had explained to her friend earlier that week. “It will be great fun!”
Once Sarina arrived the first thing she said to Soldier Sam was “ Great we can take our box of fireworks with us to the public park. “ Sarina was so excited.
“Oh, no.” Soldier Sam looked surprised. “We cannot take our own fireworks with us to organised displays. It would be too dangerous.”
Sarina was very disappointed. Then she had an idea! “We could give them to the organisers and have them sparked for us”. She suggested.
Soldier Sam smiled. He explained that the professionals use special fireworks at the display. “They are very big and the people have to be specially trained to use them. But we can watch our own fireworks when we get back from the show.”
“Oh Great!”, Sarina exclaimed. I will be able to light them off then. Soldier Sam almost fell over backwards in shock! “Sarina!!” he laughed at her. “Don’t you know only experience practitioners like me should touch fireworks?” “But…”Sarina protested.
“Fireworks need to be treated very carefully”, Soldier Sam explained. Each year there is some unfortunate circumstance where there are serious accidents when people play with fireworks without Extensive Training.
“Oh, I didn’t know,” replied Sarina.
“Ok Sarina, it’s time for you to get ready said Soldier Sam.” It’s getting late and we want to make sure we find a good place at the Park for our Picnic Blanket so we will not miss the display.”
“I’m all ready!” Sarina was excited for the moment. “Let’s Go!”
“Sarina”, Soldier Sam cautioned, “Do you have your pants tucked into your boots? That’s a special safety tip, Sam explained. Now stray fireworks and sparks can’t set your feet on fire.
Now they were ready!
The Fireworks Display at the park was Brilliant. Sarina stayed close to Soldier Sam keeping safe. He insisted she keep behind the fencing like everyone else so as to keep a safe distance from the fireworks.
The crowd hooted as giant colourful fireworks lit up the summer sky. Red, white, blue, amber, green there were so many beautiful colours making the night seem as bright as the day, commented Sarina.
And everyone cheered with delight as huge rockets soared right in to the sky exploding loudly sending out plumes of crackling, dazzling, glittery colours which seemed to pause in the air, frozen in time if only for a moment before finally twinkling out.
“It was So Brilliant”, Sarina exclaimed when she and Soldier Sam finally made it through the traffic and back to the house.
Every year, Sarina do looked forward to seeing Soldier Sam, standing at the bottom of the driveway , holding an enormous metal ‘Navy Surplus’ Torch. He always planned his display with military precision and would refer to his ‘Order of Ignition Sheet’ which sounded very impressive to Sarina but it was usually written on the back of a Dinner Napkin.
Every element of the display was carefully considered. The weekend before the big day, Soldier Sam took Sarina to choose the fireworks. Not being content with the selection at the local stores, he would drive to a specialist supplier, several miles away and went to great length to read all the labels and discuss the various effects with the shop owner.
Sarina loved to hear him talk about Rocket Cones, Screechers, Spitting Comets and names like Tropical Storm, Hornet’s Nest and Crackling Cauldron.
Back at the House, Sarina was impatient. “Let’s Get Started!” she said Excitedly.
“Fantastic”, agreed Soldier Sam as they started to set up things for what they had planned. We are going to light off your fireworks too, but we need a sturdy metal tin to put them in so why don’t you run in the house to get it and then put it in the middle of the driveway.
“Sarina, please put your fireworks on the table but don’t open the box! I have to do that for you.” Soldier Sam was always big on protecting Sarina from anything that might go wrong in all aspects of Life, not just Fire Works on the Fourth of July.
“Now you have to be sure we have a proper rocket launcher so why don’t you start to think about what we should do about that. You must never use a milk bottle or anything like that. It’s too dangerous”
“And also grab a bucket of water, so we will have something to put the sparklers in when they stop crackling.” He added, but Sarina was in the house rummaging through various cabinets and other places where she might find what she was looking for.
Soldier Sam took Sarina’s Fireworks out of the box and placed them in the tin. “Now Sarina, do you have your firework code memorised ?” he inquired.
“I know all about the fireworks code”, Sarina answered proudly. “It’s a special set of rules that tells you how to be safe next to fireworks. “
“Well done, Sarina”. Soldier Sam was excited for the Localised Display of Fun.
Sarina whipped out a briefing pamphlet and started reading the code underneath the light of the garage lamp.
As soon as it was all set up, Solider Sam hooked his iPOD up to the speakers and played Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” track and this signalled to Sarina that the Fun was just about ready to get started!.
A theatrical experience then followed as Soldier Sam performed “Miracles” in the driveway. He would light each fuse with a long taper and call out “Stand well clear… Launch in ten seconds!”
Sarina would then yell the countdown, from ten down to one, getting more excited with each number. Most fireworks went off at “four”, always taking Sarina by surprise.
Looking back, years later, Sarina realised this was clearly a deliberate strategy but she fell for it every time and then whooped with excitement as each firework worked its Colourful Magic.
Soldier Sam liked to watch Sarina, at her station sitting on top of the Picnic Bench waiting for the brief moment when she would be framed by the light of an exploding firework. The look of delight on Sarina’s face was one that Soldier Sam would carry with him for the rest of his life.
The climax of the display was the Rockets. Soldier Sam and Sarina would always buy the biggest one they could find with names like “Tornado” or “Meteor” or “Super Storm”.
The finale was extra special for Sarina since she would be allowed to light the taper but Soldier Sam always held her arm, ready to snatch her away if there was a problem.
Sarina and Solder Sam watched in awe as the rockets soared into the sky before exploding into a shower of coloured lights. Sarina paused from looking at the lights and turned toward Soldier Sam and their eyes met for a Special Moment.
“That one’s for you Sarina.” Soldier Sam laughed. “Isn’t She a Beauty?!"
TAKE OFF FROM PLANET X
At the fixed time the signal was given. Sarina and Soldier Sam hastily got into the cockpit. After a few minutes, Sarina took her seat. Soldier Sam was ordered asked to fasten belts and given earplugs to escape the whirl of the plane. Sarina started the machine.
Sarina and Soldier Sam are on Boat Destined to Arrive at Magic Island in Time for Sarina’s Birthday Party!! But the Trip did have it’s Difficulties.
On the morning of Sarina’s Birthday the sea and the sky were each of the grey hue of the dawning. Later, carmine and gold was painted upon the waters.
The morning appeared finally, in all its splendor, with a sky of pure blue, and the sunlight flamed on the tips of the waves.
On the distant dunes, the Lighthouse reared above them. No people, ground vehicles or rescue boats appeared on the beach. Sarina and Soldier Sam both wondered why the Island had not invested in aerial drones. One would think they would need some to provide for defense.
Now Soldier Sam and Sarina were thinking this Island might be deserted
The voyagers scanned the shore. A conference was held in the boat. "Well," said Sarina "if no help is coming we might better try a run through the surf right away. If we stay out here much longer we will be too weak to do anything for ourselves at all."
Solider Sam silently acquiesced in this reasoning. The boat was headed for the beach. Soldier Sam wondered if none ever ascended the Light House, and if then they never looked seaward.
"Now, Soldier Sam," said Sarina, "It’s going to swamp, sure. All we can do is to work it in as far as possible, and then when it swamps, pile out and scramble for the beach. Keep cool now, and don't jump until it swamps."
Soldier Sam took the oars. Over his shoulders he scanned the surf. "Sarina," he said, "I think I'd better bring it about, and keep it head-on to the seas and back her in."
"All right, Soldier Sam," said Sarina. "Back it in."
Soldier Sam swung the boat then and Sarina looked over her shoulders to contemplate the indifferent shore.
The monstrous in-shore rollers heaved the boat high until Sarina was again enabled to see the white sheets of water scudding up the slanted beach.
"We won't get in very close," said Sarina
There were no hurried words, no plain panic. The duo simply looked at the shore.
"Now, remember to get well clear of the boat when you jump," said Sarina.
Seaward the crest of a roller suddenly fell with a thunderous crash, and the long white comber came roaring down upon the boat.
"Steady now," said Sarina.
Soldier Sam was silent. He turned his eyes from the shore to the comber and waited. The boat slid up the incline, leaped at the furious top, bounced over it, and swung down the long back of the wave. Some water had been shipped and Sarina bailed it out.
But the next crest crashed also. The tumbling flood of white water caught the boat and whirled it almost perpendicular. Water swarmed in from all sides
The little boat, slammed with this weight of water, reeled deeper into the sea.
"Bail her out, Soldier Sam, Bail her out!" said Sairna.
"All right, Sarina," said Solider Sam.
Sarina figured the next one would do them in, for sure. . "Make sure to jump clear of the boat." she shouted.
The wave moved forward, huge, furious, implacable, relentless and unstoppable.
It fairly swallowed the dingey, and almost simultaneously Sarina and Soldier Sam tumbled into the sea. A piece of lifebelt had was in the bottom of the boat, and as Sarina went overboard she held on with everything she had.
The water was icy, and Sarina reflected immediately that it was colder than she had expected to find it on the coast. This appeared to her dazed mind as a fact important enough to be noted at the time. The cold water was tragic.
When Sarina came to the surface she was conscious of little but the noisy water. Afterward she saw her companion in the sea. Soldier Sam was swimming strongly and rapidly.
There is a certain immovable quality to a shore, and Sarina wondered at it amid the confusion of the sea. The piece of life-preserver lay under her and sometimes she whirled down the incline of a wave as if she was on a handsled.
Sarina had arrived at a place in the sea where travel was beset with difficulty. She did not pause swimming to inquire what manner of current had caught her, but there her progress ceased for a moment.. The shore was set before her like a bit of scenery on a stage, and she looked at it and understood with her eyes each detail of it.
Solider Sam approached her from quite a distance. Sarina was calling to him, "Turn over on your back, Soldier Sam! Turn over on your back and use the oar."
"All right, Sarina." Soldier Sam turned on his back, and, paddling with an oar, went ahead as if he were a canoe.
The intercom countdown suddenly caught Sarina and Soldier Sam’s attention.
They didn’t know what it was for, but they knew that they did not want to stick around to find out.
They dashed out of the door and back down the hallway. Soldier Sam zapped the adversaries in front of them before they could even lift their ray guns while Sarina covered the back.
There were shots flying through the air from every angle and the noise of shouting everywhere.
MOON ACTIVITIES
Sarina quickly picked up the Phone & dialed the number to the Security Chief at the air base.
The Chief sounded excited. “I’ve had a report that one of the pilots using the air base has been acting suspicious lately. He used to seem like a good guy & stay around for a couple drinks & a cigarette or two after he lands. Now shortly after he gets in he leaves in a waiting helicopter. He never says where he is going. We are starting to think he is a Secret Agent.”
“That is strange,” Sarina remarked. “A helicopter! The kind of aircraft that can take off & land vertically” she asked.
“Right! It can also fly at lower speeds & hover around a Target.” Said the Chief.
“Have you any idea where the secret agent goes?” Sarina asked, hoping to trip him up if he didn’t have his story straight.
“No flight plane was filed with me.” The Chief said.
“Who owns the Plane?” Sarina inquired.
“I don’t know, but now I mean to find out,” the Chief replied. “Whenever the pilot asked for landing instructions he only partly identified himself .
“What about his history as a Pilot?” Sarina asked.
“He only first showed up here several months ago. Seems efficient & no Red Flags popped up in his record of service. The flight arrival path is part of his regular schedule, and I’ve been watching it for anything that could be the least suspicious.”
“I have an idea,” said Sarina. “Next time he shows up and takes off in his helicopter, my friend & I will follow him.”
“Follow him? The chief wasn’t registering what her plan was.”How?”
“In my plane” Sarina responded matter of factly.
“But if you were to take off immediately behind him & trail it on the same course,” the chief countered, “wouldn’t that arouse the pilots suspicions? He isn’t stupid.”
“We would take off from another air field” Sarina said. “Hold on just a minute, will You?”
Sarina signaled for her friend to come over & he handed her an aeronautical chart. Spreading it out, Sarina carefully examined the surrounding terrain. “Here we go”, she told the Chief. “We’ll go there & wait. When you see the pilot boarding the helicopter, let us know. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.”
Sarina’s friend excused himself, the called his maintenance & operations guy to have the plane fueled and ready to fly at the crack of dawn.
As the first rays of sunlight appeared in the east the next day, Sarina got up, put her shoes on & started to go to work doing her hair. She was surprised to see her friend already in the kitchen cooking up some raspberry chocolate pancakes. She had completely forgotten Yankees highlights were on Sportscenter.
“Yum, I’m Super hungry!” Sarina was smiling even though she hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep and the alarm clock had surprised her.
After eating, they make quick progress to the airfield & made a final check on the weather. The forecaster on the radio came on in between innings of the Yankee Game and reported that it would be “Ceiling & Visibility Unlimited” for at least another 48 hours.
“The Ship’s all ready to fly,” said the mechanic. He had done his job well in preparation for their mission & greeted them as they walked across the tarmac.
Sarina and her friend got into the plane and fastened their seatbelts. A sudden roar echoed across the field as Sarina started the engines. She made a quick but thorough check of the instruments. Minutes later, they were airborne & climbing rapidly towards their destination.
“We should get there with plenty of time to spare”, her friend tried to assure her.
Sarina scooped up the receiver when it suddenly activated. “This is the Security Chief, Ma’am. Your secret agent just got into the helicopter. Its taking off from the pad right now.”
“Roger.” Sarina replied. “We’re on our way!”
“There’s the helicopter, Sarina. Get ready!” her friend was very confident in her abilities.
The Secret agent veered slightly & Sarina kept following at a safe distance. A short time later, the helicopter made two complete turns, then reverted to course. Sarina did the same. Moments later, their quarry repeated that manoeuvre.
“Why all these Fucking Turns?” Sarina complained.
“He’s probably checking to see if he is being followed” her friend replied.
“Do you think he’s spotted us?” Sarina asked.
“No doubt”, her friend concluded. “But we’ve nothing to lose by continuing the chase.
Then, suddenly, the gap between the two crafts started to close quickly as the helicopter reduced speed. One glance at the airspeed indicator told Sarina her plane was dangerously close to a stall.
Sarina was just about to increase power & get the hell out of there, when the Secret Agent suddenly executed a sharp turn & headed directly at them!
Sarina quickly executed a quick manoeuvre out of the way, but the sharp movement of the controls were not giving them any sort of really enjoying themselves any more.
Sarina & her friend were thrown against their seatbelts as the plane started to drop. The wind whistled against the wings.
“Hang on!” Sarina shouted as she pulled the throttle closed & applied aileron & rudder control.
Sarina managed to level the wings, then concentrated on recovering from the steep dive. As she eased back slowly on the wheel, they were pressed down into their seats by the increasing G Force.
Finally, Sarina had the aircraft back to straight & level—but with not much altitude to spare. She increased power and the plane climbed higher. For a moment neither of them spoke.
“Whew. Goodness Gracious!” Sarina finally exclaimed as she looked in the mirror at her hair to make sure it hadn’t fallen out of place during the Wild Ride.
Her friend was relieved too. “I can’t say I’m much for this kind of manoeuvre. “ he admitted.
Sarina had made her decision. She quickly agreed. “Who gives a Flying Fuck about this Secret Agent anyway. Let’s head back to get some dinner at Burger Palace. The Yankees Game is still on after all, Right?”
LANDING ON RAMS PLANET
The Starship flew very fast rushing through space without a bump or a jolt when all of a sudden bad weather overtook Sarina and Soldier Sam. The Starship began to swing from side to side and Sarina was a little troubled in controlling it.
We started to close in on another Mainland patrol. The unit was in the centre, and there were two others on our flank. The chairman told the officers to keep moving straight ahead and move as quickly as possible. We figured the patrol would be surprised that we were coming for them as fast as we were. There was no point in relenting our pursuit and the patrol likely considered our advance to be a menacing concern.
It soon was realized that the patrol was quite resolved to stay in the fight. The chairman fell back on the principles of attack he had learned during training. The unit had to follow up the strike on the patrol before they would have a chance to get themselves off of the ground and mount a strong defence with adequate countermeasures. The only thing left to do was to instigate an assault that would force the patrol into capitulation.
The wireless operator determined that the patrol had in fact been in contact with the Mainland the whole time It took a little time to decipher the messages and we decided to wait for more information. Three options presented themselves to the chairman, First, the patrol could be disposed of and we would wait for a response from the Mainland, Alternatively, the patrol could be left under guard and we could try and pick up the action later. Finally, the patrol could just be left where they were and matters would end as they were.
To leave the patrol under guard would diminish our the readiness level of our force since they would be all tied up, and to leave them without guard would give they too good of a chance of the Mainland forces following up on us in a few days. The chairman put the situational problem to the officers and most were committed to aggressive action, and they saw no real alternative because they decided leaving them under guard was an untenable option and they simply did not want to let the patrol go on their way without incident.
After some time had passed, the chairman came up with a solution that would at least leave his conscience intact. We would go on with our forces not compromised and do as we had been directed. He decided that the answer was to make sure the patrol had no chance of meeting up with the garrison in the short-term, and this would enable his unit to get away from adverse consequences resulting from their mission.
Once evening fell upon the unit, the officers consulted the maps and planned the march ahead. We had covered quite a distance during the week, so the chairman agreed to press forward along the decided trajectory in principle, although we would have to maneuver around a group of islands which would slow the unit down considerably. Some of our stateside authorities came over the wireless and wanted to know what was going on.
The chairman considered the communications to be an unwelcome intrusion on a mission that they could not possible understand, give their distant vantage point. As the officers reported, they thought that, at best, no Mainland operatives were watching or tracking our movements and, at worse, if other patrols were to give chase, the odds would likely be in our favour, given the geography of the islands we were headed for momentarily.
We set off toward the islands filled with vigor and positive thoughts and met a good pace as we pressed forward with a dogged determination to make good time. On this particular leg of the long journey we were glad for the prospect that we would have a few uneventful an secure moments, and the officers spotted a location were we could hole up and regain our peace of mind, if only for a while. We cleaned ourselves up and hydrated to quench our thirst and hunger for the first time in several days, which buoyed our spirits.
The officers immediately began to be concerned that the Mainland forces might be leaving a trap for us, since our route had not been met with any more patrols. The chairman did not think this was the case, since there seemed to be not a single sign of immediate danger. We fully intended to leave our trajectory for the time being to find some cover, but there was really nothing around but open space. The officers wondered aloud about our intentions to lay low and not seek out another engagement, where we would at least be reasonably sure about the state of the Mainland patrols.
The adversaries were split into two groups, one on Sarina and Soldier Sam’s left and one on their right.
The ones on the left who followed Sarina and Soldier Sam out from the moon and then the other group has arrived at our position coming from Rams Planet.
“What are we going to do?” asked Soldier Sam.
RAMS STADIUM
PART 1
Sarina and Soldier Sam met at the 50 yard line of Rams Stadium and Rams Mascot started his way from the sideline to join them. It was to be a fantastic contest. Sarina and Soldier Sam were going to compete in a football passing battle with the winner taking home a big prize.
Sarina readied herself to begin and Soldier Sam picked up his first football too.
Rams Mascot cast a glance at Sarina who was said to have nerves of steel in contests of this sort. While Soldier Sam was just trying to make it through another Rams Game.
Sarina’s attention was focused on her target, a cardboard monolith with a hole in the center into which the victory over Soldier Sam on that day would be solidified.
Sarina’s eyes met Rams Mascot’s and showed a defiant look. Sarina and Soldier Sam were about to make their first football passes of the night.
Solider Sam and Sarina confronted each other like two Statues of Liberty in the night and their attention was fixed on their targets.
Rams Mascot smiled, transforming his face with an appearance of great authority as he would be serving to officiate the contest.
He turned to Sarina and said “I declare Sarina, you look more beautiful with each passing day.
Sarina’s face brightened and her smile was for all to see that night at Rams Stadium. Sarina, like everyone else in the world liked a nice compliment every once in a while.
“That’s my sentiment too” added Solider Sam. “Sarina, you’re the best!”
“Of course no one in this stadium will ever forget that” Rams Mascot assured, “but we have to keep our eyes on the ball right now. This is a contest to the finish!”
Sarina fired the first toss of the football and Solider Sam’s first attempt followed quickly. The competition was underway!
Rams Mascot looked at the two of them, “You guys are completely crazy. In front of this whole crowd, one of you will rise victorious.
“This proposal to compete came about very quickly” Soldier Sam admitted. “I’m still not ready but at the same time ready as I will ever be.”
"Yes," said Rams Mascot. “It was very sudden. After just a few months.”
"What did you call it?" Soldier Sam asked.
“Quickly as the Sun Rises and Sets” answered Rams Mascot.
“You didn’t think it a good Idea to wait?” Rams Mascot asked.
“There was no need” Soldier Sam replied “I am perfectly certain there is no other NFL Stadium I would rather compete in. So that was an easy decision for me. And what will the prize be?”
Suddenly, Sarina’s first toss whizzed though the target. She was well on her way to that Prize to be presented at halftime.
“Don’t interrupt me with conversation right now, Rams Mascot” Sarina instructed.
That night the dusk began to creep into Rams Stadium, Sarina glanced up for a moment at the sky to check the conditions. She had nailed a couple passes to their destination by now.
“It’s getting difficult to see the target in this darkness” complained Soldier Sam. “Why doesn’t someone turn on the Scoreboard?”.
“Rams Mascot, you had better get on your mobile device to operate the Scoreboard. Solider Sam is right. We heed some light.” Sarina was insistent.
Rams Mascot started up the controls but said “It doesn’t seem like we need a Light Show quite yet.”
"Yes, we do," returned Soldier Sam said peremptorily. "We must have a light. I must finish this tonight or I can't get the prize, whatever it may be, and I can’t see to catch up to Sarina. She is already quite a bit ahead.
Sarina can obviously see the target very well, “Rams Mascot observed. Why cant you?”
"Are you trying to save electricity or are you lazy, Rams Mascot?" Soldier Sam asked. "I can go and get the light myself, but I still have this contest to win.
Sarina paused for a moment. "Rams Mascot, we must have the light,"
"I am sure I don't want to take my efforts into another Stadium” warned Soldier Sam.
"Why, I never heard such a to-do about lighting up the Scoreboard." Rams Mascot complained.
Rams Mascot turned on the lights. The end zone was now visible to both Sarina and Soldier Sam.
"Does the light hurt your eyes, and is that the reason why you didn't want the lights on, Rams Mascot?" asked Sarina kindly.
"I always like to sit in the dark," replied Rams Mascot.
Sarina continued to hit her pass target. Soldier Sam was missing left and right.
Suddenly Sarina noticed the end zone. Her glance became a steady stare. She looked intently when her next pass attempt was suspended in the air.
Then Sarina looked away again and took the next football, then she looked again, and again turned to her task.
Soldier Sam looked at the end zone too taking note of something sitting there. He looked intently, then turned to Sarina.
"What IS that?" asked Soldier Sam..
"What?" asked Sarina. She could see something too.
"That strange Glow in the middle of the end zone," replied Soldier Sam. The stadium lights had disappeared again
"Why don't you turn around and look, Sarina?" asked Soldier Sam in a wondering and somewhat curious way.
"I am in a hurry to finish this contest” answered Sarina. The clock has almost run out. I’m going to win for sure.
"Look at this Glow! What is it? Solider Sam, look, look! Rams Mascot look! WHAT IS IT?"
Then Rams Mascot burst out in a wild cry after a shuddering glance at the end zone.
"Oh, Sarina, there it is again! There it is again!"
Sarina turned, and stood steady confronting the end zone. "How should I know?" she said.
"It has been there every game this Season” Rams Mascot said.
“Every Game?” Solider Sam was surprised.
"It—it looks like—like—" Soldier Sam wasn’t sure what it was.
"I know what it looks like well enough," said Sarina. "I've got sharp eyes. It’s a Magic Pirate Treasure Chest"
“And that Glow, observed Solider Sam. “That intense of a Glow could only be coming from one thing. A Super Bowl Ring!”
"It looks like that," burst out Rams Mascot in a sort of frenzy of shock. "Only--
"Yes, it does," Sarina exclaimed whose tone matched Soldier Sams, "only— Oh, it is incredible! What is it?"
"I ask you again, how should I know?" replied Sarina. "I see it there like you. How should I know any more than you?"
"It MUST be something in the Treasure Chest," said Soldier Sam staring wildly around.
"We moved everything in the end zone; Rams Mascot said "it is not anything in the Treasure Chest.
PART 2
Sarina turned to Rams Mascot. "Of course it is something in the Treasure Chest" said Sarina "How you act! What do you mean by talking so? Of course it is something in it."
"Of course, it is," agreed Solider Sam, looking at Rams Mascot suspiciously. "Of course it must be. It’s not just a coincidence. It just happens so. Perhaps it is the Glow that makes it. It must be something in the Treasure Chest."
"It is not anything in the Treasure Chest," repeated Rams Mascot with a defiant tone.
Rams Mascot stood and stared a moment longer. His face showed a gamut of emotions—surprise, conviction, then furious incredulity.
Suddenly Rams Mascot began hastening towards the end zone. He grabbed ahold of the treasure chest, turning over to see the effect upon the bright glow. Not a line of its outlines wavered.
Sarina clutched Soldier Sams hand. The contest was over. They both stood in a corner of the end zone out of Rams Mascot’s way.
For a few moments Rams Mascot raged about the end zone like a caged wild animal. He moved that Treasure chest every which way and; when the moving of it did not affect the Glow, he flung it to the Turf, with Sarina and Soldier Sam watching.
Then suddenly Rams Mascot desisted. He laughed and began straightening up the scene, he flung the great box down.
"What an absurdity," Rams Mascot said easily. "Such a to-do about a Glowing Treasure Chest."
"That's so," assented Sarina, in a voice which she tried to make interesting. As she spoke she looked about the area.
"Just as good as ever," Rams Mascot said pleasantly. He laughed again, looking at Sarina and Soldier Sam. "Did I scare you?" he said. "I should think you might be used to me by this time.
Rams Mascot continued, “You know my way of wanting to leap to the bottom of a mystery, and that Treasure chest sure looks like a mystery-- and I thought if there was any way of accounting for it I would like to without any delay."
"You don't seem to have succeeded," remarked Sarina, with a slight glance at the Treasure Chest..
Rams Mascot’s eyes followed Sarina and he hesitated perceptibly.
"Oh, there is no accounting for Glows from a Pirates Treasure Chest," Rams Mascot said, and he laughed again. "A Football Mascot is a fool to try to account for a mystery like that."
Then the Bell rang signalling the start to the Game, so Sarina and Soldier Sam went to their seats, but Rams Mascot stayed in the end zone.
Sarina turned to Solider Sam as they walked towards their seats.. "He looked like a demon!" Sarina declared.
Solider Sam led the way with an alert motion and Sarina followed close behind with a bounce in her step. She knew she had won the pre-game football toss contest.
"I can't sit in these seats again,” Sarina complained. “Lets get back on the field and watch from the sideline, Soldier Sam.
"Very well, we will watch the game from the sidelines," replied Soldier Sam.
So Sarina and Soldier Sam watched the First Half of Football while Rams Mascot was tabulating the results of the competition Sarina had so clearly won, just to make it official.
"What are you going to do about the Treasure Chest Mystery Sarina?” asked Soldier Sam.
"I am going to see what Rams Mascot is about," replied Sarina bravely
"You had better stay where you are," said Soldier Sam.with guarded sharpness.”It’s not safe out there.
"I am going to see," repeated Sarina firmly.
Rams Mascot, evidently reasoning that the source of the strange Glow must be in the Treasure Chest and was making systematic passes and thrusts all over and through the intervening space with an old sword he had saved from his Pirate Days.
Not a square inch was left unpierced. He seemed to have divided the space into mathematical sections. He brandished the sword with a sort of cold fury and calculation; the blade gave out flashes of light, the Glow remained unmoved. Sarina, watching, felt herself shocked at the effort.
Finally, Rams Mascot ceased and stood with the sword in hand and raised as if to strike, surveying the Treasure Chest in the end zone for another place to strike.
"He looked like a demon!" Sarina said again. "Have you got any of that Bourbon with you, Soldier Sam? I don't feel as if I could stand much more of this ridiculousness"
Indeed, Sarina looked overcome. Her beautiful face was worn and strained..
"Yes, there's plenty," said Soldier Sam "you can have some whenever you like. I’ve already started."
"I think we had both better take some," said Sarina. "Oh, my God, Soldier Sam, what—"
"Don't ask and don't speak," said Soldier Sam.
"No, I am not going to," replied Sarina; "but—"
Rams Mascot was still making a lot of noise.
"What are you doing that for?" asked Sarina.
“I just realized the Football Passing Prize is in the Treasure Chest” answered Rams Mascot “You want your Prize don’t you Sarina? I have it all added up. You are the Winner!!”
“Sarina is the Winner of the Pre-Game Football Passing Contest” Rams Mascot announced to the over capacity crowd there at Rams Stadium that day.
“The only problem is.. I can’t open the Treasure Chest and I actually have no idea myself what the Prize inside the box is!!” Rams Mascot explained.
Sarina and Soldier Sam looked at Rams Mascot with surprise. If Rams Mascot didn’t know what the Prize was inside the Pirate Treasure Chest was, then who did?
Presently Soldier Sam rose—he could not have told why; something seemed to impel him, some will outside his own. He walked towards the Treasure Chest again and began to examine it right then and there in the end zone.
"Soldier Sam has not got any tools," said Rams Mascot with a skeptical tone. “ I had a sword and I couldn’t get that open no matter what I did.
Sarina, who was busy drinking her Bourbon, rose also, took a few stumbling steps and followed Soldier Sam.
The Rams Stadium Bell rang, and no one heard it except for Sarina and Soldier Sam. The Bell rang a second time and then stopped.
Sarina and Soldier Sam approached the Treasure Box. It was still Glowing and they had finally gotten close enough to see a piece of tape over the presumably locked box that was still Glowing.
Sarina read the inscription on the tape, “You both competed today, and only one of you has been declared the Winner, but I am here to tell you that you are both Winners in My Book.”
“Just reach for the Locked Latch and open it together”, the inscription continued.
Sarina and Soldier Sam looked around the end zone for Rams Mascot. He had disappeared!
Sarina and Soldier Sam grabbed open the Treasure Chest...
"Oh, my God," Sarina was shocked, "there are—there are TWO—Super Bowl Rings!! That is why the box Glowed so Strongly.."
Sarina and Soldier Sam glanced at each other each other, staring at the beautiful Rings. Barely able to keep their balance due to all the Bourbon they both grabbed the Rings.
Sarina and Solider Sam both felt at that moment that the two of them had actually won a Super Bowl themselves.
Even though all they had really done was participate in a Pre-Game Football Passing Contest. They went back to their seats for the Second Half.
Spoiler ALERT.. The Rams Won that night! And so did Sarina and Soldier Sam.
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