The Alpha Chronicles by Joe Nobody Read Free Book Online

don’t know, Spider. I’m considering resigning. I’m not sure I want to work for someone who puts money ahead of human life.”
    Spider’s head sunk, his chin resting on his chest. “I know, I’ve been thinking the same thing. Management’s decision to take that chance up at the dam versus paying some money has been bothering me, too. That whole thing could have ended in a huge cluster fuck.”
    Stoke appeared in the doorway, his hand raised to knock on the still open door. “Oh hello, Spider. I was just coming by to give Bishop the word. Is everything all right?”
    “Yes, sir. Everything is fine. Spider and I were just discussing our future.”
    Stoke entered the room, closing the door behind him. He looked to each man, a fatherly expression on his face. “Now let me guess, lads. You’re both feeling blue about the gamble we took up at the lake. You’re both wondering if you want to work for such greedy bastards that would make a decision like that. Am I right?”
    Spider nodded without making eye contact with the older man. Bishop remained silent.
    “I’m not going to lecture either of you. You’re both grown men and in control of your own destiny. I do, however, want to ask you both a simple question. Can either of you name me one potential employer who doesn’t do the same thing? When a bank repossesses a farm, aren’t they in effect putting money ahead of people? When a factory furloughs workers, isn’t that the same commercial sin of placing the corporate bottom line ahead of the needs of individual workers? What corporation would you go to work for with completely noble intentions? I know, you can go find a job for a tobacco company – there’s an employer who doesn’t put money ahead of life.”
    Stoke looked at both men, making sure his point was making it through. His tone softening, he continued. “I don’t know of any employer who doesn’t give money a high priority in any risk assessment. The problem might not be that of a weapon killing someone. The issue may involve closing a plant or reducing redundant staff and sending them off to the unemployment line. It’s all part of life, gentlemen. If HBR had paid our friend Ditto those funds, who knows how many of your American mates they would’ve had to let go? Who can tell how many families would have suffered because of paying a criminal huge sums of money? Besides that, an “entrepreneur” who is willing to fuck the Russians after they paid for our merchandise might not be the most reputable business partner either.”
    Bishop and Spider looked up at the older, wiser man, both of their faces indicating they were absorbing his message.
    Stoke placed one hand on each contractor’s shoulder and continued, “Just think about it, lads. Give it few good mental cycles before you do anything rash. HBR is as good a master as it gets. They’re not perfect, but they get it right most times.”

Bands of color brought my eyes
    From desert floor ‘cross cobalt skies.
    Ahead stood stark, against the blue
    A tree, smit by nature, grew.
    Still green in spots from life persistent
    Lightening had split the wood dehiscent.
    Strong it stood as it long would
    By God’s great hand,
    Held straight to stand.
    My eyes moved on and found their rest
    Upon a wondrous eagle’s nest.
    What else could this great land present,
    To such a soul that must lament?
    Looking deeply, inward most,
    My view came upon The Host ;
    The Holy Spirit dwelled within
    This heart, this land, this gracious wind.
    And in my heart there came a peace
    That only rests within the beasts.
    To see the feathered eagle’s wings
    Unfurl against the cobalt sky
    And with it draw my eye once more
    ‘Cross bands of color to the desert floor-
    Lament no more.
    DALH 2013

Chapter 1
    January 8, 2016
    Alpha, Texas
     
    Diana blinked her eyes, wondering if she had been dreaming or had really heard the noise. Confused by her rapid transition from REM sleep, she wasn’t entirely sure where she was