Read Gray Panthers: Battle for Earth for Free Online

shower, was out cold in his bed. 

Surprise, Arizona
    3 April 2126
    Dan awoke from the sunlight pouring through the window as he realized he was in his own home and safe as he replayed the last few days in his mind. He went to his garage, seeing the cargo area of the solar cart still covered by his tarp. Going back into his kitchen he grabbed a cold soda instead of his regular coffee as he phoned an old friend who he knew would be able to dispatch his load of artifacts without any questions asked, and get a better price than he could.  Trusting his friend, he left the garage door unlocked after piling the treasure into a pile in the middle of the floor.  Returning his M1 to its hiding place in the house, he left for the important business of the day.
      A short drive found him in front of the Surprise assisted living facility.  He gathered up his courage, as he always needed to do before he could open the door.  The overwhelming stench of excrement and disinfectant hit him almost as hard as the sight of the seniors sitting in their wheel chairs in the hallway, each one looking up expectantly toward him. His heart was torn for them as he continued down the hall. Slowly opening the door to his friend’s room, he first saw the machine used to help his old comrade breathe. He looked further up to see cold dead eyes return his look, and then quickly seemed to come to life as he was recognized.  Though unable to speak, the question was there for Dan, "Have you come to put me out of my misery old friend?"
    Dan checked to see that the door was closed, as he took the vial from his pocket. Abdul’s eyes were raised in question, as the vials contents were emptied into his water glass, and then the straw was put to his lips. Dan softly spoke to his old comrade, "Try to take it all old friend. I’m here to end your pain."  Abdul surprisingly consumed the elixir in one long drawl of the straw. Abdul made a gurgling sound as he tried to speak before closing his eyes.  Hours later, the heart monitor alongside the bed began to race and then slowed to hardly anything, then began a steady pace.  Abdul’s breathing became steadier as Dan took the chance and disconnected the breathing device.  A loud snore was his reward as his old friend no longer labored for breath and instead began to sleep even more soundly.  The monitor became steady showing a continuous count of 50. 
    Dan went out to the nurses' station and waited until one finally appeared and then convinced her to come to Abdul’s room, after promising it would be worth her while.  When she saw the breathing device disconnected, she started quickly after it only to be held back by Dan as he gently pointed to the heart rate monitor and that it was obvious that Abdul was actually sleeping soundly without any assistance needed. 
    "Nurse Kimberly, I prayed with my friend for a miracle and then we were bathed in a white glow that filled the room.  Abdul then removed the tube and said Amen before going to sleep.  I will be back this evening, please be sure some dumb ass doesn't try to hook my friend back up again."  Dan directed to the amazed nurse as he fixed her with a subtle threatening look that made the nurse shudder. 
    Feeling his stomach begin to rumble, his next destination was automatic as he headed for Brent’s Tavern.  As he entered the tavern, his eyes needed a second as he adjusted to the darkness.  He headed to the end of the bar as he noticed there were a dozen people scattered throughout the establishment.  His longtime friend, the owner of the Tavern gave a large sincere smile as he saw Dan enter.  "Brent ya old bastard, give me one of those big fat greasy burgers, the ones you're always trying to get me to eat, and don't be cheap with the fries, after all these years I'm ready to try one.  Now let's have an ale to soften up the machinery so I can digest it," Dan said in a dead serious tone that was betrayed by his twinkling blue eyes, as he burst