Read Gray Panthers: Battle for Earth for Free Online Page B

keys and discovered his wadded up cash he had left for Maria, and a slip of paper that simply said, Juanita, and a phone number. Toes no longer making contact with the ground Dan continued towards his cart slowly, appreciating the sun on his face and a slight breeze that carried the scent of oranges from a nearby orchard.
    Abdul was sitting up in his bed, surrounded by what appeared to be half the staff.  Dan pushed by them, as they appeared to be arguing among themselves trying to not only determine the miraculous healing. But the fact that from the neck down Abdul was extremely toned and his muscle mass had returned. No sign of the previous bed sores or loose skin that had covered the bare skeletal frame. There was only a slight discoloration of his skin tone on his neck, where the breathing device had been connected, now a puckered scar.  Dan could hear Abdul arguing that he was going to be released if he had to break heads to do it.  Seeing his benefactor, he cleared his throat and said in a voice that would not accept defiance for everyone to get out of his room...NOW!
       After they were all gone he looked at Dan and could not hold back his tears as he simply said, "I thought when I went to sleep I was not going to wake up and I was so thankful to you for that my old comrade.  Instead I wake up and have a new life ahead of me."
    "There's a price attached to it my friend. Tell these Rubes we prayed and that the room was bathed in light and God himself cleansed you.  God is returning to the world soon and is pissed off.  Let them know they need to ask for salvation while there is still time. I'll be waiting for you out front in five minutes.  Don't make me wait."
    Dan pushed himself through an even bigger crowd gathering outside Abdul’s room as he made his way to his cart. Word had already spread about “The Miracle” Dan had described to the nurse earlier.
      Five minutes later, he could hear a loud commotion as he saw his old comrade streaking, nearly naked with only an open paper robe. One of the guards managed to grab his arm as Abdul reversed himself holding the guard in front of him with the guards arm now firmly behind him. He flipped the luckless guard into the second guard as he turned around again heading for the cart. His face plastered into one huge smile!
    When he got to the cart, he found the passenger door locked as Dan laughingly began to beret him for his lack of decorum, and to be streaking at his age. Abdul pounded on the glass demanding to be let in as the crowd got closer.
    "Get in the back Abdul, I don't want your bare ass on my seats" Dan shouted over the pounding.
    Jumping into the back Abdul saw an old set of fatigues, with his nametag.  As he began to dress, Dan gunned the engine knocking him over.  Both of them broke out laughing even louder as the crowd disappeared behind them.  Dan slammed on the brakes throwing Abdul forward.  "OK Abby you can sit up front with me now," Dan laughingly informed his old friend.  "I think we could use a beer, unless you have other plans."
    "Lead on McDuff." Abdul gestured for him to get the move on as he tightened the laces on his boots.
    The tavern erupted in applause as the pair strode through the door.  Brent came out from behind the bar and hugged his old friend.  The three found themselves in the corner booth, reliving their time together as the beer flowed freely.  Dan and Abdul got up and unsteadily made their way to the door.  Before they could make it to the door, another of Dan's old friends grabbed Dan’s shoulder and handed him a large paper bag.  "Nice haul my friend, $400,000, my friend the antique dealer is willing to buy any more mining antiques you can get for top dollar."  Dan simply thanked the man and asked him if he had already taken his commission.  The man smiled and said he had been taken care of, Dan just smiled and thanked him again and continue to the door.  Before he could open the door, Maria, unseen, had