A quote: “The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it’s so rare.” ~~ Daniel Patrick Moynihan

I’ll start with a story …

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Micah was reading at four, working on his times-tables at five and wanted to know “why” on everything.

City school wouldn’t do. So Micah had “asthma”, home schooled, and summers he spent with Great Uncle Leon out in the mountain air.
Leon was a throw-back … a mountain man born 100 years too late. Days, Leon taught him every skill of living off the grid. Evenings, learning from all the old books he had – stuff that had disappeared in The City.

Micah later turned his skills into a small business, leading hikers along known trails. He kept it small, honest, and below The City’s radar.

He hoped.

He was out on the trail with a group, and felt the vibration of his satellite phone. He stopped everyone for a water break and stepped off the trail for privacy. Text from Mom, “Leon would be proud. Watch out for dogsbane blooming. Take care.” Micah turned it off, slipping into a vest pocket lined with mylar. He stepped back to the trail running into Chad. A chatty newbie that had booked the hike last minute. He grin was no longer friendly and he was reaching across his body …

Dogsbane.

Micah walked down to the group and said they needed to turn back. Despite all the disappointment they moved down to the trail head. Then voices turned surprised as government cars filled the parking lot below. None noticed as Micah slipped back up and off the trail. One day hike up unknown trails to Leon’s cabin, three days beyond that to his hidden bolt hole and over a pass into the Territories.

He didn’t know how long until he could get back to get his family out. But he was his uncle’s nephew.

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Now, it’s your turn.
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. featured image, cropped, Adobe Stock standard license.