134Hi, everyone! I am so sorry that it has taken so long for me to finish this story. I started working on a novel, and it just takes up a lot of my time. This is the last chapter. Thanks to all who pointed out corrections. I have tried to fix them, but there are just too many. Next stop; buy a grammar check or one of those professional writers' software programs.
I greatly appreciate those who took the time to read, review and let me know how much you enjoyed my story.
September 5, 2650
As the morning sun melted the last traces of fog in the valley, a tall, red headed man sat perched on a wide, grassy ridge overlooking the valley below. From this vantage point, he could see all of the houses and the adjoining farms, two wind-powered grain mills, and three solar powered foundries. In the village of Taccoa, there were a number of small businesses, including Joe Liebgott's barbershop, the town hall, a post office, Joe Toye's blacksmith shop and Shifty and Popeye's hardware store, Eugene's pharmacy, Malarkey, Muck and Penk's Newspaper/General Store, two schools, a community college, and a public library. To the visitor's eye, it was evident that the farms were prosperous, the homes well kept and the small businesses thriving. Dick Winters saw two men, Bill Guarnere, Joe Toye, and their sons, who now preferred to be called Henry and Will followed by a mule, two Huskies as well as four hound dogs making their way down the hill heading towards the trail that would take them home.. They exchanged waves. The pack animal bore the weight of a good size stag. All four carried opened shotguns. Dick could hear Bill laughing all the way from where he was seating. From here, he also could see the start of an impromptu baseball game near the school, which also boasted a football field, an indoor swimming pool, and a gymnasium.
Dick returned to his journal. Five years have passed since Easy Company passed through a portal transporting us six hundred years into the future. We now live in the county of New Harmony in the newly formed Commonwealth of Carolina. At the moment, I am waiting for word to join Sarah who will soon deliver our second child. Our son, Samuel was born three years ago as were a lot of New Harmony children. I became a little too anxious this morning so Sarah told me to take a walk which led me to this place on our land that overlooks the entire valley. Sarah and I wed on this very spot four years ago surrounded by our friends and family. That day was magical and the memory is as clear to me as if it happened yesterday. To remain in this time was the right choice for me. Sarah has given me so much. Words just are not enough to express how deep my feelings are for her.
I have not written much in this diary as my time has not been my own. Upon arrival, we established a government, and the men and women appointed me Governor of Carolina until we held elections. Later on, I won the election, but my term expired last year. Deborah Compton is our new Governor and she is doing a fine job. We do things simply here. There are no political parties. A nominating committee asks individuals if they are interested in serving, and if two are more people are willing then we have an election. Anyone over sixteen can vote. The person with the most votes wins. There are no speeches, no lame, which certainly maintains harmony within the community. Bill Guarnere continues to serve as the mayor of Taccoa. The governing body of Carwood Lipton, Buck Compton, Walter Gordon, Fran Guarnere, Bettie Toye, and Sandy Toye Muck handle the administrative duties of the Commonwealth. We realize as the Commonwealth grows the laws will change, but for now we are proud how well our simplistic form of government meets the needs of everyone.
When, I am not running the farm, I travel to other Commonwealths and even Nouveau to sell our produce and homemade goods, which are highly prized in the satellite countries. Carwood Lipton is my partner in this venture so we do not have to leave our families alone for long. I guess this is good as time as any to describe how the men of "E" company fared after arriving in New Harmony.
Bill Guarnere married Fran in April of 2645. Surprisingly enough, Bill became a master artisan, and creates beautiful furniture and toys. He constantly researches old furniture designs in our library. On the weekends, Bill and Babe run a small pub where the men go to relax or play cards usually after playing a game of football or basketball. It is the only place that sells beer and where the men who still smoke can do so in peace. Fortunately, public drunkenness is not too much of a problem as the men are maturing and settling into family life. Most of the men probably fear the reaction of their wives more than they do any laws we could create. In addition, to Henry and Suzie, their son Joseph was born the first year we arrived and Fran gave birth to a daughter, Augustina, Tina for short, last year. Next year, Henry will join my son, Lewis and their friends Cliff Lipton, Rich Nixon, William Toye at Nouveau University. It is hard to believe how much they have grown. Bill's brother Henry married a lovely woman Maria. They have two little Guarneres, Luka and Lucia. Henry is a veterinarian now and they live in New Penn Colony.
Joe Toye, one of the toughest soldiers I ever met is now one of the creators of iron products and glassware. His wares are extremely popular for both their practicality and their beauty. Bettye finally agreed to marry Joe and I was proud to serve as his best man. He and Bettie added triplets to the Toye clan, Sean, Shane, and Seamus. The scientists at Nouveau think it maybe a side effect caused by the medication that both Joe and Bettie take to maintain their limbs.
By the time, we reached New Harmony; Lew Nixon was a married man with a child on the way. David Nixon was the first child born in New Harmony. Lew enjoys mapping out the new landscape. The results provide key updates to the progress the planet is making. Christianson joins him from time, as does Rich. Next year, Lew and Faith will serve as our ambassadors to some of the European colonies. This will involve a good deal of traveling on their part, but Lew is anxious to see this new world.
Skip Muck, one of the most popular guys in Easy Company, runs the newspaper along with Don Malarkey who sells advertisements. Alex Penkala is the resident cartoonist, but to make ends meet, they run the general store. You can find just about anything and learn just as much standing inside the store as you from reading the paper. They all have children now Laura and Donald Muck as well as Trudy and Tim Malarkey. Alex Penkala just married Thea who came back to New Harmony for a visit from a colony in Colorado. It was a wonderful celebration.
One of the few men to pursue the same work they would have if they had returned to 1945 was Bull Randleman. After establishing himself in the earth moving and ground restoration business, he married Marti Nethercutt. They are the proud parents of a big strapping son, Washington Randleman. Bull literally flies around the world moving earth for new settlements or bringing soil samples from one colony to another mostly for research purposes.
Shifty Powers runs one of the finest horse farms in four colonies. At Babe Heffron's suggestion, we hold an annual horserace. People from as far as England and Ireland come here to compete. It is an event we all look forward to and enables us to maintain good relations with the other Commonwealths. It also attracts tourists from Nouveau, which has proved quite lucrative for us. Of course, there is gambling, but never for large sums of money or goods. Shifty and his wife, Jane have two children, Daryl Jr. and Leanna.
Now in addition to the pub, Babe oversees deliveries from Nouveau, and runs the local movie house. He also organizes our various sports leagues. He and Bill are talking about building a golf course in conjunction with a hotel. Word is they are going to begin advertising in Nouveau to entice our friends in space to take vacations here in New Harmony.
Two of our closes friends are Carwood and Joy Lipton. They have twin girls May and June. As I wrote earlier, Carwood is my business partner. His wife and my Sarah grew closer on the journey from New Penn.
When the time came to select a Post Master, who better to serve in that capacity than Frank Perconte? Frank does an excellent job of handling the many letters and packages that we receive here on a daily basis. Don Hoobler assists Frank, and they take turns making the long rural deliveries. Everyone enjoys it when either man delivers the mail and brings a little news from town. Frank and Tia married two years ago, and dote over their son Marco. Based on a visit this morning to the General Store yesterday, I learned that the Perconte's are expecting again.
One of the most beloved men of the outfit is still George Luz. Although, I am sure Skip Muck would probably tie if we ever decided to take a vote. Two months after we arrived in New Harmony, George married Jenny Sousa. They have a boy, Demetrius and two beautiful twin girls, Sophia and Theresa. When George found out that Jenny was going to have twin daughters, he was, for once, speechless. George and Carwood took engineering classes together. We all agree if something is broke, call George. His hardware store is a popular hang out for the men in winter.
Popeye Wynn partnered with George. He and Melanie married and have a son, Charlie.
Johnny Martin is our expert homebuilder. He and Virginia are expecting their third child in December. Johnny builds homes so tight; Bull swears a tick could not crawl through it. Johnny and Bill Guarnere formed a partnership where the latter constructs built in cabinetry and some impressive staircases.
Much to everyone's delight, Amon and Cleo decided to make their home in New Harmony about a year ago. Amon does a fabulous job in recruiting day workers from Nouveau. They line up to assist Bill in his furniture enterprise and to learn the art of glass blowing in Joe Toye's shop. Cleo is always on hand to work with any of the children who still harbor problems stemming from that terrible night when so many good people died.
So far, none of the Nouveau workers has asked to live full time in New Harmony. This surprises most of us because we all love it here. George Luz summed it up once. "It's like living in Eden."
We experienced some trouble keeping schoolteachers during the first three years. Many came from Nouveau, but eventually they would meet a Taccoa man and the next thing you know, as Wild Bill says, "Bim Bam, their engaged." However, there is not a single man left in the whole Commonwealth, except maybe among the Cherokee. We maintain excellent relationships with these neighbors, who still maintain their language, government, and various customs that their people developed long before whites came to America. Visitors from Nouveau may live among them for a week at a time, learning their ways and developing respect for a lifestyle not dependent on technology.
What is that? Someone is ringing the bell from my house, and here comes Lewis, will have to finish this up later.
Bill Guarnere was sitting on his porch telling Fran how Joe brought down the stag with one shot, when he saw man running down the mountain. "What the..., hey look at the Major run."
"What do you expect, darling. Can't you hear the bell ringing?"
"Why so it is. Well, well, I guess we will have a new baby to welcome. Listen, do you hear the fellows. Fran paused to listen and started to laugh. From all over the valley, you could hear the men cheering Winters as he ran by the ball field.
"Hurry up major or you are going to miss seeing your little girl come into the world," shouted Buck.
"You know Bill," said Fran. "There is something I have been meaning to tell you."
"What's that sweetheart?" Bill embraced his wife and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"In nine months, we will be having a little welcoming of our own," said Fran coyly.
"What? You don't mean it. Really?"
"Really," said Fran. "Are you happy?"
"Happy, honey, I am on top of the world." Bill picked up Fran and swung her around
Back at the Winters home, a breathless Dick arrived just in time to see the birth of his daughter Juliana. Hours later, after Sarah slept and nursed the baby. Lewis carrying Samuel and Gilly with a bouquet of flowers tiptoed into the bedroom.
"Congratulations Major Dad," said Gilly.
Dick sat on the bed holding Juliana while Sarah connected with Samuel. Patting the bed, Lewis and Gilly sat down. The latter rubbed Sarah's legs. The delivery was fast, but Gilly knew it would be a while before Sarah fully recovered.
"Baby sleep," said Samuel.
"Yes, son, "said Dick. "Your baby sister is sleeping."
"She is so beautiful," said Lewis.
"Look at all of dark hair," said Gilly. "She looks just like you Mama Sarah."
"I don't know about that," said Sarah, "but I know I am the luckiest women in New Harmony. I have four wonderful children and the finest husband a woman could have even if he almost missed the birth of his daughter."
Dick just smiled and kissed his wife. Juliana sucked away on the knuckle of his first finger. "I am the lucky one. Lewis, Gilly, look around. This is one of those moments I want you to carry with you when times are tough. Remember how happy we are and how much we love you. It will give you strength and remind you that times can be hard, but eventually there will be good things like this to celebrate."
Watching over this scene was Ellen Mendenhall Scott, who along with Gilly and Faith helped deliver Juliana. She walked out on the porch and sat beside her husband.
"Everything all right, my dear," asked Elder Scott.
"Any day a new life comes in the world is a happy day," said Ellen.
The End