Chapter 128

"Field trip, field trip, we're going on a field trip", Malachai and Maya said as they bounced on the couch in the living room.

Brie brought two of the quads into the room in their car seats with David right behind her with the other two. "'Chai, Maya, it's not that big a deal. It's just a trip to scout a location", she said as she set the two car seats she hand in hand on the floor.

"Don't forget to mention the fact that they're getting to go swimming in the lake while we're there", Dan said as he and Nicole walked into the room.

"Yeah, that too. So, Malachai, you might want to go put on your swimming trunks", Brie told her son. "And make sure that your brother and sisters are putting their swim suits are too."

"Mama, I'd feel better if you checked on Jordan and Maddie. I don't feel right about it", Malachai said as he hopped off of the couch.

"No problem, son." Brie turned to David. "Will you be ok with the quads until I get back?"

"They're sleeping for now. I should be fine, but if you hear maniacal laughter while you're helping the girls get ready, then get your ass back in here." She laughed and gave him a kiss then went to get the girls ready for the day at the lake.

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David and Brie got their huge family loaded into the huge van that had been sent for them. That was a feat all on its own. Malachai was STILL the only one that wasn't in a booster seat or car seat of some sort. But, once the car seats were all arranged and settled in, David got in the driver's seat and followed the directions that Brie read out to him as they drove. Finally, they reached Lake Tenkiller. They all pulled up right before the boat ramp. Thankfully, this area of the lake was vacant. Nothing like trying to spend some time with your family at the lake or beach and being recognized to ruin your day.

They all unloaded their respective vehicles. They decided to have a cook out while at the lake, but first, while the women all tended to the children, then men scouted the location, looking for the best place for them hold the rally. About two miles from where they had left their families, there was a decent sized clearing. It was big enough for a stage and several thousand people. They got out of Mike's truck and looked at it. "Nice", Mike said. "Who knew Oklahoma had such a big natural concert hall near a lake?"

"How would we set this up?" David asked.

"Put the stage at the far end of the clinic over there", John pointed. "We can have the concession vendors set up along the sides here, and still have an hell of a lot of room for the crowd."

"David, did Brie mention anything to you about speakers for this?" Dan asked.

"She mentioned that Tim kid wants to come out again and speak. He thought it was cool as hell to speak following us the last time and thinks it would be cool as hell to do it again."

"Then have her ask him back", Mike said, "but this time, he goes on before us."

"You just have to be the show stopper, huh, Mikey?" David laughed.

"Damn straight."

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The rest of the day was relaxing for all of them. The kids all splashed and played, including the quads, who were now almost a year old. After about six hours out, it was finally time to go home. None of the kids wanted to leave because they rarely got out, but they'd heard word that the Utopians were getting desperate and looking to take the heads of anyone they suspected was involved with the death of their President.

It took about an hour but they were finally home. Most of the Draiman children were asleep by the time their Dad pulled into the driveway. Malachai helped by carrying Maddie in for his parents, then helped with the twins the best he could. When the young ones were all safe in their beds, Malachai wished his parents good night and headed to bed.

"He's such a good kids", David said as he climbed in bed next to Brie.

"Who? Malachai?" she asked.

"Yeah. He's been really helpful the past few years. He's matured amazingly."

"David, he was five when you met him, almost six. He's bound to have matured over the years we've been in hiding."

"I know, but he's so respectful. He addresses me as 'sir'."

"I know, and he addresses me as 'ma am', baby. He's grown up. And he has a really good role model, four in fact."

"You're not talking about me and the guys, are you?"

"Yeah, I am. Now, how about we get some sleep because the girls and I have to get to work on organizing a rally by the end of the summer."