Either You or Me -- Short Fiction
Hermosillo
Sonora Mexico
July 3rd, 2012
Bus Terminal
Juan Garcia just made it on to the Bus that would take him to Border with Texas through Ciudad Juarez. A 495.8miles ride as found on his Map-quest search. He was an ex member of the Mexican Federal Police who got in trouble with the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Organization (Juarez Cartel). Things got out of hand and he knew it. His family was threaten a week ago and his life was in real danger. His plan was set to scape through Texas and not Tijuana as any one in his right mind would've thought. His blue commando training instinct made him hire a friend who would dress just like him to distract his enemies. This friend would take the other bus, that would go to Tijuana City bordering with San Diego. How smart! "Either you or me!"
FBI HEAQUARTERS
FBI ACADEMY
Quantico VA
2 a.m.
A team of 3 FBI HRT McDonnell Douglas 530 "Little birds" Leave the Base at 2 a.m. heading to Texas. This team was created in 1982 as need from the FBI. Delta Force and SWAT gave initial advice and training. They were also trained by members of the Team 6 and spent some summer at Fort Bragg Fayetteville N.C. before their final certification in 1983. The team became capable of handling extraordinary hostage situations, large-scale counter-terrorist operations, situations involving nuclear or biological agents.
El Paso Texas
U.S. Border
4.15 a.m.
Rob McPherson, a Border Patrol Agent has been trading shifts with his friend Larry Strauss, because his wife just gave birth to his daughter Chris. He was in search of a godfather for her daughter, since he was raised Catholic.
Is just another scorching morning for the patrolling crew. Most of the immigration SUV's are driving through hills on the desert and creeks along the river . Flashlights and dogs are always handy. Suddenly someone in the globe compartment finds a Bruce Springsteen CD: "Insert>> play"
Born in the U.S.A.
The Crossing
Rio Grande
Ciudad Juarez/ El paso TX
Same time
Juan has made it to his freedom, that's what he thought. 'Coyotes' gave him directions and a black plastic bag filled with Styrofoam packing to keep afloat. It took him four minutes, the longest of his life!! to get him to the other side. He knew that on the 4th of July the crossing was going to be easier. There were not as many Border patrol units as usual. Agents on duty went back to Houston, San Antonio and Mcallen. Most haven't taken a break since new year and they were due that break by seniority . There were hundred of miles along the river with no surveillance. 600-700 miles were enough for a thousand agents.
El Paso TX - Confronting his Future
Juan is exhausted and soaked. He is spotted by the Border patrol unit and a manhunt ensues by the Rio Grande.
Rob McPherson caught up with Juan who was knock down immediately. Having been a Football player helped Rob in the final tackling.
" Amigo, you are heading back home like the others!"
Juan resisted his captor and grabbed Rob's firearm from his leather holster. "You are not sending me back...!" A fire was heard...!!
Rob was missed by an 1/8" and immediately got Jaun handcuffed. A Franciscan shadowy Ghost did the miracle by blinding Juan for a fraction of a second. "It was you or him."
Suddenly...
The three McDonnell Douglas 530 "Little birds" appeared on scene. There was no time to ask questions; they picked up Juan in a second. Was this a planned action? Why they wanted Juan? Rob didn't ask more questions after he was told by his Homeland Security Superiors to let him go. "Juan was taken into the Chopper, where FBI Agent Rodriguez briefed him within the minute:
"Your last e-mail was in my trash bin amigo... You should've waited by the border as we told you! And by the way, you almost killed your own blood. Agent McPherson was adopted 35 years ago, when the McPhersons went back to Mexico as suggested by Padre Reynaldo from St. Thomas Aquinas, a Catholic Church here at El Paso," said Rodriguez while checking documents from a folder. He asks the pilot to be careful with the storm forming ahead over the State of Georgia.
"I just want my freedom in exchange of Information," said Juan with certain uneasiness rubbing his wrists that were bruised.
The White House, Washington D.C.
President Obama is hosting a naturalization ceremony for more than two dozen active duty service members. Rodriguez and FBI comrade T. Collins, have to wait for the President to finish his formal speech:
"This is one of my favorite things to do. It brings me great joy and inspiration because it reminds us that we are a country that is bound together not simply by ethnicity or bloodlines, but by fidelity to a set of ideas," finishes Mr. Obama with a wide smile.
After The Ceremony...
The President heads to Virginia, to talk personally with this 'Juan Garcia.' There is tension and Garcia starts talking at once, having Rodriguez as translator; is almost 3 p.m..
"Mr President, There is so much I want to say. I admire your sympathy and concern, and huh, I'm willing to help you with sensitive information, " starts saying Juan while he drinks water.
"I have been told by Federal agents that you amigo want to help the People of the United States of America. Am I wrong?"
"Yes, Señor! Wish I was adopted like a brother of mine.... but I think, maybe I'm on time"
"Will have to check with my advisers, Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. Your name is Juan Garcia I've been told..."
"Yes Sir! Nice to meet you Señor..."
"Well, well... you have made it to America on a Fourth of July and, we will see what we can do for you, young man! (shake hands) Gee! Michelle just texted me! Morris, proceed with the Intelligence..!"
Next... Who helped Juan Garcia to evade the Cartel Jefes?
- Changing Plans, Changing Lives
The United States Border Patrol is the single most dangerous job in US federal law enforcement anywhere in the world. Certainly, each Border Patrol Agent in the field must have the ability to protect himself and others. Most Agents are on duty alone
Should Juan be granted a Visa?
Should this story continue?
Comments
Well done, señor lord!
Voted up, engrossing and enjoyable.
Great story Lord...and love how you slipped in vision of him while he drank the water. Smooth:)
Yeah I think you should continue the series!
Really good Hub! I liked the theme, these situations are always difficult to evaluate, there is no black or white, just shades of grey! Voted up, beautiful and interesting!
Every immigrant has a story and reason behind why they want to leave their country. Unfortunatley, we have a government that is overloaded by paper work and each story will never be told.
In matters of immigration, I think that human rights should be considered and placed above all. I would go as far to say this line of thought is what our country was originally founded on. I may be accused on more than one occasion of being a bleeding heart for human rights, but so be it. I studied Spanish in college. Not only do you learn the language in these classes, but you also learn about the atrocities that occur in some poor Spanish speaking countries like Mexico, the horrible living conditions, and the corruption of the Government.
As a parent, I KNOW if I had the option to take my children away from extreme poverty and give them opportunities they could never have in my own country, I would do it. What saddens me is that the poverty, conditions and racism that immigrants face in the United States is still a better life than the one left behind. That should speak volumes about life in other countries.
Though I don't support the drug wars and the illegal immigration that occurs to smuggle drugs, I think that any one wanting to come to the United States LEGALLY for asylum or for a better life should be allowed to do so legally.
In the case of Juan Garcia, I think he should be granted political asylum and protection for his family in exchange for information. The fact that he committed a crime in the process would probably disqualify him from doing so.
Great hub and instrument to put a human face to the war on immigration in this country.
Excellent hub, very well written, and very realistic! I felt like I was watching the whole senerio! Agree with Joan, it's all gray..... Every story is different.
Voting up, and interesting.
Bruce, and that song..... Favorite :)
I feel really sorry for these people trying to get out of their country for a better life here. I know it's a problem, and it won't be solved easily. I personally know some Mexicans who slipped into the U.S. illegally. They are hard working people who just want to make some money to send home to their famililies. They live in fear that they may to return. You did a great job on this Hub, Lord.
I voted it UP, etc.etc.
- Author
Hi Martie Coetser,
This story is so close to a real event and a real danger, that we have to face as Americans. There is no one single day that our enemies stop thinking of ways to harm us. Unfortunately we need to take heed and keep our eyes open. Thanks Martie!
Yes the story should continue. I have to know more before answering the next question of whether he should be granted a visa or not. Great story.
Wow lord...what a wonderful story...i am down here at the border of mexico where all the action takes place...this story is so true...i know of this happening all the time...i will be sharing...debbie
Lord, I realized it was reality presented as fiction... But is this not what fiction is all about? The read was enjoyable. Again, well done!
- Author
Real Housewife, This story is as real as right now. The events are gathered mentally and through real witnesses, so the plotting can take us anywhere. Thanks for reading us!
@ JoanVeronica, This tumultuos scenery can take Juan anywhere. We know for sure he will help our Government...but he will have to speak up! Much appreciated with your support!
@Tammy hi! Wow you did... an excellent Job. You should get hire as Speech cordinator for our President. You said it like it is!! There no winner nor losers. This is a problem that has been put away or used for political advantage. We know that Obama has been advice to look popular toward the Hispanic voters, and sometimes true colors show up. Great response from our golden Tammy!!
@Lathing, We wrote it as close to the events that are behind the scenes at the news. Sensitive information are not suppose to be out there. We know, and agree with Joan Veronica, there are shades of GRAY in every story. MacPherson could've died or maybe Juan. We hope for a new Immigration reform, that was already overdued, when Obama took Office in 2008.
This is a beautiful example of America. We all came from somewhere. The Indians welcomed us with open arms. Greed destroyed that relationship. Let's open our borders, this is America. Great article.. Thank you..
Voted up and interesting. Takes hold of you and carries you away just like any serial. Let's have more.
- Author
Mary615, the problem is as complex as rebuilding the Saturn V but with just instructions (our congressmen) There will never be consensus between supporters and the one against an act. We know what you are talking about. Some of those seasonal illegal immigrants walk the streets and wait for someone to pick them up. Thanks Mary! Your words mean a lot to us.
Senor Lord from Martie - lol lol - this could be a movie as adapted from your engrossing and well detailed storyline - you should be a reporter for CBS 60 Minutes - love your passion and your ability to tell a story in vivid glorious detail making you a world class writer of the highest order .
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- Author
Debbie Brooks, you have confirm things that we took for granted in the story. There is a danger that could cause us so much if we don't keep our borders safer. Thanks fornthe sharing and have a blessed day.
@Martie Coetser. The story is so close to reality , oyu never know if this is happening in front of our eyes. Juan can be a real person and he seems to have some sensistive information in order to save hi family and himself.
@Always Exploring, we respect your opinion, but openning the borders is just like letting anyone board on a flight London Olympics for free. But this time instead of 300 passengers, we already have 420. Every state has to deal with this issue on their own. Is expensive for all of us the taxpayers to assimilate the burden overnight. We really need an immigration reform regardless of the electoral season.
Immigration reform...that's what it is all about. If we stopped sending millions of dollars to Egypt and other places we might be able to help our own country and then have places for immigrants. Oh no, here I go...I'd better stop and get back to your story.
Riveting. I was holding my breath for Juan but never expected him to meet the President. Of course I didn't want to see anything happen to Agent McPherson either! Great read.
Voted up and interesting.
- Author
Gypsy Rose Lee,
We will see if Juan Diaz really told the American President enough info to save his family and his own status. There are so many details that were left out.
@ Epigramman, You were our first supporter from HP. If some day hollywood make its call... I will remember my friends with joy. This story come from true events and all we can say is that, we should watch and help our Country against the root of evil from eternal foes.
@Hi Mary, you always checking up on us. We love this stories and we do thorough research to make it believable. Our knowledge of Geography make us take the task of writing with joy. Your war stories are amazing reviews. You are just 14 yrs ahead of me, so we have lived about the same years, when growing up. Take care dear friend.
Lord
my, my...another top spinning story from the master story teller mighty lord...shall i be granted a US Visa too?
- Author
Hi Raci, I can grant you a visit to our hubs, and travel to time...back to you! Great comment that made us smile!
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