Page 6 of Saving Noor

He paused, a bit of pride in his voice. “With Hank and Sadie’s help, we’re building a school on the farm for kids with special needs and neurodivergence. It’s focused on teaching living skills and helping them blend into society.”

Link’s eyes widened slightly. “That’s amazing.”

Moose shrugged, eyes tired but steady. “Hank and Bear set up that fancy communication center at her place in Tennessee so I could play big shot tech guy while you’re off doing the hero thing. I’ve had to learn enough to not completely mess it up, don’t expect me to start hacking into anything top secret anytime soon.” He shot Link a grin. “But hey, somebody’s gotta do the boring grunt work while you’re off saving the world.”

Link laughed, the appreciation clear in his gaze. “I owe you one, Moose. Covering the computer systems made this possible. Means I can focus on bringing Sammy and his mom back safely.”

Moose gave a brief nod, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Just doing my part.”

Link grinned, teasing, “I never thought you’d be able to tell a mouse from a keyboard.”

Moose chuckled, shaking his head. “Hey, I’m still figuring out how to keep all the cables untangled.”

Then Moose added, “Once you’re back, Elena and I are moving back to Mountain View Farms. We’ve designed a large home so Elena can finally chase her dream, creating a group home for kids aging out of foster care.”

Link looked momentarily surprised, running a hand through his hair. “Man, I’ve had my head buried in this mission for the last three months, and now look at you! Damn, we have a lot of catching up to do when I get back.”

They exchanged a look loaded with unspoken respect before rejoining the group, ready for what came next.

Sammy hoisted his pack, glancing back at the scene, the family gathered, a wall behind him.

A nod, and he climbed into the truck.

Shortly after, the armored SUV rumbled away from Mountain View Farms, winding through country roads toward a private airstrip.

Sammy boarded swiftly; the plane’s engines hummed, lifting them toward dusty lands below.

Inside the cramped plane, the outside world blurred into a hazy sun-drenched smear, then darkened as hours passed.

Link settled into a window seat. He glanced around the plane, seeing that everyone was settled in, he pulled out his tablet and began reviewing updates from Swede.

Sammy slid beside him, the worn seat creaking slightly beneath his weight. His fingers tapped nervously on his thigh, the rhythmic clicking nearly drowned by the constant drone of the plane’s engines vibrating through the metal floor and walls. Sparse emergency lights cast a cold glow, flickering just enough to outline the rows of seats and the packed gear stashed overhead.

Across the aisle, Shadow and Jax spoke quietly, their voices steady but low, weaving through the hum and occasional thuds of turbulence. The faint smell of engine oil and recycled air mingled with the sharp tang of sweat from the soldiers around them.

Jax smiled wryly, his breath fogging slightly in the cool cabin air as he recounted a past mission gone sideways: the blaring alarms, the dead radios that cut off all communication, and the desperate alternate route that saved lives but cost them dearly in nerve.

Shadow nodded grimly, his eyes shadowed in the low light as he warned Sammy of the chaos ahead: shifting plans, fractured trust among allies, and dangers lurking beyond every corner.

Sammy forced a faint smile, drawing strength from their steady presence and stories. He was not alone in this.

Link caught his eye from across the aisle, his gaze firm yet filled with quiet resolve.

“Blue Ridge Protectors isn’t just a team,” Link said softly, the words carrying over the engine’s roar. “It’s family.”

Sammy pictured the farmhouse rising against the Virginia hills, children laughing, dogs barking in the fresh morning air.

“The farm is home. It’s what we’re fighting for.”

Jax grinned, the faint flicker of hope lighting his tired face.

“When this is over, we’ll have stories of our own.”

The hum of the engines became a steady drone as the hours stretched on. Around them, the others began to drift: some settling into quiet sleep, others flipping through worn books or burying themselves in music through headphones. The cabin’s muted lighting softened, shadows lengthening as time slipped away. Sammy leaned back, eyes closing briefly as memories of the farm mingled with the endless sky outside the windows.

After what felt like an eternity, the plane shuddered gently, signaling the start of descent.

Link closed his eyes for a moment, muscles tensing as he braced for what lay ahead.