The CB radio crackled to life with Luna's voice: "Big Timber, this is Luna.We've got company forming up.Word's spreading about Cottonmouth's interest in our medical run."
"Copy that, Luna.How many are we talking about?"
"Twelve rigs so far, with more joining every hour.Even got some regular freight haulers wanting to convoy with us for support."
Ali grabbed the radio before Tim could respond."Luna, this is Ali, Big Timber's partner.What kind of support are we talking about?"
"Solidarity, mostly.Word's getting out that this is about medical discrimination.Regular truckers don't like seeing anyone getting hassled for doing legitimate work."
"Big Timber," Luna's voice continued, "we've got another problem.Bertha just closed the diner and she's packing up her mobile kitchen unit.Says if we're gonna make a stand, we might as well eat good while we're doing it."
"Wait," Ali said, "Bertha's joining the convoy?I thought she told Cottonmouth about me being at the diner."
"Negative," Luna replied."Bertha didn't tell Cottonmouth nothing.He's got other sources watching supernatural gathering places.But when word got back to her about his interest in our medical runs, she decided it was time to pick a side."
Tim nodded approvingly."Bertha's got her own reasons for not trusting corrupt law enforcement.Her mobile kitchen will be a godsend if this turns into a long haul."
The CB erupted with chatter as more truckers joined the convoy frequency.Ali listened in fascination as supernatural truckers coordinated their routes, shared information about law enforcement positions, and discussed strategy.
"This is incredible," she said, grabbing her camera to document the radio chatter."You're like a mobile community."
"Have to be," Tim said."Nobody else looks out for us."
Ali's phone, which she'd turned back on to monitor the situation, started buzzing with notifications.Her Instagram account was exploding with activity as people shared her convoy photos.Her editor was calling.News outlets were trying to reach her.
"Tim," she said slowly, "I think our little medical supply run just became national news."
Through the CB, they could hear reports of news crews setting up at truck stops along their route, of social media campaigns supporting the convoy, of politicians being asked to comment on supernatural medical rights.
"Big Timber," Luna's voice crackled over the radio, "we've got a decision to make.Cottonmouth's mobilizing resources, and this convoy's about to become the symbol of supernatural civil rights, whether we want it to or not.You stay lead truck, and you're part of it.All of it."
Tim looked at Ali, his dark eyes serious."You sure about this?Once we commit to leading this convoy, there's no backing down.Cottonmouth is going to see this as a declaration of war."
Ali thought about her safe life documenting sanitized stories, about the empty apartment and overdue bills waiting back home.Then she thought about the werewolf children who needed insulin, and about supernatural discrimination.
"Tim," she said, "I've been backing down from confrontation my entire life.Maybe it's time I stopped."
But even as she said it, doubt crept in.Was she really ready to take on Cottonmouth directly?What if she was just caught up in the mate bond, making decisions with her ovaries instead of her brain?
Before she could voice her concerns, the CB crackled with urgent chatter: "Big Timber, this is Snowman.We've got law enforcement mobilizing all along our route.Multiple agencies coordinating.This is getting bigger than just Cottonmouth."
Tim's expression grew grim."Copy that, Snowman.What kind of agencies?"
"State patrol, county sheriffs from three different jurisdictions.Someone's calling in a lot of favors to stop this convoy."
Ali tried not to freak out.This wasn't just about one corrupt sheriff anymore.Cottonmouth had turned their medical delivery into some kind of multi-agency operation.
"Maybe we should..."she started, then stopped.Maybe they should what?Give up?Let the werewolf community go without their insulin?Let Cottonmouth win?
Tim must have sensed her internal struggle because he pulled the truck over to the shoulder of the highway.The moment they stopped, he turned to face her fully, his dark eyes intense.
"Ali, if you want out, now's the time.This is about to get dangerous."
"I don't want out," she said, but her voice carried less conviction than she'd hoped.
Tim studied her face, and she could see him cataloging her uncertainty, her fear, her conflicted feelings."But you're scared."
"Terrified," she admitted."I'm not built for this kind of confrontation, Tim.I take pictures.I document things from a safe distance.I don't lead rebellions against corrupt law enforcement."
