Authority Zero

I was driving back to West Texas from Oklahoma City in the middle of the night. It's a long, desolate drive down I-20. The night was hot, my A/C was out, it was going to be a rather uneventful and unmentionable roadtrip for sure... until... around 4 a.m.

I stopped at a truck stop in Ranger, Texas. Anyone who is accustomed to taking this stretch of road (also the main road from West Texas to Dallas), knows that you have to stop at this Love's station in Ranger, Texas. Even if you don't need gas, don't have to relieve yourself, even if you're not hungry, you still have to stop there unless you want the gods of Ranger, Texas to be upset with you (and yes, I've broken down in Ranger more than once). Apparently Authority Zero knows the rules, too.

I was washing my hands after using the restroom and in the mirror I saw a guy walk in the door that was directly behind me. He turned to head for the urinals, when I recognized tattoos on the fellow's arms. I didn't recall the origins of the tattoos right off, but once I walked out and saw one of the other guys waiting in the Subway line, and another in the parking lot, it all came together and I realized who they were.

I smiled to myself and laughed at how the oddest things happening in the middle of the night seem ever odder. I decided not to accost them. It was enough for me that they were there. I was tired and borderline delirious. Maybe it doesn't sound as impressive in writing, but at the time it was surreal and something I'll not forget for a very long time.