SOBERING NEWS AND A GAMBLE

The second day of school was done. Liz let out a big sigh. The rest of the family came in sluggishly. It had been a long day. Andrew had prepared spaghetti and meatballs, one of the kids’ favorite dinners, and added wine for the parents.

“Thank you for this, Andrew,” Liz said.

“My pleasure, Elizabeth. Life has been rough today.”

“Yeah, I had to recite the contents of a cell. That took a while and gave me a headache,” Noah said.

“And I had to run relays in the gym, ugh!” Said Tyler.

Liz noticed how quiet Samantha was. “How was your day?” She said, looking at her daughter.

Noah laughed when she didn’t answer, and everyone turned to him. “I know what’s got her so quiet; she has a b-o-y-fr-ie-nd,” Noah said, drawing out the last word.

“What?” James said, staring at his daughter, “Who?”

Samantha blushed and scowled at Noah, then turned to her father, looking uneasy. She clenched her jaw and opened and closed her hands. As she slowly opened her mouth, Tyler piped up.

“It’s Marcos from The Desert Rose. They’ve been giving each other goo-goo eyes,”

“I have not,” Samantha squeaked.

“Yes, you have,” Noah said, pointing his finger.

“I have not,” she repeated.

“Enough,” Liz said. “Leave her be. Everyone is entitled to a friend.”

“Yeah,” Noah said again in a teasing drawl.

“Well, watch out; you will be in that position soon. Be careful how you handle this,” James eyed Noah, and Tyler and Samantha laughed. Now, it was Noah’s turn to blush.

“And how is Marcos in school?” James asked Liz.

“He’s helping out as an aide. The restaurant isn’t going yet, and he was restless,” she answered.

“Well, I’m glad you all have things to laugh about. After the menacing day your father had,” Liz said as she looked around the table.

Samantha’s head swung around, “What?”

“Your father shot another bug,” Liz said.

“Bug, Dad …..CRAP, where?” asked Samantha.

Surprised at the cussing, James smiled at his daughter, “I ran into it on the way home from the port.”

“What happened?” both boys leaned forward, spaghetti hanging from their mouths.

“I found It at Sydney’s house. It just spooked her. Believe it or not, Harry came and got me, and her horse stood between her and the thing. It was quite a scene.”

“Wow,” both boys said.

“Yes, wow! We passed a new law. Everyone carries or is with someone who carries. We fully expect to see more of them,” Liz looked at each child.

“Can I carry? Noah asked.

“Yes, High Schoolers can…IF they qualify,” Liz said, holding up her hand when Noah and Tyler lit up, trying not to jump out of their seats. John, Danny, and Zoey are certifying, and it will not be easy. I’d go slow.”

The boys leaned toward each other, excitedly chattering. Samantha looked at her mother. Her eyes flashed, and she raised her eyebrows. Liz nodded her head.

“The same goes for you. I want you prepared, very prepared. I don’t think this is over,” Liz said to Samantha.

“I had an adventure, too, today!” Liz smiled, “And I think it’s great. Zior showed up toward the end of my last class. He was with his mate, Antor, and their daughter, Gio.”

“He?” James smiled at his wife.

“Yeah, I asked. Zior wanted his child Gio to attend school, so I thought it was important to know. It seems they’ve decided to stay here in Mesaland,” she said, turning to the kids. The Mayones have left us.”

“Mom! Are we OK?” All three kids said.

“I think it’s for the best. We prepared for something like this. Humans needed to take responsibility for themselves sooner or later. There have been preparations. It just came a bit sooner than we hoped for.”

“Holy Hell!” James said.

“You said it,” Liz smiled. “And Danny burst into my office when I talked to Zior and told me Agnes is pregnant.”

Samantha smiled, “That’s great.”

“Yes, well, Danny is thrilled but concerned he missed it. She was getting fat, and then her pee turned dark, and he panicked. He got the vet at Reid Park Zoo to come over, though I don’t think she knew what she would find. That woman had declared Agnes too old for any of that. I think the mistake pleased Danny. I hope they don’t try to take her back; it would break Danny’s heart.”

“That’s so cool, though,” said Tyler.

“Mom, would Danny let me help with Agnes?” Samantha asked.

“I think he would. He loves to show off his animals. It could be a lot of work, though, Samantha. He can be tough.”

Samantha dove back into her spaghetti, smiling, lost in her world.

***

When the biomes launched, plans started to create a new Desert Rose restaurant. Their manager, Jeff, started liaising with farmers. Mesaland had some small fields but was mainly a research area, so Jeff branched out to different biomes. The ease of travel and using the ports made the whole experience fascinating, fast, and fun. Jeff would regularly come to Council House to update Liz, and this was a more pleasant duty than any of the others she had, except maybe for teaching.

“You’ve traveled a lot; how is the project going?” Liz.

“Very well. All of the biomes welcome the idea of a restaurant. I am surprised no one else is starting one up. We’ll be busy at first,” Jeff said.

“Yes, we had much to do to prepare for the launch. Many of the people in the administration for Rhea were experts in their field and concentrated on what humans needed to survive on Rhea. You and your crew were a happy accident. I, too, am surprised that no one else pushed some business in at least one biome. I’m happy you did,” Liz said.

Jeff nodded, and a slight chuckle escaped his lips, “I imagine you’d be the first customer.”

“Yes, I certainly will.”

“The moving around from biome to biome has been eye-opening. I never traveled so much in my life.”

“I know, I love this. I’m going to miss it when we land.” Liz frowned at the thought. “But we will still visit; only the mileage will change. All over Rhea, in fact.”

Jeff’s smile faded, “How will it be on Rhea?”

Liz cleared her throat. “Well, now that the Mayones have bailed, it is different. We planned on traveling and contacting each other electronically, so that won’t change. Our engineers have to work overtime. I didn’t want to count on anyone but us humans if we could, but much of this was brand new, so their leaving is cramping that. Umm… more like a convulsion.”

“Are we in trouble? I am so sorry about Kyle.”

“No, not in trouble, exactly. Humans weren’t cavemen when we left Earth. We knew a lot and could deduce much from what the Mayones were doing. With them gone, I think this is all for the better, but we will have to go to some of our older ways, less sophisticated but functional, at least for a while. Zior has decided to stay with us and brought his family. That relieves a little of that worry.”

“Oh, Zior.”

“Yes, he was quite embarrassed at what his people did. I think he will be a great asset.” Noticing Jeff’s frown, Liz added, “Don’t worry; we are on the alert and watching him, too.”

Letting out a sigh, Jeff said, “Good. Well, I’m off to Botswana. James and I are finalizing the deal with the Bradyrhizobium. Alaska is thrilled. We can bring some over to them immediately, and they will have a crop in spring.”

“Wonderful, you are doing very well with this project.”

“Yes, I’m learning so much. James has offered me an apprenticeship, and I think I’ll take it.”

“Oh, what about Desert Rose?”

“Gene is going to take the day-to-day reigns. He’s excited about the prospect.”

***

Kyle’s imprisonment was getting tedious. John didn’t know what to do with him. Kyle was defiant and rarely spoke. John opened the door to Kyle’s cell. It was an old classroom, retrofitted with security, but an attempt was made to make it as homey as possible. Kyle just stared out the window, which now had bars on it.

“OK, ready to work out?” John said in a lively tone.

Grunting, Kyle glared at the sheriff.

“OK. Kyle, you’ll be stuck here until we land if you don’t change something. Then we’ll land,” John looked at Kyle, coming close to his face. Some had come by to help the prisoner, but it was difficult. Zior and Cynthia attempted to talk to him, but Kyle turned away, disgusted with the human and dismissive of the alien. Liz had stayed away, trying to give him time, but it all seemed futile.

Kyle frowned but followed the sheriff out of his cell.

“Here’s our guy,” the sheriff said as he handed the prisoner to one of the new deputies. They had to keep someone with the prisoner if he wasn’t locked in his cell, which made it more tedious.

“OK, let’s work on those quads. Thanks, John,” the cheery officer waved as he smiled at Kyle. This will be fun! He hated leg day.

As they worked around the machines, Kyle was quiet and looked around. Frustrated at the prisoner’s lack of interest, the officer considered quitting.

Deputy Zoe came in to relieve the officer, and the guy let out a sigh of relief. That’s when Kyle took a chance.

“Here is my relief. How’s Sydney doing? That…” the officer stopped as Kyle rushed past him.

He bolted around the two, yelling, “I’m not sticking around!” and was out of the gym.

Frowning, the officer thought, Good Lord, should we have shackled him?

He said, “Where will he go?”

Zoe nodded and called it in.

Using a side door from the gym, Kyle galloped out of the school grounds and ran across the street, heading right for The Desert Rose.

This is all their own doing. Let them live with it.

Dylan had told him many things, but most of them were lies. The plan now was to get away and then contact Dylan. The AI would know what to do.

The sheriff was out the front door to Council House, not happy. “I’ll bet he went to the Desert Rose; get two officers to cover the rear.”

The police had not worried much about Kyle; what could he do? The staff had increased to ten in preparation for Rhea, and now it would be the first time he needed the extra help. He sensed, though, it wouldn’t be the last. Getting to Rhea was more difficult by the day.

The restaurant was coming along. It was far enough along to sort some orders. Gene and Madie focused on confusion about the straws. Too many were shipped to the restaurant. It had happened in the business, shipping errors, but now Madie liked to err on the side of caution. Who knew what was going to happen in the time to come?

“You know, if we have too many, and in my opinion, there can’t be too many, we can store it here or in the shed out back,” Madie said. “I love all the storage.”

“Maybe, but we’ll have to seal it against Pack rats first.”

“Oh, yeah, forgot about them. They ate through my parents’ gas line in their van once. I can’t believe what those fellows will gnaw on.”

Right then, Kyle burst through the front door and almost fell into the room.

Gene and Madie looked up from the straw boxes, startled. Both stared at the man, their eyes and mouth gaping.

“Kyle, what…,” Gene started.

As Kyle moved past them, Madie tried.

“Kyle, what’s going on?”

He headed for the back door but instead bolted out an open window to the side of the house through one of the bedrooms, ignoring them both.

I’ll go to New York and the Tropical Forest Biome, Kyle thought as he put on the steam. Some friends were there, hopefully waiting for him.

Kyle had made it up to Date Street before the cops caught up. He had to hide, so he looked around for a refuge. Spotting an empty house, he went outside of sight of the police and entered the home. This house was vacant due to an infestation. Termites are common in the Southwest, and when they infest, it takes a lot to get rid of them, so the houses in need remain vacant.

Bugs, god bless them.

Significant changes in these homes took place fairly quickly. In this one, soil treatment and physical barriers were done, so the studs and other edible items were next. Luckily for Kyle, some treatments had to sit and cure so he could take advantage of the emptiness. Now, if only the police hadn’t figured that out, too.

Unfortunately, he realized the cops had deduced the same idea of where to go. As the pursuers drew closer. Kyle concentrated on the sound of the persuers but began to hear a distinct raspy sound and immediately knew what that was. He had heard that sound in Nelson’s backyard and could hear them coming closer from two directions. Panicking, Kyle wondered if he could evade the police by using those bugs like he had used the termites, but he began to realize the approach was well thought out and menacing.

They’re hunting me. I thought they were just giant insects. Kyle shook his head. He knew insects hunted, too, but only thought of them as nuisances. The police arrived from the same direction he had come. They were chatting a lot. Kyle smirked.

“You can’t get me,” Kyle mumbled. “I’ll get out of this, too.”

He walked outside and held up his hands, “There is a problem. If you had just listened to me, all this crap wouldn’t have gotten this far. Idiots.”

Somewhat confused, the officers stared at him with raised weapons. Kyle thought he could use the armed police to take care of these creatures and allow him to escape. Kyle thought he would have time, but the bugs jumped right onto him.

I didn’t know they could do that. Oh no, you were right. They are more intelligent than I thought. I’m sorry, Elizabeth.

There was cacophony as three officers and two homeowners opened fire. They were too late for Kyle, but the bugs were dead, laid out before the somewhat impromptu posse. Luckily, there were enough guns.

“Shit, where did they come from?” asked the Deputy.

“I think Kyle was making a lot of noise. The way he was plowing along, I bet he didn’t think it mattered,” John shook his head.

Kyle did not know what was happening in Mesaland. Both Dylan’s demise and Sydney’s attack were too politically charged. No one thought it wise to update him, possibly causing more problems.

“They are not really learning about us. Arrogant, I guess,” John said.

***

Danny and Liz walked up to Sydney’s house on Romero. They heard Sydney talking to her horse, Bella, as they approached. They circled to the back stable.

“Sydney, Hi! We just came by to see how you’re doing. You had quite a scare,” Liz said.

“Yes, I don’t know what would’ve happened if Harry and James hadn’t come along. Tell James how much Bella and I appreciate it,” Sydney said.

“I like that dog! We need about ten more of those; wow, he’s smart!” Danny laughed.

“Yes, it…” Liz started, but Sydney’s house broke into the conversation. Sydney had the kitchen’s range reach into the yard and the home now. She didn’t mind surveillance as much as before. Sydney had grown rather fond of her AI.

“Madam President, there’s been an incident. Andrew is calling,” It said.

“Put him through.”

“Elizabeth, there’s been another event like Sydney’s. Kyle escaped the Council House and ran right into two Hagor. Kyle’s dead, but thanks to your order, the police and two homeowners were able to kill the bugs,” Andrew said.

“Holy… OK, thanks, Andrew. Make sure the kids are safe. I’ll be home when I can,” Liz said.

“Yes, ma’am.” Andrew acknowledged and cut off.

No one had anything to say. Sydney stroked Bella’s neck and realized again how lucky she was. Two got him, oh man!

“You guys, OK?” The President asked.

“Yes, you go ahead; I’ll ensure everything is safe here. John is not going to be happy,” Deputy Danny said.

“No,” and Liz was gone.

“You armed?” Danny asked Sydney.

“Haven’t been certified yet, but I’ve got two rifles and a pistol from my dad. Never know when coyotes will try something.”

“Don’t I know it? They tried to hassle Agnes. She thought it was funnier than the peacocks trying to bully her. Don’t think they’ll try that again.”

Sydney looked at Danny and realized how comforting he was.

***

Liz ran into the Council House, heading for the police station. She heard the loud chatter coming from the Infirmary and turned to go there. Inside, the President found the officers clustered around. As she walked into the room, they parted enough for her to get in. There was Kyle on an examination table. Liz heard a beat from the monitor.

“He’s still alive?” she asked, turning to the monitor.

“Yeah, just barely,” Dr Perez answered.

“What is the issue?” The unfamiliar yet Maone voice turned everyone’s head to a lower line of sight. It was Antor, Zior’s mate, and Zior.

Dr. Perez answered, “The two Hagor ripped him open. Kyle has lost a lot of blood. They missed the major organs, but everything was so open to the air. We’ll lose him shortly.”

Antor nodded (quite in a human fashion). Wow, that was fast, thought Elizabeth.

“I think we could help that,” Antor said.

Zior stood, not showing any emotion, but he didn’t disagree. Surprised at the comment, Dr Perez sighed, but negative mumbling spread through the group.

“He was a traitor,” was all John said.

“Dylan duped him,” Cynthia said. She had come in with the Mayones and moved closer to talk to Elizabeth.

“Duped? He knew what he was doing,” Elizabeth said.

Zior answered the assertion, “Yes, but I think Dylan had convinced him that the Hagor were a myth, at least as far as following us, especially for evil reasons, and that the Mayones were lying about it.”

Elizabeth looked at Zior and knew this was a depressing realization, especially for these refugee Mayone.

She addressed all three disputers. “But why would Dylan do that?”

“I think he started to question what he should be doing. He was beginning to suspect that my superiors had planned his role beyond what we were told,” Zior answered.

“Planned what?” John turned to Zior.

“Well, not the subterfuge Dylan instigated, but the Mayones programmed the ability to control the AI system far beyond what we were given to believe. Dylan was the key to that. My fellows wished to control the move and perhaps more. Dylan became too human; he wanted autonomy and felt that the Mayones didn’t have the best in mind for him or the humans.” Zior bent his head.

“No shit?” the sheriff said.

“I think we should try to save Kyle. We need to find out exactly what happened,” the President said.

“I don’t know. Treason is a bad thing to get around,” Deputy Danny said.

“Yes, but we don’t know exactly why he did it,” Liz said, looking around at the group. We need every human; this is worth the risk. If he is guilty, we will deal with it more thoroughly.”

There was silence, and then John spoke up, “Yes.”

The End of Chapter 7

©JM Strasser June 2024 All Rights Reserved