by Marcus Sloss
“It needs plywood?”
“You need an assistant. I am not talking about Perci. She is literally a queen. Was before, and certainly is now. Thanks for making me a Duchess, by the way… Why the long face?”
“I was going to make you an Earless. I think that is a thing. Eh, fuck it. You’re an Earless instead of an Earl. Hopefully no one gets offended you’re not a countess. I am doing this since you were a medic and we have three infantry officers, possibly arriving any minute. Still. XO made the right call. I just want to be upfront with you so you don’t get angry later.”
“Ha! Not me. Not over something like that. Hey,” Slister stepped closer and whispered, “Thanks for setting Norm straight. You did something in one sentence I never could. Hopefully, it sticks. He freaked the fuck out when he saw those humans being led away by mind control. Side-note, Cap. I see how much Nancy is leaning on you. You even gave her that innocent cutie Willow to train. Not jealous. Okay, a little. I really miss her.”
I patted her back in a friendly manner. “You should talk. I will mention that to her because you are right, she is seeking me for help. Now, down to business. Walk with me and tell me about this plan Clive has.”
“Um… Clive is not a rocket scientist. He wants to dig a hole. Put a few tarps down inside the hole. Open the floodgates with the flow going into the hole,” Slister said, making hand motions that made no sense to me. They certainly did to her, though, as she eagerly continued. “The pump then shoots the sewage far away down the river as far as the hose reaches.”
I had pulled up Clive’s plan, and sure enough, that was all there was to it. There even was a note. This pump will not clog unless you stick a bowling ball into the intake. Recommends a plywood cover and then bury the plywood. To prevent bowling balls and the smell. Mostly the smell.
“I like Clive,” I said with a snicker.
“Exactly. See, Jevon already has the hole ready. I will go get the plywood. Good chat, your grace.”
She ran back toward where people were offloading the framed walls. I saw Gary attaching walls to his foundation. Just like that, his log cabin went to framed walls. I was sure he was planning on building more. The night shift started to come out of the mansion. Becca went to the backhoe and sat on Jevon’s lap. The man was probably catching her up on the day as they had a friendly chat. Felix caught my eye as he and Torrez were readying the wire to power the pump.
I checked my Gpad. No update from Willow and Mclain was coming into the gate now. Yup, I saw his convoy’s headlights. I sensed a person approaching. My tingly hairs gave Tina a jolt when I spun on her.
“Hello Eric. Do you have a moment?” Tina asked shyly.
“Tina, I do not bite, come closer so I can hear you. What can I do for you?” I said with folded arms as I looked down at her.
“Are you going to banish me?”
“No,” I said and wanted to leave it at that. However, this was not one of my rock hard… bad phrasing… my battle-tested veterans. “Tina, you lusted for a man. You made a mistake before I set ground rules. I get physical attraction. Even I slip and leer at Nancy.”
“The super-hot blonde? Yeah, Willow gets jealous of her,” Tina said with a huff.
“My point is, I control that feeling. I don’t want to hurt Willow or Perci’s feelings.”
“Well, I came to ask about two things. Is Willow okay?”
“She probably is, but as you know, Willow is out of Gpad range. The pigri she is hunting are as numerous as they are dumb. I think the hunt will go well. My concern is the other aliens in that area and the buxen, puroon, and flapions.”
“Flapions?”
“Flying scorpions. I don’t know, just made it up.”
“What if you offend them by calling them some wrong name?”
“Dead aliens don’t get offended.”
“Ah… Fair point. So I guess I have two questions now. What should I be doing?” Tina asked, getting nervous. The first question certainly was not causing this reaction.
“You ever raised bunnies?”
“OMG, no! But I would love to.”
I smiled while craning my neck, trying to find Dalila. I found her holding hands with Felix. I pointed at Dalila. Tina followed my finger until she caught sight of the blonde woman, who waved. We both returned her wave.
“Question two is personal and there is no list or rule for it. Derek said I can fuck Norm with him,” Tina said and I winced. Seriously… “See, it is awkward as fuck to talk about my sexual choices to my girlfriend’s lover.”
“If everyone is okay with it, then I do not care. Let me clarify that. If Norm says he is. Verify with his wife. Was that the hang-up?”
“Indeed. She avoids me. Derek and Norm have been getting along. They had their confrontational talk, but Norm is so casual that they became friends. I am into the two guys at once thing, and Derek is too. I actually was not breaking our relationship agreement by banging Norm. I know, Norm did though. Anyway. If I get caught fucking a random dude who is single, don’t go banishing me please,” Tina said while patting my arm in goodbye. “I have permission.”
I watched her go talk with Dalila. My mind started to wonder how many weird conversations I would have as our community grew. A banishment council would probably need to be established. Because she had a point, some people had kinky desires and unique situations. I had never considered if she had a pass to fuck around. My thoughts were disturbed as Clive approached. We watched the backhoe lowering the pump down.
“The line is shorter than I would like,” Clive said, pointing at the flat tubing. He folded his arms and rocked his body in a sway. “They have other pumps we can steal lines from tomorrow. For today it will pump in front of the turbines. I am a plumber, I understand intakes. That water is fast and those intakes will handle the toilet paper and shit for a day. I will go out there in the morning and clean the guards.”
I grunted in approval. I wanted a shower. Assuming no one was sleeping in mine.
“That works for me. I was thinking of running pure water to start, so if we get backflow from the pump not working, it is mostly water,” I said and Clive started a knee-slapping laughter.
“You sure do not know humans very well. Every toilet is filled with pee. Without guards, you stood no chance of keeping those toilets empty. Almost all of them are loaded with -”
“Okay got it. Fine. You trust your work. I trust you,” I said and walked to the hole Jevon dug.
There was a single large tarp under the pump. Felix wired up the pump that went to a controller. He flicked the switch and the pump cranked angrily at being dry. He hollered for the breaker to be turned off, removed the switch, and wired the pump directly. He left the pit while Slister added two pieces of plywood down over the pump. Jevon received a nod and burst the PVC pipe. The moment the backhoe claw was up the other piece of plywood was in place. The burying of the pit began. Torrez yelled from the breaker box that the pump should be alive.
My finger brought up the submenu for the home's water. I triggered it back on and then I sent the notice out that we had running water again. Flush the nasties. A minute or two later, and the flat hose inflated as it pushed the sewage for the river. While gross and probably in violation of six thousand laws; every face grinned. I waited for reports of back flowing to happen. When no reports came in, I sent out a celebration notification that we once again could shower.
I did get a message asking if a family could return. They said they were tricked on leaving with the promise of a better shelter. Surprisingly, the Aspen place did not exist and was the idea of one. Not an actual home. The leaders were promising hope, not reality. I went to the sand playground to mull over my decision. Perci found me playing sandcastle princess with Jasmine a few minutes later. I showed her the message.
“I will be back. I am going to call them, force them to verify their surroundings, and then make a decision. We certainly do not need drama or problems. I could see running water being a priority, and a
decision parents could use to flee, though.”
I dusted off Perci’s sandy butt as she stood to call the family wanting to return. She may have waited for extra sand to be removed that did not exist. A solid thump of my palm to her rump and off she went. I immediately regretted that decision. Jasmine went to Maria, who was talking with another mom. She smacked her mom’s booty with a big smile of achievement. I became very interested in the sand princess in the following moments. When no string of Spanish chastised me, I let out an exhale. The morale of everyone had just gone through the roof. Apparently people loved flushing toilets and showers. Who knew?
I continued to play while checking on my Gpad. Finally, I received a ping from Nancy. The entire team lit up on my device finder. I let out a huge sigh of relief. I opened Nancy’s message.
‘Denver is partially overrun. Swarms of short insects are ravaging the city. The dead are everywhere. There is a long report we need to make, but the victims are mostly eaten for our organs. We killed a few but left the bodies on the field. Was not taking chances. We turned around after looting a community that died trying to defend their homes. Willow did well. She observed, listened, and never complained.’ - nancy
I got a ping from Willow before I could reply.
‘Hey sexy, is the water working? I sweat like a bitch in hot yoga while wearing this armor in a truck!’ - queen 2
‘Hell yes! I got a queen tag!’ - queen 2
‘Does this make my mom a queen?’ - queen 2
‘Girls are so fast at typing. I want you all to be alert and you can debrief me later…’ - king eric
‘In the shower!’ - king eric
Shit, I was rushing my typing and never swapped to Willow. Ugh. I was such an old man sometimes. I curiously waited for the reply.
‘You sent that to the wrong hottie’ - nancy
‘Asked Willow. She said I can join as a reward for getting the water working. Checking with Perci’ - nancy
‘Not to break up this teasing fun, but Slister is wanting to talk to you.’
I tossed my hands into the air in frustration when she didn’t reply. Maybe I should stop trying to help. Perci came with a weird look as she sat beside me.
“I thought you and Lavaun never had a thing?” Nancy was confused and then showed me the message Nancy sent her. Yup. Very direct. “Why did she send this?”
I showed her my mistake.
“She is in a bad spot. If she was single, I would consider bed-hopping with her. She is absolutely gorgeous. But is legitimately vulnerable and hurt. Which means I have to play this carefully. She is slated to sleep in our room…” Perci bit her lower lip while making her plan. I kissed her cheek before leaning into her. “Knock that off before my tits start milking.”
“Huh?”
“You know I am super in love with you. After years of dreaming of being your forever girl, you leaning against me for emotional support makes me want to…” Perci started to say with Jasmine paying attention. Maria had been listening to us also. “Makes me want to love you like a mommy loves a daddy. Hey, that is actually what I was trying to say too.”
‘Awe, you guys are the best. Thanks for taking me in.’ - duchess nancy
“What deal did you strike with Nancy?”
“Snuggle party, she got shut out but is taking it well. What is your next task?”
“We need to get the dozer going, more lights to the cave, trees cleared to the cave, barriers filled, this loot sorted, the berm outlines continued around the farm fields, irrigation lines drawn, catch bunnies, and the number of tasks goes on. I think we should help sort this loot. Looks like people are eager to use toilets and showers. We need to figure out a fix for toilet paper, too.”
Perci scoffed. She was on her feet before I even shifted myself up. Her hand extended down, which I accepted. I groaned as my body creaked, snapped, and popped.
“Uncle Eric. Your bones pop like grandpa’s,” Jasmine said happily.
I couldn’t help but smile at the little girl. “I bet your grandpa is amazing so I will happily take the compliment.”
“Mommy said he is in heaven. Did you know heaven is in Tijuana?” Jasmine asked and Maria stifled her laugh while distracting her daughter so I could escape.
My grinning face twisted in a grimace when the cracking of distant gunfire reached my ears.
CHAPTER 15
Another round split the night. Parents dove on children, idiots ran into glass doors, and veteran soldiers raced toward the gunfire with low silhouettes. I slung Perci over my shoulder with a burst of speed. I tore across the ground until we were at the rope.
“Eric!” Perci shouted, finally getting through to me. “What are you doing!?”
“Getting the queen to safety while gearing in my armor.”
She twisted my ear to prevent me from scaling the rope with her. “You left your armor for the night crew. Becca is wearing it, you-”
“Shit, I did not know we were swapping gear. I still want you to be safe.” I calmed my nerves and set Perci down. “Sorry.”
She kissed me passionately for a quick moment. “Go get them, my king.”
I was gone. The loud snaps of rounds being discharged to the south pierced the night air. My feet dug in and I sprinted for the hesco wall in long bounds. I glanced at my Gpad to see that the family wanting back in earlier was running for our wall. I cursed noticing they were about a thousand meters south in between the trees. I ran for a truck fishtailing to exit the wall. A mad dash allowed my arm to catch the bed. With an empowering twist of my wrist, I propelled myself into the back. Feet slammed into the bed of the truck. My hand whipped to clamp the truck cab to stabilize my body. My cybernetic fingers indented the alloy with a whine of servos. The truck lined up, the blocking trailer was moved, and the tires squealed as we bolted out the gate. The entirety of our defensive forces were peering over the top hesco container facing south as they readied for the enemy.
“Get a drone in the air!” I shouted to Mclain.
I twisted my head down to see Felix driving with Dalila beside him. I called Nancy on my Gpad so the returning convoy could track the developing situation.
“Hey, handsome.”
I did not answer. My eyes darted to see the headlights cast shadows behind a mom holding a baby while dragging a toddler. She was screaming hysterically. Her husband was fighting a dozen flapions and losing as he was embedded with multiple stingers deep inside his body. I sighted over the truck cab until my ACOG dot was perfect.
Crack. I shifted. Crack. New target. Crack. Three dead.
I kept firing. The flapions who were killing the man panicked. His body lifted with an ear-splitting scream as the barbed tails were torn out in sprays of blood. I ran out of ammo before I could clear him of threats. The sticks the flapions carried zapped rounds of electrical charge. The aim was poor with only a single charge hitting the truck. The round sizzled as it dissipated over the alloy exterior.
My thumb sent the magazine into the truck bed. I unclipped my magazine pouch, snatched a new magazine, and slammed it in. I dropped the bolt forward. Four of the flapions decided to fly away. Dalila was spraying rounds just about everywhere besides into her targets. I dropped two more flying scorpions before shifting to help Mclain. The mother was fighting Mclain, who was trying to get her into the truck bed.
I grabbed the toddler, stuck her between my legs, and clamped her there to lock her in place. The toddler cried while trying to free herself. Mclain had enough and threw mom with the baby into the bed of the truck. The mother huddled in the fetal position while crying into her baby.
“Holy shit!” Dalila screamed in terror.
A large flock of flapions charged us eager to exact vengeance. There must have been a few hundred. I saw they were struggling to go faster and higher as they fervently flapped. Mclain was a calm professional who ignored the threat. He leaped into the driver seat with the vehicle turning before he even closed the door. Any thought of saving the man bleeding out not
far down the road was gone. His sacrificed body was covered by the flapions with their red wings and black mass. I guess I understood why they had not raced out of the Xgate earlier. They were nocturnal.
The truck outpaced the flying creatures hastily trying to reach us with their extended stingers. I dove to the deck as the flapions adapted after realizing we were getting away. They fired a mass of electrical bolts into the truck. I peeked after the volley landed. While holding the toddler tightly, my rifle snapped eight times. Each round forced a flapion to spiral and crash. I ejected my magazine, slapped a new one in, and sent ten more rounds into the mass of creatures while lying on the truck bed.
My Gpad closed. An alert from Jevon said to lure them in. I felt the truck slowing as we crossed the cleared tree line in front of our wall. Mclain was cursing furiously, telling me our truck was dying. The demonic flapions were drooling at the prospect of catching us. When they exited the narrow road, their clump fanned out with the faster ones finding new space to out fly their brethren. After a quick peek, I ducked below the truck tailgate as we rolled forward, losing speed.
‘Fire!’
The alert pinged. The roar of the weapons belching rounds was deafening. I clutched the little girl to my chest while firing into the mass with my cybernetic arm above the bed. Even one handed, I doubt I missed many shots. The flock was thinning rapidly. So fast that they were unable to react right away. The electrical bolts stopped slamming into our truck ineffectively. The enemy shifted fire to the hesco containers while trying to get back into the trees. The smarter ones realized they had overcommitted with their chase and were led into an ambush. A few recklessly charged, never coming close to our wall.
The hundred plus defenders were firing with precision. Bodies tumbled out of the sky until the few who escaped darted behind tree cover. I smirked when the snipers were still smacking flapions out of the sky when an opening arose. The battle quieted. The last rounds were putting down any wounded enemies. The little girl trembled in my arms even when the chaos calmed. I stayed behind cover when Nancy’s face occupied my Gpad.
