‘Right then, settle down gentlemen,’ Morton’s voice boomed behind them.
Steven turned to face him. Morton was so imposing, with his huge build and muscles, wavy blond hair, and square jaw. He had to be approaching a hundred years in age, and yet his physique was that of a thirty year old. His voice was very deep, but it had warmth. It was not a tone he considered intimidating.
‘Today, we’re celebrating Jenson’s last days as a bachelor. When he’s married, he will spend the rest of his days committed to one woman. They will hopefully have a family, and then commitments and responsibilities. So, for one night we shake off those binds. We are reckless. We get to bond as men and have some fun – if only more would get married, then I’d have more nights of fun!’ He gave a throaty chuckle.
Doctor Johannes, Jenson’s dad, shouted, ‘Hear, hear to that.’
Steven was encouraged by the avid nodding. Perhaps, he was in for a fun night after all.
‘Anyway, for those of you who have never gone on one of these, and that includes Jenson since he recently changed, don’t worry. We’ll look after you. A night in the jungle awaits. Each group has a folder, you each have a mission and we have eight hours. When we meet in the morning all will be revealed. Teams should not hinder each other’s progress, and it’s up to you if you wish to help someone in another team. We’re not up against each other, we’re only trying to meet our targets. It’ll be fun. Now, I’ve not been on the losing team for many years, so I hope Steven will not set me up for a fall.’ Morton turned to face Steven.
Steven tensed as everyone looked at him. Somehow, he found his voice, ‘Do I just pull out a name at a time?’
‘Yes. Everyone, it’s time for the big reveal. We’ll start with my first group member, who will I have?’ Morton grinned.
Steven took a piece of paper out of the bag and opened it. He could barely believe it when he read out, ‘Steven.’
Morton gave him a forceful whack on his back, ‘Teammates, eh? Hope you’re a tough one.’ He laughed as he shook Steven’s hand.
Steven carried on picking the teams. The leaders were the older males like Morton, Franco, Isaac, Juan, Ian, and Eilif. Only the oldest members of the community could lead a team. There had to be over thirty men at the gathering.
It turned out he knew some of the members of his team. Steven nodded at his cousin Enrique, who he barely knew and yet found hard to trust. He guessed it was because he was sure Enrique had been flirting with Caitlin. He half-smiled at Jan, who he remembered had led him to the fateful tapir attack, and Susanna’s father, Benjamin. He might as well meet the father of the bride before the wedding.
Morton opened their pack, and explained out loud, ‘These games are computer generated, so no-one knows the solution or point. We have to use our heads and perhaps some brute strength.’ He passed around a sheet to each team, and continued, ‘We each have individual goals that can only be achieved as a team. But, there are five goals so we each get to lead, and we each get to follow.’
Morton stood on top of the wooden table again to grab everyone’s attention. ‘Let the games begin. See you all in eight hours, good luck.’
Steven followed the group out as everyone made their way into the jungle. For one night they were allowed to leave, to get lost. He wondered if everyone came back. He assumed the women did not have a similar game, otherwise his mother would have left years earlier. Perhaps, the competitive male streak ensured they all returned. He guessed they all wanted to know who’d won. He had to admit that his competitive spirit had woken up, he was up for having some fun!
He glanced at his task sheet. It had the number five on it, so he was last. At least, it would give him the chance to get to grips with the game, whatever it was.
Morton talked as they walked, ‘Once we get out of here, I’ll tell you more. But, for now we need to get to some high ground. I’m the leader of the first task, I need to ease you boys in gently,’ he smirked, ‘well, as gently as possible.’
After about ten minutes, they were out in the Amazon and everyone disappeared, at hyper speed, in different directions. He raced after Morton, who was now climbing up a massive tree. At the rate they could all run he doubted the tasks would take very long. Then again, he didn’t get the impression speed was an essential part of being successful. It couldn’t be.
Perched on a thick, robust looking branch, Morton smiled as he glanced over his sheet. When they were all comfortable, he began, ‘The reason we’re up here is because we have to defy gravity. We need to find a way to stay suspended, moving neither up nor down, without standing on the trees. We’re allowed to have contact with the trees twice. Now, I’m sure no-one here suffers from vertigo, right?’
Everyone nodded, Steven scrunched his forehead. He did not suffer from vertigo, but the distance was intimidating.
‘The key is we need to do this together as a team. If anyone gets hurt or fails to perform we all lose. So, any ideas?’
Jan spoke up first, ‘Interesting. We need to fly, but not fly. That’s what you’re saying.’
Morton arched his right eyebrow. ‘I don’t know how they come up with these.’
‘Can we even do that?’ Benjamin asked.
‘The computer thinks we can, so it must be possible,’ Morten said, ‘Problem is, how do we try it without getting someone hurt inadvertently?’
‘I think I know,’ Enrique said, he stood and leant against the tree.
Morton lifted his eyes to Enrique, ‘Tell us your idea.’
‘I think it’s the same as floating in water,’ Enrique said. ‘We have to relax completely. Let the air carry us. We’re not flying, we’re not moving, just suspended. Like a bridge, by two points.’
‘In water we float because the human body is composed of around 60-70 % water. We’re much denser than air, gravity will push us down. We will fall,’ Jan asserted.
‘The human body will fall, but we have different abilities. We all know we adapt underwater and can breathe. What if we can also adapt in the air, has anyone tried it before? I’m sure some of us could make our bodies rigid. If the tension was right, we will not fall,’ Enrique continued.
‘He has a point, Jan,’ Morten said, with a sly smile. ‘And I think we should let him prove it.’
‘I will,’ Enrique said. He walked to the end of the branch.
‘When does team work come in?’ Morten said, he faced the others.
‘Let me try it first, then we’ll work as a team,’ Enrique said, as he sat on the ledge and started to stretch.
Morten held up his hand. ‘Not so fast. I’m in charge and I think we need to work together, not alone.’
Enrique stood up again, moved away from the edge and walked back to where they sat. His face had hardened.
‘Don’t be disheartened,’ Morten added, he placed his hand on Enrique’s shoulder, ‘your theory has merit, but we will not sacrifice a team member. We are either all in, or not. One thing I have learnt from my numerous victories is that those who seek to succeed alone always fail.’
‘So, what do you suggest?’ Benjamin asked, he stroked his long, curly beard.
‘We try it together, of course. If we all fall, then we fail and move on. This is a game after all,’ Morten chuckled. ‘This is a question of position. Who goes where?’
‘I’m the smallest, so I should go in the middle,’ said Benjamin.
‘I’d like to be one of the anchors,’ Enrique proudly raised his chin.
‘Okay,’ Morten nodded. ‘In that case, I’ll be the other anchor and Steven and Jan will go in between to create a human, well nearly,’ he chuckled, ‘bridge.’
Jan looked around the trees. ‘We need to find a distance between the trees that matches our size. Can everyone stand side by side?’
As everyone did he seemed to make a mental calculation. ‘I know what we need. Morten, are you happy for me to find the right place?’
‘Sure thing, I’ll get the rest practising at being rigid,’ he said,
a twinkle in his eyes.
Steven was not sure he completely got the game. He did not mind failure if it meant Jenson got to win. It was the least a best man could do. Even so, he did not want to let the side down. He was not in the habit of losing and he had to admit that when it came to competitions the right thing to do rarely entered his mind.
He listened as Morten took them through the technique. Then they all stood perfectly straight, and tried to go rigid. Steven closed his eyes and listened to every sound, it helped him relax. He could hear every buzzing sound, every chirp, and every crunch as life continued around them. He focused and clenched every muscle, until he sensed he was rock hard.
A finger prodded his shoulder, before Morten spoke, ‘Excellent, Steven. Completely solid.’
Steven relaxed and opened his eyes. Enrique wore a scowl.
Morten pursed his lips, ‘Go on then, Enrique. You’d best close your eyes like Steven did. It seemed to work.’
Enrique shrugged his shoulders and closed his eyes. He didn’t look too bothered about the fact Steven had done it first, but Steven could tell by the fleeting glance that there was some resentment. Nothing like a bit of male competition within the team.
Before long, Enrique became rigid, followed by Benjamin and finally Morten.
When Jan came back, they were ready to give it a go, after they had explained to Jan what he should do.
Steven was impressed they all seemed to give him credit for figuring it out. He didn’t think it was a big deal.
They followed Jan to the spot he’d selected and assessed the task at hand.
As they did a thought niggled. ‘How do we know if everyone else has completed the task?’
‘We don’t, but why would anyone lie? Morten winked, ‘right, I’ll jump over. I suggest Benjamin and Jan come over with me, we’ll form a chain. Then Enrique can hold on, and Steven can attach to form the other side of the chain. Enrique, you will have to swing Steven out so that he can link with Benjamin. Since we need to connect with our hands, I’ll swing with my feet.’
Steven heard his intake of breath. If they made it, he’d be amazed. He watched as Morten, Benjamin and Jan effortlessly glided in the air towards the other tree.
‘Ready?’ Morten shouted.
Enrique waved back. ‘Ready.’ Then he turned to Steven, and grinned, ‘Let’s do this.’
Steven felt a wave of adrenaline hit and his heart raced.
He watched as Morten held on and first Jan and then Benjamin climbed down him and held on. Steven climbed down Enrique and held on to his ankles.
Morten’s voice boomed, ‘Swing!’
Enrique started to swing and Steven swung his legs back and forth to encourage the momentum. After less than a minute, he felt Benjamin’s hands make a grab his ankles. But, they slipped through.
‘Again,’ Benjamin shouted.
They hoisted themselves up at the same time and Steven felt Benjamin’s hands take hold, before Benjamin cried out, ‘I’m attached.’
‘Everyone, go rigid,’ Jan hollered.
Steven closed his eyes and concentrated, as his body stood firm.
After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and looked down. They were very high, the view was incredible and they had done it. They had formed a human bridge.
A euphoric cry shouted, ‘Time to drop.’
He felt the bridge unravel as everyone let go and they all fell, screaming in a frenzied state.
Steven held his arms out and somersaulted in the air just in time, before he landed feet first on the ground. He unbent his knees and stood straight, a crazy smile on his face. His eyes widened. That was the furthest he had ever fallen.
The others formed a circle around him and patted each other on the back.
‘Job well done,’ Morten said, ‘one down, four to go.’
Steven was actually looking forward to the next one. He had never been a thrill seeker, but now was as good a time as any to start.
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Chapter 37
The Morning After
Caitlin’s hand felt the empty space next to her on the bed. It was already morning and Steven had not returned. She had no idea what he was up to, but she got the impression from the other women that the stag do was a much more athletic event. She had to admit to being jealous. It had been fun to go out with the girls, and Susanna seemed really happy, but the truth was it had been boring. She had never been to a hen do before, but from the ones she had heard of and the odd one she had seen, with women dressed in truly outrageous outfits, last night’s gathering was a sombre affair.
It seemed to her that women had one place in this community, and men had another. From what she gathered, men seemed to have a lot more fun. She had never really understood what her gran talked about until now. Her gran had constantly reminded her that girls in this day did not know their place. She had always talked about the sixties with disgust. Her gran had never mixed with what she had called the wrong type. Caitlin got the impression, from her gran’s rambling, her mum had been a rebel – short shirts, hot pants. She could still visualise her gran’s icy glare, her papery skin added to the scary effect.
Even so, her mum had settled down pretty quick after she met her dad. Her dad was the golden boy, in her gran’s eyes, who had set her mum on the right path. A path where the man always had the last say even though her mum worked really hard. It seemed unfair.
Caitlin could not believe she was getting choked up. She had always given her mum such a hard time. She wiped away the lone tear and sat on the edge of the bed.
She closed her eyes for a moment and remembered how much she had hated boys at school. Well, hate was perhaps too strong a word. She could never understand them, and she did not have time for love and romance, unlike a lot of her more silly girlfriends. She had ambition, drive, she wanted to be an equal, to be just as good as any man.
Her hands lay loose in her lap, and her shoulders slumped. All of her aspirations had flown out the window when she had faced Steven’s hypnotic, amber eyes. She was no different to her mum in the end. She found it hard to believe that falling in love could make her lose sight of everything she had considered important. In this community, she doubted they even thought about feminism. It was like all of them were stuck in a time warp were man was still the provider. The woman was a natural mother, carer, and teacher. The man was the head of the household. Period.
She bit her lip, there was a slim chance she had it all wrong.
Either way, with everything that had happened, she could not see how she fit into the ideology. She could not even have children. She stood up, rubbed her eyes, stretched and made her way over to freshen up. Her stomach growled in protest. With Steven nowhere in sight, she guessed she’d have breakfast alone.
Alone.
She could be independent, she had been in the past.
*
‘Did you have a good time last night?’ Ingrid asked, as she eased up alongside Caitlin by the hot food counter.
‘It was nice.’
‘Nice, hmm,’ Ingrid smiled, ‘yes, it usually is nice.’
Caitlin could sense some sarcasm. ‘Did you enjoy?’
‘It’s alright,’ she raised her eyes to the ceiling, ‘tradition. We’re big on tradition here.’
‘So, what do the men get up to?’ Caitlin could not help asking. ‘Everyone seemed vague when I asked last night.’
‘You’ll see soon enough. I imagine they’ll be back soon.’ Ingrid heaped some fruit into a bowl. ‘Can I sit with you for breakfast?’
‘Sure.’ Caitlin was touched Ingrid had asked.
They made their way over to a vacant table, and Caitlin said, ‘I’m looking forward to teaching today. Working with those older children is brilliant. I find the eight- to ten-year-olds amazing. Their thirst for knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability completely blow me away.’
‘You must be a natural,’ Ingrid laughed, ‘I have never found them amazing.’
‘I
guess,’ Caitlin chuckled, ‘it’s funny, I never realised how great being a child was until now. I think when I was ten I was convinced the world was my oyster, nothing was impossible. Why do you think self-doubt raises its head when we become teens?’
‘I don’t know, although to be honest I never really cared what anyone thought of me. My parents always told me to follow my path, and I did, which is why I became a scientist. I love my work, and I get on great with my dad, so it was never a problem.’
‘Really?’
Ingrid nodded and popped a banana piece in her mouth.
‘You’re lucky then. Both of my parents had nothing much in common with me. They found it odd that I enjoyed maths. But, growing up in Gibraltar, I was lucky to have so many options.’
‘Oh, yes you mentioned. Tell me exactly where Gibraltar is again?’
‘South of Spain, opposite Morocco.’
Ingrid’s grinned. ‘Are you Spanish then?’
‘No, erm… it’s complicated. I mean, do I look Spanish to you?’
Ingrid laughed, ‘No, not exactly.’
‘Sorry, you’re probably not interested in this, and I haven’t lived there in ages so it doesn’t matter anyway,’ Caitlin sighed.
‘Tell me, I’m interested,’ Ingrid pleaded, her lips in a childish pout.
‘Okay, the crux is, Gibraltar is a British colony.’
‘A colony,’ Ingrid smiled, ‘oh, of course, you told me before… the Rock of Gibraltar, right?’
‘That’s the one. Anyway, it’s British so I was taught under the British school system and stuff there, but my parents always spoke a mixture of Spanish and English socially, most people do. So, that’s why I like speaking Spanish, but I’m not Spanish.’
‘I guess, it’s like calling someone from Switzerland French because they speak French.’
‘Exactly,’ Caitlin smiled. Someone got it quickly.
‘Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing,’ Carmen said, as she stopped next to them. ‘Can I sit down?’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 87
