by Brad Carr
The young officer knelt down and hugged the girl and said, “He won’t hurt no one else again Honey, I swear.”
Two other officers cuffed Kansas’ hands and feet. Slinging his unconscious body upon a war pig; one of them asked the young officer, “What do we do with him, Lieutenant Cruz?”
Leah squeezed her arms tightly around his shoulders and neck, refusing to let go. Cruz responded, “He belongs to the Tyra District, to do what they will to him. He attacked one of their residents, it’s their jurisdiction. We’ll happily deliver this piece of shit to AG Vol.”
Chapter 19
Twenty-three days elapsed since Emerald Team Three arrived to their proposed outpost site. Originally a dense forest, a clearing of four acres canvased the area with tree stumps. The muddied landscape surrounded tall fortified walls; fabricated from the carcasses of once beautiful trees. Grass and weeds peppered the area. Soon, nature will attempt a takeover of foliage once again. Varieties of split logs were separated by type, outside of the fort. Northern red oak, white oak, silver spruce, varieties of cedar, and quaking aspen, had varying uses. A few small red maple trees were left scattered around the exterior, to keep a resemblance of natural scenery.
The outer walls of the fort, lingered incomplete. Only the North, East, and Southeast were finished. This left the remainder of the Southwest and West, dangerously exposed. Exterior fortifications consisted of posts stationed every two meters. Due to their tough nature and abundance; oak was the primary structural element. Textured bark was hastily removed, attached to the vertical log posts. Average heights of six meters were planned for the fort.
Interiors are cross braced with varieties of pine planks. Dark burn patterns ingrained the edge surfaces, from heat of the laser saws. Overall dimensions of the floor plan, was dictated by the locations of enormous rooted trees, ranging from three to five meters in diameter. Many of these gigantic trees reached heights of seventy-five meters.
Mysterious for its location, many speculated that this large species originated from a lesser form of the extinct Redwood. It was assumed that an ancient culture transplanted them from the Northwest region of what used to be California. The Capital Kingdom named these magnificent plants, “goliaths.” The name originated from mythology of a dead religion of a dark age.
An ariel view of this fort resembled a skewed pentagon because of the goliath locations. The fort’s space would fill up to an acre in size. Adjustments were made to fit, from surrounding materials the forest provided nearby. Until the funds for concrete were approved from King Lucian, it could be an entire year or more, before permanent materials would arrive for construction.
A temporary greenhouse was situated on the Southeast side; with floor dimensions of nine meters by twelve meters. Corn and tomato seedlings sprouted from the dark soil. Treentos are nearly full grown, and almost ready for consumption.
The wildlife remained unafraid, with their ignorance of humans living among them. Ice tree frogs stuck to the exterior walls catching flies, and beetles for morning snacks. Raccoons made their entitlement known to the dwellers in the fort.
A skunk sprayed Van on the third day of occupancy because he mistook the animal for a cat, thinking he could trap it. Van was quarantined away from camp for two days afterward because of the pungent smell, and extreme itch to his legs. He became agitated with himself, because he chose not to wear light armor on the day of the incident.
A bald eagle constructed a nest atop one of the lower branches of a goliath (five in total). Doyle had deep gashes on his arm because he tried to steal one of the eggs a few days ago. His injuries required stitches. The rest of the team learned lessons from witnessing their mistakes, and wisely chose not to engage in contact with any animals, except for hunting needs.
A construction crew of thirty, logging crew of ten, three farmers, and six small carriages of building materials pulled by a sounder of war swine; arrived two days after the Emerald Team set up camp. Using the latest innovations of rapid cutting laser saws, and hard manual labor, their swift construction could be considered impressive. The Emerald Team’s job was to protect their builders, loggers, and farmers while they established a living area.
To prevent sickness, cleanliness was important. The inhabitants bathed in a river nearby on a daily basis. Doc had her own medical tent for patients. Meishen hunted for game on odd numbered days to provide food for the occupants. Angus and Van were ordered to fish in the river, to supplement the nutritional needs of the camp. The rest of the team were commanded to remain close to the crews. Under Cash’s management, the new territory was starting off in positive development.
Progress slowed fifteen days later, when the crews were ordered back to the Tyra District to retrieve plumbing supplies. In two weeks, they will return to install running water to the fort. Some of the members of these crews are planning to come back with their families, for a bold new life in the future district. Eight of the personnel on the construction team decided to remain, continuing the work on the fort wall.
Connection to the other camps was the developing plan for the territory of Outpost Eight. Eventually it will become the newest district of Mitton. The name of this fort was temporarily named,“Emerald Fort.” Merging with the new Diamond, Pearl, Amethyst, Sapphire, and Opal camps, would create opportunities for advancing the Capital Kingdom empire. But this would take years to accomplish.
On the Northeast side of Emerald Fort, was a cabin filled area. Every dwelling varied in size and style. Most quickly built cabins, would only occupy one or two people. Typically, one would have to crawl or stoop inside. Basic purposes for these cabins, was rest, and warmth during the cold nights. Unnecessary amenities were not a priority, at this time.
They were constructed personally, by each inhabitant. It was the responsibility of every person to create their own temporary dwelling. Some preferred campfires or pits as a simple form of heat. While others, such as Angus, Doc, and Cash took whatever spare time they had to create small stoves of clay early upon their arrival to the camp.
Angus slumbered on top of an elk hide rug on the floor of his cabin. The hide was a gift from Meishen, from the game she hunted on the fifth day they arrived. She too used it to lie upon, beside Angus. Lying on his right side, her arm partially wrapped around his waist reaching his abdomen under the gray cotton blanket, provided by the supply crate. Meishen’s soft and subtle breasts pressed against his muscular back.
The clay stove’s fire simmered down during the early morning hours. Mei slid out from under the blanket, leaving Angus to repose. Grabbing her clothes and armor beside the exit, she began to dress in a seated position, due to the low headroom.
Waking up, Angus rolled over to his back, staring at her, smiling. She beamed back and said, “I have to get ready for the day. It’s almost time for my shift watch.”
“Already huh? Feels like we just got to sleep.”
Almost fully dressed, she crawled over to him and pecked him on the lips. “I will see you later.”
“Be careful.”
“Always,” she replied confidently.
Opening the hinged pine door, she exited the cabin. Angus sighed, contesting with himself about leaving his warm and cozy domicile. But eventually, he too dressed, brushed his teeth, and headed outside to locate Van for their requirement of fishing. Normally fishing is an enjoyable experience. But the exception to this is when danger lurks near most bodies of water. All animals required water, this includes the gristols catching salmon. Steering clear of these massive bears, took forethought and preparation.
Angus headed over to the breakfast distribution table near the greenhouse, in the center of Fort Emerald. Treentos were boiled and prepared by the cook from the construction crew. Behind the table, stood an elderly woman named Sarai. Wearing dark gray overalls with a campfire logo, her wrinkled and frail body appeared to be too small for her attire. A red scarf covered her balding white hair.
“Good morning Angus,” she greeted him with
a croaky voice.
“Morning Miss Sarai, how are you today? I see you have a new scarf.”
“Oh, I got plenty of them. It’s my guilty pleasure,” she chuckled. “You know, my wife used to buy me a scarf every year on our anniversary. Most women like fancy pearl earrings, or ancient metal trinkets. But not me, I like simple cotton cloth with bright colors. I once had a flower print on one of them. Can you imagine? Flower prints! My dear Abigail actually found an ancient one, still wrapped in its original plastic package.”
“What happened to it?”
“Oh, I buried it with my dear Abigail. I know it’s silly, but I wanted her to have a piece of me with her forever.”
“Miss Sarai, it’s not silly to me. I think it’s a nice gesture.”
“Thank you Angus,” she paused gleaming with a smile, “We only have treentos left Angus. I’m sorry about that. But I just ran out of rabbit stew before you got here.”
“No one to blame but me Miss Sarai. I should have gotten here earlier.”
“I wouldn’t blame you Angus. I saw that beautiful young woman leaving your cabin. If I was forty years younger, I might have to fight you for her,” she giggled.
Angus joked, “Well, I’m glad you aren’t. I am no competition compared to you.”
Grinning she handed him a small metal bowl of mashed treentos. “I’m sorry for the taste, it’s much better with sea water.”
“It’ll do, no worries.”
Distracted, she pierced her gaze behind Angus and asked, “What is that fool doing?”
Angus turned around to see Reeves wearing nothing but boots, heading towards them. Laughter filled the camp as he passed by them. Neda stood outside her tent pointing and mocking. Exiting the Command Tent, Cash folds his arms in his usual, serious manner. Reeves strolls slowly, thoroughly unencumbered. His large penis swayed and jiggled as he approached. Reeves was clearly comfortable in his own skin.
“Shit Reeves! Where are your clothes?” Angus questioned.
“Goddamn thieving raccoons broke into my tent and stole my clothes while I slept,” he said slightly frustrated.
“Raccoons?”
Putting his hands on his hips he stated, “Well it couldn’t have been squirrels. They couldn’t carry them off. It was coon tracks.”
“See, if you had built a cabin like everyone else you would have had a door.”
“I like tents better.”
“Um I know I’m stating the obvious here, but why don’t you go to the supply tent and get another set of clothes? Then get your food?” Angus suggested, and inquired.
“Why? I’m hungry now.”
“It’s goddamn cold out here man. You’ll freeze your testicles off.”
Reeves shrugged and replied, “It’ll be warm in an hour anyway. Do I make you uncomfortable Angus?” he playfully grinned.
“Yeah kind of, I don’t want that monstrous freak of nature between your legs near the food tables.” Angus covered his mouth and trying to hold back a grin.
“I concur,” Sarai commented.
Nodding in agreement, he turned his back to Angus and Sarai, facing all those laughing in the camp. “You, know, you, love it!” he exclaimed while gyrating his pelvis.
***
Casting fishing nets into the narrows of a shallow section of the river currents; Angus and Van wore dark green rubber chest wadders to remain dry. A fluorescent orange floating ball, mapped the location of the ends, wrapped against an iron pole. Separated from each other on either ends of the banks, Van trekked up onto dry land. Angus proceeded to cross the shallow river to reach the same side as Van, by holding onto a rope stretching across the banks.
Smooth rocks and mud slipped under Angus, as he regained his footing. The cold flowing water felt like a hail storm hitting his legs and side. Arm over arm, hand over hand, he traveled and grasped the rope until he reached David Van.
Van sat on a fallen tree that began to deteriorate from rot. With a straight razor in his hand and a small oval mirror, he neatly trimmed his beard. Contorting his face to smoothen the stubble areas he was about to remove, Van made eye contact with Angus.
“You mind watching my back while I do this?” in his typical monotonous tone, Van asked.
“No, no problem,” Angus answered politely, grabbing one of the two laser rifles beside the log. “Expecting a date or something?” he tried to break the silence.
“No,” Van responded without emotion.
Feeling tension with Van, Angus mentioned, “I get it. I’m not one for talking either. But I figured since we both serve in the same unit, we could try to get along.”
Van didn’t speak, he continued to trim his beard. Sitting his razor and mirror down on the log, he mentioned. “I just don’t like you.”
“What have I ever done to you Van?” he inquired calmly.
“It’s your family I can’t stand Angus, especially your Uncle.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
“I didn’t ask to be here. I was part of the lottery. I had a good life on Satellite Island. I was rich, and had whatever I desired. Now, I’m stuck here with you, and the rest of the lower class of people.”
“Lower class of people?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Lower than my maids. Dirt people, that’s who you really are.”
“Fuck you Van!” Angus angrily lashed out. “Most everyone here was part of the lottery! It wasn’t a choice!” Van stood up, Angus responded looking down into his eyes. “You’ve been holding in your grudge all this time?”
“I remember you Angus. I passed by your filthy little general store on Satellite Island. Supplies for the poor and uneducated.”
“Uneducated? Everyone in the Capital Kingdom gets an education as their right.”
“Sure, sure, in their public schools. But true education lies within the private sector. We can afford it. We are the elite! Then that fucking Brakion Vol used his kingship to try to put us all on an equal playing field! Well, we aren’t equal!”
“I think you better sit the fuck down Van!”
Inching closer towards Angus, he responded, “Disgusting how a commoner like you thinks you can talk to me like this. I should have been king! I am a prince! I am the grandson of Queen Tyra! Brakion Vol was nothing but a puppet to the Queen! No royal blood runs through his veins!”
“Now your blatant ignorance shows Van. You are entitled to nothing! I guess history escapes your grasp. People like you have caused chaos throughout the ages. You would be a horrible king! The best leaders aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Take your pampered ass and sit the fuck down before I put you there!” Breathing heavy, and hot with rage, Angus attempted to control himself, “Van, I am asking you politely to step away. Cash will not want us fighting. He is in charge, and I will respect his command.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Cash is part of Capital Kingdom’s elite families.” Van removed himself a meter away, grabbing their rifles, both men raised their barrels at each other. “I’m sure Cash won’t care that you drowned in the river. Where they’ll never find you.”
Trying to defuse the situation, Angus reasoned, “Dammit Van! This is stupid! You judge me based on my working class, and my uncle’s rule? You claim to be above me? Yet you’re allowing your mind to contemplate illogical and childish thoughts.”
“Don’t talk to me like I’m your equal!” Van roared.
Angus dropped his weapon to the ground. “Go ahead David. Shoot. It won’t improve your situation. You’re here whether you like it or not. But you’ll have to explain to the others what happened to me. Others may believe any lies you tell. Mei will not. She’ll slit your throat while you sleep.”
Van pressed his rifle against Angus’ chest, “Then I’ll get to her first. Just two losers, feeding the wolves with their flesh.”
Angus chuckled and stated, “Nobody on this entire squad could even get a strike on her. She would have your balls rammed down your gullet.”
“Are you threateni
ng me with your girlfriend Angus? What kind of man does…”
Angus quickly grabbed the end of the barrel and pushed it away from his body. A shot beamed off into the distance behind him. Immediately Angus swiped his fist down on Van’s right forearm, causing him to release the rifle. The bone in Van’s arm made a cracking sound, a jagged bone pierced out the other side of his flesh.
Van dropped to his knees and howled in pain. Angus’ conscience told him to stop, the fight was over. But his instinct shut out the voice in his head. Heart pounding, he felt excitement. The pure joy of violence filled a void he had been denying. Swinging his large right leg, the boot of Angus Vol struck Van’s right side rib cage. Hitting the ground, the painful screams turned to low moaning, Van had difficulty breathing.
Kneeling down near Van’s face, Angus raised his fist. Suppressing the savagery of human nature, he held back the potential blow. “I can kill you with one punch! I can break every bone in your skull with another strike!” Angus’ face relaxed and his demeanor transformed to tranquility. “I won’t David. You are part of my team. That makes you my family. You can hate me all you want. But I won’t kill you.”
Struggling for breath, Van pressed his forehead to the muddy soil. Wheezing, he conceded, “Are you…(inhale)…going to..(inhale)…turn me in?”
“No, we are going to keep this secret between ourselves. You fell down a small cliff, hitting a few trees along the way. Is that satisfactory?”
Van nodded in agreement, rubbing more mud onto his forehead by the motion. Angus used his pulsing muscular arms to pick him up, draping him over his broad shoulders. Blood trickled down Van’s finger tips, dripping onto the grass. Every step Angus took felt like an eternity to him.
Reaching Emerald Fort nearly a kilometer away, Angus delivered Van to Doc’s medical tent. Van obediently repeated the tale they agreed upon. Angus perched himself on a stool near the cot, while Doc set the bone in his forearm. Van slept through the procedure with the help of an anesthetic. Doc wrapped Van’s bruised purple ribs.
