Famine

by R A Doty

  “Are you there, Brodie? This is Weston.”

  There was no response. Dead air.

  “Brodie, this is Weston. Can you hear me?”

  Nothing.

  Weston shook his head. “Dammit.” How was he going to explain this to the Power Elite? It wouldn’t look good on his record to waste so much time and lose so many lives on one nutrimen. His judgement might even be evaluated, which, ultimately, might cost him the title of Ancada’s leader. Maybe it was wrong to focus so much time and energy on the female nutrimen.

  “I read you loud and clear, sir.”

  Weston sighed. What a goddamned relief. “What’s your location?”

  “We’re exactly two miles onto the mainland, heading east. No sign of the target so far, just a few stragglers from the city.

  “Did you question them?”

  “I didn’t, sir. They were lying on the ground, too weak to stand. I don’t believe they were able to speak.”

  “You have to at least try, Brodie. They may have had some information that would have been useful. Don’t make assumptions based on appearances. You were assigned to this mission to act, not think.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Weston knew what he had to do. He should have done it the first time. It’s been a long time since he heard the expression, but it fit perfectly in this situation. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. He squeezed the mic’s button.

  “Come back to base, Brodie. I’ll be waiting on the beach, by the docks. And hurry, my time is valuable.”

  “Yes, sir. We should be there within the hour.”

  “Make it thirty minutes.”

  Thirty-two minutes later, Weston saw the boat approaching from the mainland. He looked at the watch on his wrist and shook his head. When the boat stopped, he boarded immediately. Brodie was the first to greet him.

  “Let’s head back to the mainland,” Weston said. “And dock closer to the city.”

  “But sir–”

  “There’s no time to discuss it, Brodie. Just do as I say.”

  Within a half an hour the men were walking back onto the mainland, Weston leading the way.

  “Are you certain you want to go that way, sir? The city’s in that direction. It may not be safe.”

  “Are your men armed?”

  “They are.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “There’s no problem, sir.”

  The other men on the team exchanged glances as they blindly followed Weston toward the city. Even though it was mostly deserted, danger still lurked in the streets and alleys. It was foolish. But Bill Weston was the only one who understood the gravity of the situation Ancada was in. Everyone else continued life as if they weren’t going to starve to death, as if the nutrimen were an endless supply of food that would last forever. And, why shouldn’t they? That’s exactly what they were promised when they signed on from the start. When they reached the city, Weston stopped. Brodie stopped beside him, and the other men behind them. Weston scanned the streets and buildings for any sign of life. If the girls were here, he’d find them. “There!” he said, pointing to the figure running down an alley. It appeared to be a man. “Get him!”

  Weston and Brodie watched as the men ran toward the city. They eventually started to follow. When they reached the alley where the man had gone, he was already being dragged from the shadows. “Hold him upright,” Weston commanded, walking up to the man.

  For a straggler, the man looked to be in pretty good condition. His clothes were somewhat clean and presentable (no noticeable rips or tears), he didn’t emit that pungent odor of someone who rarely bathed, and although he looked somewhat gaunt, he didn’t look as though he was starving. That alone was surprising to Weston. What the hell could he possibly be eating? The man struggled to escape.

  “It’s useless trying to escape. We mean you no harm. I just want to ask you a few questions and then we’ll release you if you cooperate.” Weston walked closer to the man. “Do you understand?”

  The man nodded.

  “Good. Are you from this area or just passing through?”

  “I’ve been here from the beginning and I ain’t leaving unless it’s in a pine box.”

  Weston smiled. “I don’t think pine boxes are used that much nowadays, do you?”

  The man didn’t see the humor in the statement.

  “I’m looking for a small girl,” Weston continued, “two girls, in fact. One with red hair and the other a little older with blonde hair. Have you seen either of them or have any information that may help me to locate them?”

  The man looked at Weston, and then at the men with him. He noticed the weapons they were carrying and the insignia on their uniforms. “I might. But how do I know you won’t kill me once I tell you? You’re from the island, aren’t you? The one out there.” The man tilted his head toward the ocean.

  “We are,” Weston said. “And why would I want to kill you? Especially if you were to help me. I have no qualms with you.”

  The man smiled, revealing two rotted cuspids. He leaned back slightly. “I heard all about you buying men and bringing them to the island. Mostly prisoners, but I’m sure there were others. But don’t get me wrong, meat is meat and a man’s gotta eat, ain’t that right, now? But the thing is, how do I know you ain’t gonna do that to me?”

  Weston nodded to one of the officers, who immediately walked up to the man and positioned his weapon against his temple.

  “Okay! Okay! I’ll tell you what I know. I saw the girls you’re looking for, but they ain’t around no more.”

  “Where are they?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Weston nodded to the officer.

  “I ain’t lying, mister! I honestly don’t know. But David might.”

  “Who’s David?”

  “He runs the church. It’s right around the corner, a few blocks away. I can take you there if you’d like.”

  “Oh, indeed I would.” Weston nodded to the officer and he lowered his weapon. “Release him,” he said to the other officers holding the man.

  The man rubbed his arms to get his blood circulating again. He starting walking. “Follow me. It’s right this way.”

  As Weston followed the man, he was surprised at how deserted the city was. It’s been a decade since he set foot on the mainland this close to the city. It was easy to forget about it, living in Ancada, where life had continued as if nothing at all had happened. But seeing the state of affairs the rest of the world had to contend with made him realize how fast Ancada could fall as well if he didn’t do his job. It made it that much more urgent to find the female nutrimen. He followed the man up the stairs in front of the church and through the front door.

  “I’ll fetch, David, if you want to wait here,” the man said.

  “We will kill you and everyone else if you don’t return,” Weston replied. When the man left, Weston strategically positioned his officers around the perimeter of the room. One always had to expect a battle. He waited by the podium and gazed around the great room. How naïve people still are with the state the world is in, he thought. But humans must always believe in something. What do you have without hope? He studied a stained-glass window, depicting Jesus Christ on a cross made of wood. If there were ever a God, he thought, it would be him. He, alone, had the power to save the human race, not a fictitious God. A door opened, and the man returned, leading another man. They walked up to the podium.

  “This is David,” the man said to Weston. The man then turned and swiftly left the room.

  “I understand you’re interested in the two girls,” David said. “I’ll be more than happy to help you in any way I can.” David extended his arm. My name is David Crullen, and your name is...?”

  Weston made no attempt to shake David’s hand. As if he didn’t even notice it. “William Weston.”

  David lowered his arm. He noticed the other men standing in the shadows with weapons.

  Weston con
tinued. “Do you know where the girls are?”

  “I wish I did, William. But I’m sorry to say I don’t.”

  Weston stepped from behind the podium and up to David. “I’m growing tired of playing games. You might think me naïve like your followers, but I can assure you I’m not. I’ll ask you one more time before I burn this absurdity to the ground. Where are the girls?”

  David studied Weston. Eyes locked on eyes. It’s been a long time since he was in a subservient position. It angered him immensely.

  “Well?” Weston said. He put his hand on David’s shoulder. An adult questioning a child. “Be very careful how you respond. If you mislead me in any way, I will come back.” He smiled. “And I don’t think either of us would want that to happen.”

  “They left with two of our followers. A large man named Cain and a woman named Betty.”

  “And?”

  “They said they were heading to the Steinberg estate. It’s just west of here.”

  “I have a general idea where it is.” Weston tapped David’s cheek. “You’ve been very helpful, David Crullen. Thank you so much for your time.” Weston headed to the exit; his men followed. Before leaving he turned to David, the expanse of the room carrying his voice. “Step outside and look around. Do you think, perhaps, your God is on vacation?”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  SINCE ELANA FAINTED, she had no desire to get out of bed. The thought of her little girl suffering was all she could think about. What a horrible mother she must be. Who else would consider killing their own child and then just give them away like a trinket or a toy? If Samuel was still alive he would never had agreed to giving up his daughter, for any reason. He would have preferred they all die together than ever be separated. If we all stick together we’ll be fine, he used to say. She didn’t listen. “I’m so sorry, Samuel,” she said, staring up toward the ceiling.

  But it was too late. Jessie was gone, probably forever. It would take a miracle to get her back now, and Elana wasn’t too big on miracles at the present. She almost started to cry again, but the door opening delayed the emotion. Janette appeared, followed by Steven. They walked up to the bed.

  “How are you feeling, Elana?” Janette asked. “Are you hungry or thirsty? We have pretty much anything you could possibly want. Thomas is a kind of survival-nut, so he started stock-piling resources long before disaster hit.”

  “Thank you, sweetie, but I’m fine.”

  “Why don’t I get you some more of that soup,” Steven said. Earlier in the day, he managed to get his mother to drink some broth from a bowl of soup. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

  “I don’t think so, Stevie. I’m not really that hungry right now. Maybe a little later.”

  Elana looked at Janette next to her son. She was perfect for him. In another time, she would have looked forward to the two of them perhaps getting married someday. Maybe they would have had children, and she would have known what it was like to be a grandmother. She always dreamed of someday having grandchildren to spoil. She pictured Samuel walking hand-in-hand with their grandson, or her, combing her granddaughter’s hair. Like she used to do with Jessie. She sighed and lowered her head. In another time...

  Steven knelt beside his mother. “I know you’re sad about Jess but you have to stop worrying, she’ll be fine. If you get sick from not eating, it won’t do anybody any good.”

  Elana took his hand. “I know, honey. You’re right. I’m sure she’s fine.”

  A month had passed since Josh and Jessie first stepped foot on the city in the ocean. A deep depression and realization of what life would forever be like had hit all of the children captured from the mainland. Most of them only left their bunks to feed or use the sanitary facility, while a select few paced around the yard, staring at the ground, as if the answer of how to escape would fall from the sky in front of them. When their legs grew tired of walking, they, too, went back to their bunks.

  Josh never gave up hope, however. His hands had calloused from carrying most of his body’s weight as he gripped the fence each day, staring out into the ocean. For him, it wasn’t a question of whether or not he would ever get off the island, but when he would get off. He knew once you lost hope you were done, as his father, Thomas, had always told him. Once your brain shuts down, it wouldn’t be long before your body followed. He had spent much of his time trying to cheer Jessie up for the first week or so, but eventually his efforts went unnoticed as she just sat cross-legged in the cube each day, staring at the ground in front of her knees. He worried for her. She was small and weak, and by all accounts, would more than likely be one of the first ones to perish. Maybe today would be different, he thought, as he released the fence and walked over to her. But what could he possibly say that wasn’t already said?

  “Is there anybody in there?” he asked, standing in front of the cube. No answer. “I see somebody’s feet.” No answer. He lowered himself to the ground and peeked inside the cube. “I see you.”

  Jessie never turned her head. She may have heard him, but her mind was miles away. So far, that she had managed to block out everything that was happening around her. The human mind is designed to survive at all costs no matter what it takes, and sometimes that cost is shutting down the body. Jessie’s body had shut down days ago and now it was just a matter of time before starvation set in, and ultimately death.

  Josh caressed her arm, it was cool to the touch. “Come on Jess, please cheer up. Don’t you want to see your family again?” Her face was expressionless. “Please, Jess.” He had no choice but to accept what was happening, but it was hard. His eyes filled with tears as he pleaded despairingly. “I know you can hear me, Jess and I’m sorry things turned out this way, but you can’t die, you just can’t.” He shook her arm. “Please, Jess I’m begging you. Don’t leave me.”

  Jessie slowly turned her head. She looked at Josh as if she had never seen him before.

  “That’s it, Jess! It’s me. Josh. Remember?”

  “Josh?” Her voice was weak. Barely audible. It took all of her strength to say his name. She couldn’t repeat it.

  Josh scurried inside the cube and huddled next to her. He pulled her small body against his chest. “It’s gonna be all right, Jess.” He kissed her forehead. “It’s gonna be all right.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  BILL Weston had the coordinates to the Steinberg estate from when he was communicating with Thomas Steinberg to join Ancada. His stride was fast and steady as he drew closer to the target. Not only was he going to find the female nutrimen, but he might very well find out what happened to Thomas Steinberg, and why he never showed up at the rendezvous, as planned.

  “Do we have a signal, yet?” he asked Chief Officer Brodie.

  “Nothing, sir,” Brodie responded, staring at the handheld device.

  Weston couldn’t help but wonder if he was misled by David Crullen. It’s highly unlikely that he would have jeopardized himself, his followers, and the church itself by doing so, but it was a thought that Weston couldn’t overlook. He had to follow through with the search just to eliminate the possibility, if nothing else. It would have been fortunate if they did have a signal on the target, but it wasn’t absolutely necessary. He would still succeed, regardless. Failure wasn’t an option. He pressed on, the men following, weapons drawn.

  “Sir,” Brodie said, “I’m getting a signal, but it’s not from either of the targets.” Everyone stopped. Weston walked over to Brodie, the two men staring at the handheld. “It’s an odd signal,” Brodie said. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything like it.”

  Weston took the handheld. “That’s because this tracking signal hasn’t been used in years.” He clicked on the signal marker and an image appeared. A man. A large man. The tag on his shirt read Harris. “I vaguely remember you, Mr. Brian Harris. We thought you had drowned, if I remember correctly.” Weston smiled. His search had just gotten much easier.

  “You know this man?” Brodie asked.


  “Not really. But I remember him, and if he somehow managed to survive perhaps he’ll lead us to the nutrimen. We’ll be there in less than twenty minutes if I’m correct.”

  COLTON stepped into Thomas Steinberg’s office to check on the status of the batteries. He didn’t expect them to be charged for a number of reasons, one being their age and another being the rudimentary charging system he had slapped together. But, nonetheless, he continued to check on them as promised to Calla. He removed the wires going to each of the batteries and placed the batteries into the device. He flipped the switch with a yawn, not expecting much. The screen lit up. “I’ll be damned,” he said. It’s been quite some time since he operated a device of this kind, but it didn’t take long for it to come back to him. When he hit the HOME icon the words Updating software locked onto the screen. He watched as the black bar stretched horizontally. “Come on, come on.” When it reached the opposite side of the screen, the device went black. He tapped it gently against his palm. “Dammit.” Just as he was about to tap it again the device came back on, the screen much brighter than before. It was working.

  Before long, he had mastered the device. Now it was time to test it out. He shut it down to go find Calla. Part of him wanted to find out who her biological mother was just as much as she did. He checked her bedroom, but she wasn’t there. She wasn’t in the library or the kitchen either. Dan and Betty were sitting at the kitchen table. “Have either of you seen Calla?”

  “I haven’t,” Dan said.

  “The last I saw her she was heading in the direction of the lab room,” Betty said.

  Colton headed to the lab, holding the device in his hand.

  CALLA THOUGHT SHE MIGHT find something in Thomas Steinberg’s lab to help in making the decision of whether or not she should keep the child inside of her. She walked around, staring at all the specimens meticulously preserved in jars filled with liquid. There were a lot of smaller animals such as bats, rats, squirrels, and something that looked like a big rat with a pointed nose and a long white tail and white and gray fur. “Gross,” Calla said with a wince. And then she came to the jars of frogs, seemingly still alive in a suspended animation. She sucked her teeth, staring closely at the jars. “Poor things.” The next thing that caught her eye was the white snake in a large aquarium. It was about three feet long, she guessed. She was mesmerized by it, and it by her, as they stared at each other from opposite sides of the glass. Creepy as hell. She trembled as if a chill raced through her entire body.