Dystopian Girls 2

by Rodzil LaBraun

  Alexa's first effort did not even contact the board. Her second missed by more than two feet. Seiko fared even worse. Apparently, she had lost both her contacts as well as her glasses and was doomed with sub-par vision until a new eye doctor was available. Neither of them had much interest in handling the rifle, so it was just as well. As bad as their results, they may have unintentionally sabotaged the test.

  I was already forming the plan in my head. I would take the automatic rifle for myself. Not only was it the coolest looking thing that I had ever seen, it would be appropriate for the leader of the clan to have the most intimidating weapon. Jada would use the long black sniper rifle. I still considered her to be the best shot due to experience and training. Riley could use the Weatherby.

  Stella needed a little help learning how to hold the rifle. I went to one knee behind her and wrapped my arms around to guide her. It placed our bodies against each other, and my face beside hers as I whispered instructions into her ear. We were both a bit distracted by being so close for more than just a quick embrace. Knowing that Alexa would be picking up on our feelings, I kept my mind as clear as possible.

  I half expected Stella's first shot to throw her backwards. In truth, she was about the same size and strength as Alexa. It was just her persona that had you thinking that she was weaker. I thought for a moment that she also missed the board, but I distinctly heard a crack from the splintering of the wood when she fired. Riley joined me as I searched for the bullet hole.

  "What the fuck?" Riley finally said in disbelief. I couldn't recall the last time that I heard her curse, so it took me by surprise. But not near as much as what she was looking at. Stella’s shot had struck the center of the bullseye. Dead on accurate. Everyone else was as confused as me when we told them, including Stella.

  Before I told Stella to fire another shot, I got an idea. What if the next shot was also a bullseye? Incredibly unlikely, I know. But we wouldn't be able to tell if it went through the same hole. So, I hurriedly put a piece of duct tape over the center of the target.

  We all held our breath as Stella steadied her aim for another shot. I wanted to wrap this up soon before skanks started appearing. She pulled the trigger once again. This time there was no splintering. Upon closer inspection I found that the duct tape was indeed a good idea. The second bullet had gone through the hole created by the first. Stella was a dead-on accurate shooter. It must be her superpower!

  The sound of a pack of dogs approaching from over the hill caused us not to linger. I kicked down the target, gathered up the gun and ammo, and guided everyone inside. Our tools and other supplies had already been stowed. Jamila and Hedy watched the target practice with mild interest. I had the impression that they just wanted to be present whenever we were in the yard. They retreated to the pool house once we were done, having no interest in dealing with the canines either.

  Before conversation could even begin inside our home, I was changing my mind. And I didn't care who knew it. We needed Stella to join us. Her auto-aim ability would make the biggest difference in a battle. I must have her.

  Jada and Riley began fussing once we locked the door. Riley was upset that she was not the best shot aside from Jada. In all honesty, she might be as good as me, though. This new development with Stella was amazing, but also a little disturbing.

  "Stella, did you already know that you had perfect accuracy?" Jada demanded to know.

  "No," she shook her head, uncomfortable at being pushed into the spotlight. "This is the first time that I have ever fired a gun."

  "Is everyone getting a superpower except me?" Jada asked.

  "Seiko doesn't have one," Alexa replied.

  "Are you sure about that?" I asked. I had already noticed a trend that indicated the new girl might have a special ability. "Where is Seiko right now?"

  "I don't know," answered Jada. "I guess she went to her room."

  "No, she's right over there in that chair," I told them all.

  "Shit, how did I not see her?"

  "It is not the first time that she has gone unnoticed," I informed the group. "It has been happening since that first day that she was hiding in the bushes right beside us."

  "I'm not doing it on purpose," Seiko offered, like she had been accused of eavesdropping.

  "Does she have super stealth?" Riley asked.

  "I don't know. We'll have to start testing it. Jada can devise some drills like she did for my ability. Maybe she'll eventually be able to sneak into an enemy's camp without being spotted."

  "Yeah, that's not something that I'm interested in doing," Seiko declared.

  "Wait a minute!" Jada yelled to get our attention. "So, Stella has auto-aim. And Seiko has cloaking ability? Am I really the only one that can't do anything special around here?"

  "You do something special, alright," I replied.

  "Oh God, no," Alexa said. "Please don't tell us that her special power is the ability to please you better than everyone else."

  "No! I mean, she is great in bed. But I was referring to all the things that she is better at doing than the rest of us. She is the best hunter, the best ax thrower, the best climber now that she is healthy again. She is the only one with natural battle ability. The rest of us have to work at it."

  The conversation continued like that for a while. In the end, Jada got over the fact that she was the last normal among us. Eventually, I got them back on track with the issue at hand. And that was the value of keeping Stella. I sent both new girls to the kitchen to start on dinner as the four of us went downstairs for some privacy.

  "I know that there are some issues regarding Stella that doesn't make her completely a good fit for our clan. However, between her farming knowledge and her perfect accuracy ability, I think we should seriously consider the option of keeping her."

  "We don't really know that every shot that she fires will be perfect," Jada offered. "She only fired twice so far."

  "From a hundred and fifty feet. And it was the first time that she has ever fired a gun. I'd bet big time that her net hundred shots will be the same." I looked all three of them in the eye to make sure they understood.

  "So, if we can work out a deal to keep her with us," Riley said. "She'll get the rifle instead of me."

  "No."

  "Why not?" Alexa asked. "If she's the most accurate shouldn't she get one of the rifles? Isn't that what the target practice was all about?"

  "Yes, it was," I replied. "But with perfect aim, she probably won't even need a scope. We'll have to test that theory tomorrow. We could give her a Glock and let her drop the bad guys like a gangster."

  "She could even hold the gun sideways," Jada suggested in jest.

  "Despite my issues with the innocent acting, tanned skin spinner," Alexa said begrudgingly. "I see the value of keeping her. But that still doesn't mean that we'll be able to pry her away from Corinne. Once they find out about her ability..."

  "Let's not tell them," Riley suggested. "I mean, she wants to stay, right? Tell her to keep the accuracy thing a secret to make that happen."

  "But what will we give Corinne in exchange," I asked.

  "Camilla," all three of them responded at the same time. Though the Brazilian beauty was behaving better of late, it was no secret that she naturally rubbed our women the wrong way. Corinne would no doubt see her as more valuable than Stella, so the trade had real potential. It was just disappointing to lose her confusion ability in the deal.

  When it came down to it, Camilla was not really one of us. She did say that she preferred me to John as a leader. But John was no longer in charge of that clan, if he ever was. She also indicated that she would not be able to regain her co-lead position with Corinne if she did go back. But they were spending time together now. Maybe things would change. With their clan as allies, we weren't completely losing Camilla anyway. I would just have to approach the subject carefully, perhaps making it seem like her idea.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN:

  "He ain't worth a shit these da
ys," Corinne told me when I asked about John. "Between the security and luxury of the new home, and the liquor you supplied. He doesn’t care about nothing. I make all the decisions. He only gets out of bed to piss, shit, drink or fuck."

  "Really?" I replied in shock at her candor. "I'm really sorry about that."

  "Well, don't be. It's just as well. It eliminates all confusion. The girls follow me alone, and they are much better off for it. I thank you for your assistance in that. How is Stella working out for you, Mason?"

  "She's good," I answered, trying not to give away too much. "I'm sure that we could figure out basic farming on our own, but her knowledge helps us avoid mistakes. I think that she enjoys it, too."

  "So, she tells me. You've made quite an impression on her."

  I had invited the other clan over for a visit, and they readily accepted like it was an invitation to the Royal Ball. When they arrived, Camilla acted like we were long separated lovers, telling my how much she missed me during our embrace. When I guided them to the game room downstairs and broke out the liquor, they all loosened up like they had been working hard for the weekend.

  Some of the girls were shooting a game of pool. Bianka and Riley were trying to figure out how to play foosball. That game was a feature of the recreation area that was not getting much use. Others were just standing around with their drinks in hand, socializing. Even Nadia looked like she was having a good time. Her smile was a little scary though, seeing it for the first time. A mental patient with thoughts of escape is what came to my mind.

  I figured out how to use the Bluetooth speakers in the basement recently. The same cell phone that could view the security cameras had over two thousand songs in its memory. I created a playlist for the occasion, starting off with background music before moving on to stuff that might get a few of them bouncing to the beat.

  "I trust that Camilla is enjoying her visit with you."

  Corinne nodded as she sipped her drink. Riley fixed her a Margarita but went easy on the tequila at her request. Without good lime juice she had to use flavored liquor. "She is, I think. I'm a little tired of her talking about you and Riley all day, honestly. You do tend to wow the women."

  "Well, I don't know about that," I replied. I was a little caught off guard by her statement. I had expected us to engage in a diplomatic game of words. Perhaps that was what she was doing. What direction was she going with that statement?

  "I'm assuming that you'll be wanting Camilla back, soon. Stella's usefulness is sure to run out any day now."

  "I guess so," I replied, still trying to figure this woman out. She was either extremely good at this or as up front as a person could be. "As you know, I'm not big on claiming women. Camilla doesn't actually belong to me, or my clan for that matter. She has a choice in where she sleeps."

  "Apparently not so much," Corinne threw me off again. "She tells me that your bed is off limits to her for the time being."

  "That is not what I meant."

  "Well, the two of us have gotten completely caught up already. She's bound to be as tired of hearing me complain about John as I am about her doting on you guys."

  "So, Camilla is really that fond of Riley?" I asked.

  "I don't know if I'd call it a fondness. It's more of an appreciation and respect. She once said to me that if she were to start her own clan that she would want a dozen Rileys. To Camilla, that girl of yours is the perfect follower. She also made it clear that no one would be able to tear her away from you."

  I contemplated the assessment and hoped that it was true. Riley really was the shit when it came to a supportive and productive team member. I thought I was appreciative already but hearing this from Corinne raised my girl's value even more. If that was possible.

  From the sound of things, Camilla was ready to come back and would not be keen on the idea of swapping her for Stella. I could force the transaction if necessary, but that wasn't really my style. I decided to give it some more thought before approaching the subject with either Camilla or Corinne.

  "I understand that you have a cure for the skanks in your possession."

  "It's more of a treatment, I believe. I seriously doubt that there is a complete cure for all the viruses."

  "Have you given it to your two pets in the pool house?"

  I ignored the comment referring to the infected girls that I helped being my pets. "I have given two doses to them so far. There appears to be some improvement."

  "What do you plan to do if they fully recover? Absorb them into you clan? Invite them into your bed? I understand that one of them meets your physical requirements to be attractive. I mean, after the rotten flesh heals of course."

  "Hah, hah. No, they will be free to live their lives as they wish. It's possible that they choose to stay with us. However, I don't need any new lovers right now."

  "I'm sure some of the girls will be disappointed to hear that. You seem to have a certain charm that lures woman in no matter what you say."

  "Does that include you?" I decided it was time that I turned the tables and take more control of the conversation. Despite Corinne’s casual tone, everything coming out of my mouth was a reaction to what she had chosen to say.

  "No, no. Though Jada speaks well of your sexual skills. I prefer to stay unencumbered emotionally. When I get horny, I know where to find a dumb cock." We both laughed for a moment before she asked, "Can I see them?"

  "See what? My sexual skills?"

  "No. The two skanks."

  I didn’t see any reason to hide Jamila and Hedy from our new allies. Perhaps Corinne might be able to adjust their views of infected women once she met our newest friends. It felt a little like I was introducing a co-worker to some recovering addicts that I was sponsoring. I was proud and concerned at the same time.

  We dismissed ourselves from the group which got us more than a couple concerned looks. Alexa tapped into our feelings without looking too worried. Jada’s expression was like I had possibly just dumped her for another black woman. Riley was similar to a security guard trying to figure out what to make of the new development from a safety perspective. I didn't feel the need to explain myself, so I just gave them a nod.

  Bianka may have been Corinne's version of Riley. She too appeared worried about her leader's welfare. Nadia, however, just did a quick head count to make sure all of her flock were accounted for. No one attempted to follow us.

  Always a gentleman, I encouraged Corinne to go first. As I followed her up the basement stairs, I had to admit that her ass was nearly as impressive as Jada's. Probably a few pounds heavier, it would definitely be considered a ‘booty.’ Though just as muscular, her legs did not taper quite as sexily down to her knees or ankles. If I didn't already have one of my own, she would be a nice catch. Her determination to stay in control of matters could make things interesting.

  "You have done a fantastic job with your house, by the way," Corinne said as we approached the back door. "You could almost forget how shitty things are outside. I can see why you are interested in settling down and starting a farm."

  "Thank you. We need to consider the future at some point. One day all the packaged food will run out. Fruit, vegetables and clean drinking water will be the new cash. A permanent filtering system should be next on our agenda."

  "I agree. Speaking of clean water, what do you plan to do about the pool?"

  "I'm not sure," I replied as we walked from the house to the fence around the murky basin of liquid. It was that one project that I just couldn’t bring myself to start. Like a husband only off work on the weekends, I kept postponing the task. At least I wasn’t just laying on the couch watching golf on television.

  "Dude, it stinks so bad. I'm surprised that you started planting your farm right beside it."

  As I opened the gate to the pool area, I heard the door to the small building where the two infected women were staying. "Mason?" Jamila asked. The smile on her face at the thought of my approach was endearing. The subsequent frown when she not
iced Corinne meant that she was confused.

  "Hi, Jamila. This is Corinne from the house next door. She is a friend."

  "I know," Jamila replied, her concern evaporating. "I see her before. Hi Corinne."

  Corinne waved and smiled with a curious expression. I could plainly see that she was struggling with how to handle the situation. Like me, these two were probably the first infected women that she had communicated with for a very long time.

  Hedy then joined her friend just outside the pool house. We kept our distance as was our custom. The only time that I really got close was when I administered the drops orally. I knew one day that Jamila would eventually get her hug. I was preparing myself mentally for that moment.

  I could clearly see improvement on the skin of both of them. Jamila was wearing a new shirt that we had provided. Her breast no longer exposed, thank goodness. Having naked women kept in the pool house happy to see me would raise questions from any visitors.

  "You two are looking better," I said.

  "We feel good. I think it works. The drug," Jamila announced as joyously as a sick person could. I would need to continue to give them the treatment for the prescribed six days straight. Hopefully, all progress made would be permanent after that.

  "Thank you, Mason," Hedy added.

  Corinne had a few questions for them which they happily answered. I inquired about their comfort, for which they were noticeably grateful. I told them that I would be back with more medicine for them in the morning, along with something edible. Then, Corinne and I retreated indoors.

  As was the case with Captain Helen Barnes, the brief visit with my patients changed Corinne’s view of me. I could see it in her eyes. It was present in her movement, her proximity as well. She wasn’t necessarily warming up to me as a person of the opposite sex. The feel resembled someone just getting more comfortable with me, like they finally figured me out.