One of the truckers stood up. “Well, why don’t he show himself then?” The crowd hushed, most clearly unwilling to foster an argument with their benefactress.
“Funny, I never thought of the Womb as a he or she.” Netty tilted her head to the side in thought, appearing to shake off the diverting subject. She remarked, “Perhaps the day will come when you will meet the Womb. I would not choose to look forward to it if I were you.”
As she clapped her hands to assure their attention, Kenya watched the monkeys join the elephants, tentatively making their way to the trees for the first time since they had been stolen from their mothers’ troops as babies.
“Some of you will be assigned to work here in the field, but you must all know a few things. The sensation of pressure as you enter the cavern is a deterrent to keep our pollinators from getting out. They are the blue creatures you see hovering over the trees and the crops. They are deadly to human skin. They are harmless to all other animal life. They live inside the trunks of the trees. See the bulges on the trunks? They serve as the protectors of the plant life from any humans—just a precaution. I am sure the Womb finds it necessary for some reason.
“All fruit that is not consumed is canned by me or harvested as seed stock. There will be great need once the planet becomes habitable again. If you look closely, you will see plants you are unfamiliar with. They are not all for your palate. The Womb has further plans for new life. They will be in need. You have much to learn. Shall we continue?
“Johno, I suggest you leave Miss Tobi and her charges here to graze. You can collect them later if you wish.” With that, Netty turned on her heels, leaving footprints in the soft, warm soil as she headed back to the main corridor, leaving them all to scramble after her.
Continuing down the corridor, Netty pointed to a smallish opening. “This is the kitchen. I do all of my baking there. It is where you will find us most of the time. All are welcome there until your own kitchen is built. I hope you will join us in the morning. I have a special breakfast planned.” She moved further down the corridor peeling off to a lesser artery.
“This is where all the other animals will live. One cave is for the cats, the other for the rest. You can explore at your leisure tomorrow. Food must be carried to them as they need it. Each cave contains a water source, ample light and varied topography. They will live content lives with you all managing their upkeep.”
As they moved back to the corridor, Wil emerged from one of the caves, joining Netty. He laughed as he observed Caesar shadowing Scotty with his new appendages aboard. “How is the tour going? Ready to hit the lower level?”
He snaked his hand around Netty’s waist as she informed him they were headed there now. They walked arm in arm, Wil casually planting a kiss on her cheek as the rest of the crowd followed.
Kenya wondered what was left to show them as she eyed the affection they showed one another; something more wondrous?
They halted suddenly, allowing Kenya to catch up and observe a short flight of four stone steps leading to another corridor. They took turns ascending the stairs and advanced down the corridor to stand in a kind of antechamber. Four doors led to additional corridors all made of stone with the thick viscous membrane clinging to the walls.
Wil explained, pointing to the first set of doors. “Sanitary outhouses—one for men, one for women. The other doors lead to sleeping quarters, one for men, and again one for women. Each room has been provided with food and water until morning. You will not find beds but a stone dais for each of you. They look uncomfortable but I assure you it will be the best sleep you have ever had. Sort yourself as you please. We will see you in the morning. Come, Baby.”
The golden creature slid down Caesar’s broad back with his kitten drooping from his skinny leathery arm to wobble over to Wil. Wil bent down, scooped up the little creature, and secured him to his hip like a child.
“Goodnight.” With a nod and a genuine smile, Netty slipped out behind Wil, withdrawing in a swirl of golden light, leaving them all stunned and overwhelmed.
Jose stood. “I suggest we first collect the food and water. We can eat out here and discuss our plans.”
Someone shouted, “Plans, you got plans? Seems to me the only plan is to do what we’re told or get out. How’s that for a plan?”
Little Kimir, who still quietly held his turtle while he clung to Clyde’s hand, began to cry.
Clyde spoke up. “Jose has the right idea. Let’s get some food in our stomachs and see where we go from there.” All agreed as they scrambled to explore their sleeping quarters and collect food before meeting back in the antechamber.
Kenya entered a vast catacomb of various-sized rooms, all positioned for privacy. They held nothing but the stone daises mentioned by Wil. Mama Diaz chose one for her and the girls and deposited their bags on the huge stone. Kenya watched as Karen, the copilot, and Crystal agreed to share a dais.
“What about your pig?”
“What do you mean, what about my pig?” Crystal looked at Karen uncomprehending.
“Where do you want it to sleep?”
“Well, her name is Tulip and she’ll sleep with me, of course.”
“You mean with us.”
Crystal nodded her head, bent down to smooth Tulip’s lovely tutu and gave her a smooch.
“Don’t worry, she’s potty trained.”
Karen shrugged, catching Kenya’s eye. “I’ve seen worse.”
Crystal stood, giving Tulip an assessing appraisal, checking her out from different angles. “Do you feel okay, girl? Looks like she’s putting some weight on. I better keep an eye on what she eats, this is her only outfit. Don’t want her to have to go nudie, do we?”
Kenya turned away, spotting Abby in the corner talking to Ginger Mae and Daisy. Heading in their direction, she noticed the older woman’s wet face. Ginger Mae sat on the edge of a dais, her arm around Daisy, who tried to wipe away her mother’s tears.
“Hey, ladies, I don’t mean to interrupt but seein’s you all are so deep in conversation, maybe I could take Daisy for you?” Abby reached out to take Kenya’s shapely caramel arm, guiding her to sit on the dais next to Daisy who smiled sadly, welcoming her to join them. Kenya slid her arm around Daisy who looked more like a waif than ever with her pale face and thin stringy hair.
“Well, we sure aren’t the happiest threesome in the room, are we?” Kenya’s bright words fell on deaf ears, depression hanging over Ginger Mae like storm clouds during hurricane season.
“Your face looks a little better, Ginger Mae. The swelling’s really going down.”
Her face did not look that much better. The stitching closed the long vertical cut like a worm turning in on itself and bruising had spread across the whole half of her face to make her further unrecognizable. Kenya winced, trying hard to meet her eyes. Abby cleared her throat and swallowed audibly.
“Ginger Mae, and you too, Kenya, I hope you have a better understanding of my behavior now. When I met each of you, my preoccupation with the coming catastrophe may have distorted my behavior. If I appeared harsh, please know it was not directed at you. My inexperience and stress gave me no time for niceties. The knowledge I carried became almost too much to bear. I hope you’ll both forgive me.
“I’m sure you’ve heard word of the animals having implants from Echo. Well, I myself was implanted, by Netty. That’s how she communicated with me. It also altered my natural behavior in some way. Please accept my apologies. I’m not normally so domineering, I assure you. We need to rely on each other in the coming weeks. I’ve no idea how long we’ll be here or what condition we’ll find the world in when it’s over.” Kenya raised her hand to her mouth in surprise.
“You were under their control . . . an implant? Oh, chicky, that must have hurt.” She hopped up to wrap her arms around Abby, hugging her close. “Are you sure you’re okay now?”
Abby nodded, very serious. “I’m fine now and we’re all safe, that’s
what matters.”
Ginger Mae raised her head. “But you’re still one of them.” Kenya and Abby heard the bitterness in her voice. “I’m grateful my daughter is safe, but don’t think for a minute that I’ll turn my back on you or any of the other freaks in here.”
Abby rose to her feet with a deep sigh. “It’s alright. I understand. We’ve got plenty of time to get to know each other. Why don’t we gather the food and water and join the men?”
Kenya glanced toward the stack of containers and bowls on the stone table in the center of the room to observe Gloria and her mice salivating over the provisions. Eyeballing Gloria’s obese anatomy, she thanked God, oops—the Womb—that they could count on plenty of food.
As they all gathered in the antechamber, everyone appeared to naturally gravitate to Jose. He sat commandingly on the stone floor, his darker skin a vibrant contrast to his golden eyes that mesmerized and his huge wings that lay curved against his body. His disconcerting tail sat wrapped around his waist, relaxed and quiet. Scotty and Chloe clustered around the dogs, Echo lounging with the Barney pup, quiet and focused on the food piled in front of everyone.
Digging in, they enjoyed two special items from Netty’s kitchen. A loaf of what tasted like an apple walnut spice cake, the spice intriguing with its complex flavor notes eluding identification, and a hearty peach pie.
Tucker, the man with the German shepherd, tore into the food with gusto. “Boy, that lady sure can cook. This’ll sure make up for a lot. Nothin’ like some home cookin’ ta keep me happy.”
Reaching for a large bean-pod-shaped green thing, Kenya ran her fingers around the outside, feeling a texture like that of her favorite French bread. Splitting it open, she was surprised at the sight of what looked like red meat. But the outside crunched. She wrinkled her nose.
“Here, let me.” Kane reached over to rip off a hunk, taking a small bite. He nodded his head, smiling as he chewed.
“It’s great.” He laughed. “I don’t know what the heck it is, but it’s delicious.”
They all dug in, eating with relish. Kenya noticed little Kimir trying to get his pet turtle to eat by pushing food up to his mouth with no success. The thing looked half dead anyway. She wished they had some greenery to tempt him with. Thinking of the sanctuary turtles, she wondered who would feed them.
As if he heard her thoughts, Jose announced they would need to consider a division of labor. Asking if anyone wanted to volunteer for anything, Dezi spoke up. “I don’t care what I gotta do, it just better not have anything to do with any nasty damn smelly critters, hope that’s clear.” Unfortunately, Penny took that exact time to stretch her legs out to lie down, rubbing up against Dezi. He jumped up as if she was as welcome as a turd in a swimming pool.
“Get that stinking mutt away from me, will ya, for Christ’s sake?” He gave a hard long look at Jose. “I’m not gunna tell ya about these mutts again, bro.”
Cobby piped up. “Cool down, buddy. You’ve got to get used to living with the animals. They apparently enjoy a higher status than we do now. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of the Womb so soon, do you?” Dezi picked up his dinner, muttering as he moved away from Penny to sit by himself. Clyde eased on over to Jose.
“Hope ya don’t mind, Jose, but I noticed your girl Abby seems to have a little bit of pull around here, that right?”
Jose glanced at him cautiously. “Yeah, I guess you could say that, wouldn’t you, Kenya?” They turned to her with raised eyebrows.
“Well, listen here, chicky, if you’re implying that I’m eavesdropping . . .” She gathered her long shapely legs under her, preparing to stand. Changing her mind, she sat still. “For heaven’s sake, you can sure bet that I’m gunna keep both these ears open full time. I plan to make damn sure I learn everything I can about what’s goin’ down here. And yeah, Abby is plugged in like a toaster oven around here. I bet she’s even met the Womb. Why, what you want with Abby?”
Clyde stared at Kenya. “Young lady, if you don’t mind, this is a private conversation. Can you give me a minute?”
“I’m not going anywhere, chicky, so get used to it.”
Clyde took a deep breath and turned back to Jose. “I need a favor. I need you to ask Abby if between her and Netty they might be able to hook me up to talk to my wife. If I can’t reassure myself, I’m going to have to leave in the morning. I need to know she’s still safe and on her way here. I’m sure you understand.”
“Yeah, Clyde, I get it, but you must realize all the cell towers are down by now.”
Kenya decided to pipe up. “Since when did a minor obstacle like that stop these critters? Did you forget they live on another planet? They can just snap their fingers and make it happen.”
Jose frowned. “I’m sure it’s not that easy, Kenya, but I’ll look into it for you, okay, Clyde?”
Some of the pain dissipated from Clyde’s eyes. “I’ll owe ya, man. I’ll owe ya big.” The men shook hands and Kenya lost interest.
The balance of the meal passed in reasonable good humor, even as Kimir began to badger Scotty about his turtle. He agreed to heal Kimir’s pet with everyone watching, their interest a vast improvement over the suspicions and hostility of a few hours ago. Even Tucker’s German shepherd began to make advances toward Penny, although the elegant springer spaniel refused to even acknowledge his presence.
Conversation drifted around to the subject of the prodigious fruits and vegetables Netty and Wil had cultivated. They wondered how they grew them so big, what the blue pollinators were, and what the green funky fruit was with the crusty skin that looked like meat, but tasted like French bread encapsulating filet mignon.
The subject of the Womb and the length of their probable habitation in the massive and magnificent cavern never arose. From time to time, someone would use the outhouses.
Kenya left to bring leftovers to the wayward turtles.
Persuading Kimir, Daisy and the Diaz girls to go to bed involved little pleading as they longed for the release of sleep as youth tend to do after exciting events and full stomachs.
The only problem was realized after some hasty whispers by Kimir in Kenya’s ear. It seems he was worried about his prayer rug. He must say his Muslim communion and didn’t even know where the sun was. How was he to say his prayers?
Clyde rose out of his funk long enough to convince him he would be forgiven for skipping his prayers for one day. A promise to speak to Netty about a prayer rug allowed Kimir to be shuttled off to bed with the rest of the younger survivors.
It wasn’t long before the adults tired of the exchange of life stories and the speculation on the horror faced by their countrymen above ground. Chores were discussed and a rotation system agreed upon, even as they agreed they had no idea what might be required of them. Yawns became more frequent as their strength flagged. Saying goodnight, the single men and single women retired to their chosen cubbies, Jose and Abby choosing a private one with the women, hoping to be supportive to his adopted family if they needed him.
As everyone settled down to enjoy their dreamless sleep on their stone daises that bizarrely felt as cushy as a pile of down feathers—many wrongly attributing the sensation to hallucinations induced by the food they ate—the phantom light in the cavern slowly dimmed. An occasional muffled snort or snore sounded from far, far away. A child cried out only to drift again into a dreamless deep.
Time passed as all eyes participated in frantic twitches under paper-thin eyelids, the signs of deep REM sleep emerging as the gelatinous membrane adhering to the cubby walls woke to send tendrils to every sleeping form, gliding soundlessly across stone floors and up the dais to the vulnerable sleepers. No one moved as the insidious ribbons wrapped themselves around exposed legs and arms, up backs of warm, tender necks to disappear, undetected, into the pores of all sleeping survivors, excepting Abby, Jose, Echo and Scotty.
Out in the field, Tobi stood guard over her precious herd, the babies laying asleep on
the warm fertile soil, unaware of the invasive substance that easily penetrated their systems through minute pores in their skin. She flicked her tail and flapped her ear as an unexplained tickle interrupted her enjoyment of the giant succulent pear she crushed in her mouth, juices dripping from her enormous maw to drop unseen on the ribbons emerging from the ground, determined to find their way to the sleeping herd.
In the vast cavern of cats, tendrils emerged to sink themselves into the luscious pelts of the huge beasts that slept with bellies full of the green crusty meat-like pods of protein supplied by Wil. They lay sprawled on boulders, cliffs and at the edges of a quiet lake that the tigers dreamed of frolicking in.
Throughout the underground domain, sleeping bodies of all species found themselves visited in their sleep—even the exalted Caesar as he slept lightly at the base of the huge dais occupied by Scotty, Chloe, Echo and her doggy entourage.
The inaugural night, pregnant with unseen subterfuge, passed quickly, membranes withdrawing long before the mysterious light of the next day brightened.
Chapter 16
Lorna woke to the thwacking sound of choppers flying overhead. She wiped the sleep out of her eyes, trying to stretch without waking Suzy who lay across her lap in the front seat.
“What time is it?” She yawned, glancing over at Seth who stared glassy eyed and slack jawed out the windshield, his foot hard on the gas pedal.
“Seth, are you alright?” She glanced out the window, observing the bulk of the traffic proceeding in the opposite direction. “I think you better slow down. Did something happen while we slept?” Her anxious whisper became more pointed as Seth failed to react. She reached over to touch his arm. As if shot by a bullet, Seth wrenched the steering wheel to the right, causing the car to careen off the road.
“Watch out!” Lorna screamed, waking the girls. Maryann sat up in the back seat as the car ground to a halt, stalling out. Seth banged his hands on the steering wheel.
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