3531

by Black, John

  Looking around the walls were chiseled out, to a fine finish showing excellent work. They were a beautiful soft hue of yellow. The sparse furniture was crudely made.

  Donovan had to duck low to pass from from one entrance to another.

  Ashwin, stood at the main entrance, “our evening meals are always had the main abode. I will have a lad come over to be your guide, should you decide to adventure into our humble village. There is always someone willing to trade any goods with you.”

  Other then the main room, there were two small carved out rooms clearly made for sleeping quarters. Donovan entered one. Laying down he fell right to sleep.

  “Mom, I don't feel very well.”

  Mercedes walked over to touch his forehead. She felt a high fever raging from his skin. “I will take care of you son, go get into your pajamas.”

  She watched him climb up the stairs, then proceeded to make him some chicken soup. Even though the krago, could make any meal within seconds, she firmly believed in some things made the old fashion way.

  While the chicken cooked in boiling water, she took her medical scanner, to check up on her son. He laid quietly in his bed looking at his mom.

  Waving the scanner over his body, she masked her growing concerns.

  “Whats wrong with me mom?” he questioned.

  She double checked her device. “Looks like you have a nasty advanced cold, son. I will call your father and have him bring home some things. Meanwhile, you just rest, while I go make you, some of my home made chicken soup.”

  Walking down the stairs she wiped the tear from her eyes, she didn't like her son being so ill. She hoped she could get Benjamin to come home early, but knew how the Alliance felt about such things.

  “Donovan are you going to sleep all day?”

  Stirring from his sleep, he contemplated at his latest dream and knew it was more of his memory coming back. Laying there a moment, he wondered where his memories of being a adult went? Maybe they were lost when he woke up in the pod, but it would seem the early childhood memories would be lost has well. He didn't know. “No I'm not going to sleep all day,” he finally replied.

  Rising up he bumped his head on the low ceiling, he held his tongue in check, which angered him even more.

  “You shouldn't be so tall, and clumsy.” Rachel grinned a little at his misfortune. “Let me introduce to you, to Red Sam. Red Sam this is Donovan.”

  Donovan gazed at the young man. Like the rest of the villagers his skin was dark, but he had red tinted hair that hung down about his shoulders. Even at his young age he projected a fierce brave aura.

  “Hello Donovan,” the lad struggled to pronounce.

  “Greetings Red Sam.” Donovan was not offended the lad stared at him. He figured being half human, and who knows what else was rare enough around here. He then wondered just how much of him was implants. “Can we take our weapons and goods into the village. I would like to do some trading please.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thank you kindly, we shall be ready shortly.” Rachel replied. She took a vessel of water with her, to freshen up.

  Meanwhile, Donovan looked over their gear, all while under the scrutiny eye of the lad.

  The center of the village contained a number of people bartering and trading goods, some were busy cooking, preparing food for later.

  Red Sam, nodded at the direction of one building. “That is where we gather for the evening meal.” The building was naturally the largest in the area. The smell of smoked meats filled the air making Donovan grow hungry.

  Rachel had a look of anticipation, for the idea of finally getting a solid meal was wonderful. She had a hard time driving the thought out of her mind.

  Red Sam, guided them to a area. “Place your goods here and allow some to see what you have.”

  “Wouldn't it be more appropriate, if we see what the others have?” Donovan reasoned.

  “You are new here and that is fine to question our ways, however allow us to gain some trust in you. There will be plenty of time for both of you to look.”

  Donovan nodded but said nothing farther about it. He laid out the goods and items, he was willing to trade, everything else stayed in the backpack.

  The villagers slowly came up to the newest group and looked some of the things over. For about a hour, Donovan showed and explained the devices he had and finally demonstrated the laser rifles he had. A few were curious about VS-771 pills he had, however no one seem to believe their function. The village's only true technician, named Simon was able to get the HO-2 machine working.

  Slowly the device began producing small amounts of water, catching the curiosity of the villagers.

  Everyone started gathering about the large building, for the evening meal. Donovan could sense most were scared of him, but he understood, taking no offense to it. Red Sam, guided him to a place on the floor in one of the corners, Rachel insisted on sitting next to him.

  “I can tell many do not like me,” Donovan whispered to her.

  Rachel rested her hand on his shoulder. “Give them time, Donovan.” She was sympathetic to his feelings but knew he was right. That was when she caught the attention of a mighty looking warrior sitting perched on seat made of rock that was caddy corner to their own resting area.

  Looking at him, his eyes were intense. Long locks of black hair shined brightly, as they rested on his shoulders. He was wearing leather pants and matching vest. She considered him very handsome, she finally had to look away.

  Kern and Ashwin finally entered, taking their own respected seats located at the center of the building.

  The food was passed around each taking a humble portion. The couple followed suit.

  “How did you manage to cross the desert?” Kern asked.

  Donovan enjoyed the smell of all the different foods, looked at Kern, who was sitting to his left. “We walked, living on VS-771 and what water the HO-2 machine had produced.” he was fearful to tell them they had been tracked by alliance stalkers, confident however they were no longer being pursued. Some doubt lingered in his mind.

  “He carried me the last thirty-six hours however. How he managed it is beyond me,” Rachel added humbly.

  “How can any machine produce water?”

  Donovan could sense Kern's skepticism, but didn't know how to convince him.

  “Chief, I saw and repaired the machine, I watched it work, it produced nearly a cup of water in several hours,” said Simon.

  The sound of amazed voices lifted in volume. “We are not use to such technologies,” Red Sam explained.

  “How did you come about being here?” asked Donovan.

  Red Sam placed the fork on his plate. “We migrated from the rising waters a great distance from the southeast.”

  “Is it dangerous traveling south?” Donovan questioned.

  Red Sam took a drink of water, and took another plate of food that was being passed around. “I don't know, that was years ago.”

  Donovan took the plate of food, and passed it to Rachel, “but where did all these villagers come from?”

  “Mostly from the east. We migrated south to avoid conflicts and it wasn't easy living in desolate places, but we managed, then our homes to the south began flooding, from storms.” Red Sam looked around, thinking how this was his home now for several years. “We’ve been here now for quite some time.”

  Donovan contemplated where he would go. No matter what direction he intended on going it sounded dangerous. He really wanted Rachel to remain here, but he knew her mind was made up.

  Rachel innocently touched Red Sam on the shoulder. “Red Sam?”

  “Yes Rachel?”

  “Who is that gentleman sitting on that rock?” she motioned her head in the strangers direction.

  “That is Narendra, he is one of our bravest warriors.”

  “Narendra?” she never heard a name like that.

  “Yes, it means lord of men.”

  Suddenly Rachel couldn't enjoy the delicious f
ood. She quickly glanced at Narendra, then at Donovan. Maybe she should stay here. Donovan did encourage her to stay, but she had already been through so much with Donovan. No I will go with him, she argued to herself.

  Kern lifted his hand signaling for silence. “Donovan where do you plan on going when you leave?”

  “I don't know Kern, where would you recommend?”

  “The snake river, where Ashwin found you travels to the south. That is where our homes use to be, before the flooding. Perhaps you will find your solace there?”

  “My solace?”

  Kern gave a gentle wave of his hand extending it to Donovan. He then moved his hand in a soft arc. Kern continued his hand gesture has he guided it back towards ground. “I see it in your eyes a reflection of your soul a battle raging in your heart and mind. You must decide which one to feed in your soul.”

  Maybe that was why Kern didn't want him to stay? He did have a never ending fight going on. Donovan continued to be angry at his parents, for doing this to him. Unable to recall any of his adult memories, also made him frustrated. “Thank you Kern,” Donovan softly spoke.

  The two men gazed at each other and slowly Kern's face broke into a understanding smile. Donovan could see pride and strength in Kern.

  Donovan turned to face Red Sam, “I wish to retire for the night.”

  Simon hearing his request, stopped his conversation with Rachel. With a polite gesture of his hand stated,“Its fine Red Sam, I'll walk Rachel home.”

  Donovan and Rachel glanced at each other, before parting ways. She realized she had not be apart from Donovan for quite a while. Suddenly she felt empty. “Tomorrow Simon, I'll show you the chips that have all the information on them.”

  Rekindling the conversation, Simon was interested in learning what was on the chips. “I assure you, I'll find the means to download the content of the chips.” She also realized there were only eight other females. There had to be more about the village, she reasoned to herself. She did like Simon, he seemed to have a calming effect, with his silent strength and gentleness, something of a father figure. “Have you seen anyone else from sector seven?”

  “No child, the desert is near impossible to cross. Sector seven you talk of, sounds as if its full of evil.”

  She nodded slightly, “the town was full of gangs and the alliance who was the governing center of that entire region was extremely evil. They were already trying to reestablish control.”

  “Donovan, he is a product of this alliance you speak of?”

  Rachel placed her plate on the table, ending her feast. “Not exactly, his parents were gifted doctors some how made it possible for him to survive in some form of biological stasis for a long length of time.”

  “Intriguing, I shall do what I can to bring up this information. How old is your friend?”

  Rachel was hesitant to answer. “I'm not sure you will believe me. I somewhat question it myself.”

  Simon sensed the doubt in her voice. “You can trust me, I will not flinch.”

  She still wavered with uncertainty. “Well he claims...” her voice got lower, as she leaned closer to Simon. “Over Eight hundred years.” Seeing no change in his expression, she continued. “I sparsely believed it myself, but I saw the equipment and some of the duty logs from those chips.” The silence grew between them. She now felt uncomfortable. “You do believe me don't you?”

  “Indeed I do child. Tomorrow I will come get you and we can gather at my place for some breakfast. Donovan is welcome to come along.” he offered.

  “You seem more receptive to Donovan then the others. I thank you for that.” Rachel was appreciative of the fact.

  Simon gave a understanding expression, his face old from experiences of life. He rested his hand on her shoulder. She looked at him, while he seemed middle age to her, she could not be certain of that.

  “Do not be harsh my child, my people are not open to those who have implants and modifications done to their body. I sense however this was not Donovan's choice.”

  Looking at Simon, she realized he was very perceptive. Looking about, she began feeling uneasy and scared. The only constant in her life now, was Donovan. “Simon can you take me back to my quarters, please?”

  “Of course, my dear,” offering his arm, she placed her hand on his arm. Being led out of the building, her breathing returned to normal.

  “I'm sorry Simon.”

  “For what child?” he questioned.

  “For drawing you away so soon.”

  He gave a hearty chuckle, “I was ready to go anyway, and you have been such lovely company.”

  “It feels so safe here among these rocks.”

  Stopping in front of her shelter, he nodded, “You like Nv-Ya?”

  “Yes I do Simon, thank you and good night.”

  “Good night child.” Simon then headed towards his own abode. She watched him walk away for several moments, before entering her own shelter. Red Sam was asleep in the corner of the main area. Peering in one room, she saw a few blankets on the floor, apparently made for her, however she chose to slide up next to Donovan. She felt safe and warm there. She felt Donovan’s hand come to a rest on her side, and mutter a few words thick with drowsiness. She only smiled for a instant and went to sleep.

  Chapter 12

  The next morning, Rachel woke to the sensation of being crushed by Donovan's body. She had been pulled tightly into him. His arm folded across her abdomen. She felt his breath on her neck, and to her own surprise, she enjoyed it. For the longest time she laid there, looking about the room from her position.

  Donovan began moving, crushing her to the point it grew uncomfortable. “Donovan, you're hurting me,” she whispered, trying to pull his arm away.

  “I'm sorry,” his voice sounding quite sleepy. Lifting up, he decided to dress and face a new day.

  “Did you sleep well?” she inquired.

  “Quite, thank you, and yourself?” He began lacing up his boots.

  “Very good actually thank you.” She wanted to enjoy her two remaining days, before once again heading out. She was torn for having to decided. She was really wanting to stay. She watched him grab his backpack and weapons. “What are you doing?”

  “I thought I would go scout out the direction we will be going and get a idea of what is out there for myself.”

  She watched him finish up. “Donovan?” she gathered the courage to ask him, if she could stay. She didn't really need his permission, but it was important.

  Stopping in the doorway, he turned to face her, “yeah?”

  She glanced down at her feet, “Never mind, just be careful out there. Maybe you should eat some breakfast first?”

  Donovan motioned towards the common room, “Red Sam, brought us some fruit.” Walking into the room he gave Red Sam, a hearty greeting. “Its all right for me to leave the village to go scout out the area I wish to travel, in the upcoming day?”

  For a moment, Red Sam's expression remained blank. “We would not care, however some of our scouts and leaders can give you information about the different areas if you want, instead of going out for yourself.”

  Donovan shook his head no, “I'd rather do it myself.” Taking some fruit he placed them in a cargo pocket in the back pack.

  Rachel emerging from the back room. “Simon and I are going to try and figure out how to play the chips.”

  “You're really interested in those things aren't you?” said Donovan has he Slung the pack, across his back.

  “When I find something of importance or about your past, I'm going to wipe that stupid grin off your face.”

  “There was little information on them that was helpful, I told you that.”

  “You looked at what four chips? There's one hundred of them,” said Rachel arguing his logic.

  “Have fun Rachel,” he teased with a smirk.

  “You're impossible,” she yelled to his back, watching him depart. Turning her attention to Red Sam, she saw his frightful expression, prompting
her to soften her own gaze. “Sorry,” she told him sympathetically.

  “Its all right, I have parents.”

  She was not sure how to take that comment so silence was her best option. Silence is golden she thought to herself.

  Her wait for Simon wasn't long. She showed him several of the chips. Curious he looked them over. “While these liner chips are crude, for being a earlier design, they are rugged, and still work. I have a old view finder. I believe I can modify it to accept and read these chips. I don't have much in the way of energy.”

  “Would power cells work?” her expression showing of hope.

  “You seem to have all the answers.” Carrying the bag for her, he guided her to his own home. Like the others it was chiseled out from the rock. His home had a few more furnishings, and gadgets and items scattered about the room.

  “Sorry I'm not use to having company,” excusing his lack of house keeping.

  Amused she carefully looked at the items. “Its all right, I'm thankful you invited me over.”

  “Where is Donovan?” He began stoking the embers in the fireplace, getting a fire going.

  “He decided to go scouting this morning.” She walked up beside him in an attempt to help him.

  “He is a restless spirit.” Simon projected. He got a fire started and took the wood that Rachel had offered.

  “Do you think looking at these chips is a waste of time?”

  “Nothing is a waste of time, has long has your learning something, the key is what you are able to do with the information.”

  Soon Simon had a hearty breakfast, that included some rare bacon, and coffee.

  “Oh thank you for the coffee,” she squealed in delight. The aroma alone was a blessing. Holding the cup with both hands, she cherished the warmth of the cup.

  “Was life that rough in your home land?”

  She nodded, “I'm so thankful to get out. The rape gangs were almost has bad has the alliance. The only time it was safe to move was at night, and even then you had to be extremely careful and quiet. Just trying to find a mouthful of food was near impossible.”

  “Donovan your only family you had left?”