by Chris Hechtl
“Someone want to tell me what's going on?” he asked catching up. Julio glanced over to him and shrugged.
“Wasn't my idea man.”
“Doesn't look like it. You bring the beer too?” he asked.
Julio flashed him a diamond studded grill and pointed to the truck. “Got some Jose Curvo and a case of Corona's now that you mention it.”
“Funny,” Shane said snorting. Drinking beer that had been left out without refrigeration wasn't what he thought of as a wise idea. “So who put you up to this?” he asked.
“Me,” Doctor Niederman said, coming out from the crowd. He nodded to the others. “Thank you Julio. Did you get the ones that people can lay in comfortably?” he asked.
“Yeah doc, no sweat,” the young man said, giving him a thumbs up and then flashing Shane a smirk. “See? Told ya,” he said.
“Yeah you did. Doc you want to fill me in?” Shane asked as Bob rushed up.
“What the hell's going on?” the big man demanded. “Who ordered these?” he snarled waving. “Why is everyone standing around? We've got work to do!”
“Easy man, don't blow a gasket. We're trying to figure out where you want em,” Julio said.
“Me?” the builder demanded. “Me? What the hell do I want with...”
Shane grabbed the bridge of his nose and shook his head. He was getting one of those headaches again. Too much sun. Hell, too much arguing in the sun. He listened to Bob snarl for a moment and then sighed loudly. Bob cut himself off and turned to him.
“It's not Julio's fault. Doc, want to tell us what's going on?” he asked. That seemed to cool Bob off a bit, or at least make him rethink the direction of his rant.
“I will if Bob here lets me get a word in edgewise,” the doctor said giving the bigger man a dirty look. “For your information we have a lot of patients with muscle damage. Torn ligaments, rotatory cuffs, surgery and some missing sections of muscle. They need rehabilitation. I believe you won’t let me use the pools...” he indicated a nearby row of pools with the flick of a hand. “So I asked Julio to bring us some.”
“Um...” Bob paused, and then scratched his head.
“Doc, did you think about using the facilities in the hotel?” Shane asked as Bob looked around sheepishly.
“Uh... no one mentioned that. Besides, its a little far,” the doctor said lamely.
“Far?” Bob asked snorting. Even Julio laughed at that. He pointed. “It’s a hundred yards away! I thought doctors were big on exercise! Besides, they can't walk they can ride,” Bob said, indicating a car nearby.
“He's right doc,” Julio said shaking his head.
“If he's right, why didn't you think of it man?” one of Julio's crew said. “We busted our nuts getting these things man! Nearly got eaten in that store!”
“Run into some trouble?” Shane asked.
“Nothing we couldn't handle. Nest of Hellhounds in the store. Got cleaned out. We've got some pool chemicals and stuff for you too,” he said waving.
“Right,” Shane said nodding. “Well, since you're here, doc how are you going to do this? They can't go in the store. Too big,” he said.
“I, ah, that is I sort of didn't get that far,” the doctor said lamely.
“Great, all we do is deliver doc, you do the rest,” a guy said in disgust. Another snorted. Suddenly Shane had a thought. He was betting with himself that the crew had diverted at least one, probably more than one hot tub to the storage center. They were sticking around to see how to set them up.
“Miller time is later. After sundown. Let's get this sorted out. How about a building say here,” Julio said, using his hands to describe an area off to one side of the store turned hospital. Stick it out about um, here,” he indicated a hundred foot distance. “About oh fifty feet?” he said looking at Bob.
“Where do we get the materials?” Bob asked.
“I dunno man, that's your department,” Julio said with a shrug. Bob opened and closed his mouth a few times and then fumed. He turned rubbing his jaw and staring.
“We can figure it out, right?” the doctor asked. “We can use a tent at first. That'll shelter people from the sun.”
“But not the aliens doc,” Shane said patiently. “The aliens seem to be attracted to heat doc. Hot tub, get it?”
“Crap,” the doctor muttered, kicking at a stone. “Forgot that,” he muttered.
“We'll figure it out doc,” Julio said, slapping him on the shoulder. “Just give Bob a bit to figure it out.” He looked over to Bob. “Hey Bob man, I'll get you a case of your brew if you get it done by today man,” he said.
“Not happening,” Bob said shaking his head. “Rome wasn't built in a day. No if we do this we'll stick them somewhere else. Under the parking lot on the North Western side.”
“But... but I thought here with the patients, easy access,” the doctor said waving.
“He's right doc, We've enclosed the mall parking structure and we've got storage and people in there now. We can put them in there. They'll be sheltered from the elements and the heat signature won’t be so bad.”
“Um...”
“You can wheel them through the mall to the entrance doc. Not a problem,” Jayne said coming up behind him. “Julio, we've got some enchiladas and tacos going. Best get this sorted fast if you want some before we run out.”
“You heard the lady batos, move your ass,” a big guy said jumping in the nearest truck. It roared to life as others scrambled for theirs. Bob grabbed a hand hold and stood on the step. “Julio and I'll take care of this. Doc, I'll kick your ass later.”
They watched the trucks rumble off. Shane shook his head. “Doc, you're definitely in the dog house with him, throwing his building schedules off. I suggest you take your rehab people over to the hotel for the next day or so until he gets things hooked up.”
“You don't think he'll get it sorted out today?” Jerry asked looking from Jayne to Shane.
“Not a chance,” Jayne said shaking her head. Jerry's face fell. “They've got to clear a hole and get them in before dark. Then they have to run the electrical. I'm not even sure we have the power for them, those things suck energy like Gabe sucks down tacos. It's noon doc, no way. Oh they might get one or two, but you've got to get the stuff sorted out too. I know Bob, he'll want it all fancy and stuff,” she said snorting. “I for one wouldn't mind a dip though, lord knows we all could use one,” she said with a sigh.
“You just want another excuse to wear that yellow polka dot bikini and turn as many heads as you can,” Shane teased. She stuck her tongue out at him.
“Since when do I need an excuse to wear it in this weather?” she asked. He snorted. They were going through a warm spell again, but they both knew it would be brief. It was getting up into the 90s but the evenings were hitting the 40s. Most likely behind the high pressure over them was a storm, hopefully a good one. “I'm going to go reserve some of that food. Hell, I'll get Hermes to send some of it over to those guys. Cater it since they're being good sports.”
“Whatever,” Shane said shaking his head. Jayne left at a trot. Jerry looked a little concerned. “Okay doc, spill. Why did you really do this?” he asked.
Jerry looked a little amused. He spread his hands as Shane cocked his head at him. After a moment he sighed. “Can't fool you can I?” he asked chuckling softly.
“No.”
“Well, Julio's been buttering me up for supplies and for a doctor.” Shane scowled. It was to be expected but it was annoying. “We've only got four medical doctors, one of which is a surgeon. We've also got a dozen or so nurses of varying degrees and a couple of paramedics. I've even got a rehab therapist. She's the one who pointed this out.”
“Okay,” he said nodding. “With you so far.”
“I figured I would trade him some of the stuff I was going to send over anyway, and give him a bit more for his trouble,” the doctor said shrugging. “I've got a goth nurse interested in going. She's an assistant nurse, so it's not a major l
oss here. Apparently she's dating a guy in the machine shops who is heading over to Home Depot.”
“Ah,” Shane nodded. “So...”
“So it all works out in the end,” Jerry said.
“Not quite. It's not perfect.”
“Well, I didn't expect this problem,” Jerry said indicating the area they were standing at.
“You should have clued Bob or someone in and they would have told you. Oh don't worry about it doc, it was a good idea. Bob already broached the idea of adding to the existing buildings but we're down to scavenging for building material from construction sites for the walls. I'd rather not divide our resources and get caught short.”
“Defenses have priority,” the doctor said, shoulders slumping in defeat.
“True, but that doesn't mean we won't find another way. This works doc, don't knock it until you've tried it. I tell you what, go take a walk through the mall to see the easiest path to get to the garage. I bet with someone who has limited mobility you'll have to go down the elevator so keep it in mind,” he said.
“I'll do that. At least it'll be something to do since I had planned on helping to set this up and well...” he shrugged helplessly, looking at the now abandoned area. “That didn't work out quite as planned.”
“Sometimes it happens that way doc. Best laid plans and all that. Just go take a look. I'd... um, I'm not sure about poking in to check on them, but if you're serious about helping out, then by all means. Get some gloves and wear some work clothes and shoes.” He made a show of looking down at the doctor's stained brown khakis and loafers. For once the doctor didn't have his medical smock on.
“Yeah uh, forgot about that actually,” the doctor mumbled walking off. Shane snorted softly.
...*...*...*...*...
Shane sat on the edge of the counter and nodded as the troupe filed in. Each of them was dressed in work clothes. The older, silver haired male smiled a little.
“Is this what I think it is?” he asked. “Or is this kill all the lawyers day?” he joked.
“Depends what do you think it is?” Jayne asked amused.
“A job better than scrubbing toilets I hope,” a woman muttered. She rubbed at the small of her back. “I'm well, okay I am complaining but damn,” she said. “I didn't go through law school for that.”
“Yes, you are here for court reasons. We need to re-establish a court system. So with that in mind,” Shane said nodding a bow to them. “You are selected if you're willing to take on the task.”
“What are we talking about? Civil or criminal?” a woman asked, raising her hand. “I only did civil law.”
“I was, am, a defense attorney,” the silver haired man said. He pointed to a pair of women. “County record clerk and um... clerk at...”
“The Riverside court house,” she said nodding. “I remember you,” she smiled.
“And I was also a defense attorney,” a woman said. “Barry over there was a paralegal in the attorney general's office right?”
“No, District Attorney of Riverside,” the guy said. “I recently transferred.”
“Which makes you one of the DA's,” Jayne said looking at her notes. “Or at least assistant DA's.”
“Um, is any of this legal?” the silver haired gent asked. “Not that I'm complaining or anything,” he said hastily as the others looked at him.
“In some regards possibly not. We're going with it is since we don't have access to a court as it is and we need to get things rolling again. We're starting to have some major crimes and we need to stay on top of that,” Shane said slowly. “Which is where some of you come in. We also,” he nodded to the records clerk. “Need to get a better handle on our records and people and set up a better database system. That is where you and others like you on the civil side come in.”
“So we'll be handling the criminal cases and what? You'll be judge and jury?” the silver haired man asked.
“Mister Perez correct?” Jayne asked, glancing at her tablet. He nodded. “From our records you have the longest record of practicing law. Correct?”
He glanced at the others. “I've got ten years,” one woman said.
“Twelve,” the other said raising her hand. A few others said various numbers.
“And I've got twenty,” Mister Perez said nodding. He was studying Shane thoughtfully. “I'm not going to rubber stamp everything you do you know,” he said.
“I don't expect you to do so,” Shane said jaw working. He could respect a man of integrity.
“You'll need to mind your Ps and Qs,” the man continued. “At least keep a lid on it. And we're going to need a jury,” he said.
“Of course. Civil service in that regard will be voluntary,” Shane said. “I think quiet a few people will jump at the chance, if only to get a break from,” he glanced at the lawyer who had complained earlier. “If only to get away from menial jobs like scrubbing toilets,” he said with a nod her way.
She smiled a tight lipped smile at him and bowed her head a little in return. “Touche,” she murmured. His lip quirked a little and then he nodded back.
“Okay, Judge Perez. You'll be our judge, Mister...”
“Delaquise,” a man said raising a hand. “You're looking for me because I had a stint in the DA's office right?”
“Right. You'll be our acting DA since we currently don't have contact with any. We'll add people to the court and shuffle positions if any existing court officers make contact.”
“Is this a full time or...”
“Full time for the next two weeks?” he asked glancing at Jayne. She nodded. He turned back to the others. “That should allow you to set up a system, or at least the framework and clear out some of the lingering cases.”
“Cases like...”
“Like that fracas in the food court a week ago?” Mister Delaquise asked. They nodded. He looked a little grim. “I heard someone pulled a knife? Someone was stabbed?”
“That's something we're going to establish now. The rule of law means the rule of evidence and not hearsay,” Judge Perez interjected firmly. Shane nodded.
“We have the entire incident on video record for review. The people in question have been sequestered. You can identify witnesses from the video or from the guards' records and interviews of the incident.”
“Ah, so you are taking records,” the judge said with a nod. “Smart,” he said.
Shane snorted. “Basic survival instinct. Paper your ass or something will get shoved up it.” They chuckled at that.
“Two weeks of full time, then once the case load eases we'll work out some system. Maybe balance upkeep of the courthouse with court itself. I'm not sure. We're going to re-purpose the county records clerk office.” Everyone looked at the records clerk. “Sorry, but we need some of the space. We'll make sure we keep everything. After you get through the backlog...” He shrugged. “It all depends on the cases I guess,” Shane said. “But we need to get them cleared, not delayed over and over. We need resolution to some of these problems, not a lingering issue hanging over everyone's head.”
“Right,” Delaquise said.
“As you can see the odds are a bit off. What I'd like you to do is set something up similar to the JAG office. A pool of lawyers who work both sides of the law. Defense and the DAs. That will allow us to maximize all of you. How you work it out will be interesting.”
“Yes,” Perez said nodding, looking at the gathered attorneys.
“It also allows us to maximize the space. Since space is still going at a premium,” Jayne interjected. “We can set it up for easy commuting. Transferring those of you who want to move to one of the closer Warehouses.”
“Life in a factory? Pass,” Perez said with a snort.
“We'll of course need time to familiarize ourselves with the cases,” Delaquise said.
“And with the punishments,” a woman, one of the defense attorney's said. They looked at her. She shrugged. “I'm assuming that the old system is out,” she said.
“You are correct. Another thing we need to work out. The judge,” he indicated Judge Perez, “Can work out community service sentences for minor infractions...” he paused as a few of the people laughed.
“Community service? We're all doing that now!” Perez said slapping his knee.
“Not quite the community service I had in mind actually,” he said. “Jayne here,” he pointed his thumb at her. “Has always had problems lining people up to do some of the more dirty, nasty chores. Things like cleaning the sewers, garbage collection, that sort of thing.”
“Ew, yuck,” the DA said, wrinkling his nose.
“Exactly,” Jayne said smirking a little. “It will serve as a deterrent and it will get the job done.”
“But that won’t deter some of our more determined countrymen,” Perez said eying them.
“For repeat offenders we'll have to work something out. The two biggest punishments are banishment and death,” he said. They suddenly sobered. He eyed them all, meeting each gaze briefly.
“That goes for any sex crime, and any major crime such as murder. Any sex crime. We'll work out the details as we go. We may even have a referendum on it.”
“A vote?” the county records clerk asked brightening. The others looked at her in amusement. “Really?” she asked, smiling. She'd heard about that last vote they had taken. Perez chuckled.
“Well, you just made her day. Mine too, despite the capital punishment string. As you said we'll work out the details,” he said nodding.
“Here is what we've got so far,” Jayne said, handing out tablets with information on them. “Each of these have a system Gabriel set up. See him or one of the IT guys to set up personal passwords and such,” she said.
“Electronic,” one of the defense attorneys said. “Interesting,” she said smiling and taking her tablet. She looked at it carefully.
“Only way to go,” Shane explained. “I know there is a mountain of papers for every case, but we can't cut down the trees even if we wanted to. Electronics is what we've got. We've set up two separate dedicated encrypted servers, one for civil use, one for criminal. You can tie in what you find in the court house. Please work out the details with Gabriel and his crew,” he said.