by Chris Hechtl
“We will,” Judge Perez said nodding. “I'll need a robe. We'll need...”
“Clothes. We can escort any of you to homes if they are here or near. If not we can find some. I'm sure we've got bundles of clothes around you can wear,” Shane said standing. He looked at Jayne who made a show of making a moue and then nodded.
“We'll get it done,” she said. “Shoo, I've got work to do and these people need the room,” she said waving him off.
“Right,” he said with a nod. “Please give me an update by tomorrow. My e-mail will be in your in-box. Select one of you to represent you in council. Oh,” he stopped at the door. They each looked up. “Torres and Wayne, our two resident deputies, and Mr, um...”
“Kent,” Jayne filled in.
“Right Kent our resident Bailiff will try to divide their time between court and outside. As will our three surviving correctional officers. Please try to keep that in mind,” he said.
“We will,” the judge said nodding. “We'll probably need a staff, more than this certainly,” he said indicating those in the room.
“We'll post it. Get me a list of people you think you will need. Hernandez is checking out the building now. Its messed up, but useable he said. It'll take some time to sort it out. You'll be there during the day then retire here or to one of the secure enclaves before dark,” he said.
“Ah,” a woman said. “I thought it would be here?” she asked.
“No room apparently,” Perez said shaking his head. “Its pretty crowded here as it is. Are we opening this to the other enclaves?” he asked.
“We're going to try to do so eventually, like the medicine clinic,” Jayne said.
“Medicine clinic?” one of the clerks echoed, leaning forward to look at her around the cluster of people.
“We're opening a day clinic in parallel to this effort folks,” Shane said waving. “We'll post it later tomorrow when you’re ready. Let me or Jayne know if you need anything,” he said.
“Coffee would be nice!” Perez called as they walked out. Jayne snorted. She turned and leaned into the room and pointed. “Coffee pot's right there. Help yourself. One cup to a customer though,” she said. Perez's eyes lit and he nodded, smiling.
Jayne snorted and shook her head as she walked off.
...*...*...*...*...
He nodded to a tired looking Jayne. “I don't know how you do it Jayne, you're working miracles,” he said.
“Says, you. It seems like there is always something else to do, some crisis to deal with,” she sighed, brushing her bangs back.
“You need a break,” he said.
She glanced at him and then looked away, snorting softly. “We all do. This where you're going to send me to a spa? Or the spa?” she asked amused.
He looked at her for a moment and then snorted softly. As a marine he'd trained to work on four hours or less sleep. But not everyone had. And not everyone could sustain the levels of work they were putting out for the calories and sleep they were getting. He knew it. He'd been getting hints here and there that people needed a break.
“Seriously, we need a break,” she said. “We all do. I'm getting a lot of complaints. Tempers are growing short. The psychologists are throwing up warning signs. Even Jerry's getting into the act.”
She nodded to Jen who came over and leaned against her husband. He hugged her. She looked up into his eyes and he saw the puffiness and sighed. “What's wrong?” Jen asked, eyes suddenly reflecting concern.
“We're worried about everyone working themselves to death. At least that's the topic of the day,” he said. He wondered if they were going to go back to his carnival idea. He'd proposed it earlier but as usual events had overtaken the idea.
“It's true,” Jayne said. A few people glanced their way.
“Okay we'll take this up in council. A day off, maybe two. Rest day. We'll have to plan it though.”
“Plan a rest day?” Jen asked amused. “You plan a rest day?” she asked.
“Yeah, yeah,” he sighed shaking his head. “But we've got to keep essential services going. Not everyone can just up and stop doing stuff. We still need utilities, food, you know.”
“In other words a rest day for everyone but them?” Jayne asked eyes flickering.
“No, but I'm sure we can work it so they get one of the two days off. Light food or something simple. Easy to clean. I'll help,” he said.
Jayne studied him for a moment and then nodded slowly. “All right. We'll talk about it in council. I've got to go see what Hermes wants,” she said holding up her buzzing phone. She put it to her ear and walked off talking.
Jen and Shane turned to watch her go. He wrapped his arms around his wife in a gentle hug. “She does need a break,” Jen said.
“So do you honey, we all do,” he said softly. He rested his chin on the crown of her head and made a soft snoring sound. She giggled and poked him.
“Break over I take it?” he teased. She looked up and dimpled at him. He smiled back. “Well, if we're going to do this, this is the time. Wayne said we've cleared everything in a half mile radius. Plus Gabe got the word that the water will be back on tomorrow. At least during the day. That is something to celebrate,” he said.
“True,” she said nodding. “And its the last week of October, Carnival time,” she said. He should have known she wouldn't have forgotten his earlier half-baked promise. Now he was regretting the impulsive act.
“Oh boy,” he snorted softly. “Let me get back to you on that honey. Honest,” he said squeezing her a little. He winced as he remembered the family had a tradition of going to Pomona for the LA county faire and going to Perris for the Perris Faire. They had missed both due to the invasion and obviously Jen was ribbing him about it.
“Can we re-open the arcades?” she asked amused. He looked down at her as they walked arm in arm through the mall. “I mean, its got everything. Buffet, the rides, entertainment stuff... Maybe the theaters too.”
“Now that's one of the best ideas I've heard all day honey. I'll get the crew to check it out,” he said kissing her and breaking their hug. She smiled and then sat down on the bench.
“I'm going to wait here for the girls. Their class gets out in...” she looked at her phone. “Ten minutes,” she said answering his inquiring look. He nodded and smiled. “See you at dinner babe,” he said walking off with a wave.
...*...*...*...*...
Bob glared as the tardy members of the council filed into the council room and took their seats. “Can we begin now?” he demanded.
“By all means,” Jen said smiling a little. Lorraine, Tamara, and Jayne glanced at her. She shrugged, rocking back and forth.
“What's this about a party?” Bob asked, no; demanded. He looked more than a little ready to chew some ass. He still wasn't happy about the boat load of work they had dumped on him.
“Faire actually,” Jen said smoothly. She looked and sounded a lot better, as though she had recharged. Good. She looked at Shane who shrugged. She turned to Bob. “We're planning it for Saturday and Sunday. Everyone needs some time off Bob. You included.”
“But...”
Tamara's eyes flashed. “But nothing. I get to see you just before bed, and first thing in the morning. Sometimes not even then,” Tamara growled. “You're always off doing some project or another,” she said waving a dismissive hand. “We're having a family day. A weekend off. Now be a smart boy and say 'yes dear' and shut your trap before it catches flies,” she growled, eyes flashing dangerously.
He closed his mouth with a clop and sat down heavily. Jayne and Jen exchanged amused smiles. The other men in the room winced a little in sympathy. Not much though, most of them knew this needed to happen. Not all of them were ready to admit it though.
“We...” Wayne started to say.
“You can take a weekend off John, you and your crews. They need a break,” Jayne said locking eyes with him. He blinked.
“Obviously the women are for it,” Bob muttered. “Out vote
d before we even got to that point,” he growled. He glared at them. “First you bitch and whine about wanting that stupid wall, the apartments and shit, now you want us to drop what we're doing and what? Party?” He threw his hands up in this air as his wife glared. “Women!” he said in disgust.
“Not just the women,” Jerry said shaking his head and holding up a hand. “Me too. I've got a lot of complaints from people who need a break. Pulled muscles, scrapes, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries. The psychologists also think it will give everyone a way to deal with the trauma. A way to show that we're getting back to normal a little.”
“Which they are correct,” Hernandez said gruffly. He didn't want to let up, but he grudgingly admitted even in Iraq the troops had some stress relief. These civilians hadn't had it and now was a possible breaking point.
“What about essential services?” Bob asked finally.
“Volunteers will man a shift. Volunteers from all departments. We'll work out a light watch rotation and make sure everyone gets some time off. Compensate them somehow for their trouble. At least a full twenty four hours to decompress a bit and unwind,” Shane said.
“So you're on board with this?” Bob demanded. Eric and Walt glanced at him. He snorted.
“Are you kidding me? I'm looking forward to pasting your fat ass when we play football,” Shane said smiling wickedly.
“Football?” Bob asked sitting back. Walt and Wayne glanced at each other. Slowly Walt smiled.
“Sure, why not. The women want everyone to have fun. I suppose we can set up some games. We're going to re-open the pizza and other arcades. Beer and alcohol in the afternoon and evening if we've got any left. I figure we can have some games during the day. Pick up or whatever. Football, Basketball for sure. Maybe Volleyball, Soccer, um...”
“I'd like to do baseball but we don't have a field,” Eric said quietly. “I don't trust the ones around here anyway,” he said. They all knew that the fields were dangerous. Which meant Football and Soccer were probably out.
“And I'd rather not treat someone for sliding or taking a tumble on pavement,” Jerry said dryly.
“True,” Wayne said. “So we're really going to do this?” he asked.
“Shit why not,” Kyle said with a grin. The others glanced at him and Jen giggled a little. “I want a beer in the worst way. I know you do man.”
“We're also opening the hot tubs to everyone, the movie theaters and I think Jayne can see if any of our musicians want to entertain.”
“Now we're talking!” Tamara said, eyes dancing as she looked at her husband and gave him a coy smile. “Just make sure its something we can dance to,” she said not looking at the others.
Jayne snicked at Bob's poleaxed expression. He slowly sat back and tipped his hat back to scratch at his scalp. Jayne's snicker turned into a soft giggle as slowly Bob smiled at his wife. “It has been that long hasn't it?” he asked softly.
“You better believe it,” she answered in the same tone.
“All right, I'm on board,” Bob said finally, still locked in his wife's gaze. Her smile broadened and she patted his arm.
“Have everyone start polling their people for volunteers to stay on half shifts. We'll make it up to them later. Gabe, see if you can figure out some electronics for people. Movies, music, whatever,” Shane said. Gabe looked surprised and then nodded. “You'll also need to set up the ID system. We're still rationing. But maybe we can get something where the winners of games get a bonus or something.”
“I can set up an announcement board too,” Gabe said.
“I bet its already getting around,” Jayne said. “Bob knew about it and we had just started talking about it. I bet once they hear we've given it our blessing more than one person is going to be happy with it. The ideas of a little healthy sports competition between the departments or whatever couldn't hurt either,” she said.
“Says the woman who hasn't been tackled,” Bob said. He rolled his shoulder.
“I'll kiss any boo-boos you get dear,” Tamara said, shooting him a saucy smile and wink. He actually blushed a little as the others either coughed or chuckled.
“Says you bub, I grew up playing football,” Jayne said. “I'll play if I've got the time and if we've got a field to do it in,” she said.
“Time?” Jen asked, cocking an eyebrow. “You are getting at least one day off lady,” she said raising a finger. “That's firm so don't try to wuss out. I'll sick the twins on you to babysit,” she growled.
“Perish the thought,” Jayne said covering her eyes. Shane chuckled.
Jen pounced on him. “What are you snickering about? The same goes for you bub. I'll toast your keister if you aren't playing,” she said waggling her finger at him. Now the giggles and chuckles were louder. He snorted softly.
“Yes dear,” he said softly. That got another round of laughter.
“That's right,” she said with a satisfied smile. “Now, since we're doing this, I suppose we might as well try to squeeze as much good out of it as we can. Walt can we do a demolition derby?” she asked.
Walt's eyes went wide for a moment. He sucked in his breath and visibly became excited. “You mean it?” he asked, practically squeaking.
Jayne giggled now, rocking back and forth. Tamara rolled her eyes. Jen smiled simply and nodded. “You bet!” he said, fists clenched. “I... oh damn. I gotta find a sweet ride. Damn. We'll need a field. I'll get my crew on it,” he said starting to get up.
“Just a sec Walt,” Jayne said holding out a restraining hand. “We're not finished. “We figured,” she nodded to Jen who nodded back. “That you could also demo some of your stuff. The same goes for each department. Sort of show everyone what we're doing.”
“Like the LA fair in other words,” Shane said, coming to realize where this was heading now. “Demo booths you mean. To educate our people. I take it you want to set up a petting booth too?” he asked amused. The women shrugged and then nodded.
“Okay,” he said. “Just make it Terran animals. Not aliens. We don't want an incident,” he said. They nodded. Jen shivered a little.
“We can invite others right?” Tamara asked slowly, eyes far away as she looked up thinking.
“What others?” Hernandez asked.
“Like outside our community. The other enclaves. Ask them for ambassadors and let a few from each into see the booths and stuff.”
“Huh,” Bob said. “Not sure I like that idea,” he said.
“Are you thinking of teaching them? Or rubbing it in that we're better off?” Jayne asked. “Cause the rubbing it in part is dangerous,” she said shaking her head. “Envy and jealousy, not good.”
“No, well, I mean we can't help that,” Tamara said. “No I was thinking about sales. Show them some of our stuff. And yes, teach them I suppose,” she said looking at Doctor Phillips who nodded.
“We have a website up, but they most likely do not have internet. I suppose we can set up a booth with information. I'll need a plasma screen. And transport to wherever we set this up. Do you want me to set up visual displays?”
“Um...”
“I'm sure documentation and video material will be enough doc,” Shane said. “We don't want to gross out people now.”
“What's a carnival without a freak show?” Bob muttered.
“We can,” Jen said glancing his way. “Create things for people to compete. Games. Paint aliens on targets in a shooting gallery.”
“Um.... ammo...”
“We've got paint ball guns,” Jen said looking at Wayne. He held up his hands. “And we've got air compressors,” she said glancing at Walt. “I heard you've got a couple of animatronics people. I'm sure they can rig a whack an alien gizmo or something. If not for this weekend then for another.”
“Please tell me this isn't going to be every weekend,” Bob moaned.
Jen glanced at him and smiled a little. “We were thinking a monthly thing. But we were also thinking about everyone having one day a week off after thi
s. We can shift schedules to allow it,” she said. She looked at the others supporting the idea. Each of them nodded.
“It's a smart move,” Jerry said nodding. He gushed a sigh, sitting back and sipping a cup of coffee. “We all need a break,” he said. “I've been up to my elbows in either meatball surgery or paperwork sixteen to twenty hours a day. Time for a beer,” he said.
“Hear, hear,” Shane said nodding.
“We've also got another spot of good news, very good news,” Gabe said with a big grin. “The water project has been confirmed. Apparently the military has managed to get enough people on board to restart the water flowing.”
“Wow.”
“I think it had as much to do with the Hoover damn nearly breaking from the strain of the water as it did with people hollering for it in LA,” Gabe said with a shrug.
“For whatever reason we can only be grateful. I heard there are limits though?” Shane asked.
Gabe nodded. “I've got the report here. Its a news report. It should be starting on Friday. Intermittent supply and it won’t be treated. It will only run by day, eight am until four pm and then its off.”
“Some water's better than no water I suppose,” Bob grunted.
“Its a start,” Shane said with a nod. “And another thing to celebrate.”
...*...*...*...*...
Bob was still fuming a bit but he stomped off. Tamara shook her head. “Give him a bit to cool off. He knows its the right thing to do. He's just being stubborn.”
“He also knows that people were bitching up a storm about certain things a little while ago,” Shane said looking at the four women as the others left. “He and I had discussed a break then. You four and a lot of other people put the brakes on that.”
Jen and Jayne exchanged glances. Tamara shrugged and spread her hands. “Oops?”
“First we heard of it,” Jen said looking at him warily. He raised an eyebrow. She shook her head silently and let the matter drop. A woman came running up to them smiling.