by Chris Hechtl
“Whatever it takes,” Jayne said. “We can't afford that again,” she said softly.
“Never again,” Jerry growled. The others nodded.
Chapter 54
“Something's bothering me about these aliens,” Jen said from her wheelchair.
“Like what?” Shane asked, sitting on the cement berm next to her. “They're aliens honey. We're not going to understand them over night you know.”
“Yes, but some assumptions we can pull from observations of our own environment and ecosystem,” Doctor Phillips said. Jen hid a smile. Doc had finally come around to her view of things. Either that or he was stepping in for her. “Mind if I join you folks?” he asked standing nearby and cradling a cup of coffee.
Jen smiled and indicated a seat next to her husband. He smiled back and sat. When he had settled she cocked her head. “What seems to be troubling you about our enigmatic visitors?” Phillips asked.
“It’s the way they came in. We're getting a handle on the aliens and the numbers don't make sense,” she said. She coughed a little. Her husband offered her a bottle of water but she waved it off.
“The numbers...” Phillips said blinking. He glanced at Shane but Shane just shrugged. “Don't look at me doc. I'm out my league here.”
“I'm talking about the ratio of predators to prey. Look at what we have here. We've got a near one to one ratio. That can't be sustained. In nature the predator to prey ratio is usually one to a thousand or even higher. Ten thousand.”
“Um...” Shane looked at Phillips who was suddenly nodding.
“I see where you are going with this. Their ecosystem isn't sustainable.”
“Yes, that's exactly it. They reproduce fast, incredibly fast by our standards, but so do the predators! They also all came as young. Inexperienced and untrained. We're starting to see behaviors emerge...” She looked a little dazed. She didn't want to rehash that argument with Phillips. Not now. She didn't have the energy for it.
“I see...” the doctor said nodding. “You're right about the numbers. I can only assume that the predators were set up to attack us first, to make room for their own ecosystem to establish itself.” He rubbed his jaw in thought. “But it still doesn't make sense. Even then the prey animals would have to reproduce at a fantastic rate in order for them to keep ahead of the predators.”
“Um...” Shane said raising a hand. The two looked at him. “Let's pretend I took a light science course folks,” he said to their amusement.
Phillips smiled a little. “Let’s use the African plains as an example. In Africa you have leopards, cheetah, hyena, wild dogs, lions, crocodiles, and a few minor predatory or omnivore species. Theses number in the dozens per ten or so square kilometers at best.”
“Packs,” Shane said. “Following along nicely doc. We've been to Africa. I remember.”
“Good!” Jen teased patting his arm. He smiled at her and returned his attention to the doc.
“On the other side we have herds of prey animals. Zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, antelope, musk ox, musk deer, rhino, elephants among others. These herds number in the thousands and in some cases the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands.”
“Okay,” Shane said nodding. “Still following.”
“Logistics honey. One predator eats one prey a week say. Now if they do that, and you extend that out,” Jen said.
“Ah, I see where the comparison is. If they eat themselves out of prey then they die off,” he said with a nod. “Or at least die back until the prey can rebound on its own.”
“Or they eat all the prey and move on or starve to death,” the doctor said with a nod. “Which is a problem here. We'd like to check on the numbers. I've noticed from reports that many of the predators are ignoring certain prey species in favor of others or in favor of, well, us.”
“Tender, juicy, and not covered in armor and poison tipped spines you mean?” Shane asked. The doctor nodded.
“Too put it bluntly yes.”
“All we need is barbeque sauce,” he said with a head shake. Jen snorted softly. Trust Shane, sometimes his sense of humor was so black it was like looking in a black hole.
“Again yes,” the doctor sighed. “When we die off, or become harder to kill then the predators will turn on their own ecosystem. If it isn't established it will get ugly.”
“Yeah, I can imagine,” he breathed softly. He felt Jen's hand on his. He patted it as her fingers squeezed. “We'll figure it out doc. You have to remember we're also fighting back. Selectively killing too.”
“We are. But others aren't. They are indiscriminately killing all the aliens,” Jen said.
“Waste of ammo,” Shane said with a nod. “I wish we could find a herd animal we could eat too. A nice juicy steak would be nice right about now,” he said.
“Don't get me started on food,” Jen said with a pang. He looked at her and felt a bit of guilt.
“Sorry honey,” he said at her pale look.
“Its okay,” she said after a moment. Doctor Phillips looked uncomfortable. “I'll be okay. But I know you honey, you're more of a carnivore than anyone here.”
“True,” he said with a snort.
“We'll figure it out. Just keep testing doc,” she said looking at the doctor. “We may have to model our testing after the predators.”
“Oh?” the doctor asked interested.
“Yes. Do you remember the hunting strategies of the white shark?”
“Um...”
“I was watching it on discovery channel with Nick a while back, before this happened. White sharks prey on seals. They prefer the pups over the adults. But only when the pups have had a few weeks to fatten up and mature.”
“Um...”
“You see, when they are first born they are skin, fur, and bones. Not worth the expenditure of calories to eat even if they get washed off the rocks and drown. But after weeks of feeding on their mother's milk they fatten up. Then they strike.”
“Ah.”
“It’s the same for killer whales too. What I'm wondering is if we check the flesh of the animals before they become adults will they be less poisonous? More palatable at least?”
“The spines do look like a sign of maturation,” the doctor said nodding. “Perhaps the poison glands come later. We, I can check our records and see if we have them hunting the young.”
“Thanks doc,” she said, patting his hand.
“Thank you Jen for the insight,” he said getting up. “I'll just toddle along and see what I can come up with,” he said.
She smiled as he left and then slumped a little. “Tired huh?” he asked her softly. She nodded. He got up and rubbed her shoulders. “Let's go in and get something to relax you.”
She groaned a little and didn't resist as he guided her chair back inside.
...*...*...*...*...
Shane looked up at Wayne who came over scowling. “So you heard?” Wayne said. The deputy looked about ready to chew on anything in sight.
“No, but I'm afraid you're going to tell me,” he said sighing. People lately had been assuming he was in the loop on everything. It was annoying that they didn't realize he was as human as they were. Hell, he was having enough problems keeping track of it all as it was, without playing games. “What's up?” he asked.
Wayne looked around to make sure that they weren't being overheard and then leaned close. “It’s Julio and his gang.”
“What have they done this time?” Shane asked, waving a hand to indicate he was walking to the nearest escalator. They got on and he turned to Wayne as they rose up.
“Stupid. Should shut this off, conserve power,” Wayne muttered. He looked around a moment, his practice eyes studying the crowd.
“True,” Shane said with a shrug. “You were saying?” he asked as they got off. He turned towards the food court.
“Julio and his merry band of thieves are knocking over banks now,” Wayne growled. “I so should have locked him up and thrown away the key,” he said wit
h an annoyed growl.
“I heard you had him locked up and you guys let him out to help fight?” Shane asked amused.
“Something like that,” Wayne growled. He dodged a pair of kids. They were in the center area, near the library and daycare center. He winced a little at the shrieking laughter of the kids. He couldn't help smile at it though. At least the kids were having a good time.
Someone in the library however didn't appreciate the noise. They made shushing sounds. He smirked. They had turned the dollar book store into a library, a bit more pigeon holing but it worked. People could check out books or download E-books or other things there. Or they could download material or access material in the arcades now.
“Tell me, what do you think he's going to do with it?” Shane asked as he slowed. He paused and turned. “I mean, can't eat it, and can’t drink it. He's wasting fuel getting it.”
“Um...” Wayne cocked his head. “He can buy...”
“He can pick up anything he wants anytime without paying a dime for it. It’s all sitting out waiting to be taken. So why money? Toilet paper? It’s about all it’s worth right now. You can't burn it; it’s treated so you can't burn it.”
“Um...” Wayne looked uncomfortable for a moment then chuckled. “You know, you're right,” he said shaking his head.
“I suppose you could use it as padding or wadding. I don't know. I'm wondering if he's expending resources getting this. Or people,” Shane mused darkly. “Now that, that would piss me off no end. Sacrifice a life for a million bucks.”
“Um, now that you mention it. He well...”
Shane turned on him, eyes flaring. “Don't tell me,” he growled.
“No, I heard about a couple of casualties coming in. I don't know, not for certain if they are from the robberies. I found out when one of our squads ran into him stripping the Chase bank over here at Towngate.”
“Now that is bold as brass. Doing it right under our nose,” Shane mused.
“He told them you ordered it,” the deputy said scowling.
“Which I didn't. I guess we need to have a chat with mister wanna be Robin Hood then if he's going to tack my name on it.”
“Um...”
“He's due in to pick up supplies here tomorrow. Strange, now that I think of it, Debby Esaki over in procurement has filed a nasty e-mail off saying he's been drawing weapons and ammo but not bringing anything in. When she complained about it he tossed her a six pack or something.” He rubbed his chin, eyes flashing. After a moment he nodded. “I was planning on having a chat. He seems to come around when I'm not here or when I'm busy. You too I think,” he said looking at Wayne. Wayne shrugged and then nodded.
“Yeah, it’s what I thought. I think we need to spoof him,” Shane said after a moment.
“Spoof him?”
“Either he's got someone here letting him know what's going on, which we can't rule out, or he's listening in to our radio calls. Since he's on our net...”
“The radio. Easiest way,” the cop said nodding. “The little shit is lazy and complacent. I bet you that's it. So...”
“So, you and I go out like we normally do, but then turn around just before he's due in and come in behind him. Then we'll have our chat,” Shane said smiling wickedly.
“Sounds like a plan. You do realize he'll be armed right?” Wayne asked.
“Yeah, I know,” Shane said with a shrug. “So will we. He'll be inside the gates, but we'll be blocking his exit. He'll play nice. I think the reminder will do him good.”
“Or he'll avoid us all together,” the cop warned.
“If he does, he does,” Shane said with a shrug. “At least he won’t be a parasite anymore. Competition we can deal with. That's fine. He'll realize after a while we either all work together or we all die in the dark.”
“He needs us more than we need him,” Wayne muttered.
“True,” Shane said smiling again. He patted the cop on the shoulder as they started walking towards the food court once more. “Too true,” he said.
...*...*...*...*...
He pulled out the next morning as usual, and then went down Eucalyptus Street to Indian and then parked. “Boss we...” his passenger riding shot gun asked.
“We're waiting here,” he said. He got out. He looked around at the crew and waved them over. When they were all out of their cars and within earshot he nodded. “Here's the deal. Julio and his gang have been knocking over banks and shit. I don't give a crap about that. But he's been telling them he's been doing it because I told him to, which I'm not down with. He's also been drawing weapons and food but not turning anything over to stores. The last three times he brought stuff in it was either alcohol or clothes.” He gazed at the group as a few jaws tightened.
“I don't like parasites. We're going to set him straight. He's coming in, in an hour to draw from supply. He put the order in last night just before dark. He does it when he thinks we're not paying attention. He's requisitioning a couple of tons of food.”
“And we've got none to spare,” Torres growled nodding.
“That's right. He set up his merry men in the storage depot and insisted on autonomy but doesn't live up to the spirit of that. He likes to show up when Torres, Wayne, Hernandez, and I are out hitting homes, so he can throw his weight around and get what he wants. He knows that if he's a big enough nuisance they will give him what he wants just to get rid of him.”
“Sounds about right,” Torres said with a disgusted snort. “Little spic turd. He wasn't worth a fart in the wind before the invasion.”
“Watch it bitch,” a guy growled.
Torres eyes flashed as she rounded on the guy. “You want a piece of me shit-for-brains? Bring it. Otherwise shut your yap and listen,” she snarled waving. She repeated it in Spanish just to rub it in. Shane shook his head.
Some of the group oohed in mock appreciation. The jerk however took one look at the woman's set face, and more importantly the fingers drumming on her pistol and backed down. Fortunately for him.
“Keep it simple people. We're a warning. No one draw, no one gets hurt. We just want to put a bit of a scare into the little SOB and his crew. Make them think twice about what they are doing,” he said glancing at Torres. She gave a slow measured nod of grudging agreement.
“Mall Three this is Towngate Sentry Four we've got a convoy coming in. It’s Julio.” The radio crackled. “Again,” the voice sounded annoyed.
“That's our cue people. Just stay frosty and follow our lead,” Shane said nodding. “Mount up.”
They pulled in behind Julio. Wayne pulled in at about the same time; he had taken a different route back and came in the side entrance. Julio was talking with Courtney and another girl, flirting probably when he saw them pull up. His face tightened but he kept right on talking.
“Julio, we need to talk,” Shane said coming over and resting his hands on his belt. He was amused to see Torres and Wayne coming up on either side of him. Julio looked at his men. A few had started to touch weapons but a soft growl from the watching teams made them think second thoughts. They held up hands.
“It’s cool, no, no, cool,” Julio said sauntering over to them. “What's the deal my man?” he asked hand out to bang fists.
“We've got a problem,” Shane said cocking his head and ignoring the fist. “It seems you've been taking liberties with my name.”
Julio's eyes widened. He looked at Wayne and Torres and licked his lips nervously. His hands spread apart. “Hey man, it’s...”
“All a big misunderstanding,” Wayne said coldly looking at the kid. “Where have I heard that one before?” he growled.
“I've been given to understand you haven't brought anything in, at all.”
“Pickings have been slim man,” Julio said shrugging. He sounded a little too smug and the answer was definitely a little too pat.
“I gathered that,” Wayne growled. “Nothing but banks and all,” the cop said, voice dripping in sarcasm. “What are you after? Vending m
achines? Cameras?”
Shane glanced at him and then snorted softly. He looked at the barrio wanna-be and grimaced. “You want to knock over banks? Your funeral. You are wasting time and resources. Resources you're not going to draw from us.” He made sure to lock the kid in his gaze. “We're not your local grocery store. I told you that before. To run the storage center you have to be self sufficient.”
“Hey man if it’s about the money we'll pay you...” a guy said.
“Shit!” Wayne shook his head. “Money?” he asked disgustedly, rounding on the kid. “You think this is all a game? You think money is worth the paper it really is? You've got million dollar toilet paper. That's all.”
A few of the bangers looked at each other. One or two started muttering. Shane let it spread and then chuckled loudly. “What, people? You thought it would be back to the way it was before? Wave a magic wand and it'll all be over and you'd be rich?”
Julio's eyes narrowed. He knew he had hit pay dirt with that remark. Most likely the kid had used it to get his gang to follow along. He snorted. Stupid. Greedy and stupid. Typical. “Look fellas, ladies,” he said nodding to the girls. “If we get back to what was, don't you think the authorities are going to print new money? They know that all this money is just lying around here and everywhere. They know it’s not worth crap now. What matters are resources. Food, water, weapons, shelter. They matter,” he said turning back to Julio. “People matter.”
“So what do you expect us to do?” Julio demanded. “Give it all back?” he scoffed.
“I frankly don't give a damn what you do with it Julio. Stuff it under a mattress, try to burn it, eat it, and wipe your ass with it. I don't honestly care. It’s no good here. You want food and ammo, you pay in kind or with stuff we want. No. More. Free. Rides,” he said locking eyes with the kid again.
Julio tried to glare but he couldn't keep it. He just didn't have the will, didn't have the stones. His eyes fell after a moment. “Fine, whatever,” he muttered. He turned and walked off, slouching.
“You going to let him talk to you like that?” Consuela demanded as he climbed into his Mad Max dodge charger.