“I can do whatever you need. I'm more than capable of doing anything and am not afraid of physical labor.”
The woman nodded and actually smiled. “If you want to stick around, it might work. We have a meeting later this evening. You are welcome to come to that and hear more.” She nodded to a man standing behind Karma. “Doclin will take you to your quarters, then he'll show you around. Welcome to Pine Haven!”
Karma was glad to hear a welcome. This wasn’t so hard.
Doclin, a young man of maybe twenty, led her to a log home and her apartment-like room.
She had bought very little with her, besides her bag. She kept one sword as a traveling companion, but they had confiscated that before she left the ship. She hoped to get it back eventually.
Doclin, a decent looking guy with short brown hair, said, “Listen, you can stay here and freshen up. Later, head over to the main lodge. Just take a right down the dirt road and you won't miss it.” As he turned to go, he looked back at her. “You’ll get to meet the village leader, Ravel, tonight, too.”
Karma smiled. “Can you tell me about him before you go?”
Doclin paused, as if thinking. “Well, he's a decent man who cares about the people here. He likes things done his way, though. It’s best you watch your step with his sassy partner, Barb Deville. She’s a devil of a woman.”
Karma seemed at odds with his last thoughts. “Why is she so bad?”
Doclin laughed. “She’s got no virtue and is full of jealousy. A girl like you, with your soft skin and shiny black hair . . . Just watch yourself.”
Karma narrowed her eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Doclin shook his head and walked down the road.
Karma ran out the door. “That’s it? No more info?”
He just waved over his shoulder and walked on.
As she waited for the community event, a young blonde girl showed up to escort her about the area. While they walked, she told the girl, whose name was Abby, that the place seemed nice. Abby nodded, remaining silent.
They spotted a few cars on the road. All were self-driven, the occupants sitting at the wheel doing whatever they wanted. Karma also saw several robots walking about and doing chores at some of the homes.
After about an hour, she was taken to the main lodge.
Many long tables were situated inside. Abby told her the community would often join together not only for meetings, but for meals. She noticed several Bloom bars being put out on the table for tonight's meeting. These bars, imported from England, were said to contain green tea, various antioxidants, elderberry, and were fully organic.
There was certainly no shortage of supplies here.
As they left the lodge and walked down the road, they passed the Market Square. Karma noticed a hippie-like woman selling some sort of pottery.
She began to walk over, but Abby grabbed her by the shoulder. “Better not go that way. She’s really weird. Her name is Miggie, and she’ll end up talking your ear off. Let's just go the other way.”
Karma followed her escort away from the area.
When they were finally back at her apartment, she had to ask, “So this place seems almost too good to be true. What am I missing here?”
Abby shook her head. “Just go to the meeting. Okay?” She scratched her blonde hair a bit, then turned and headed out.
Karma shrugged. Yeah, I’ll do that.
As she settled in, she thought about her sisters back home. Wow. This is a whole different setting here.
She supposed this was the sort of utopia the women in Washington hoped for worldwide. Just a little community that would thrive, growing and eating their own food, having group meetings and meals, and keeping people safe above all else. She guessed it could be possible in the right places.
But wouldn’t it be boring?
The thought was quickly smashed when a face appeared in the window, scaring her quite a bit, making her jump and cry out.
The woman spoke. “It’s not what it appears. They will manipulate and hypnotize you, then take your life. It’s best if you leave now.”
Karma was about to run out to talk to this person, but she spoke again.
“Heed my warning. Go . . . Before it's too late. Take the next boat out of here.”
Karma ran outside, but the woman had disappeared.
She had recognized the old hippie woman from the market. Maybe she was crazy, or perhaps she knew something Karma didn’t.
When time came for the meeting, Karma was one of the first to arrive.
Others soon began trickling in. Many of the families had young children, but she didn’t see many people her age. When she saw Abby and her family, she let out a relieved breath.
As more people came in, she saw a few guys appear in the double door entryway. They were armed and wore green military-type uniforms. As Karma continued to watch, they all walked in with a man who appeared to be the leader of the community.
Judging by his looks, he had some sort of Southern upbringing. Maybe Florida or Texas. Perhaps he was Dominican. He smiled and looked at ease as he raised his hand, waving to many in the crowd and shaking hands with others as he made his way to a podium.
She overheard someone say, “Juan is speaking. Everyone, be quiet.”
Karma remembered she had been told the leader’s name was something else, but she listened.
Juan, who was not very tall, had dark hair and matching sideburns. He wore an olive-green tailored jacket and slacks. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties.
He cleared his throat. “Welcome. We are gathered here tonight to acknowledge the fact that it has been two years since we took this island for our own and made a life. Two years already . . . Can you imagine? Time really flies. Most would be very envious of us.”
The people all responded with smiles and applause, seemingly happy to be there.
Then Barb Deville walked in. Karma heard a voice near her whisper, “Right on time to make a grand entrance.”
Miss Deville, the red-headed vixen, made her way up to stand beside Juan, then sat in a chair next to the village leader. She wore a tight, crimson-red romper dress. It was strapless and hung down over her chest, not shoulders. She smiled a wicked grin to all watching.
Juan continued, “Out in that world”—he pointed toward the bay—“they are not so fortunate. The power-hungry scratch and dig for more wealth, more control, and even kill just to stay alive and prosper. No one really knows their place out there, but in this community, all can thrive.” He raised his voice, “It is here in Pine Haven. If you pull your weight and help the community, you will be looked after, cared for, safe.
“Tonight is a good night. Some of our people have returned from the hunt; others have returned from crabbing. We will share all with everyone. When you leave, you'll be able to pick up crates of the crabs and some fresh spring water. Plus, I know what you all enjoy . . .” He smirked, winking. “The whiskey has been packed and bottled to give to each and every one of you as our gift.”
The people started clapping, happy to hear of such generosity.
Juan then raised his arms. “Enjoy supper, everyone. Dance, mingle and have a great night. Thanks for coming, and always remember. Do your part, play your role and all will be just fine. Again, thank you. Thank you very much.”
Chapter 3
Well, he seemed nice enough, thought Karma as she walked about, snacking on a few items.
After she stayed for a bit, she exited the building, still wanting to know what role people played on this island. That was the biggest question.
Just as she was about to head down the road, Juan appeared, giving her a smile.
“I thought you might want this back,” he said, holding Karma’s sword out to her. He did not linger. “I hope you enjoy your stay here.” He made way back inside.
She frowned. That was odd.
She headed back to the apartment complex, looking forward to a restful night's sleep.
Karma,
for the first time ever, was free. It was an odd sensation, yet felt pretty good.
She wondered if maybe it was time to take the sisterhood’s Starigen formula she had stolen before she left. Then she began thinking, what with her past misuse, maybe she’d stop. She was aging very quickly. Perhaps she should have taken the formula more seriously when first told to be careful.
Lost in thought, a squirrel jumped in front of her, making her gasp. It shook her back to reality. She hurried down the trail, more focused on her surroundings, soon making it back to her apartment.
As she lay down to rest, she started thinking about Sun, Victory, Naiera, Johan and all the other younger members back in Washington. Then her mind turned to Gavin. It still made her very upset and was the whole reason she ran away. The older people at home didn't seem to care.
When Karma heard a noise inside her room, she stilled, listening intently.
Her eyes widened as she looked at the shadowed area in the room where she thought the sound had come from. The creak of a wooden board. Maybe it was a door opening. She had definitely heard something.
Then a woman whispered, “Be quiet. Don’t say anything.”
Karma paused, waiting.
“People are coming for you,” the voice explained. “You need to come with me.”
Karma debated on what to do. She could fight her, because she could now see the outline of a female, or stay still and wait for more.
As her eyes adjusted, she could make out Miggie, the woman from the market.
Karma could not hold back. “What are you talking about? Everything is fine here.”
Miggie was a dark-skinned African-American, her hair tied up in dreads and hanging in her face. It was hard to tell her age. Her face was dirty and her clothing in layers.
She rushed forward and got in Karma’s face. “We have to go. Trust me.” She pointed to the back door. “Come now. Come.”
Karma was trained as a Mystical Slayer. She was taught to use her “one spot”, her intuitive thought process, or sixth sense, as the sisterhood’s leader, Reagan, called it. This woman before her seemed legit, so she stood and went with her.
Both ran swiftly toward the woods. Just as they cleared the log building, they saw a couple of roofless jeeps drive up.
Miggie looked at Karma, eyebrows raised. “We have to go.” She turned and ran off, Karma following.
She was surprised that the older woman could run so fast and not tire out.
Eventually, Karma needed to stop, placing her hands on her knees, panting. “I can't go any farther. Please. Can we rest a second?’’
With a sigh, Miggie stopped, looking around.
Once her breathing started to slow, Karma asked, “Who are you, and what do you want of me? What’s going on?”
The older woman gestured to her. “I will explain, but we have to keep moving.”
She led her to a creek. After ten minutes, they came to a clearing, Karma stopping suddenly at what she saw.
She spotted several members of the community already there, some with burlap sacks over their heads, while others arrived in vans.
Karma looked at Miggie for an explanation, yet she only placed a finger to her mouth for quiet.
It looked like most were teens. They were ushered to the water and stood there, shivering in the night air. Some of the guards she had spotted earlier stood around, watching, and Juan had even appeared.
Karma furrowed her brows, shaking her head. “I don’t understand.”
Miggie whispered, “Now do you see why I warned you? You must follow me to a place where a boat can get you off this island.”
Karma nodded. “Okay. Then I can bring back help. I promise.”
The woman gave her a small smile. “I appreciate the offer, I really do, but the problem is more than meets the eye. My husband is still on the island.”
Karma was confused and about to ask more, but then she heard shouting. She focused on the water again.
It looked like an auction. The people started bidding on the teenagers in the water. Juan pointed to each one as men and women raised their hands to bid the amounts he yelled out.
Karma’s stomach lurched.
When each was offered, they would step forward and many of the onlookers would walk up and study their bodies in great detail. They even removed the sacks from the teenagers’ heads to look into their eyes and pinch their ears.
One older man looked at a younger man and declared, “I would like to have his nose.”
Another announced, “I want his eyes.”
Yet another bidder, a woman, called out, “I’d prefer his kidney!”
Karma knew something was off here. Some of the captives jumped into the river to try to escape, but none made it far. They had been drugged, implanted with a control device, something.
Then she saw something even more strange. The door of a large van opened and several doctors, all wearing blue scrubs and white masks, climbed out, pulling out a long table. With them was a woman. Barb Deville.
A scream drew everyone’s attention. A young woman started to run down the shoreline. She got about twenty feet away before a soldier shot her with a dart, dropping her to the ground. She was then dragged back to the operating table. Headlights came on, brightly illuminating the area.
Miggie grabbed her arm. “We have to go.”
Karma looked back, not wanting to leave just yet.
Barb shook the girl, then slapped her across the face several times to wake her up. The girl was then placed on the table before all the doctors.
A woman in the audience called out, “I have paid for her. Don’t hurt her.” She ran up to the table as they strapped the teen down.
Karma swallowed audibly. She looked at Miggie. “We have to do something.”
Miggie just shook her head. “There are too many of them. We need to go.”
The sixty-year-old woman who bought the girl announced, “I want her pretty eyes. I want to be young again. I’m ready for this. Take all my money, my land, my soul, but give me my winnings.”
Karma growled and started toward the water, but Miggie grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Are you nuts? We can’t do anything. Let’s go.”
The woman ran off, dragging Karma with her.
Karma kept talking. “I feel so sick to see things like this happening in the world. I made a mistake. I already know it. I'm a fighter. That’s what I am. That’s what my sisters are. They’re the only ones who can make a difference in this crazy world. I should have never left. You’re right. I need to go back, but I will do anything in my power to help these people. I swear.”
Miggie stopped and looked at Karma. “Listen. You have to stop talking, otherwise we will be followed. We can talk later.”
After traveling in the thick woods, they came upon a rowboat that they took across a section of river, then downstream to another small island. Miggie had a little place there. It was a broken-down shack to say the least, but was cozy inside.
The woman had all sorts of Wicca-like things. Dead animals, strings of shells and beads, incense, beakers, pots, herbs, candles.
“You will be safe here for the night,” explained Miggie. “In the morning, we’ll get you as far away from this place as possible.”
Karma, still not ready to settle down, asked, “What do you mean he's still here? Your husband, I mean. Why don’t we get him to come with us?”
Miggie shook her head. “It's not that easy. He was so frustrated with our government running around on their own, controlling everything. He still sees this place as a utopia . . .” She hung her head. “He’s one of them.”
“Oh, my god! How can . . . How can he live with himself?”
“It doesn’t matter. You have to get off the island. When dawn breaks, I'm going to help you get away. They’ll be searching for you. The hounds will be out.”
Karma looked puzzled. “What do you mean?” She wondered how she would get any rest now.
They talked more into
the night. Soon enough, her eyes finally closed.
In the morning, she was surprised to see that Miggie was not as old as she appeared. She had cleaned up, taken her layers of clothes off and fixed her hair. She now looked to be no more than perhaps in her late forties.
Miggie turned, seeing Karma awake. “Good morning. I have baked blueberry muffins and made a little sweet tea. You should not fear me.”
They chatted some. Karma learned a few more details about this mad isle.
Several doctors from the mainland, as well as scientists and robotic experts, lived here. All came to this area at the start of the community. The older islanders were the first here, taking life into their own hands, escaping their war-torn cities.
However, using the young people's bodies and organs for a life-extending purpose was beyond words.
As she listened, Karma wanted to throw up.
If she only had her sisters with her now . . . Oh man. Mahira would kick some serious ass, and Reagan and Jansa . . . She shook her head. How she wished they knew.
Miggie continued. “This place has the technology. They’re fighting Father Time. Anyone who wants to live here has to make a sacrifice and turn a cheek.”
Karma could not hold back. “It's pathetic!”
Miggie agreed. “To those who don't follow the law, well . . . They usually end up at the bottom of the river, while others are said to be sent back to the mainland . . . but I doubt they ever make it.”
Karma fought her thoughts. “I don't just want to leave. I want to help you. I want to do something about your husband.”
Miggie changed the subject. “You speak about your sisters, a gathering of women in Washington . . . Who are these people and why do you think they could help this island?”
Suddenly, they heard a noise outside and a man yelled out. “Hey, monk woman, you seen a teen wandering out this way? Asian, strange tattoo . . . Anyone in there with you?”
Miggie immediately ran and smudged some stuff on her face to make her look older, then made Karma hide in a secret cellar below the floor, placing a rug over the trapdoor. She messed up her hair and played her role as the crazy witch as she opened her door.
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