The Radix
Shortly after sunrise the boat and it's odd cargo was puttering it's way along the coast once more. There had been a small discussion about staying at the cove now that the danger was over. But the thought of beavers and other animals doing their... business... upstream was enough to make all feel squeamish. They boiled and cooled water all through the night, filling their stomachs and various jugs and bottles.
Amber had been so anxious to get some clean water into her son that Jay had to stop her when she distractedly offered the liquid to the baby while it was still piping hot. Darryl on the other hand didn't care and scalded his tongue when drinking before Salene gave the go ahead. Most everyone was willing to allow the sickest ones to drink first and Salene pointed out that the kids needed it more than the older ones. Ebony had refused at first when Slade tried to offer her the water. Her dehydration was causing her to swim through a semi delusional state and her distrust for others made itself known. She was beginning to believe that they were making her sick on purpose and it took some gentle persuasion from Slade to convince her to drink. Jack and Ellie both abstained considering that neither of them were ill and simply helped with the boiling efforts. Every fire proof container available sat on the blaze, it's watery contents bubbling away. Gel, in an odd display of eagerness to help, had used a Tupperware bowl in efforts to increase the amount they could sterilize at one time. The melted remains near smoldered the fire and filled the camp with a foul smoke but no one bothered to berate her for it.
Those on the boat were oblivious to what was happening on shore in those early hours of day. Lex sat on the back of the vessel facing the sea in deep thought. Ram and Trader both were eventually overcome with sleep and woke in surprise when Trudy, Brady, Lottie, Sammy and Salene came aboard with the good news. The horizon was barely pink with the impending morning as the boat was loaded with fresh boiled water, food and crew. Finally when every container was filled with water and not another mushroom, egg, clam or crab could be found near the beach, they hoisted anchor and set sail. Salene was slightly saddened as she watched the cove slowly disappear from sight. That small section of beach had felt safe with the possibility it could become home. Now they were back drifting towards the unknown and no one could say when they would find another safe haven amongst the jagged, rocky cliffs which made up the coast of their country.
By noon the positive mood which permeated their good fortune was wearing off. Jack and Ram were back to arguing over coastal maps and possible destinations while Trader continually reminded them how low fuel was getting. The others were restless as the agonizing idea of several more days at sea hit them hard. Everyone felt cramped and claustrophobic and tried to stay out of one another's way. Gel moaned over a missing mirror and the sand that had infiltrated her belongings. Sammy and Lottie were both bored and came close to incurring the wrath of Lex as they wandered about looking for trouble. Trader was again annoyed at having his boat invaded and his free space limited. Bray was fussy even though he was starting to improve and Salene and Trudy did their best to occupy he and Brady. Amber surveyed the chaos around her and was thankful that Ebony and Ruby were still out of it. She knew how much those two disliked one another and it was a small consolation not to have their fighting adding to the discontent.
By the next afternoon even Jay wanted to jump ship as he again stopped Lex from tossing Sammy overboard. Whatever calm which had prevailed over Lex's usual attitude was gone. Being stuck in close proximity with bored, meddlesome kids had him in an annoyed rage. Ellie was all too happy to avoid the insanity of the deck and stayed below looking after Ruby and Ebony. Nursing wasn't exactly her forte but it was better than listening to the constant bickering. Ebony was recovering fast as her color started to come back and she was able to sit up. She was surprised that it was Ellie's familiar face which kept appearing and bringing her comfort. Slade looked in on them but stayed above deck mostly. He was sure Ellie would do a better job than he could and he wanted to keep tabs on their slow progress towards a new home.
Salene finally gave the kids a loaf of stale bread and encouraged them to feed the seagulls which flew alongside the boat. This was highly entertaining even for those just watching and it turned Lottie, Sammy and Darryl's quarreling into harmonious laughter. Even Bray stopped fussing long enough to watch the big birds with wide eyes and Brady clapped happily. Amber almost scolded her for wasting food but thought better of it after seeing that it brought calm to their tumultuous cruise. As she made her way to the small captain's room she made a mental note to thank Salene later.
The cramped room was plastered with maps unfolded onto every available surface except the steering wheel. Nearly buried beneath the papery mess were Ram and Jack studying a single map and murmuring quietly. This intrigued Amber for if the two boys were no longer arguing this could mean they'd come to some agreement over where to go next.
"Anything interesting?" She made her presence known. They both turned to her as she crossed the thresh hold and Jack moved aside so she could see what they were looking at. Amber wasn't any good at reading maps and stared blankly without recognition before looking at them. "What is it?"
"We're not sure." Ram offered showing an uncertainty which was rare for him. "Looks like a small compound."
"Some sort of national forest." Jack explained further as he pointed. "There's nothing but miles of trees and then this small building near the beach."
Amber squinted as she tried to make out the unfamiliar markings. "A compound?"
"There's only one road through the woods." Jack pointed again. "It's about... ten miles or so to the main highway. But the building is less than a mile from the coast."
Ram rubbed his chin. "If we could get to it, we might find something of use..."
"If?" Amber looked at him.
"Well," Jack shrugged. "we'd have to hike through the woods a bit and we don't know what's out there."
"Oh." She stood up straight and sighed. "How far is it from here?"
Another shrug from Jack as he flipped to another map. "Well, this is only approximate but I think we could get there by nightfall."
"Excuse me." Trader came into the room and roughly nudged past Amber and Ram to dig under the debris of maps and check the fuel gage.
Jay came in behind him. "How's it look?"
Trader shook his head disparagingly. "Not good. I don't think we got much more for a day."
"Do we have enough to get here?" Amber took the map from Jack and handed it to their captain.
The boy studied the paper in his hands adding numbers silently. He nodded and scratched his colorful head. "Sure, but what for? All I see is a building in the middle of a bunch of trees."
"There could be supplies there." Jack explained.
"And there could be nothing." Trader countered.
"Well considering how little fuel we have it doesn't really matter does it?" Amber killed their budding argument. "As you said we'll be dead in the water within a day. This could be our only chance."
"Is there nothing else?" Jay asked from his position in the doorway.
Jack shook his head. "Just woods. No roads, no buildings. Just woods."
Trader sighed and handed the map to Ram as he turned to the helm. "Then I guess that's where we're going."
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Slade looked on with anticipation as the cliffs gradually gave way to a small inlet of beach. There was a steep climb up the rocks into the trees that overlooked the alcove. From the coloring of the cliffs and seaweed deposits on the gray sand he could tell that the entire beach disappeared at high tide. Not the ideal place for a camp.
It was nearly sunset and their boat had finally puttered it's way to Jack and Ram's mystery destination. Somewhere through those woods was a building that may or may not have supplies that could help them. And if it didn't, they were stuck traveling a ten mile road in the middle of nowhere before there was any hope of reaching some sort of civilization.
Trader turned the key and the engine died with a low whine. The boat slowed and then drifted with the rolling waves that crashed inland. He and the others stared at the sight before them with little to say. Most everyone was thinking the same thing though. This alcove was no where near as welcoming as the beach they'd left. And not a single one of them, save for Lex, was looking forward to that rock climb to the trees.
"Now what?" Slade arched his eyebrows at Amber who stood next to him, Bray asleep on her shoulder. She was eying those cliffs with determination as she gently rubbed her son's back. He had an inkling she would be among the first to scale the hillside, probably with her young child strapped to her back. He smirked. She and Ebony were so alike in the way they tackled challenges he wondered why they weren't better friends.
"We start climbing." She finally answered him in a murmur.
"We can't expect the kids to climb that." Salene leaned against the railing. "Not when we don't know what's up there."
"Not to mention Ruby." May said from behind her. "Who's gonna carry her?"
Several of them looked at Slade but he didn't notice. He was staring at Ram, who unlike the others was still engrossed in that map. Since it's discovery by he and Jack, Ram had been studying it with an odd look on his face. Slade had learned to keep a close eye on Ram for one never knew when the evil genius might strike again. Right now his feelings for the man he had saved were mixed. He couldn't help but blame him a little for his brother's death. It was Ram's A.I. after all that had ultimately killed Josh and banished them from their home.
"We'll send a scout team up first." Lex said as he examined the alcove. "A few of us to check out if it's safe before the others come on shore."
"Good idea." Amber nodded as she stepped away from the railing and headed below deck.
Jay caught the look on her face and followed. He knew what she was thinking and this time he wasn't okay with it. Below deck he found Amber tucking Bray into a small basket he'd been using as a bed. The child stirred and cooed contentedly as his mother brushed a wisp of hair off his forehead.
"You're not going." She didn't look up as she placed a blanket over her son. Jay stepped further into the room. "Amber," He said waiting for her to turn.
"Yes?" She finally stood and met his eyes.
"You're not going." He repeated.
She sighed. "Jay, that's not up to you."
"This time it is." His voice was gentle yet stern. "I know you like to be on the front lines but this time I want you to stay behind. I'll feel much better knowing you're safe."
"Jay,"
"No." He cut her off, growing slightly louder. "We don't know what's out there."
"Lower your voice." She admonished as both Ebony and Ruby stirred in their sleep.
Jay sighed and took Amber's hands in his own. "Please Amber. I don't want to lose you. Stay here with Bray, just this once." He finished in a whisper.
Amber gazed lovingly into his eyes as she gently squeezed his hands. "You're not gonna lose me."
He closed his eyes as she kissed his lips and left the room. Amber knew what Jay wanted from her but she just couldn't comply. He wanted her to be the sort of mother that Salene and Trudy were. Salene with her kind and comforting words that made the children feel safe. And Trudy with her gift for creating normalcy for her daughter in an abnormal world. Amber simply wasn't that kind of mom. To her, the best way she could love her son was to ensure that he had a future. She was going ashore to make sure it was safe for her child and no one was going to stop her.
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The sky was the color of pink and orange sherbet as Lex pulled the lifeboat up on the sand. Soon the sun would be below the horizon and they would be walking in the dark. Though he wasn't pleased with this prospect he agreed that the sooner they scouted the site the better off they would be. Jay leaped into the surf and offered Amber his arm so she could climb out. She glanced back at the boat drifting about fifty yards off. Just before they disembarked she'd asked Trudy a question with her eyes and without fail Trudy answered with a nod. Amber knew her son was in good hands and if anything should go wrong Trudy would look after him. She was so thankful to still have her friendship despite the betrayal that had nearly severed it.
"Don't forget to tie her up." Jay reminded as Lex dragged the boat further away from the crashing waves. "Remember what Slade said about the tide."
"Yeah yeah," Lex grumbled as he looked for a place in the rocks to secure the raft.
As the trio started up the steep rocky incline, they were unaware that they'd been seen. A young man with feathers and small shells in his long blond hair watched with interest at their inexperience on the rocks. He'd been watching them for the last forty five or so minutes since the boat had first come into view of the alcove. Even at this distance of a couple hundred yards, his position was such that he could easily peg off the three travelers with his kit of arrows if he was so inclined. He knew that once they reached the top of the cliff face they would eventually find the thin path in the woods and make their way in his direction. The path ran along the top of the cliffs just inside the tree line before it ventured deeper into the forest. He would have to tell Cipher and Dozer about this. While Dozer might find the visitors interesting he knew Cipher wouldn't be happy about it. He gave them one last look before disappearing into the foliage.
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"Cipher."
Dozer looked up from sharpening his hunting knife to see Kye coming out of the forest. Cipher sat on the floor of the lookout fort dozing against the wall. Dozer still found himself puzzled at how easily his leader could sleep no matter where he was. He was also amazed at how alert the man was even when in deep sleep. It was no surprise to him when Cipher opened an eye at Kye's approach.
"What is it?" He asked quietly.
Kye slipped past Dozer's large, dark frame into the fort. "A boat. Three trespassers came ashore. Look like city kids."
Cipher looked up and brushed his long, brown hair out of his face. "City kids?"
Kye nodded. "Boat looks like it's full of them."
"They could have the virus." Dozer ran a cautious finger along his sharpened blade.
Cipher said nothing as he stood, his sienna eyes intense with thought. Both of his companions watched patiently knowing he wasn't one to say much. He tried calculating the distance from the city and compared that with what they knew of the virus and it's release. If these kids had escaped the city before the virus was released, why had it taken them so long to arrive? The city was less than a two day drive away. A good tracker could make the trip on foot in under a week. Then again, Cipher knew that the coast line didn't provide the most direct route to their location. Not to mention a petrol powered jeep had the luxury of driving close to one hundred and sixty kilometers while a small passenger boat most likely traveled eighty tops. It might be possible these kids had managed to just escape but were detained along the way. He grabbed his bow staff and stepped out of the fort silently.
"Dozer, you're with me." He spoke as he strode away. "Kye, keep an eye out."
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"Damn it!" Lex muttered as another branch snapped back into his face.
This path they had found was impossibly thin and overgrown and as the sky faded from pink to deep purple it was getting harder and harder to see where he was going. They only had a vague direction in which to head in hopes of stumbling upon the compound. The three of them were spread out over the trail, Jay at the front with Amber lagging behind while Lex held the rear. If any of them had taken the time they might have noticed the subtle splashing of color marking the edge of the path.
Jay stomped forward his arms in a sweeping motion as he cleared through brush. He didn't realize how far ahead of Amber and Lex he was. His thoughts were on the deepening shadows around them and he was glad he had Jack's torch. They would need it soon. He was so involved in his thoughts about the impending night he didn't notice the camouflaged figures watching him from up ahead. Jay frowned as he heard a strange bird noise and suddenly Cipher and Dozer jumped out behind him. He turned startled at the unfamiliar men, their weapons were drawn and their faces unfriendly. Dozer stood with his two fighting swords in each hand waiting for a command from his leader. Cipher pointed his bow staff at Jay.
"What are you doing here?" Though quiet, his voice was intimidating.
Jay held his hands in a non threatening position as he stared back at the tall man. His long tresses fell on his shoulders in uneven waves. A single Hawk feather weaved into a braid and a few shells adorned his crown. Painted on his forehead in blue were the three points of an upside down triangle. Passing through the middle was a white line that resembled a shooting star. There was a second symbol on his cheek but it was hidden beneath the hair which shadowed half his face. Around his neck he wore a wooden talisman with a carved symbol Jay couldn't identify.
The other was a young black man, just as tall but twice as thick. His dark hair was grown out in messy dreadlocks which unlike his companion were fully adorned with beads, shells and a myriad of feathers, large and small. On his forehead was the same triangle symbol and a small animal claw was painted on his cheek.
"We... we don't mean any harm." Jay spoke carefully wondering how far behind Amber and Lex were. Could he possibly diffuse this situation before they caught up? "We had to leave our home and we've been drifting for several days..."
"You're kind isn't welcomed here." Cipher narrowed his eyes at the blond teen before him.
"My kind?"
Jay watched wearyingly as Cipher took his staff and gently tapped the Techno symbol on his forehead. He sighed as he realized he was still wearing his entire Techno get up.
"I'm not one of them anymore."
He started to explain but just then he heard Amber clambering through the trees behind the two strangers. He took a step forward as though to stop her but Cipher saw this as a threat and drew his staff on him. Jay watched as the dark one turned with his swords ready to attack. Before he could say anything Dozer pulled a small flute like instrument from his pouch and brought it to his lips.
"No!" Jay shouted but it was too late as the dart zipped through the trees and pierced the soft tissue of her neck.
Amber reached for her throat in confusion and pulled out the dart. Slowly she let it fall and stumbled forward through the brush. As she came into view Jay tried to run to her but Cipher and his staff held him back.
"Jay?" She said as the forest grew darker around her.
Cipher turned at her voice and his breath caught in his throat when he laid eyes on her familiar face. Amber staggered and as she met his eyes, her skin went pale and her mouth dropped open. Just before the darkness consumed her and she collapsed, she managed to say one word:
"Bray?!"
chap one chap two chap three chap four chap five chap six