The Tribes, Chapter 9

The Tribes, Chapter 9

Following Jack’s aid in assisting Bruno to escape the Inferno, Bray insisted everyone stay by the ship. He was sure Zoot wouldn’t accept losing his prisoner with grace and charm. Of the psychopaths and sociopaths who had risen to lead the Tribes that had formed, Zoot was probably the most dangerous of the lot. Some, like Top Hat, were so far over the edge that it was only a matter of time before they self destructed. Others, like Lobo of the now defunct Demon Dogs, were too ambitious and stupid to last much longer. But Zoot – he was in a class all by himself. He was the most dangerous of the lot.

And, Zoot did go on a rampage when it was discovered Bruno had escaped. The two guards on patrol who had caught Jack quickly found themselves stripped of clothes and status for letting the stranger in black and the bodybuilder escape. Both were enslaved and scheduled for a date to have their balls auctioned off. But, rather than turning his attention to the Shiprats, Zoot came to the conclusion that Top Hat, himself, was behind the escape. To the amazement of almost everyone in the city, Top Hat – while not actually admitting he was behind Bruno’s escape – went out of his way not to deny his suspected involvement, either. The Tribe Circus leader helped spread the rumor that the whole escape was just a grand circus trick.

“I can’t believe Top Hat would risk taking credit for something he didn’t do,” Selene mused.

“I think it’s a smart move n his part,” Sasha offered. “A risky one, to be sure, but still very smart.”

“How can you say that?” Heather asked. “What’s he get from the deal?”

“Partly, he gets the status of staging a huge stunt,” Sasha explained. “And, how many out there can brag about tweaking Zoot’s nose and still be alive.”

“That’s the thing I don’t understand,” Bray said. “It’s not like Zoot to just ignore an insult like that.”

“I don’t think he has,” Jack said. “He’s got some kind of strategy in mind.”

“Like what?” Selene asked.

Jack shrugged, “I dunno – but whatever it is, you can be sure it’ll be massive when he does do something. You just watch and see.”

By abandoning their side trips off the coast highway, Ryan and Tina had been able to conserve enough gas to arrive on the outskirts of Los Angeles with just under ten gallons of gas to spare. They had just stopped for the day and were taking a rest before setting up camp when they were astonished to see a small boy’s face peeping at them from between the branches of a bush on the edge of the clearing.

“Hello!” Tina called, offering her friendliest smile.

Ryan carefully crouched, trying his best to keep his face friendly. From habit, he kept his hand near the top of his boot near the handle of a survival knife was strapped to his leg. He had mixed feelings about the sudden appearance of the boy’s face across the clearing. He was happy to see a friendly face – at least, the boy seemed friendly – even though he hadn’t said a word yet. On the other hand, there was something that didn’t seem quite right about the boy. Ryan knew he wasn’t the brightest person on the face of the earth – he had often joked with Tina that even if he were all alone on the earth, he still wouldn’t be the brightest person. Ryan knew he wasn’t stupid or anything, he was just slow to work things out. He stared at the boy and it slowly dawned on Ryan what it was about the boy that disconcerted him – the boy’s face was clean and his long blonde hair was clean and neatly trimmed. The boy blinked once and disappeared.

“Start getting everything packed up,” Ryan warned, easing himself to his feet. He backed over to the propane camp stove and began packing it up by feel as his eyes scanned the trees and bushes.

“Ryan, we just got that unpacked,” Tina complained.

“Didn’t you notice the kid?” Ryan asked. “His face was clean and his hair neat and washed.” Tina looked at him blankly for a minute. “How many little boys do you know who keep themselves clean like that? There’re others with him.”

Tina realized that Ryan was right, she scrambled to pack their dwindling supply of ground coffee and utensils as the branches began to rattle and shake as someone pushed their way through. Ryan had the knife unsheathed and sank into a crouch as a teen about his own age finally managed to push through the bushes the little boy following behind him. Seeing the knife, the stranger held his hands up in a submissive gesture.

“Easy, easy,” the stranger said, calmly. “I don’t mean you any harm. Jeremy kind of told us there were strangers camping over here. I just came to check it out and offer you a place to stay if you wanted it.”

“Who’re you?” Ryan demanded.

The stranger laughed, “I could ask the same thing of you.” He extended his hand and advanced halfway across the clearing. “The name’s Luke – me and a few others kind of run a communal farm over on the other side of the woods there.”

Ryan lowered the knife sheepishly, “I’m Ryan and this is Tina.” He looked down at the knife in his hand sheepishly and returned it to its sheath. “Sorry about that – we had a bad experience where we came from – almost cost us our lives.”

“That’s why we left The City,” Luke said, nodding his head in understanding. “Look – I can understand if you don’t want to take any risk – no hard feelings. But, you’re still welcome to stay at the farm – we have some fresh vegetables and eggs. We even have some pies – not real good ones, Lucy hasn’t quite gotten the hang of baking yet,” he joked.

Ryan glanced over at Tina, she shrugged a little and gave a faint nod of her head. They had to trust someone eventually, and neither Luke nor the boy looked like any of The Leader’s followers. With his shaggy black hair and bib coveralls over a checked flannel shirt, Luke did look like a farmer and not a religious maniac. A genuinely friendly grin spread across Ryan’s face.

“Hey, Jeremy – would you like to ride with Tina to the farm?” Ryan asked. The boy’s face split into a toothy grin as he nodded, his blonde bowlcut flopping around. He jabbed a finger at his chest and then in Tina’s direction. “What’s the matter …”

Luke’s eyes grew sad as he interrupted, “He hasn’t talked since we found him down in The City.” He glanced over to the boy, already scrambling happily onto the seat of Tina’s ATV. “He can hear okay, and I think he used to be able to talk. When we found him, he was hiding from a Demon Dog raid,” Luke’s voice dropped so Jeremy wouldn’t hear him. “There were about a dozen bodies all around. If we hadn’t found him when we did – well, I don’t think he’d be here today.”

It didn’t take long to get packed up the ATVs cranked up. Jeremy laughed soundlessly as the wind whipped his hair back off his face. Luke directed Ryan back onto the road, giving directions on how to find the dirt road that led back to the farm. Luke explained that by taking the road, they had to go about two miles out of their way. Glancing over at Jeremy, Ryan found himself wishing the trip could be a bit longer.

By the time they roared into the farm yard, the noise of their motors had drawn a small knot of people – a girl dressed in bib coveralls with an apron around her waist. Ryan guessed she must be Lucy. There were about a dozen others – male and female, alike. Some had weirdly dyed hair in vibrant colors. Ryan guessed it must be some kind of style popular in The City. All were dressed in plain clothing – jeans, T-shirts, or denim shirts – the kind of clothing one would expect to find on the farm. Everyone surrounded the ATVs offering warm welcomes and asking for news of other communities.

Lucy genially scolded everyone, calling for them to let the newcomers have some breathing room before they were inundated with so many questions. She told the others to get washed up for supper before leading Ryan and Tina around the side of the house.

“I think Lucy read too many of the “Little House on the Prairie” books,” Luke confided to Ryan as they came to a covered breezeway between the farm house and a small building. Ryan recognized it as what was called a Summer Kitchen back home. Only the oldest of farms still had the covered breezeways like that. The farm hands used to eat their meals in the cool of the shade between the two buildings. Ryan knew the small building was a combination root cellar and store room. Memories of his boyhood visiting his great-grandmother’s farm flooded back to him. For an instant, Ryan thought about asking if he and Tina could stay on the farm. He knew that they could be an asset to the group.

The sound of children laughing from the other side of the house made Ryan turn in their direction. He saw about a half dozen kids laughing and shouting as they approached and then, Ryan’s blood ran cold. He saw the flash of dark grey robes appear from the other side of the farm house. Time seemed to expand and contract around Ryan in flashes.

He spun towards Tine, whose face showed her own horror.

Luke and Lucy shrank back from the feral look of rage that appeared of Ryan’s face.

Ryan twisted towards Tina, bellowing for her to escape.

Before he knew what he was doing, Ryan found himself leaping over the table and charging the couple in robes, bellowing like an enraged bull. He was dimly aware of shouts of fear, warning, and surprise from all around him. Ryan realized at the last minute that he hadn’t drawn his survival knife. Lowering his head, he dropped his shoulder into the midsection of the robed figure nearest him, bowling the figure over. To his amazement, instead of a heavy impact with the figure, Ryan found himself sailing through the air to land heavily on his back. Before he could scramble to his feet, Ryan found the members of the commune were swarming over him and pinning him to the ground. Ryan cursed himself for leading Tina into a Brotherhood trap. He barked curses and threats as he tried to break away from the hands holding him down. Above the din, Ryan could hear Tina’s voice screaming.

And then, she was in front of him. Ryan slowly began to realize her cries hadn’t been of fear – she was trying to tell him something.

“It’s not the Brotherhood!” Tina was shouting, reaching out to soothe him. “We’re safe, we’re safe.”

“Not the Brotherhood?” Ryan stopped struggling, going limp. One by one, the farmers began to back away, letting Ryan sit up and look around. For the first time, Ryan saw past the robes – with a shock, Ryan realized one of the figures was a girl – a very pretty, Asian girl.

“Peace,” the Asian said, kneeling before him and taking his face in her hands. “We mean you no harm.”

“Oh, my god,” Ryan moaned. Suddenly, he remembered the other figure – the one he had tried to bowl over. “What about …”

“Lars is fine,” the girl explained serenely.

“Lars?” Ryan wondered what kind of name Lars was for an Asian. Twisting around, he found himself staring at the most un-Asian face he could imagine. Lars had short, wavy white blonde hair spilling over his forehead and the bluest eyes Ryan had ever seen. Lars bowed his head and came over to offer Ryan a hand up. Ryan found his hand clasped in an iron grip.

Tina was busy explaining the reason for Ryan’s sudden violent reaction, babbling almost incoherently as she tried to make everyone understand that she and Ryan weren’t lunatics to be feared. Eventually, she managed to get the others to understand enough to get them to relax.

The Asian girl introduced herself as Tai San, as she led Ryan back to the table. Feeling like a complete fool, Ryan slunk along with her, a hangdog expression on his face. To his amazement, Lars complimented him on his quick reflexes and bravery in trying to protect Tina and the others from danger. He quickly waved away Ryan’s chagrined observation that no one was ever in any danger.

“That is of no matter,” Lars said, smoothly. “The important point is that you believed there was danger and you acted instantly to protect others. That shows a courageous heart.” For someone so clearly of Scandinavian ancestry, Lars had a strangely Oriental manner about his speech and mannerisms. He explained that he and Tai San had spent the last year of the virus at a small Buddhist monastery – they had avoided the camps along with nearly two dozen other young people. During their stay, they had learned Eastern philosophies, methods of healing, and even self-defense.

According to Lars, the monastery had been run by an old Zen teacher universally called “The Grandfather.” He had taught them not to fear the virus or the drastic changes that were coming as the adults in the world died because of it. According to The Grandfather, change was a natural part of all life – even unexpected and unwanted change. The wise, The Grandfather explained, accepted the results of the change without abandoning who and what they were. He and the other monks trained the young people to be able to go out into the world when the time was right.

“Why did he want you go out into the world?” Tina asked.

“The Grandfather believed there would be a need among the survivors for balance,” Tai San explained. “Some survivors would be in need of physical healing, some in need of spiritual healing. He also believed there would be a need to balance to be restored among those who suddenly had no direction or rules to guide them.”

“Exactly,” Lars added. “One by one, the other adults passed on. As they did, their students went out in pairs in different directions. We stayed with The Grandfather until the end three months ago. It is now our turn.”

“Three months ago?” Ryan was astounded. That meant the old Buddhist monk had probably been the last adult in the world.

Then, it was time for Ryan and Tina to tell their story. The commune listened in horror at the activities of The Leader and his Brotherhood. Comforting hands reached out to Tina as she described the events on the farm. Tears filled her eyes as she described how Noah had defied The Leader and been beheaded as punishment. She cried freely telling of poor, sweet Richard – how he had bravely sunk to his knees and called for The Leader to execute him next.

“I know it is hard,” Tai San interrupted Tina’s story. “But, your friends should be celebrated as well as mourned. Both died with courage in their hearts and nobility in their souls. That is something this Leader was not able to take from them, and it clearly annoyed him. In the end, they triumphed and he failed in his mission.”

It was hard for Tina not to cry over the loss of her friends, but Tai San’s words made sense to her. She remembered the look of rage on The Leader’s face when he failed to make Noah, Richard, or the others submit to his demands. He had failed that day – and, she and Ryan had survived, too. That meant two more failures for The Leader.

Tina described how she had found Ryan, but omitted describing his injuries or how she had been forced to castrate him in the doctor’s office. She contented herself with just telling the others that the two of them had treated each other’s injuries.

Ryan picked up the story, describing how they had tried to race ahead of The Brotherhood to warn other communities in their path. His own eyes welled up as he described how each attempt had ended in failure.

“But, that isn’t at all true,” Lars pointed out. “You have reached here ahead of The Leader and his army. You have succeeded in warning other innocents. It is important for you to realize that.” He raised his hand to cut off Ryan’s protest. “Your success if a fact that you cannot ignore. You were faced with difficult decisions and you made them, accepting the consequences of those decisions. What you now call failures were in reality tests – tests that have purified your resolve.”

“I guess,” Ryan said, glumly. “I don’t know much about things like philosophy – Oriental or any other kind. I just know I didn’t get to the other towns in time.”

“And, had you gotten there,” Tai San asked. “What could you have done?”

“Maybe organized resistance to The Leader,” Ryan said stubbornly.

“And, you would have been outnumbered,’ Tai San observed. “Your efforts, while noble in thought, would still have failed. They would have failed because your efforts were impure at heart.”

“What do you mean impure?” Ryan retorted.

“You wanted vengeance, correct,” Tai San asked, calmly.

“Of course,” Ryan admitted. “Wouldn’t you?”

“Yes, but vengeance that is not tempered and purified by reason will always fail,” Tai San explained. “You were tested and purified. Now, you know a well-planned resistance is needed to defeat this Leader. The next time you face him and his army, you cannot fail. Of that I am sure.”

Ryan wasn’t so sure Tai San was right, but he did realize she and Lars were trying to bring him some comfort from the feelings of guilt that still gnawed at his insides and accepted their words. Before he could say anything else, Lucy and some of the others emerged from the house with platters of steaming food – fresh vegetables, bread, and even meats. For the first time in a long time, Ryan felt stuffed by the time Lucy brought a hot apple pie to the table. Taking a bite, Ryan decided Luke was either crazy or had been joking about Lucy’s cooking earlier. She was a fantastic cook – he couldn’t remember the last time he ate an apple pie as good as hers.

Eventually, the conversation drifted away from The Leader and onto happier subjects. Luke admitted that none of the commune had started with any real experience in farming. They had all been city dwellers who had stumbled across each other and come to the conclusion that struggling to survive on a farm in the country was preferable to struggling to survive among the growing number of Tribes in The City. Through trial and error, mostly error Lucy laughed, the commune eventually started actually growing enough food for themselves and even produce a growing surplus. Lucy had everyone laughing when she described the antics of the children as they raced in circles trying to catch the chickens and pigs. The cows, Luke said were much easier to round up – although milking them wasn’t nearly as easy as they had thought.

By the time Lucy brought out the last pot of coffee, darkness had fallen and most of the children were already nodding off. Even Ryan was beginning to feel drowsy – he happily followed Lars to the barn where he and Tina would be bunking with Lars and Tai San. Entering the barn, Ryan dropped their sleeping bags in awe at the sight of the big International Harvester tractor. Lars told him the commune members hadn’t been able to get the old tractor running. He said they thought there was something wrong with the sparkplugs. Hearing that, Ryan doubled up in laughter and tried to explain between peals of laughter that the tractor didn’t have sparkplugs – that it was a diesel engine.

Sleep was forgotten as Ryan began climbing over the heavy tractor, examining the fuel tank and bleeding the fuel line to make sure no condensation had formed in the line. Working on the tractor brought back happy memories of the time before the flu – times when he, his dad, and grandfather would spend all afternoon working on the tractor used on the family farm. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn’t even notice the crowd that had gathered watching him breathlessly, their fingers crossed. Everyone held their breath when Ryan finally climbed up and took his place on the tractor’s seat. He checked to make sure the gears were disengaged before leaning forward and pressing the starter button. The motor sulkily chugged, belched foul black smoke a few times, threatened to stall and then rolled over with a deep-throated roar. Ryan almost fell off the high seat when everyone began cheering wildly.

Benny, a short, squat black teen insisted Ryan teach him how to drive the tractor right away – he was so excited, he claimed he wouldn’t be able to sleep at all. Before Ryan could answer, Luke and Lars were pushing the barn doors open wide. Grinning, Ryan waved Benny up onto the tractor and showed him the gears, explaining how the clutch worked. Standing on the hitch like he had done when he was a boy, Ryan gripped the tractor seat and shouted for Benny to take the tractor out of the barn. Benny happily mashed the clutch and dropped the tractor into gear. The tractor lurched forward, Benny would need a lot of practice with the clutch, Ryan decided. Ryan made Benny stay on the farm lane since the tractor didn’t have any lights. They went all the way out to the road and back, most of the commune chasing in their wake and shattering the night with their cheers.

Before Ryan was able to finally crawl into his sleeping bag, exhausted, everyone in the commune insisted on taking the tractor out for a spin down the lane. Ryan didn’t know about the others, but he was asleep as soon as his head was down. For the first time since running up against The Brotherhood, Ryan slept without having nightmares.

The next morning, Ryan woke to the scent of bacon frying and the sound of a flute playing. Staggering to his feet, Ryan wobbled out into the yard and bending over, pumped icy well water over his head by way washing up. More awake, Ryan quickly washed up and wandered back to the breezeway and discovered everyone else was already awake chatting to a stranger with long caramel colored hair. He had obviously been the one playing the flute, because the kids were begging him for another song. Luke introduced the stranger as Sasha – one of the Shiprats from The City. Ryan bobbed his head in greeting as he sat and began to tuck into the lavish breakfast spread Lucy had produced.

As Ryan ate, Luke explained that Sasha had been trading with the commune for sometime now, and had come out to the farm to announce that the Shiprats were going to start a marketplace so people could trade goods and services. Ryan grunted, his mouth full of homemade bread and eggs. As he ate, he surreptitiously examined Sasha. He looked like a nice enough guy – kind of innocent with his chin-length hair, long bangs, and smooth face. But, there was something about him that inspired instant trust – Ryan couldn’t put his finger on what it was that made him feel safe with Sasha, but he did.

When the plates had been cleared away, and the kids packed off to perform their chores, Luke asked Lucy to bring out another pot of coffee and insisted Tina and Ryan repeat their story to Sasha. The Shiprat’s face clouded over as he listened to the things Ryan and Tina had experienced. For a moment, Tina thought Sasha was going to cry as Tina spoke of Noah and Richard again. His eyes seemed so filled with pain – like he really understood the pain they had felt.

“I thought things in The City were bad,” Sasha said, when Tina and Ryan had finished. He quickly explained some of the things happening there. Adding that with a little luck, the Shiprats thought they could put an end to the slave trade that had sprung up by introducing the Market so that the gangs and Tribes wouldn’t need to scrounge for a survival anymore.

“Think it can really work?” Luke asked.

“I think so,” Sasha replied. “At least, it’s worth a try.” He paused. “We might not be able to eradicate it totally, but I think some of the things we have planned will make it harder for people to just accept slavery as a way to stay alive. They’ll be able to earn food and goods in exchange for work. After that, I don’t think so many will sit still for being slaves. Can you believe some kids are submitting themselves as slaves just to get food and clothes?”

“That’s why we decided to leave The City,” Lucy said. “We figured it was better to starve and be free than it was to be a slave to someone like Top Hat or Lobo.”

Sasha shook his head and briefly explained that Lobo was now a slave himself and how Zoot had eliminated the Demon Dogs as a Tribe. He wasn’t surprised that no one really mourned Lobo’s downfall.

“Look,” Sasha said, earnestly. “I want you guys to keep an eye out for this Brotherhood, okay? At the first sign they’re headed this way ….”

“We’ll send word immediately,” Luke interrupted.

“I don’t want you to just send word,” Sasha said, shaking his head violently. “Just pack up and all of you leave here and come to the Queen. We have more than enough room for everyone.”

“But, the farm,” Lucy began, her voice trailing off sadly.

“Forget the farm,” Sasha insisted. “You can start over – but, you can only do that if you’re still alive. We’ll help you. Bring as many of the animals as you can if you want. We can find the room in one of the holds. But, I want you to promise me that you won’t try to stand up to them alone.”

“Makes sense,” Luke said slowly. “I don’t like it. But, Sasha’s right – from what Ryan says, we wouldn’t stand a chance against them. They’d just outnumber us.”

The kids began trickling back, claiming to have finished all their chores – Luke wasn’t so sure, but a visit from Sasha was always a treat for them. As he expected, they began asking if Sasha had brought his puppets. Turning to Ryan and Tina, Sasha explained that he had been a traveling minstrel before joining the Shiprats Tribe.

“No, I didn’t bring my puppets today,” Sasha said, smiling at the sudden downcast looks on the faces of the children. “I brought a present from Jack that I think you’ll like even better. It’s out in the trailer and I’ll need a lot of help to unpack everything.” He didn’t need to say another word – the kids scattered, dashing to where his go-cart and trailer were parked. Sasha turned to the others. “I really will need some help.

Seeing the go-cart and trailer, Ryan was amazed he hadn’t heard it come down the lane – he’d been sleeping deeper than he’d thought. Luke had called the other commune members from their work to help. The excitement of the children died when Sasha pulled the cover from the cart and revealed a television set.

“That won’t work no more,” a curly, red haired girl, Ryan thought her name was Maria, said sadly.

“Do you really think I’d bring you something that won’t work?” Sasha asked, smiling broadly. He unpacked an exercise bike, several car batteries, a DVD player and some DVD movies, a small wooden box that looked big enough to house the car batteries, and finally, what looked like an electric motor. Ryan noticed the wooden box had an electrical outlet built into it. Sasha herded everyone back to the breezeway and supervised the setup of all the equipment, explaining to Luke how everything worked. He plugged the television and DVD player into the outlets on the box and turned them on. Gasps of amazement filled the air as the television came on. Inserting a movie disc into the DVD player, Sasha amazed everyone when the player started working.

“The batteries are fully charged right now,” Sasha explained to Luke, pulling him off to one side. “The exercise bike connected to the generator will recharge the batteries … I brought you ten movies and you can trade them for other ones anytime.”

“I’ll work out a good trade for farm goods for this,” Luke said, in appreciation.

“That stuff’s not for trade,” Sasha said. “When Jack heard about all the kids out here, he insisted I bring this stuff out. This is a gift from the Shiprats to good friends.” Before Sasha could say anything more, he found himself in a tight bear hug from the big farmer. “Whoa there, you’re squeezing the air outta me,” Sasha laughed. “Jack also said he thought he could work out a windmill generator that could power some of the equipment on the farm.”

“We’ve got to meet this Jack,” Luke said, emotionally. “Sometimes, I find it hard to believe someone like him really exists.”

“I’ll let you know when the Market opens – we’d really like for you lot to participate in it,” Sasha offered.

Lucy had a hard time pulling the kids away from the television to help her lay out a hearty lunch, she finally had to promise they could watch a movie after dark that night – complete with pop corn, before she got any help.

Over lunch, Luke suggested it would be a good idea for Sasha to take Ryan and Tina back with him so they could tell their stories in person. Sasha nodded in agreement – the warning about The Leader would carry more weight coming from those who had actually experienced and witnessed his crimes. Tai San and Lars asked if they could travel along with Sasha. The Shiprat didn’t see why they couldn’t – the Queen had more than enough room and supplies to share with visitors. With three vehicles, there was more than enough room to carry everyone back to the ship.

Before Sasha could leave, Lucy insisted in loading him down with some gifts in return for the wonderful gifts from the Shiprats. She produced several baskets of home canned fruits and jams, blocks of fresh-churned butter, and bread that was still warm from the oven. Luke and Benny added two large smoked hams to the gifts. By the time Sasha got all the gifts packed securely in the cart, Lucy returned holding two large jars as if they were gold.

“These’re for Jack,” Lucy said, handing the jars over. “This one’s fresh honey, and this other is strawberry preserves. Tell him it can’t begin to thank him for the stuff he sent us today.”

The entire commune watched the three vehicles disappear down the farm lane, waving and shouting that they were all always welcome back anytime. When the vehicles finally disappeared, Luke called everyone together for a meeting. He explained that from what Ryan and Tina had said, there was a solid chance they could be in danger from these Brotherhood goons.

“That means we need to start keeping a closer eye on the kids for one thing,” Luke announced. He faced the kids, “That means no more running off into the woods alone for all of you.” He ran a hand through his shaggy black hair. “Benny, now that we have the tractor working again, I want to keep it filled with fuel and ready to go at a moment’s notice.” He turned to another of the commune members. “Henry, get some supplies – blankets, dried and canned food and water and maybe a couple changes of spare clothes for everyone packed up in the wagon in the barn.”

“Sure,” Henry, a tall cadaverous teen with short strawberry blond curls, said.

“I think we can all fit in that wagon and hopefully we can outrun this Brotherhood in the tractor,” Luke explained. “From now on, anytime anyone hears the dinner bell ringing that means drop everything and come running for the barn, get the wagon hitched and get in. Sasha’s right – we’re better abandoning the farm and heading to safety than getting killed.”

“You sure he wasn’t exaggerating,” Benny asked.

“He wasn’t exaggerating none,” Luke said, firmly. “I saw him without his shirt on when he was getting washed up at the pump this morning, you shoulda seen the scars on him from that barbed wire,” Luke couldn’t suppress a shudder at the memory of the puckered white scars on Ryan’s chest and back. “If anything, I’m afraid they were holding back.”

Ryan and the others were astounded when they saw that their destination was the Queen Mary. Ryan had assumed the ship that Sasha referred to was some small cabin cruiser or maybe even a large sailboat. But, he hadn’t expected the ship to be an honest-to-god ocean liner – even an ocean liner that was permanently docked. Ryan was sure that the ship could be a safe refuge from any attacks by the Brotherhood.

Sasha guided the three vehicles to where a crane was already swung out to lift the go-cart onto the deck. Bray and Dal took the appearance of two additional vehicles in stride and prepared to winch them aboard as well. Sasha stayed on the ground, dockside showing Ryan how to secure each ATV and cart to the pallet that would hoist them to safety before leading his visitors aboard and introducing them to the Shiprats.

The four newcomers showed open astonishment when they finally met Jack in person. Ryan was sure the others were as surprised as he was to discover that Jack was a small, skinny guy with bright orange-red hair. From the way Sasha talked, Ryan had the impression that Jack was about ten feet tall and built along the lines of Arnold Schwartzenegger. Instead, he was just this kid who looked like a strong wind could blow him over the side of the ship.

For the third time in two days, Ryan and Tina went through their stories about The Leader and the Brotherhood. Once again, Ryan was faced with expressions of shock, horror, and revulsion over the things they had experienced. But, they were believed – he could see that much. When he and Tina finished their tales, a heavy silence hung over the dining room where they were all seated.

“Okay,” Bray said, standing. “We can’t just sit around and wait for these creeps to show up and just take over.”

“They might not come to The City,” Peter pointed out.

“Then again, they might,” Amber added. “So, it would be better to be prepared.”

“Looking around,” Lars observed, “it seems you have good hearts and intentions, but ….”

“But, we don’t seem to have enough people to put up much resistance, right?” Bray asked.

“Well, yes,” Lars said.

“You’re right – alone, we don’t,” Bray admitted. “But, this Brotherhood menace could be the thing to pull The City together for a little bit, at least. None of the other Tribes will like the idea of a new group coming in here and trying to take over, I can tell you that.” Bray spun and faced Sasha, “Sash, do you think most of the Tribes would respect a flag of truce?”

“Zoot probably would – more out of curiosity than anything else,” Sasha said, after a few moments consideration. “The Amazons – yeah, I think those girls would. They’re pretty much into this honor thing. The Blades? I dunno – they might, just depends on their mood at the time. I don’t think Top Hat and Tribe Circus respect much of anything – but, we couldn’t ignore them, either.”

“Good, those are the biggest of the Tribes,” Bray said. “I don’t think we’d have any problems with the smaller Tribes.”

“I agree,” Sasha nodded. “But, the big question isn’t whether any of them will respect a flag of truce – the big question is whether they’ll all agree to a meeting.”

“I know,” Bray admitted. “We’ll have to find someplace neutral – someplace that will be hard for anyone to booby trap, and someplace with multiple avenues of approach.”

“Assuming you can get all of the Tribes together,” Tai San spoke up. “Will they join together to oppose a mutual foe?”

“That’s a good question,” Bray agreed.

“Some of these Tribes would agree to take on The Leader just for the shits and giggles of it,” Sasha said, wryly. “To them, he and his Brotherhood are just a good excuse for a fight. But, the one thing I know they’ll fight for is their territory – The Leader would represent a threat to their territory and to their personal power. They may not agree to cooperate with each other – but, they will fight. At least, I’m pretty sure they will.”

Lars observed the expressions of the Shiprat Tribe members, most were following the conversation intently. But, Jack seemed not to hear a word that was going on – he absently chewed on his thumb, or his lower lip with a glazed expression on his face. As soon as Bray called an end to the meeting, Jack popped up from his chair and disappeared from the room. Somehow, Lars had expected that Jack would be more dynamic from the way Sasha had talked about him. He was slightly disappointed that if anything, Jack seemed subdued. Wandering out on deck, he saw Amber standing by the rail and approached her about his concerns.

“You think Jack wasn’t paying attention?” Amber asked, trying to hold back laughter.

“It certainly seemed that way,” Lars admitted.

“Jack heard every word,” Amber assured him. “And, if I know Jack, he’s already got some plans he wants to work out for our protection. This is just the calm before the storm for him.”

“I don’t understand.”

“When Jack gets real quiet that means he’s already analyzing the problem,” Amber explained. “He’s thinking of possible solutions and discarding all the ones that won’t work or are too dangerous for other people. He might even lock himself away for several days – and then, there’s going to be an explosion of activity.”

“I guess I should not have judged so quickly,” Lars said. “It’s just the way Sasha spoke of him – well, he made Jack sound capable of anything.”

“He is,” Peter said, from behind them. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I wanted to ask Amber about the food from the farm.” He turned to Lars, his expression slightly hostile. “Don’t ever for one minute underestimate Jack or what he can do. He saved my life when nobody else could.”

“I am sorry to question his abilities,” Lars said, kindly.

“No, you don’t understand,” Peter said, hotly.

“Peter, you don’t need to explain any more,” Amber said, nervously. “Lars just isn’t used to Jack’s habits. He didn’t mean anything bad.”

“No, he needs to understand,” Peter said, his anger rising. “I’m not talking about helping me hide from danger – he saved my life by performing surgery on me. He did it even though he didn’t want to – he did it because it was the only way to save me from dying. He did it when no one else could.”

“I am sorry,” Lars said, taken aback. “Please forgive me.”

“Peter, take the food from the farm to the kitchens,” Amber said, urging him to leave. Peter stood his ground for a moment before walking away.

“I don’t understand,” Lars said, once Peter was out of earshot. “Jack performed the surgery, and yet, he didn’t want to do it?”

Amber took a deep breath, “Peter was unconscious and he couldn’t consent to the surgery and that made it hard for Jack emotionally.”

Understanding began to dawn in Lars’ eyes, “You’re not talking about an appendectomy.”

“No, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t say anything to Peter,” Amber said.

“It’s the last thing I would do,” Lars assured her. “Please understand I meant no harm in questioning Jack’s abilities. The Grandfather always told me I was too quick to make decisions and to ask poorly formed questions.” He bowed slightly. “If you will excuse me.”

Jack was leaning so close over a large sheet of paper that his nose was almost touching the paper when Bray peeked around the edge of the door. He didn’t even appear to be aware Bray was in the room as he carefully set a straight edge on the paper and drew a straight line from one point to another. Only when Bray laid a hand on his shoulder did Jack start and look up with a frown. The frown quickly dissolved when he saw who it was.

“I think I can design an early warning system using closed circuit cameras,” Jack said, indicating the diagram he was working on. “I’ll probably have to set up a whole separate generating system for the system’s power – but that isn’t that much of a problem. The real problem is the lenses of the cameras – if the equipment supply houses haven’t been totally looted or destroyed, we should be able to get some lenses powerful enough to give us a couple mile warning …” Bray could tell Jack was on a roll and would absently blab away about the system and the various problems for hours unless he was stopped.

“That’s great, Jack,” Bray interrupted, nervously. “But, we – ah – have another problem.”

“Another problem?” Jack became instantly concerned. “What, what is it?”

“Um – look, I don’t know how to ask you this,” Bray hedged.

“Just ask,” Jack prompted.

“Well, the problem is – look, you didn’t like having to do it before,” Bray said.

“Do what before?” Jack was getting confused by Bray’s evasiveness.

“Ah – hell!” Bray spat. “The thing is – Lars came to me and asked if you would perform surgery on him.”

Jack’s face drained of color, “Is something wrong with him?”

“Not in the normal way,” Bray said. “He wants to be castrated.”

Jack’s mouth dropped open in surprise, “He wants what?”

“It’s some spiritual thing with him,” Bray said. “He’s taken a vow of celibacy, and the time has come to enforce it with physical castration.”

“But, Zen doesn’t require that,” Jack protested.

“I know, but it’s some weird twist he and his fellow disciples have added,” Bray explained. “I don’t really understand all of what he was saying. Maybe you should talk to him yourself.” Bray paused. “I’ve already told him that none of us will try to change your mind if you’re against it. So, if you don’t want to even talk to him about it …”

No, no – the least I can do is listen to him,” Jack murmured, absently.

Bray nodded and stepped back to the door to admit Lars. The blonde disciple strode humbly across the room, pressed his hands together and bowed low before Jack. Bray was amazed to find Jack stand, press his own palms together and return the bow. As he was sitting back down, Jack motioned for Bray to stay in the room. For several, long minutes nothing at all was said by anyone. Bray had no idea of what to say. Lars and Jack just stared at each other and regarded each other. Finally, Jack waved Lars to a chair and indicated he should speak first.

“First, allow me to offer my gratitude for hearing my request,” Lars said. “I know it is unusual by most standards, and will understand should you refuse my request.” Without waiting for an answer, Lars began by explaining about their training in the monastery – how each of the twelve had been teamed in pairs of male and female. The Grandfather had explained that the pairing would achieve the greatest harmony for their missions. The old man had understood that the path of non-violence might have to be departed from in order to protect the innocents they met from predators – both human and non-human. Such situations might require the sensibilities of a healer as well as the sensibilities of a fighter. Such a balance was best reached with male and female pairs.

Bray nodded, that seemed to make sense to him. Jack still showed no emotion one way or another. He just sat and waited patiently.

Lars continued, in the monastery celibacy had been expected as a part of the rigorous mental discipline. Once The Grandfather had passed on, the young people had gotten together to decide whether to continue on with the old man’s teachings. To their credit, not a single disciple backed away from the tasks that had been assigned them. Eventually, the issue of celibacy had come up – it was fairly easy for them to uphold the standards while they were at the monastery. But, all of the males knew that once they were free from the mental discipline imposed by their surroundings, the vow would be harder – if not impossible to uphold. Finally, castration was suggested. Lars admitted that the idea had frightened him at first – but, as he reflected on what was important and not important, the idea became less frightening. In the end, he realized it was a concept to be embraced when the time was right.

Lately, he admitted, he was having a harder and harder time controlling his sexual urges. He had realized recently that his time was drawing close. And then, there was the issue of The Leader and the likelihood that there might have to be a physical confrontation. Such a confrontation, he added, might result in his death. He admitted the idea of facing death before he was voluntarily castrated distressed him.

Before Jack or Bray could ask why that was, Lars continued.

He feared neither death nor castration – to his way of thinking, both were simply new experiences to be faced with serenity in their proper time. But, he felt that he might become reckless in possible battle if his testicles remained in place. Not as much from bravery, he quickly explained, but as a way of avoiding living up to his spiritual promise with the other disciples.

As soon as Lars was finished, he stood and bowed again before quickly leaving the room. Bray found he had been holding his breath and released it with a long whoosh before cocking an eyebrow towards Jack. He found Jack staring pensively into space, giving no indication of his feelings.

“I suppose the surgery will be a lot easier this time,” Jack finally said, pensively. “We have a real surgery, better lighting …”

“Don’t forget, we also have experience,” Bray interrupted.

“Yes, there is that,” Jack admitted, softly.

“So, you’re going to do it,” Bray observed.

“Yeah, guess I am,” Jack nodded.

“I don’t understand,” Bray said, getting up and pacing the room. “In Peter’s case, you damn near went crazy. Then, when you found out Bruno was going to be castrated at the Inferno, you risked being castrated yourself – or even killed. Now, Lars shows up and asks you to cut his nuts off and you agree just like that.” Bray shook his head. “It just doesn’t make sense.”

Jack sighed and faced Bray, his face serious, “You really don’t see the difference?”

“Not really, no,” Bray admitted.

“In the first two examples,” Jack explained, carefully, “the castrations were non-consensual. I know, I know – there wasn’t any choice in Peter’s case. We either operated or he’d die. But still, there was no way to prepare him for the mental anguish I was being forced to put him through when he got better. Bruno was even worse – he was being castrated against his will as a form of entertainment and humiliation. It was just wrong – I wouldn’t be any better than Zoot if I let that happen.”

“Okay, I can see your point of view,” Bray said.

“But,” Jack interrupted, “you’re still a little confused on Lars.” Bray nodded. “He’s committed himself to a spiritual path that requires castration when his urges threaten his spiritual balance. I’m not so sure I agree with his beliefs – I mean, it’s not something I’d do – at least I can’t imagine myself doing it. But, that’s not the point.”

“So what is the point?”

“The point is,” Jack explained, “Lars is sincere in his spiritual beliefs. He believes the castration is a necessary part of his spiritual growth. We have to respect that.”

“Okay, okay – so, he’s committed to being castrated,” Bray said. “But, aren’t there other ways to do it?”

“Sure – we saw one the other night,” Jack said. “But, there’s an element of risk to a crude method or even a well-intentioned do-it-yourself method. Infection could set in – and in this new world, that could be an invitation to death.” Jack looked Bray in the eye. “Let me ask you, do you think Lars is sincere?”

“Well, yeah – it certainly seems he is,” Bray admitted.

“And, do you think he’ll find a way to be castrated if we turn him down?” Jack asked.

“Yeah, I think he will,” Bray said. “In fact, I think he might try to create some kind of religious ritual to go along with it.”

“I think you’re right,” Jack said. “So, we can stand back and let him risk bleeding to death if he screws up, or risk infection setting in and him dying slowly.” Images of Peter’s fever flashed in their minds. “Or, we can respect his religious beliefs and assist him in as safe as procedure as possible in this world.”

In the ship’s surgery, Bray watched as Jack took an inventory of the equipment and supplies they had on hand. Jack called out the various items and Bray jotted them down on a pad of paper. One thing Bray knew – they certainly had more equipment and supplies this time out. They even had real surgical gowns this time. Next, Jack turned his attention to the large lights over the operating table, muttering to himself about power load and rerouting circuits.

“Well, so long as we can keep the others from using too much power for an hour or so, I think we can use these lights without overloading the circuits,” Jack said. “That will save me from having to set up a whole separate circuit just for these lights.” He shrugged fatalistically. “Looks like whether we like it or not, we’re as ready down here as we could ever expect to be.”

By the time Bray and Jack reached the dining room, the evening meal had already begun. Filling their plates, they headed over to the table where Lars sat with Tai San, Ryan, and Tina. At first, neither said a word. But, Jack’s bony elbow to his ribs, was enough to let Bray know that Jack expected him to do the talking.

“Okay,” Bray said softly to Lars.

“Okay?”

“We can do the surgery,” Bray said.

Lars stopped eating, “When?”

“Whenever you like,” Jack said. “Tomorrow, the next day.”

“I need time to purify myself and prepare,” Lars said, pushing his food away from him.

“Prepare? How?” Bray asked.

“Ritual bathing, fasting …” Lars began.

“Fasting? For how long?” Jack asked in concern.

“At least a week,” Lars replied.

“No way,” Jack’s voice grew adamant. “Do you have any idea how weak your body can get if you fast that long?” He shook his head. “No way.”

“You must understand,” Lars tried to explain. “I must be pure in body and spirit.”

“And, you need to understand that you need to be physically strong,” Jack countered.

“Excuse me,” Tai San interrupted. “Jack, would you be more comfortable if Lars fasted for only forty-eight hours?”

“I could live with that,” Jack admitted.

“And Lars, you can perform the rituals necessary to symbolically purify your body in that amount of time,” Tai San pointed out. Before Lars could protest, Tai San continued, “You know that the spiritual purification and preparation is the more important component of the purification process. Remember, The Grandfather said it is important to be like the reed and bend before the wind.”

“In other words, stop being stiff-necked and compromise,” Lars sighed. He turned to Jack, “If forty-eight hours is acceptable to you, I can be ready.” He pushed his plate away, most of the food still untouched.

“Your preparation can begin tomorrow morning,” Tai San said firmly. “It would be wrong to let the food before you go to waste and …”

“And, that would disturb my chi,” Lars said, with light humor. He looked around the table and smiled, “The chi is a person’s energy or essence. To be at one with oneself and the world, the chi must be in balance and at peace.”

Early the next morning, Bray woke when he thought he heard a gentle tapping on the stateroom door. Opening his eyes, he found Jack’s fiery orange-red head resting against his chest. Bray listened for a moment and decided the noise was just one of many that still sounded throughout the old ship. He was just closing his eyes to drift off to sleep when the tapping sounded again – this time there was no mistaking that it came from the door. He gingerly shifted his weight to slide out from under Jack’s small body without waking his lover. However, as soon as the warmth of Bray’s body was gone, Jack woke instantly.

“What’s wrong?” Jack asked, blinking owlishly between yawns.

“Just the door, go back to sleep,” Bray whispered, padding across the room to open the door.

Tai San bowed deeply and apologized for disturbing them as soon as the door opened. She explained that the first phase of Lars' purification was to begin with the breaking of dawn, and he would be honored by their presence on the After Deck. Bray reluctantly agreed, saying they’d be along in a few minutes. Closing the door, Bray explained what Tai San wanted and suggested Jack grab a quick shower first. Grinning, Jack pointed out they could save time by showering together.

“We might enjoy it more,” Bray grinned. “But, I sure as hell doubt we’d save any time.”

“Guess you might have a point there,” Jack admitted, crawling out of bed and trudging into the bathroom. By the time Bray had his clothes picked out for the day and had brushed his teeth, Jack was stepping out of the shower. They traded places – Jack standing in front of the sink to brush his teeth while Bray showered.

Wandering out of the bathroom, toweling himself dry, Bray was surprised to find Jack had chosen a long sleeved khaki shirt with epaulettes instead of his normal baggy flowered print or flannel shirts over an even baggier T-shirt.

Jack gave a lopsided grin and shrugged, “Thought I should dress a little nicer if this is some kind of spiritual ritual for Lars.”

“I think he’ll appreciate that,” Bray said, choosing a billowy, pirate style shirt for himself. Both young men contented themselves with brushing their damp hair straight back off their faces before hurrying from the room. Both found their curiosity growing as they made their way topside – wondering what went on in the ritual.

Reaching the After Deck, they found most of the other Shiprats gathering in a loose semi-circle. They were talking excitedly among each other in hushed voices – clearly, they had been told about the purpose of the purification ritual. Taking their places at the edge of the group, they saw Lars kneeling back on his heels before a small table serving as a makeshift altar. Cones of incense sent the aroma of spices into the early morning air. A small hibachi stood in the center of the table, a pot of water sending tendrils of scented steam into the air. A yellow silk cloth covered a small tray in front of the hibachi. Lars was dressed only in loose, white canvas trousers that reminded Jack of the bottom half of a karate uniform – reminding him of baggy pajama bottoms.

Jack moved to one side as he examined Lars intently. The first pink rays of the dawn light seemed to shine off of his hair – creating a halo-like effect that suited Lars. His eyes were closed in meditation, his palms and fingers pressed tightly together and held just in front of his chin. Lars’ ribcage barely moved as he breathed. His smooth Nordic skin was stretched tautly over muscles that spoke of hours of rigorous dedicated training. Only a scar on Lars’ right bicep marred the smooth perfection of his torso. The skin was raised and purplish in an intricate design. Studying the scar, Jack realized that the scar had been created by branding. He couldn’t imagine the searing pain that must have caused.

Lifting a small gong from the deck, Tai San struck it lightly three times. Hearing the tones, Lars opened his eyes and stared straight ahead unblinkingly. Setting the gong down, Tai San politely directed everyone to move to a spot behind the altar so they and Lars faced each other.

“I cannot thank you all enough for sharing in the ceremony this morning,” Tai San said. “The step Lars is about to take is an important one. It is important that it be performed before witnesses who can see that Lars is entering into this commitment willingly and freely.” One by one, everyone nodded that they understood the importance of their parts as witnesses.

“In the old teachings, the monks who went out among the people abhorred violent acts,” Tai San intoned. “One day in the future, our teachings hope to return to that path once again. However, the world has changed and with those changes, so have we – the new disciples. Lars has committed himself to become a warrior monk – dedicated to opposing those who would commit acts of evil against the innocent. Before leaving the monastery, Lars took the first step to fulfilling that role – the scar on his right arm is a combination of the symbols for warrior and priest.

“The time has come for Lars to take the next step,” Tai San continued.

“You mean – be castrated?” Ryan asked, nervously. Tai San just nodded. “Well, wouldn’t a chastity belt accomplish the same thing?”

For the first time, Lars spoke. “No – a chastity belt is at best only a temporary control,” Lars said, calmly. “The path I have willingly embarked down is a lifelong commitment. As such, it requires a physical and permanent commitment that I willingly make.”

Ryan nodded weakly, the others didn’t know he’d been castrated, but at least he hadn’t had any choice. He remembered making the decision to have his balls removed – but, he was faced with a life or death situation. He didn’t know if he could willingly ask to have his balls removed if it wasn’t such a situation.

Tai San stepped in front of Lars. “I ask you in front of this company and before Nature, do you desire to continue down this path? Do you accept the sacrifice willingly?”

“I do,” Lars answered, almost cheerfully.

“Then, it begins,” Tai San said.

Lars amazed everyone by leaping agilely to his feet from his kneeling position before bowing deeply to Tai San. She responded by lightly laying her hands on his head. Straightening, Lars made his way to Ryan and once again bowed.

“I ask your blessings as I begin my journey,” Lars said, solemnly.

Ryan looked around in confusion before clumsily placing his hands on Lars’ head, “Uh, yeah – sure. “

Lars moved from person to person, repeating his bow and request for their benediction. Selene responded by taking his hands in hers and kissing them. Amber and Heather seemed moved as they laid their hands on his head in blessing. Peter took both of Lars’ hands in his own, giving the blonde a warm smile and silent nod by way of approval. Even the younger members of the Tribe seemed moved by the ceremony – even if they were a little confused by the meaning behind everything.

Jack was last in line – he surprised everyone by placing his hands on Lars’ shoulders to prevent him from bowing before him. He stared deeply into Lars’ intense blue eyes for several long moments. Both Bray and Amber were afraid Jack had changed his mind and chosen the most inappropriate time to demonstrate his change of attitude. Then, Jack laid his open palm flat against Lars’ chest, holding it there for a moment before placing it against his own offering Lars a gentle smile as he did.

Returning to his kneeling position before Tai San, Lars resumed staring straight ahead – his face radiant and peaceful. Folding the silk cloth back on the tray, Tai San lifted an old-fashioned straight razor and took her place behind Lars.

Jonah nervously tugged on Amber’s sleeve, agitatedly signing away. His small hands flashed so quickly in the air that Amber was forced to turn to Patsy, Jonah’s sister for help. Amber could normally understand Paul’s signing, but this time he was just moving too fast for her. It took a few minutes for the two of them to calm Jonah down enough to understand his question.

“No, she’s not going to do that to him here and now,” Amber laughed quietly. “You won’t have to see that.” She turned to Selene and whispered, “Jonah thought Tai San was going to castrate Lars right now.”

Selene moved next to Jonah and tousled his hair before pulling him close to her side. Together, they watched as Tai San placed the razor against Lars’ forehead and began scraping away his white-blonde locks. Jonah’s hands flew to his face in open horror as he watched Lars have his hair shaved off. He turned to Selene, tugging on his own disheveled locks and pointing at Lars.

Smiling, Selene signed, “We might have to shave your head like that if you don’t start combing your hair. It gets so tangled sometimes, we can’t get a comb through it.” Jonah watched as Tai San stripped the white blonde waves from Lars’ head and then signed back to Selene that he’d keep his hair combed from now on.

Tai San took her time using the wicked looking razor, removing every hair from her companion’s head – including his eyebrows. When she was finished, she produced a small cloth from the folds of her robe and soaked it in the scented water simmering on the hibachi. The hot water seemed not to burn her fingers as she wrung the cloth out before placing it over Lars’ head and face, wiping away the last traces of his hair. The ceremony ended with Tai San explaining that for the next forty-eight hours, Lars would only be drinking water as part of his ritual purification. Jack shook his head in amusement as the kids surrounded Lars, asking how his head felt and if they could rub his head, laughing with delight at the way his smooth skin felt. Jordy seemed the most interested in Lars’ new look.

Jack followed Amber and Heather to the dining room and tried to help them get breakfast ready. Though his intentions were good, the girls quickly discovered that his culinary skills were limited. Amber steered Jack out into the dining room, asking him to get the serving table set up. By the rest of the Tribe began wandering into the dining room, Jack had just finished stacking the plates and getting the warming trays set up. He was in the kitchen with Amber and Heather when screams of surprise sounded from the dining room. The three of them dashed out to see what had happened.

Jordy was standing in the center of the room, fists thrust dramatically on his hips – his head as bald as a cue ball. Jack stood gaping in amazement. Amber and Heather doubled over in laughter at the sight of Jordy proudly showing off his gleaming scalp.

Lars approached them sheepishly, “I hope I didn’t do anything wrong. After feeling my head, he kept begging to have his head shaved as well.”

“It’s what he wanted,” Amber laughed. “I can’t see why he shouldn’t choose the look he wants.”

“At least we won’t have to fight with him to wash and brush his hair for a while,” Heather giggled. Heather’s giggles stopped abruptly as she pointed past Jordy. Jonah had appeared in the doorway – his shaggy hair still wet and plastered to his head, but neatly combed for once. Selene came in behind him, her face red from trying not to laugh. Seeing Jordy’s shining pate, she dissolved in laughter. Jonah marched straight up to Jordy and began signing, a stern expression on his face.

“You should learn to keep your hair combed,” Patsy translated. “Then, you wouldn’t have to have all your hair cut off. I hope you leaned your lesson.”

“What got into him?” Heather wondered.

“I told him that if he didn’t start combing his rat’s nest, we might have to shave his head, too,” Selene explained. “You should have seen him dash right back to his room and soak his head down. By the time I caught up with him, his hair was combed – and still dripping wet!”

“Well – at least we know how to get him to comb his hair from now on,” Amber giggled. “Just threaten to shave his head.”

For the next two days, Jack hovered over Lars and monitored his fluid intake – informing Lars the castration would be cancelled if he became dehydrated. He even managed to get Lars to agree to drink three tall glasses of apple or orange juice a day, reasoning a little bit of nutrition had to be better than none. The night before the surgery, Jack sat down with Lars – explaining that there were a few things they needed to get settled before the surgery early the following morning. For one thing, Jack said, he needed to know what Lars expected from the surgery. Did Lars want just his testicles removed or did he expect the sac removed as well?

“I hadn’t really considered that,” Lars admitted. “Is one surgery more difficult than the other?”

Jack snorted in dry humor, “Any surgery with me behind the knife is a risk.” He grew serious. “I’ve been reading up on the techniques again and think I can do both with the same margin of safety. The thing is – if you keep your sac, I could probably hunt down some prosthetic testicles to put in it. If that’s what you wanted.”

“I don’t really see the sense of that, Jack,” Lars said, after some thought.

“Okay,” Jack took a deep breath. “I want you to understand that regardless of what you decide, the surgery is going to be a little primitive. I mean, according to the books, the best thing to do is make an incision into the abdomen. But, that opens up a lot of risks that – quite frankly – I’m not capable of handling. So, I’m going to be working through the scrotum – it’ll get the job done. I just want you to know that up front.”

Lars placed his hand on Jack’s cheek, “I trust you. Don’t you think you should trust yourself?”

“Okay, the other thing – the anesthesia,” Jack began, “we have ether, but we now also have an ample supply of Lidocaine – that’s a local. If you don’t mind, I’d prefer using that. I used ether last time mainly because I didn’t have much choice because of the infection.”

“Would you be happier not using anything at all?” Lars asked.

“Hell no!,” Jack cried. “I’d be too scared to do that.”

“Then, I think the Lidocaine is the choice for us,” Lars agreed.

“Right,” Jack looked Lars in the eye. “You sure this is what you want?”

“I’m sure.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in the morning, then,” Jack said.

Jack was up long before the alarm clock went off, scrubbing himself pink in the shower. He knew he’d be scrubbing in the surgery, but it made him feel better knowing that every inch of his body was as clean as he could get it. He had been as quiet as possible, but found Bray sitting up in bed when he came out of the shower. He wondered if Lars was managing to get any sleep.

Arriving at the ship’s surgery, Bray and Jack were surprised to find Dal, Amber, Sasha, and Heather waiting there for his arrival. Dal explained they weren’t there to watch – they just all thought it would be a good idea to be around for moral support.

“I think Lars will appreciate that,” Jack said, genuinely moved by their consideration.

“Ah,” Dal nervously tugged his ear, “we were all thinking about being here to support you. Peter’s gonna be along in a bit – he’s up with Lars now.”

Jack didn’t know what to say – the thought of his friends being there to lend him moral support made him speechless. In the end, he settled for hugging each of them and then entering the surgery to scrub up. He’d already laid out all of the equipment they’d be using the night before. Selene had helped him prepare a bed in the hospital ward a few doors down – all he needed now was his patient.

Lars arrived a few minutes later with Peter and asked if Peter could stay and watch the surgery. Jack raised an eyebrow in surprise, but Peter said he was sure he’d like to stay. Jack shrugged and asked Bray to show Peter how to scrub and gown up. Turning to Lars, Jack had him strip and climb up on the table. He was surprised to find Lars already shaved. The disciple explained he had shaved himself earlier – thinking to save Jack at least one task.

“I appreciate that,” Jack said, lifting Lars’ legs into the stirrups. “Have you decided how you want it done?”

“Well, I saw the job you did on Peter this morning,” Lars said, calmly. “I think total removal is the thing to do.”

“You saw?”

“Peter came to me and offered to show me how good a job you did on him,” Lars explained. “He thought I might have a last minute attack of nerves. You did a really good job, you know.”

To keep from thinking up an answer, Jack pulled his mask up and busied himself with bathing Lars’ lower abdomen and groin in Betadyne solution, staining his patient’s pale skin a browinsh-yellow color. By the time he was finished, Bray and Peter were gowned and ready.

Jack warned Lars to expect a series of stings as he began injecting the Lidocaine all around Lars’ groin. It didn’t take long before Lars began commenting that his groin was tingling all over. Jack nodded – that meant the anesthetic was working. He waited until Lars announced that he wasn’t able to feel anything at all.

“Okay,” Jack announced from under his mask. “It’s time.” He picked up the scalpel and taking a deep breath, made an incision down the center of Lars’ scrotum. Unlike the first time with Peter, his first incision opened the skin on the first pass. Bray quickly stepped in with a surgical sponge, blotting up the blood. Jack glanced out of the corner of his eye at Peter to make sure he wasn’t going to pass out. Jack opened the scrotum and gently worked the left testicle out. He began clamping off the blood vessels and the cord before cutting each. Gently cradling the testicle, Jack lifted it out and placed it in the pan Bray held ready.

“Lars, you might feel some tugging,” Jack said softly. “I’m going to try to take as much of the cord as I can through this incision. If you feel pain, please tell me.”

“I’m feeling nothing at all so far,” Lars said. “How far along are you?”

“I’ve already removed your left testicle,” Jack said, breathing easier knowing that Lars was feeling no pain. “Okay, that’s the left cord clamped and cut. Now, a couple of stitches and we’re ready to move on to the next one.”

“Jack,” Peter spoke up. “Is this how you did me?”

“Pretty much,” Bray answered for Jack. “In your situation, we had to move quicker because of the infection.” He watched as Jack’s hands moved smoothly clamping off the blood vessels and tying them off. Then, the right testicle was being lifted up to join its mate in the stainless steel pan. “You’re doing a good job, Jack.”

Jack didn’t say anything, but his eyes spoke his gratitude clearly. He took a deep breath and went to work dissecting the empty scrotum. He worked carefully, to give himself as much extra skin to work with when he placed the sutures. From time to time, Lars would let Jack know he still wasn’t feeling any pain at all – just some slight pressure as Jack worked.

Jack swallowed hard and picked up the suture needle. This was the part that made him the most nervous – pushing a needle though living skin over and over. He pulled the stitches tight as he worked, asking Bray to blot the incision free of blood. He wanted to make sure the sutures were holding before bandaging Lars. With the last stitch in place, Jack stepped back and scrutinized the suture line – waiting for blood seeping along the incision. He finally nodded his satisfaction and announced that the surgery was over.

“Already?” Lars asked.

“Already,” Jack confirmed. “All we have to do now is bandage you up and move you to a hospital bed.” Jack peeled off his gloves and lifted a syringe he had prepared earlier, asking Bray to roll Lars slightly to one side.

“What’s that?” Lars asked.

“Just a sedative,” Jack replied. “It’s best if you get some sleep now. The Lidocaine is going to be wearing off soon and you’re going to be feeling some serious pain.”

“But, that’s not my way,” Lars protested. “I can manage to control the pain.”

“Uh huh, I understand,” Jack muttered. “The thing is, it is my way. And, like it or not – you’re getting the shot.” He quickly wiped a small area of skin on Lars’ exposed buttock and jabbed the needle in, depressing the plunger. “Before you get too pissed off,” Jack said, “you’ll just have to see things from my perspective – if you move around too much, you’ll risk ripping the stitches out. That’s not good for either of us. The sedative is insurance that that doesn’t happen, okay? It’s as much for my peace of mind as it is for your safety.”

Lars considered what Jack said for several moments, before nodding his agreement, “Not that it matters much now, but I accept your reasons.”

“Good,” Jack smiled. “Then, get some sleep – someone will be with you all day. When you wake up, we’ll get you some broth and juice.”

By the time Jack, Peter, and Bray reached the dining room for breakfast, everyone else was already there. Jack assured them that the surgery had gone well and there were no complications. According to Peter, however, Jack’s surgery was nothing less than amazing – without going into gory details, Peter did his best to describe the wizardry Jack had displayed during the operation. Jack just rolled his eyes and shrugged as he helped himself to some fruit cocktail and two envelopes of instant oatmeal. He couldn’t understand why most of the Tribe seemed to hate oatmeal – to him, it was one of the perfect breakfast foods. Oatmeal was tasty, nutritious, and filling – it could be doctored with fruit, brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, or almost anything else. Still, he was generally the only one who ate the oatmeal. Jack had just finished mixing his oatmeal when Ryan slid into a chair on the other side of the table.

“Dal was telling me about the lagoons you’re planning,” Ryan said, without preamble. “He even showed me the plans.”

“Cool,” Jack said, shoveling a spoonful of oatmeal into his mouth.

“Have you ever laid bricks or cinderblocks?” Ryan asked. His mouth full, cheeks bulging, Jack just shook his head. “I have. Back before – well, back then my Dad and I built a new equipment barn. And, I helped neighbors build outbuildings and even a barn once.” He paused, expecting Jack to respond – and getting only animated head bobs from the small teen. “Well anyway, I just wanted to say – if you’d like, I mean – I’m willing to help on the project.”

Jack swallowed, his eyes sparkling, “Cool – we could use someone who has real experience.”

“Um, I was just thinking – to make it totally waterproof, you might want to line the lagoons with concrete,” Ryan ventured. “If you widen the lagoon a little bit, you won’t lose any space on the inside.”

“Great idea, Ryan,” Jack grinned. “Would you be interested in being the project foreman? You know, the one totally in charge?”

“Me?” Ryan was amazed at the offer. He couldn’t believe a newcomer would be offered such a responsibility.

“Yeah,” Jack nodded. “I mean, it makes sense that the person with the most experience should be in charge of the construction. You’re the best man for the job. I’ll see if Bray’s available to get a truck going so supplies can be picked up.”

“You’ve got gas?” Ryan asked, in amazement.

“We can get it when we need it. At least for now.” Jack said, complacently. “Just let Bray know what materials are needed … hmmm, maybe you better go with him. That might be best.”

Ryan was astounded at how fast things started to move after his conversation with Jack. By mid-morning, Sasha had stopped him to ask the farmer how many additional people he’d need for a work crew. Sasha explained the Tribe was going to try bartering food and supplies in exchange for work, so all Sasha needed was an idea of how many people to recruit. Then, Bray was asking Ryan how big a truck would be needed and how soon he’d want it. Everyone seemed excited that the lagoon project was close to getting started. And, the truth was, Ryan was growing excited about it himself. He realized that any group planning to build something was also planning for a future. The Shiprats weren’t just interested in surviving through the week, or month, or even year. This group planned to stay around for a long time and make things better. Ryan found himself hoping to be invited to join the Tribe, without realizing he already had been when he accepted the position of project foreman.

Pouring over the plans Jack and Dal had drawn up, Ryan penciled in suggested changes and improvements. It wasn't long before he was grinning to himself. He felt good and warm inside. He liked the feeling.

To be continued…