Grunt Work

The Stick

'Have you ever heard of press gangs?'

'Wasn't that a movie?' I replied. 'Little kids selling newspapers, and making a union or something?'

'You're thinking of Newsies,' Winnie clarified. 'No, press gangs were a thing the Brits used to do. They'd go into a town at night and essentially kidnap any men who happened to be out and force them to join their ship.'

'That sounds awful.'

'Precisely. Now it's our turn,' and with that, Winnie opened the door to the back of the truck and stepped out into the night. The guards followed after. I hesitated just a moment to open up a crate of raw whole chickens for Mr Huggles.

'Might want to stay here for a bit,' I told him. I had already taken the saddle off on account of it chafing him, but I think he understood me well enough. He tucked into the crate pretty eagerly at least. 'I'll call you if we need you, but you get your forty winks. That's a good boy,' I patted his head and went out to join the others.

'Let's hit here first,' Winnie pointed to one tall, flat faced white building, and I didn't need Winnie to tell me where we were. I recognised Wellington City Mission easily enough, having stayed there for a bit.

'I don't think we can go in,' I said to Winnie. 'They don't allow visitors into the transitional housing this late.'

'That won't be an issue,' she said and gave the front door a good push. The door said pull, but it opened for her all the same with a loud snapping sound that I figured was the lock.

'Excuse me!' said a high pitched voice from inside.

'Mrs H!' I said, bounding in, in front of the others. 'How are you doing, Mrs H?' I asked the caretaker.

'Kaia?' Mrs H said, surprised. 'What are you doing here?' she looked behind me. 'Have you got yourself into trouble again, dear?'

'Yeah, nah, Mrs H. This is my new boss, Winnie. Winnie, this is Mrs H.'

'Charmed.'

'Likewise. Kaia, stay here and keep this old woman company while we have a chat with the residents.'

'Sure thing, boss! Mrs H,' I said, 'we were hoping if we could speak to some of the lodgers here. See if they're looking for a job. If that's all right with you?'

'It seems I don't have much of a choice,' she said, eyeing up the guards who filed past her.

'Cheers a bunch, Mrs H!' I beamed, and guided her to the nearby couch. 'You're looking good! How's the new hip?'

'It's fine,' Mrs H leaned in close to give me a Hongi, then stayed close after to ask in a quiet voice, 'Are you sure you're not in trouble? You can talk to me, you know.'

'I know I can. You were always good to me, Mrs H. And I'm good. I got myself a sweet new job. Not gonna lie, I'm a pretty big player in the organisation. I'm in charge of my own department! I have an employee under me, and all. His name is Mr Huggles. That's not his real name, of course, but I'm afraid I don't speak his language. Oh, and I did a bit of motivational speaking just earlier today. I think you'd be proud of how I did.'

'That...sounds wonderful, dear,' she said, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. 'I'm not sure I can agree with your new coworkers though,' she turned away to look further into the complex as we both heard some yelling.'

'They're a bit rough around the edges, to be fair,' I agreed. 'But they're a good bunch. I even made a few friends.'

'Oh that's wonderful, dear,' she said, turning again at the sound of banging. Someone must have the munchies.

'Yep! Her name's Paula and she's pretty nice. I had a bit of a rough patch, but she kept me company during it, talked me through. And she likes Mr Huggles. And Mr Huggles like her.'

'You sound sweet on her,' she looked at me out of the corner of her eyes.

I felt my cheeks burning, and was pretty happy when I saw Winnie appear again. I shot to my feet. 'How's things going, boss?'

'Perfectly well. There were quite a few willing to join our ranks,' Winnie gestured to the guards who were filing up behind her. They each had a couple of the residents in their hands. They all looked pretty miserable, but then again, so would I, if I'd been woken up at this time of night. 'Madame, our thanks for your hospitality,' Winnie said to Mrs H. 'We'll send you a bill for any property damage incurred this night, as well as a hefty donation to your cause.'

'Keep your money. I don't want it,' Mrs H stood and glared at her.

Winnie hissed, her third eye turning red. She took a few quiet steps forward. 'It is only fair that you be compensated,' she said slowly. 'And it is noble of you to help those in need, after all. We wish for the same goals. I suggest you take what is offered without fuss,' and then her other two eyes started to glow, too.

Mrs H sat back down. She said nothing as the guards and the new recruits left. Winnie stared at her for a moment longer, then her eyes stopped glowing. Her third eye turned yellow again. After a moment, she left too.

'I'll see you again soon, Mrs H!' I said to her, making my way to the door.

'I'd like that,' she replied. 'Though next time, please come alone.'

'Will do!'

'Aroha nui, Kaia.'

'And you, Mrs H. See ya!'

Outside, the guards put the new recruits into the truck, right next to Mr Huggles, who didn't like that, but I managed to get in there quickly to calm him down.

'A good haul, tonight,' Winnie said, stepping into the truck. She banged the side and the truck started moving. 'Though I wouldn't mind a few more muscular types. There's a prison just north of here, isn't there?' she asked no one in particular.

'Rimutaka prison,' said one of the grunts. I vaguely recognised him from the Caymen mission. I think his name was Reginald.

'Perfect. Let's liberate some of the prisoners and call it a night.'