Book One: Rise of the King

Chapter Three

The soil in the forest was unlike anything any of them had ever seen. There was no explanation for the speed with which vegetables grew, let alone the sizes and flavors. Josh turned out to be an amazing asset. He showed them how to can and preserve the excess. He knew how to preserve seeds. He knew how to slaughter animals. He knew how to milk cows and make butter and cheese. He knew about composting. He was better than any book they might have stashed in the crates.

There were crates of books that had remained unopened until Gray finally broke into them. Gray tried doing that trick with the cigarette again, but he couldn't get it to work no matter how many times he tried. He and Charlie built a still in the forest out of parts from the sleeper ship.

He had promised that when they had been there for six weeks, if everything went right, he would begin waking the others, five at a time to assure they could support those they woke. The problem was going to be housing. Though there was some reluctance, the Council, as the four men were being called by the others, were considering what it would take to live in the forest. The trees were big enough that, if they were hollowed out, they could support whole families.

There was a real sense of community among the eleven, even though Gray seemed to be spending more and more time alone in the forest. He was comfortable there. He was also working with Josh on the first dwelling. It was hard work but he liked the labour. Shannon tended to his blisters and fussed over him, which he also liked. On their evening walks she wrapped her arm around his and talked about the future with excitement. When they got back, she would kiss him good night. He was being patient. There was time. She wasn't going anywhere.

By the time the first tree was hollowed out, it was time to awaken the first five to the life the original ten had been building under Gray's guidance. There was food and clothing and shelter. It was going to be possible to survive. It was going to be possible to build a life here. But rather than five, he woke six. He wanted his parents and his youngest brother and the others were glad to give him this concession, as he asked for very little no matter how much he gave them.

Anna Locke squinted against the bright light of the sun as she stood outside the sleeper ship. She stood with strangers but also with her husband and their three sons. There was much to be grateful for. She hugged them and kissed them and hugged them some more. Even Gray conceded to her affections, which he was generally uncomfortable with. He was her least expressive child, the one most likely to shy away from physical affection. She never understood his ability to share life's most intimate physical act with strangers while he balked at a simple hug from his own mother.

"We've to get to work. Shannon will get you settled in." Gray told the new additions before leaving them to the pretty blond.

Nate and the bearded man named Charlie made their way toward the forest. Shannon led them to a small grouping of lean-tos where they were given something to eat and water to drink. There were showers and latrines. There was a cooking area. It wasn't much but it was more than Anna had expected to find.

"These lean-to's are the best we can do for now. They're still in the process of working on the dugouts in the forest." Shannon explained. "The council has asked that you rest for a few days, get acclimated to our new life, get acquainted with what we're doing. In a few days you'll be expected to join the work detail, of course, but not before you're strong enough and able to join in without any risk to yourselves."

"What kind of work details?" Anna asked.

Shannon smiled at her, which is when Anna was certain her eyes weren't playing tricks on her. These people really didn't have any pupils. "I'd say both you and Dr Locke" Shannon smiled at Gray's father, Daniel, seated next to his wife. "will be needed in your professional capacities."