The Sleeping Army Awakes

Part 87 Reparations

Spencer gave authorisation for Karlov, to hire a large squad of lumberjacks, with the proviso that any staff were to be recruited from the local community, where possible. Karlov had requested that while the robot machines were being repaired, manual labour would replace the mechanisation and the new crew would set out and topple the trees in a more traditional fashion with chainsaws and axes using less explosives. It would be a slower process than before but it would be quieter and at least they would be making some progress. The team would lop the branches, transport the lumber to the timber mill and deliver the branches to the growing pile up at the mine on the hill. At least they still had enough viable vehicles to transport that, even if in the absence of the control cabin, they had to be driven in manual mode.

It was such short notice that the lumberjacks and labourers were engaged at higher rates of pay than usual and that caused the still bedridden Sir Percy apoplexy, when Spencer brought the matter to Sir Percy's attention in the infirmary ward.

"You can't pay workers that much!" Sir Percy exploded and then involuntarily added. "Fish!"

"Not even when Sir Gilbert is picking up the bill sir?" Spencer enquired.

"Haha Butler! You never miss a trick do you?" Sir Percy said appreciatively, "Go ahead then...with my blessing, no expense should be spared to win the bet. In fact pay them a bonus. And you must compensate the navy. Fish!"

"Indeed Sir!" Spencer said. "I what manner should I compensate them sir?"

"Fish!" Sir Percy said amiably.

"Indeed Sir!" 

Spencer knew that he would just have to use his initiative so he changed the subject.

"Indeed Sir! Sir Percy we are transferring you to the hotel to finish your recuperation." Spencer said. "Matron says that you are over the worst! "

"Good! Because Fred it's boring here!" Sir Percy said with emotion. "These Fredding robots won't let me drink my own brandy. Fish."

"It is an inconvenience that must endure because it is necessary Sir Percy. You have been suffering from Korsakoff syndrome with alcoholic hallucinosis ... allowing you alcohol now could simply send you back into the syndrome and you barely missed kidney failure!" Matron observed, straightening Sir Percy's bedclothes, "I could make things a good deal more interesting for you if you like, simply by removing your painkillers and sedatives!"

"Indeed all hospitals are boring Sir!" Spencer said ignoring Matron. "I will expedite your transportation to the more congenial quarters in the hotel as soon as is practicable.

"Good! Good!" Sir Percy said. "Fish."

"If there is nothing else that I can do for you sir?" Spencer asked. "Might I be excused? I have a great deal of work to do."

"Yes yes! Nose to the grindstone young Butler. Onward and upward Butler!" Sir Percy observed. "Your efforts are much appreciated! But did you nail that little filly of yours?"

"Regrettably not sir!" Spencer admitted, "events being what they were I have not had time!"

"Then make time!" Sir Percy ordered. "And you owe me a penny. A bet is a bet. Fish."

"Indeed sir!" Spencer said.

Sir Percy had mellowed a lot in character since he had entered the infirmary, and this change was not just manifested in his Tourettes habit of saying Fish after each reply, he seemed much more willing to accept Spencer's suggestions without argument, and he seemed much more appreciative of any service that someone did him, so although Spencer was still waiting for some caustic comment to detract from the unambiguous compliment... none came.