HIGHER TECH (Complete Novel)

Chapter 15 -Trees

      The enormous robotic machine plowed on through the forest. There were no people operating anything on site. All of its functions were performed through programmed automation. From the cutting down of the suitable trees, to the planting of young saplings as a replacement for every tree taken. Even the stumps and roots were pulled up out of the ground, cut into small pieces, and stored for later use. Very efficient. No pollution. Sounds good, right?

      Wrong. According to environmentalists, the problem was the resulting lack of large trees needed to provide oxygen, clean the air, provide stability to the land and homes for the critters that managed to survive the onslaught. Flash-floods had swept some of the forests away.

      The reforest companies paid little or no attention to these warnings.

      In the mid 21st century, the deforestation efforts had claimed all but 3 million square kilometers of the original 16 million. So new laws were put into play. The Global Reforestation Act. It had halted the depletion of the forests, but as stated, the forests were now too young.

      What the few remaining forests needed was a rest. They needed to grow and do what they had been doing for millions of years. No one was willing to grant that rest, that is, no one but Arnold Hatcher.

      "Okay Darren, the last ones are up ahead. I'll open the hatch, so you can get clear shots. Get ready, we'll be within range in about 20 seconds..."

      "I see the first one Arn. Taking aim... firing...there! The next one is coming into view..."

***

      Susan awakened suddenly. Something had disturbed her. She got up and walked out to the living room. Dean was sleeping soundly on the couch. His phone made a buzzing sound and fell off the coffee table onto the floor. Dean stirred, mumbled something and then drifted back into deeper sleep. She crouched down and picked up his phone. Mark Samuels was calling.

      "Dean," she whispered. No reaction. "Dean!" she said more urgently and poked him in the shoulder.

      "Huh?"

      "Mark is calling you on your phone. Here. It fell on the floor. You left it on vibrate again."

      "Oh, thanks Sue. Ahem! Yeah Mark, what is it? ... Oh really? ... I guess we should have expected another attack by now... You want us to come in now. What time is it? Yawn ... 4:13 am. Okay, I'll wake up coffee and grab a Kyle... What are you laughing at? ... Oh. Sorry. Well, you know what I mean. We'll be there right away. Yeah, see ya."

      "I'll make the coffee while you get Kyle."

      "Thanks again Sue."

      "What is going on? Are you two having a party out here?"

      "Rebecka, can you wake Kyle up? We need to go see Mark right away."

      "Again? Why?"

      "There's been another attack and we need to... Look. We'll explain it later when we come back. We'll know more then. Can you just get him up please?"

      "Alright, I will, but you can't expect me to not complain about it."

      "Hey Kyle!"

      "Wha...?

      "Come on! Get up! You're late for work!"

      "Late? But it's still dark outside. How can I be..."

      "Never mind. Just get up. Dean and Mark are waiting."

      "Okay, I'm moving. I'll be right there..."