Chapter 23 – Travel Plans

Laraaq was itching to get back on the road. Their teams of rescuers recovered over 50 people in just a day. More were being identified as others they could rescue along the way to their destination. Carol had asked for another day to get as many locations mapped out so their people could plan effective routes.

“Carol, I respect what you are trying to do, but we can’t stay here forever.” Laraaq lamented.

“Didn’t you say we should try to save as many people as possible?” Carol argued back.

“Yes, I did but we have to be realistic. We can do more once we get to our finals destination than remaining here. Weren’t you the one who told me about the large antenna at the radio station in that town? Something about redundancies and both modern and ancient equipment making it more likely we can reach even more people.”

Carol frowned at Laraaq. “I don’t like you using my own logic against me. Fine, give me a few hours to finish mapping out what I got, and we can discuss our plans to leave.”

“Deal. Why you’re doing that I’m going to go check on Jennifer and her parents.” Laraaq said.

“Sure, you are.” Carol teased.

“Nah, it’s nothing like that. She’s cool and all but not my type.” Laraaq fired back.

“Okay dearie. As long as you don’t tell me Sharon is your type, we’ll be good.” Carol retorted.

“Yuck! Don’t get me started on that piece of trash! I really regret saving her.” Laraaq commented.

“Poor Simon. He’s so determined, he’s blind to the truth.” Carol replied.

“Infatuation makes you blind. It’s why I’m focused on getting everyone to Shadowalker. I plan to dump all this responsibility on him. Then I can worry about trying to date in the apocalypse.” Laraaq half joked.

“You’re doing well keeping everyone in line.” Carol commented.

“That’s because I delegate. Between you, your son, and Jacob I don’t have much to worry about. Besides the rules have changed, heck in some ways maybe they were always about competency and courage to do what’s right. Screw the idiots who can’t understand that.” Laraaq said.

“It was always about those things. The problem was all the lies being told to people saying competency didn’t matter. Then we go and create incentives for us to ignore the problems and just go about our day. I can’t stand incompetence; it sticks in my craw!” Carol shared her own perspective.

“Yea, you’ve said as much multiple times.” Laraaq replied.

“Well, it’s important. Don’t you know when a woman repeats herself about something that means it matters to her. Come now you’ve got to pay attention to these things if you ever hope to find and more importantly keep a good woman, or women, or men. I don’t judge.” Carol teased again.

“Well, that goes both ways. I figure if we can’t both put each other first then what’s the point. Both have to matter or neither matter.” Laraaq fired back.

“Right you are. That was how it was with Carl’s father. He was a good man. I miss him terribly. But enough of that sad stuff you can’t change. Go talk to Jennifer while I finish up here.” Carol said as she waved her hand in clear dismissal.

Laraaq shook his head at the nosy woman. She was invaluable but man did she love to meddle in people’s love lives. It was like it was part of her mission in life since the apocalypse to rescue people and then get them married off.

It didn’t take Laraaq long to find Jennifer. Her dad had a welding torch and was working on the power suit. Her mom was busy reviewing what looked like binders and drawings, as she made notes in her own journal.

“Hey Jennifer, I see your parents are hard at work.”

Jennifer smiled at Laraaq. “Oh yea. They are always like this. Why do you think I took up healing? See that welder. Well, let’s just say he accidentally welded a part of himself to that suit, when mom initiated a startup protocol that made the suit jerk around.”

Laraaq chuckled. “Ha! Sounds painful.”

Her dad called out without stopping what it was doing. “Very painful!”

Her mom, not taking her eyes off the documents she was reviewing replied. “Sorry honey. I’m just glad our Jennifer was able to heal you. We may be too old to have more kids but that doesn’t mean I want to stop trying.”

“Mom! I don’t need to hear that!” Jennifer complained.

“It’s completely natural for parents to show our love for each other. You have to make time for such things if you expect a relationship to last!” Her mom quipped back.

Jennifer turned to Laraaq who was doing his best trying to hold in his laughter and failing miserably. “I doubt you came over to hear about my parents’ love life. What’s up?”

Chuckling Laraaq replied, “Ha! No, I didn’t but it’s still hilarious. I came over to let you know Carol is finishing up mapping out the rest of the possible rescue locations. She said she needed a few hours. I was wondering if you’d be down to go with us. You’re one of the few healers we have.”

Jennifer nodded. “Sure, sounds fun. Can’t do too much at the moment anyway. Aren’t you chomping at the bit to get to our destination? I know I am.”

Laraaq nodded too. “Oh yea. I was just complaining about how I wanted to get on the road already. Carol reminded me I also wanted to save as many people for our new community as possible so I’m giving her the few hours she needs to help map all that out.”

“It’s a worthy goal to save and help people. Just don’t let it result in your downfall. We can only do so much, and people forget being too nice or helpful can actually be a detriment in the long run. You don’t seem like the type, I’m just saying.” Jennifer commented.

Laraaq waved her comment off. “No worries. That kind of stuff frustrates me too. People think they’re helping when they aren’t. No place for that here. Everyone must contribute for all of us to survive. Hey, I was going to see if Christy and Mack wanted to join us for some experience gains. Want to tag along and meet them?”

“Yea go on honey. We will be busy for hours.” Her mom called out without looking up once.

“Yea get out of here pumpkin. Oh, and Laraaq if you hurt my daughter, remember I own a power suit.” Her dad teased.

Jennifer shook her head at her parents, then turned to Laraaq. “Sure, why not.”

Laraaq and Jennifer found the family next to the moving truck with all the food. Mack was checking the truck to make sure no one messed with it. Christy and Sarah were sitting next to a makeshift fire pit. Colin was checking on the truck he drove.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Hey guys how have you been holding up?” Laraaq asked.

Mack grunted out a response as he kept working. “Fine.”

Colin came over as did Christy and Sarah.

“Hey Mr. Laraaq. Who’s your friend?” Colin asked.

Sarah commented. “Wow, she’s pretty.”

Jennifer smiled and blushed at the random compliment.

Christy introduced herself directly. “Don’t mind them. They get all tongue tied around new people. I’m Christy. That’s my best friend Colin. And this is my younger sister Sarah.”

“I’m Jennifer. I’ve joined Laraaq’s team to help rescue more people. One of the things I am now is a healer. Keep that in mind in case something happens okay.”

“Wow a healer. You mean you can heal people with magic like Mr. Laraaq uses fires to kill bad guys? I so want to learn magic.” Colin said in excitement.

Jennifer laughed at the young man’s enthusiasm.

Christy for some reason got a bit jealous at the byplay and muttered under her breath, “It’s not that impressive.”

Susan spoke up again. “Does that mean you can heal internal wounds or bruises too?”

Jennifer turned to Sarah. “Sure sweetie. Do you have any injuries? I have a medical scan spell that can tell me everything that’s wrong. If you like I can use it on you now.”

Christy pulled her sister in close. “No that’s fine. She was just curious is all.”

Mack finished his routine and spoke up. “We don’t need anything. If you don’t mind, we’d prefer to keep to ourselves.”

Laraaq thought it was an odd reaction to an offer of healing. Then he remembered Mack and his group seemed to keep to themselves. They pitched in and helped wherever asked but beyond that they preferred to be left alone.

“No worries, Mack. Introducing Jennifer was only part of why we came. Carol is mapping out the remainder of the people within range we could rescue. I was coming to see if any of you wanted to go with us. Great opportunity to help people and gains some levels.” Laraaq replied.

“I’d like to go if Mack and Christy are okay with it.” Colin chimed in.

Mack nodded. “Go kid. It would do you some good to gain some levels and bulk up some.”

Colin smiled and turned to Laraaq. “Okay, I’m in.”

Christy spoke up. “I’d go but someone has to stay behind with my sister.”

Mack shook his head. “Go ahead Christy. I’ll stay with Sarah.”

Christy seemed hesitant. She turned to Mack and offered an alternative. “What if we trade off on the missions or ask Mrs. Burns to watch her?”

Mack growled. “Family looks after family.”

Laraaq spoke up. “Every able fighter is expected to participate in the battle for our new home. Good to get as strong as possible before then.”

“We will rotate watching Sarah. When we get to our destination, I will allow Carol to watch her but not until then. Family looks after family.”

“Your call Mack. See you in a few hours at the radio station.” Laraaq replied before he and Jennifer walked away.

After they got outside hearing distance Jennifer spoke up. “Man, that guy is intense.”

“Yea, he and his family keep to themselves, but they have never shirked their duties or failed to help out. I think the man just likes to be left alone. I can understand that.”

Jennifer shrugged. “I guess. Just something about the man, I wouldn’t want him as an enemy.”

“Yea, I’m glad he’s on our side. Let’s go find Jacob and Carl to see how they are doing.” Laraaq stated.

“Look, I’m telling you Carl, learn to harness your chi and you will be able to do some amazing things. That’s how I’m able to do what I can.” Jacob encouraged.

“Hey guys, what are you talking about?” Laraaq asked.

Jacob turned to Laraaq and Jennifer. “Hey Laraaq. Hey Jennifer, how are your parents settling in?”

“You should know. You and Carl have been a huge help.” Jennifer replied.

‘They have? Man, I’m glad I delegated. Too much to juggle. I’d rather go burn stuff to the ground.’ Laraaq thought.

“Yea, well... that’s our role. Laraaq here is focused on rescuing people and getting us to our final destination. We can handle some of the logistics.” Carl answered as he saw Laraaq’s confusion.

“I appreciate that, guys. I really do. Can’t wait to turn this over to Shadowalker. He can get saddled with all the resource management while I get to defend our people.” Laraaq stated.

“A protector is an admirable role and very much needed in this post apocalypse world.” Jennifer commented.

“Thanks Jennifer. Now Jacob what was this talk about chi?” Laraaq asked.

“Ah, this.” Jacob said as he lifted his arm and made a fist. The fist then started to glow and harden. “I call it Stone Fist technique.”

“Ah cool, you’re using mana to coat your fist in stone. That’s cool. I can do something similar.” Laraaq said.

“No, not mana. I’m using chi or Qi depending on what you practice.” Jacob answered.

“What now?”

Query Accepted

Chi or Qi, as the target Jacob has mentioned, is the ability to harness and circulate life force instead of mana.

Laraaq spoke his question out loud. “So, you’re telling me there is an option to harness life force too?”

“See Laraaq gets it!” Jacob said excitedly.

Query Accepted

No, you are not paying attention again. The word used was instead. Once you develop your pathways and form a core you have already chosen a path. The way you form your core, spiral, and pathways dictate whether you can use mana or chi.

“So, if you start to use chi, you can’t use mana?” Laraaq replied out loud again.

“Yes, that is a problem but only once you form a core. I don’t think any of us are there yet. Until then you can dabble with both, it’s just harder.” Jacob commented.

Query Accepted

The meat bag is correct. Mana is usually used to affect the outside world and can also enhance yourself. Chi is used to affect your body and spirit. This has the added benefit of making someone effectively immortal as long as they continue to cultivate life force. It can affect the outside world, but it is not as effective as mana.

“So, mana is better at affecting the outside world and others, while chi is better at enhancing yourself and making you immortal. Both can in a sense simulate what the other can but not as efficiently.” Laraaq replied out loud again.

“Yea, which means we can live forever as cultivators and become extremely hard to kill. I’d say very important in the apocalypse.” Jacob answered, still not realizing that Laraaq wasn’t even talking to him.

Query Accepted

That is mostly correct. It is a moot point as you formed a core made out of mana. That is a must if you want to be any kind of spellcaster.

“That gives us all something to think about.” Laraaq said, finally joining the external conversation. “We should spread the word that people will have to choose one or the other and to give it some serious thought. As it sounds like once you form your core there is no going back.”

“That is important information to share. My understanding is Laraaq you’ve already formed your core based on mana.” Carl stated.

“Oh! I hadn’t heard, congratulations! I already formed my core, but it’s based on chi.” Jacob shared.

“Perhaps each of you could help the others once they decide the path they want to go down. They can go see Laraaq for advice on forming the mana core and see Jacob on advice forming a chi core.” Carl suggested.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Jennifer chimed in.

“Of course, you would, you don’t have to deal with the people and their incessant questions.” Laraaq grumbled.

“Fine how about this. I’ve already decided to form a mana core for healing. Once I do, I’ll take on the responsibility until we can find someone else. Sounds good?” Jennifer proposed.

“I’ll take it. With one caveat. If someone else forms a core in the meantime, they can start coaching people, as I imagine you’ll be busy with city planning once we get to our destination.” Laraaq answered.

“I think that’s fair. What do you think Carl? Jennifer?” Jacob asked.

“Agreed.” Jennifer answered.

“Agreed.” Carl replied.

Jacob steered the conversation forward. “Good. Now why did you two come seek us out?”

Laraaq shared his thoughts. “We came to talk about battle rotations. Carl, I’d like you, Jerome, and Mario to add a few people when we aren’t on missions together.”

“That’s easy enough. Several of the survivors have volunteered to help. I think many of them just want to get stronger.” Carl replied.

Laraaq continued. “That’s good to hear. I was worried we were going to end up with more dead weight like Sharon.”

“Yuck! What a toxic woman. If I have to hear her complain one more time...” Jacob chimed in.

Laraaq chuckled. “Ha! Tell me about it. Anyway, talking about more productive things, I want to take Mack’s group out on some rescue missions. I was wondering if you’d like to come with us Jacob. It would be good to see those chi techniques in action.”

Jacob smiled. “Sure. I’d be more than happy to fight side by side with you. I was feeling a bit behind in levels lately, so this would be great. Just let me know when.”

“Awesome. Carol is marking up the maps now. We were about to head back and check on her progress. Feel free to come with.”

“I probably should go too. Mom’s been a bit clingy since the apocalypse. I think she just worries. I appreciate it, but it can get to be a bit much.” Carl commented.

“Ha! I don’t envy you. Your mother scares me.” Jacob replied.

As Laraaq, Jennifer, Carl, and Jacob walked in to see Carol, Colin and Christy were already there.

“Oh good, you brought my son too. I have so much to cover.” Carol said excitedly as she waved towards the giant map.

“That’s a lot of dots Carol.” Laraaq replied as he saw a plethora of dots on the map.

“I know! Isn’t it exciting!” Carol said oblivious to Laraaq’s concerns.