Chapter 46
Larson was face down on the ground, pointing uphill. He groaned and opened his eyes, eye to eye with the ground. Using his left hand he pushed himself over onto his back, eye to eye with the night sky. Sirius was high above him
There was a smell in the air, wildfire smoke. The air was filled with it. Larson pushed himself into an upright position. He looked along his backtrack, and then upwards along the way he had been going. From the crest of the hill down almost to where he sat, the earth was blackened. Beyond the crest of the hill the emerald wall filled his vision.
“They have scorched the snake, not killed it,” Larson murmured and pushed himself to his feet. He headed up the hill over the sterilized ground.
Larson stopped in front of the wall. He looked up, spread his arms out wide and intoned, “Open says me!” Nothing happened.
“I’ve got to see the wizard!” Larson shouted and swung his right fist to pound on the wall. His hand passed into the wall and he quickly pulled it back. He reached out to touch the wall. It was like putting his hand into a misting fog. His hand went in, and it came back out without touching anything solid.
Larson stepped forward. He hit his head against the solid wall and staggered back a step. He reached out to retest the walls hardness and his hand slipped into its misty softness.
“Smart wall.” Larson stepped back. “I’ve got to see the wizard!” he shouted.
A narrow section of the wall in front of Larson darkened, forming a tunnel. One of One walked out to greet Larson. “Good evening, Larson. I’m glad you made it.”
“You,” Larson answered with no surprise in his voice. “Speak, I am bound to hear.”
“Hamlet, that’s good,” One of One laughed. “I liked the Macbeth paraphrase best. It had an Ahab quality to it.”
“You heard that one too?” Larson questioned.
“Got it on camera,” One of One replied.
“Well, good. Least you don’t have super hearing,” Larson smiled. Then he asked, “What should I call you? Hunter?”
“Hunter’s not really my name,” One of One answered. “It’s my vocation. But I like it. It fits.”
Hunter stepped to the side of the tunnel and motioned for Larson to enter.
Larson nodded as he entered and said, “Thank you, Hunter.” As he walked along the tunnel, with Hunter a half step behind, he tossed out a throwaway line, “How long were you hunting the girls?”
“I wasn’t hunting the females,” Hunter answered. “I was hunting you. You brought them onto our radar, so to speak.”
“Really,” Larson responded as they continued traversing the wall. “Why were you hunting me?”
“You’re a guy that makes things happen,” Hunter answered. “A mover and shaker,’ I believe is the term. You have access to things and when you don’t, you create access. We think that ability might be very useful.”
“So, that’s why you turned the females over to me?” Larson asked.
“No, not really,” Hunter smiled. “By that time I had adjusted my thinking so it was just more of an accommodation.”
“Who is ‘we?’” Larson asked.
Hunter laughed, “Well, I don’t live here all by myself.”
“So far, you could have fooled me,” Larson replied.
“My dear Larson,” Hunter said, “we have a thriving community here. I just happen to be the one selected to interface with you. And now, by default, the others.”
“Are you the head honcho, or just a deputized flunky?” Larson asked.
“I am the first of many,” Hunter answered. “I’m not a ‘honcho’ or a ‘flunky.’ Just one of many.”
“Communist?” Larson asked.
“Good lord, man. The questions you ask,” Hunter laughed. “This is the Green Zone. We are not ‘communists’ or ‘capitalists’ here. If you want to talk in ‘economic’ terms, we each just do what we can to add value to the enterprise. Does that sound okay?’
“Depends on what you want me to do to ‘add value,’” Larson replied. Then he stopped and turned to Hunter. “How thick is this wall? We’ve been walking for forever.”
“Maybe you should be asking, ‘How long is the wall?’” Hunter answered. “But really,” he laughed, “it’s as thick as it needs to be. An inch, a kilometer, whatever it needs to be.”
“Well, that’s clever,” Larson responded. “Whatever it needs to be. So, it’s a holding cell, an interrogation room?”
Hunter smiled, “I like to think of it as a simple pathway.”
“And if you don’t like my answers,” Larson asked, “do I get imprisoned inside or squashed?”
“Oh... neither, this time,” Hunter answered. “We’d just scoot you back outside to fend for yourself.”
“That’s good to know,” Larson stated.
“Well, look,” Hunter said and pointed up the tunnel. “It looks like we’re done here.”
Ten meters ahead Larson saw the tunnel open up onto a brightly lit building. Larson stepped out of the tunnel and Hunter followed.
It was night but the spotlights trained on the building lit up the surrounding area. Larson stood in a cobblestone courtyard facing a broad stepped, grand columned, entrance to the building. The building rose up high enough that he could not get a count of its stories. The courtyard appeared to run completely around the building and with the bright lights illuminating the building Larson could not discern any other facts about the area.
“It’s not really ‘yellow brick,’ is it?” Hunter asked. “But,” he pointed up the steps to the building entrance, “if you’ll go on inside I’ll show you to room and you can get cleaned up and rested.”
“Do I have a choice?” Larson asked.
“Not really,” Hunter replied.
Larson nodded and headed up the steps with Hunter following.
Chapter 47
Kate sat in a chair she had pulled over beside the window. The window ran from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, three meters tall by ten meters long. She had dimmed the lights in the room so she could look out at the nighttime Green Zone. High rise and low rise buildings, lit inside and out, spread out as far as she could see. There was an almost constant movement of flying traffic past her window. The air between buildings was alive with motion.
Kate took a deep breath and turned away from the window and looked over the suite of rooms assigned to her and the Twins. The big room she sat in was larger than three of her Mom’s and Dad’s house. The floor was carpeted in a deep, soft cream colored material which she had never seen the likes of before. The walls were an off white shade.
The big room held couches and chairs and a dinning table with chairs and gadgets, which held no meaning to her. On the far left end there was an open kitchen, tiled in marble with cabinets filled with crystal and china. There were devices for storing and cooking. Kate had no idea how to operate them even with Four of Seven’s instructions. It was all like a picture book from before the collapse.
And then there was the bathroom. It was as big as a house with a tub as big as a swimming pool and a rain forest shower and sun lamps and towels as big as blankets and as soft as silk.
The Twins had gone crazy when Four of Seven showed them how to fill the tub! Their hooping and hollering was deafening. They had their clothes off and were in the tub faster than Kate could blink. And faster than Four of Seven could leave. They played under the waterfall cascading into the tub until the water was deep enough to float.
At that point Kate stepped in and turned off the water.
“What’d you do that for?” the Twins complained.
Kate stared at them and asked, “Can either of you swim?”
“No,” was the joint reply.
“That’s why,” Kate answered. “Now you can sit and play and I don’t have to worry about you.”
“Aw, Sissy,” the girls replied.
“Don’t ‘Aw’ me or I’ll get you out of there right now!” Kate scolded. “And use that soap there,” she said pointing out a white bar beside the water controls.
The girls where thrilled when they discovered it floated.
“Now, BEHAVE,” Kate ordered and she left the girls to play in the tub, the first tub bath they had ever had. Sink baths were all any of the family had taken back home although Kate vaguely remembered playing in a bathtub when she was very little.
Kate stepped out of the bathroom and onto the cream carpet. It was like walking on clouds. She looked down at her dirty feet. She had pulled off her boots beside the door as soon as Four of Seven had shown them inside. And she had made the Twins sit down and do the same before they went running madly around the apartment.
“I suppose they have a good a cleaning crew,” she said quietly as she wiggled her toes deeper into the carpet. “They better.”
Kate sat quietly staring out the window for a long time listening to her sisters play.
Something caught Kate’s attention. She turned away from the window and looked around the flat.
“It’s quiet,” she realized. “What are those girls up to?”
Kate stood up and crossed back into the bathroom. Kaylie and Kayla where quietly sitting in the bath water, half asleep.
“You ready to get out?” Kate asked.
The Twins shook their heads.
“Well, you need to get out,” Kate responded. “Look how dirty that water is. It looks like you’re sitting in a mud hole.”
There was a layer of dirt covering the bottom of the tub and a brackish film across the top of the water. It had been a week since the Twins had a bath and the water proved it.
“I don’t think you’re clean yet!” Kate stated. “Do you want to try the shower?”
“Yes, yes,” the Twins answered coming back to their previous excitement over the newness of everything.
“Okay. Let me get the shower water going and then you both can just run in there for a quick clean. And then I need to get in there,” Kate added.
“Make the water hot,” Kaylie instructed.
“Yes, hot,” Kayla agreed. “It’s freezing in here,” she added.
Kate looked a little puzzled. She knelt down and tested the bath water temperature with her hand. It was icy cold. How long had she sat staring out the window?
“Oh, it is cold. Let me get that shower going,” she told the girls. Kate stood up and walked over to the big shower stall in the corner, with towels stacked up on a shelf outside.. It was a door-less glass room as big as some houses she had seen.
Four of Seven had shown her how to work the touch pad on the outside wall. She set the temperature, then set the water style, summer rain and pressed start. A slow but steady rain fell from the ceiling filling the room with the smell of afternoon rain.
“Come on girls,” Kate called. “Water’s ready. Just run over here and get in. But be careful, don’t slip.”
Kaylie and Kayla clamored out of the tub and headed to the shower stall doing their best to fulfill the wet oxymoron instructions of ‘run’ and ‘careful.’
“Hot, hot, hot,” Kayla exclaimed as she got under the water.
“Feels good,” Kaylie countered.
Kate stuck her hand out and tested the water. “It’s fine,” she proclaimed. “Ten minutes, and then your out of there,” Kate stated. “I need to wash, too.”
“You stink,” Kaylie started.
“You stink,” Kaylie joined in as both girls started a chant.
Kate grinned, “Yes, I do! And you both need to get to bed.” Kate set the timer on the keypad and crossed over to the tub. She opened the drain and watched the water level lower as she listened to the Twins chattering in the shower.
The tub was only half empty when the shower timer sounded and the ‘summer rain’ ended.
“More, more,” the girls called out to Kate as she walked over.
“No! It’s way past bedtime and you both need to get out of there. Now!” Kate ordered. She reached out and pulled two towels from the shelf.
“Wrap up in these and dry off. Then head to your bedroom. The one Four showed us with the two beds in it,” Kate explained. “I don’t know what you’ll sleep in.”
“We’ll sleep in the beds,” Kaylie laughed.
Kate wrapped both girls up in the big towels and help them dry. “Yes, I guess you will sleep in the beds,” Kate grinned.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Naked!” Kayla squealed.
“Yes, maybe even naked,” Kate laughed. She gave both girls a push towards the bathroom exit. “Now go! And pick out a bed. And no arguing!”
The Twins pranced across the bathroom like ballerina queens wearing their towels like flowing capes dragging across the floor behind them.
“I’ll be right there,” Kate called after them. “I want to get my bath water started.”
Kate walked over and looked into the now empty bathtub. The bottom was covered in grit that had flowed toward the drain and settled before it could get out. And there was a ten-centimeter ring around the bathtub.
“I think I’ll take a shower,” Kate said and turned around to go and check on the Twins.
Chapter 48
Kate walked down the hall to the bedroom Four of Seven had indicated for the Twins. The light was on but the girls were quiet inside. Kate stepped inside.
Like every room in the flat the bedroom was oversized by Kate’s standards. There was a double bed on either side of the room, desk and cabinets at the end beside the curtained window looking out onto the zone. On either side of the door as Kate entered were the chifferobes Four of Seven had mentioned. The girls had been into them. Drawers were pulled out and cabinet doors were left open.
Kaylie and Kayla where each laying in the center of their chosen beds, covers tucked up under their arms with their arms crossed across their chests. They looked like reflections of each other.
“You found something to put on?” Kate asked gesturing toward the disheveled chifferobes.
The Twins nodded.
“Let me see what you put on,” Kate said and moved over beside Kayla.
Kayla, keeping her arms crossed, raised them off the covers so that Kate could peek under.
Kate pulled back the covers, “Those look like real PJ's,” she stated.
“And they fit good too,” Kayla stated proudly.
“They fit ‘well,’” Kate corrected and tucked the covers back under Kayla’s arms.
“They fit well,” Kayla repeated.
Kate turned to Kaylie, “And you?”
“We’re twins,” Kaylie answered. “We match!”
“Okay then, time to sleep.” Kate bent down and kissed Kayla and then crossed over and kissed Kaylie.
“I’ll get the lights and you two, go to sleep,” Kate ordered.
Kate stopped on her way out and closed the drawers and cabinets of the two chifferobes. When she turned around to say ‘Goodnight,’ both the girls were already fast asleep.
“Must be nice,” Kate commented. She found the light switch and flicked it off and the bedroom fell dark. Kate stepped out into the hall and headed back to the bathroom.
The shower had numerous water settings. Kate settled on ‘monsoon,’ something she had only read about and set the temperature. She turned on the water and it roared furiously out of the ceiling in a great downpour. Kate quickly stripped off her filthy clothes and stepped into the shower.
The hot torrent of water beat down on Kate. The force of the water almost took her breath away as she moved to the center of the stall. She stood with her head down and let the heavy wash of water pound over her. Eventually she raised her face up to the cleansing rain.
Be sure you wash your ‘stinky’ spots.
Guests begin to smell after three days.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Everything will be okay, if you let it.
Take care of your sisters.
My late husband, John, bless his soul, was a ‘prepper.’
You ever use a #12 skillet?
Kate began to cry. Her loud sobs were pushed away by the rain. Her body was shaking with emotion as she slid to the floor of the shower. Sitting on the title she clasped her arms around her legs and held tightly as the rain pounded down on her small figure.
Kate sat in the shower for a long time before she finally stood up to wash. The ‘monsoon’ was too strong for soap. Kate stepped out of the shower and cut off the water. She grabbed a towel and started drying off.
“I’ll try the soap in the morning.”
With the towel wrapped around her Kate headed out of the bathroom, feeling better.
Kate looked in on the Twins. Kaylie had climbed out of her bed and crawled in with Kayla. They were cuddled tightly together, sleeping peacefully. She turned and headed to her room.
Her bedroom was opposite the Twins. It was smaller with a curtained window overlooking the city, furnished similarly except for the addition of a painting on the wall. It was of a young woman, long ago, sitting under a tree on the grass surrounded by sparkling light and wild flowers. Kate stared at it for a long time before she went to the chifferobe looking for clothes.
There were silk pajamas in the top drawer. She dropped the towel and slipped into the soft clothes. They felt strange on her body after not having changed clothes in over a week. And she had never worn anything as soft and light as the silk pajamas.
Kate stepped out into the hall and made sure its light was on. In her room she turned out the light and crawled into the bed. She lay on a cloud and was asleep in the blink of an eye.
Chapter 49
The room was small and the round table with its six chairs almost filled it. There was room outside the chairs to navigate around the table, but barely.
Hunter set nearest the door. To his left were One and Two of Two. Following around the table sat One, Two and Three of Three.
One and Two of Two were slender, smallish, redheaded men. They looked like twins but on close inspection were not. One, Two and Three of Three were bigger boned, heavier set men with dark hair. They were triplets.
Two of Two was saying, “Our agreed upon plan was to find this Larson and bring him under our control.” Two of Two looked around the table then continued, “Instead we have a heard of people under our roof and none of them under our control.”
One of Two nodded his agreement. One, Two and Three of Three looked to Hunter.
“Well, that is true,” Hunter smiled and leaned forward in his chair. “No one is ‘under’ our control.” He looked directly at Two of Two, “But, I believe the correct saying is, ‘Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.’”
“We don’t have any horses,” One of Three corrected.
“That was an analogy, One,” Hunter replied. “It just means that we have been gifted with these people and we should appreciate that fact, not criticize the gift.”
Two of Two spoke up, “Well, One, I fully understand one of your dominate traits is to made decisions based on insufficient data. That helps you in the role of a hunter. But, I am not sure we should accept this ‘gift,’ much less appreciate it. It makes a travesty of all our planning.”
“’A good plan now is better than a great plan tomorrow,’” Hunter quoted.
One of Two leaned forward into the conversation, “Please stop with the ‘analogies.’”
“Of course, One,” Hunter answered. “But we are dealing with humans here. And if the shoe fits, we will have to wear it.”
Both One and Two of Two started to speak but Three of Three was quickest, “Can we get back on subject?” he asked. He continued, “We were going to use Larson to infiltrate the tunnel population and find the appropriate ovums for testing. Use him to capture them and bring then to us here. Has that changed?”
“Obviously, I believe it has,” Hunter answered.
“Explain,” Three of Three requested.
“We were looking for one donor,” Hunter started. “Now we have three females, three sisters, two of whom are identical twins. That gives us exactly the same DNA between the twins and very similar DNA from the older sister.”
“The twins are not yet mature enough,” Two of Two interjected.
“Point taken,” Hunter answered. “But if we start working with the older sister, who is mature, and she runs out of material, then we have the twins, who would be mature by that time, we can transfer testing to and we would only have minimal DNA adjustments to make to the new material.”
“The mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA would still have to be adjusted for,” One of Two stated.
“Yes,” answered Hunter excitedly, “But that would have to be done regardless of the material’s origin. With these twins we have common DNA of which half we will have already analyzed from the older sister. So our time with the DNA change is reduced and we get two for one.” Hunter looked around the table, “And we are all aware of the savings that commonality brings.” He leaned back into his chair.
“All very good ‘gift’ points,” Three of Three responded. One and Two of Three added their nods of approval.
“And what if this first donor, this older sister, is a poor pick?” Two of Two asked. “We will have wasted time on her and locked ourselves into these other two.”
“We are not locked into anything,” Hunter stated. “Regardless of whom our initial donor is, we are taking a shot in the dark.” Hunter looked over at One and Two of Two and said, “Please excuse my analogy. But it fits.”
Hunter looked back around the table. “We have no idea who the best donor is until we have ovums to work with. Until we start the work, we will not be able to determine the donor’s true value. And, if this older sister shows to be poor stock, we use Larson to bring in other samples.”
Hunter raised a finger to pause comments, “And, we would have a better idea what to look for as we go forward.”
“What about the twins in that case?” Two of Three asked.
Hunter looked at him and said, “If we determine they are flawed material, we dispose of it.”
“Then we are really talking about the appropriateness of this initial donor, this older sister,” One of Three noted.
“Exactly,” Hunter replied. “Physically she fits within our defined parameters: 170 cm tall, weight of 55 kg and what our algorithms equate as a pleasing appearance. Which I reran using an actual image of her face and figure when I returned with her,” Hunter added.
“That probably fits half the female population,” One of Two interjected.
“12.2%,” Hunter answered.
“And then, there are the intangibles, the things we were going to use Larson to judge,” he continued. “She is smart. We can give her an IQ test if you wish. She is resilient, physically and mentally. Over the past few days she has repeatedly overcome great mental and physical changes. She has great leadership qualities and great empathy. She is honest and has great self-confidence and fortitude. We could search for years and never find a better candidate.”
“She sounds like the perfect human,” One of Two laughed.
“We could do a lot worse, a lot more often,” Hunter replied.
Maybe we should have a show of hands,” Two of Three offered, “whether we should look close at this ‘gift horse’ or fall back to the original plan?”
“Those in favor, raise a hand.”
Hunter, One, Two and Three of Three each raised a hand.
“Those opposed?” Two of Three asked. Both One and Two of Two raised a hand.
“Based on that,” Three of Three stated, “we will proceed with processing the older sister, Kate is her name, I believe. And we will hold the younger sisters as future backup, as needed.”
Two of Two stood up from the table, “As the precinct leaders responsible for the testing and development of this project I want to repeat that we believe this is a definite step in the wrong direction and will prove to be a serious detriment to the success of the project.”
Two of Two stepped back from the table and headed to the door. One of Two quickly stood up, nodded to the others at the table and followed after him.
Hunter looked over to Two of Three.
“We’ll monitor him,” Two of Three replied to Hunter.
One of Two added, “I don’t understand why he refuses to adjust ‘the plan.’”
Hunter stood up, “They just don’t want to admit that their plan wasn’t perfect.” He stepped away from the table. “I am going to check on our guests,” he said and nodded to the others.
When the door closed after Hunter, Two of Three stated to his brothers, “Excuse the analogy, but I think the honeymoon is over with those two.”
One and Three of Three nodded their agreement.
Chapter 50
There was a soft light coming into the room through the curtains. Kate turned her head to look that way. She stretched and rolled onto her back. She was still tired and in no hurry to get up.
“Wonder what time it is? I bet the Twins are up and raising cane already.”
Kate tossed the bed covers back and climbed out of the bed. She headed out of the room to check on her sisters.
There was a gentle knocking on the front door when Kate reached it.
“Yes?” she called out.
“Miss. Kate, are you up?” a voice asked. Kate recognized Four of Seven.
“Obviously I’m up,” Kate answered opening the door. Four of Seven stood there demurely. “Good morning Four. I was just going to check on the Twins,” Kate added.
“You sisters are still asleep, Miss. Kate. And I am sorry, but I am One of Seven. Four of Seven is off duty right now, but if you prefer his attendance I can get him for you,” One of Seven replied.
“No, no, you’re fine,” Kate answered staring closely at One of Seven.
One of Seven smiled, “Excellent. With all the visitors, Four had a long shift. Is there anything I can get you? Maybe some breakfast?”
Kate could tell differences between her sisters. But One and Four were indistinguishable to her.
“Yes, Miss Kate,” One answered Kate’s unasked question, “Four and I are identical.” He smiled, “All seven of us were formed from the same embryo. I am eldest by 3.5 seconds,” he stated.
“Wow, 3.5 seconds?” Kate repeated.
“Yes, Miss. Kate,” One answered. “How much older is your Kaylie than your Kayla?”
“I think Mom said five minutes,” Kate replied.
“Ah, that would explain the big differences in them,” One stated.
“Big differences?” Kate asked smiling.
“Yes, Miss. For example, Kaylie is two millimeters taller and almost 43 grams heavier than Kayla. It’s typical for the oldest to be larger,” One explained. “I am a full millimeter taller that Seven.”
“Seven is the runt, then?” Kate asked.
“The ‘runt?’” One asked.
“Yes, the smallest,” Kate answered.
“Yes, Miss. Seven is the ‘runt.’ I will have to tell him this. He will find it interesting.”
“Or he may not,” Kate laughed.
One smiled in answer, “He will be amused. We do not let these differences affect us.”
“Well, that’s good,” Kate replied. “And if you don’t mind my asking, what do you all do? Are you waiters o rsomething?”
“I do not mine your asking,” One answered. “We are not ‘waiters.’ We were designed and formatted to be what you might understand as upper-middle administrators. We do not form policy, but we are in the forefront of implementing all policies. At our current staffing levels we are also managing some production functions. Thus, I am your waiter, and your maid, and cook, and ‘Jack of all trades,’ I believe it is called.”
Kate looked a little perplexed. “So you were ‘designed and formatted’ to be a boss, but you're doing grunt work?”
“Yes, if I understand you correctly Miss. Kate, I am a grunt,” One smiled.
“And if your were at the proper staff levels,” Kate asked, “Who would be our waiter?”
“An unnumbered drone would be handling these functions,” One responded.
“Why aren’t you fully staffed?” Kate questioned.
“That is a policy decision with which I have no input. But,” One stated, “it is my understanding that an increase is staffing is currently under discussion.”
“By Hunter?” Kate asked.
“Yes, by One of One; One and Two of Two; and One, Two and Three of Three,” One answered.
Kate shook her head, “That’s confusing,” she said.
“I can see where it would be, Miss. Kate. Now, what may I get you for breakfast?” One asked.
“I have no idea,” Kate answered. “Mom just always gave us what she had.”
‘I understand Miss. Kate. We have quite a selection. If you will allow me to bring you a sampling, that may work best,” One suggested.
“Okay, sounds like a plan,” Kate responded.
“Coffee? Tea?” One asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe both?” Kate replied.
“Certainly, Miss. Kate,” One smiled. “I will bring cream and sugar and some lemon for you.”
“Okay,” Kate replied questioningly.
“Some people like to ‘doctor’ their coffee or tea,” One answered.
“Oh, okay,” Kate answered, a little confused.
“It will not take me long to prepare your meal but it would give you time to freshen up, if you wish,” One stated.
Kate blushed a little, “Why, do I stink?” she asked.
One took on a very serious face and shook his head. “No, Miss. I did not mean to imply that. It is my understanding the phrase is an open ended, null sentence that allows the recipient adequate room to apply their own meaning.”
“Oh,” Kate responded. “Just a polite way to end the conversation.”
“Yes, Miss. In this case,” One answered.
“Well,” Kate replied. “It’s been fun talking with you.”
“Yes, it has Miss. Thank you. I will be right back with your breakfast,” One said and then hurried away.
Kate turned and went back inside the room.
“How did he know the Twins were still asleep?” Kate asked as she went back to girls’ bedroom door. She opened it quietly and peeked into the room. It was fairly dark in the room. Blinds were pulled down over the windows and the curtains were drawn together blocking most of the morning sunshine. The Twins were still snuggled close to each other, fast asleep.
Kate walked over to the chair she had moved beside the window. She pulled the curtain back and looked out onto the Green Zone.
The sunlight was bright but not harsh. Kate was unaccustomed to the daily changing aspects of the sun. She was unaware it was 9:32 am. To her, it was merely daytime.
She saw tall buildings scattered about as far as she could see. There were large open grass areas around the buildings. To her, the city was a huge, beautiful park.
Still staring outside, Kate sat down. Occasionally a car would leisurely fly past breaking up the solitude of the scene.
If it is too good to be true, it probably is.
There was a knock on the entrance door. Kate got up and crossed over to the door. When she opened the door, One was waiting outside, holding a giant serving tray heaped with dishes.
I hope that was not too long of a wait?” One said brightly. “My I come in and set things up for you?”
“Sure, yes, please,” Kate fumbled as she stepped back out of One’s way. She had never been waited on before
One hurried past her to the dining table and set the huge tray down.
“I think you are going to love this!” he gushed. He started transferring dishes from the tray to the table.
“Here is a carafe of coffee, French Roast. A carafe of tea, Oolong. My favorite. And cream and sugar.” One looked over at Kate and added, “I like a lot of cream and sugar. I get teased that I add tea to my cream, not the other way around.”
One went back to unloading the tray. “And carafes with orange juice and water. Here are eggs, both over easy and scrambled so you can decide which is better. And pancakes with maple syrup. French Toast with powdered sugar on them. We have sides of bacon and sausage and ham.
Here is a dish of cut fruit and one with buttered toast and jam. And what is this?” One asked picking up one last carafe from the tray. “Oh yes, ice cold milk for the girls.”
One lifted the empty tray up from the table and smiled at Kate. “Anything else you need?”
Kate shook her head is disbelief. “Am I suppose to eat all this?” she asked.
One laughed, “Oh, no, Miss. Kate. All this is just for you to try. We were told you were from the tunnels. And I know that is a harsh life.” One smiled, “And besides, we are feeding three here, are we not?”
Just then, Kaylie and Kayla came running into the room from the bedroom hallway. When they saw all the food on the table the decibel level of their laughing, squealing and shouting rose to a deafening din.
“Ah! Plates, glasses and flatware,” One shouted. “You can not enjoy yourselves without those accouterments..” He hurried over to the kitchen area and returned with a stack of dishes.
“Enjoy yourselves!” he called out to the three excited sisters. Then he stepped over close to Kate and added, “Ms. Maude and Mr. Humphrey have asked you to join them when you have time.”
“Where are they?” Kate asked.
“Just down the hall,” One replied. “They insisted it was ‘no hurry.’ Just when you have time, Miss.”
“Okay, after we eat,” Kate answered. “If I can get these girls to be quiet!”
“Yes, Miss. I fully understand. I will pass on your message to them,” One answered. “Now, please. You must eat. I will be back in a short while to clean,” One said. “And do not worry about one thing. I can, and will, take care of anything you need,” he added.
“Thank you, One,” Kate answered.
One walked to the door but stopped before leaving. “If you run out of anything, just call my name and I will be here,” One smiled and then he stepped out into the wall and closed the door after him.
Kate looked at Kaylie and Kayla, who were busy trying everything on every plate. They did not need any plates or flatware, their fingers worked fine.