James and Thranion stayed quiet for a little while, exchanging a glance before James sighed and raised his hand.
“My village is fairly close to where the Eyvn territories. We share resources so there’s no problem there. I’m sure they could find work if Thranion is willing to help on that front. I think we have enough space, if not they can double up until we do but… we could make it work… possibly.”
%20pngg.png)
"Thanks, James," Mike said. "And you too, Thranion. I understand that could be a difficult and costly decision for both of you. Before we say anything final, though, does anyone else want to offer their help? Let's make sure we consider all our options here."
Dane shook his head. "I run an army, not a town. I don't think the People's Army should be taking in children."
"We'd take 'em," Trouble spoke up. "But us Southern Clans are kinda, well, clannish. Not sure the elders would be very excited about so many new faces."
"Our village would be happy to have them," Polla said. "We're small, and isolated, and surrounded by bandits, and there's not much to eat, but we've agreed that the children will always be welcome here if they choose to stay."
Jackie was silent for a few minutes, staring at her hands. "I don't think I can make that choice right away," she said quietly. "If it's all right, I want to talk it over with my family before we decide."
“That’s acceptable,” Tanrial said gently, “Deciding where you’re going to live for awhile and for some of them grow up, it’s a big choice. Talk and think it over.”
“Even if you do choose to go with Polla, there’ll always be spots for you in my village too.”
(I gotta go for a bit, not sure when I'll be back)
Jackie nodded. "Thank-you."
"Now that we've got that settled for the moment," Mike said. "Next up is the matter of the people Ryker was holding captive." He glanced at the dark-haired teenager. "What's your name?"
"Ven," the boy said.
"Ven. Is there anything you or the others in your group need right away? Have you all gotten some food and medical attention?"
Ven pushed his hair out of his eyes. "Yeah, we did. As far as I know, none of us need anything special."
"Good. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but you guys don't necessarily need to stick together."
"Right. I heard them talking. Some of them want to hit the road as soon as they're strong enough. Some others did mention they wanted to look at getting jobs with you guys though, maybe as fighters or something."
Mike glanced around the room. "So is anyone hiring right now?"
(Okay, I’ll probably be gone by then but I’ll try and reply at the stop over)
“The problem is, getting humans in and out of the main city without being noticed,” Thranion rubbed t his chin, “Nost of the going jobs are there but…” He shrugged, “Finding jobs in the outer territories are harder but not impossible.”
(sounds good)
"So it's an option as long as they're careful," Mike concluded. "Who else?"
"We'll take workers too," Polla said. "If they're good with boats or carpentry. And we're always looking for people to help fend off bandits."
"We'll hire soldiers any time," Dane said. "As long as they're fit and loyal."
Trouble cast Ven an apologetic glance. "The Pikes don't take job-seekers either, sorry."
Ven shrugged. "I'll tell them. I think mostly they just want to get back to their old lives. Some of them have families they're looking for, but all of them are focused on moving forward. I was a Wanderer before I got caught–I plan go back to that life in a few days. Those of you who said you're accepting workers should probably talk to the others yourselves, since they know what they want better than I do."
“Sounds fair enough,” Tanrial shrugged, “Now, what about the data drive? Are we going to destroy it, hide it or give it to the authorities or something?”
(This will probably be the last time I’m on before Doha, see you in about seven hours)
"I don't think we should destroy it," Bernon said. "Hiding it some where might work, if we could find somewhere safe enough…but that would kind of put it back at square one, where I first found it. The people who gave it to me asked me to take it to someone who would use it to help others. They suggested the East Coast, but that area is just too dangerous these days."
"We can attest to that," Polla agreed. "The trading caravans that come through here never go further east than Vermont. If you wanna get mugged, diseased, and then marooned in a jungle of polluted sheet-metal huts, you head to the coast."
"So the data drive shouldn't be taken that way, then," Mike said. "It'll get smashed or lost or stolen. While we're on the subject, I don't suppose any of you guys have the tech and know-how to unlock the information inside the drive?"
"Not over here" Trouble said. Dane and Polla shook their heads as well.
(Sorrryyy, had some major flight delays)
"I think Ryker was one of the only people who knew how to open it," Thranion said, shrugging a shoulder, "Because I don't know how."
"Same here," James paused for a moment before looking to Jackie, "Did Ryker ever tell you how to open it? Or did he keep that information to himself?"
(np ^^)
Jackie shook her head helplessly. "I can't remember him talking about it much. I'm pretty sure it had something to do with all the big machines in the office level back home, but I'm no technology whiz." She paused, trying to think. "He shared almost everything with Eric and I, more than anyone else….but I'm pretty sure Eric was his real confidant. They worked together on Ryker's plan for decades. I just did the legwork, mostly."
Bernon looked down. "So….letting those two escape was the worst thing we could have done. All they have to do is gather up their resources and they can start scheming all over again."
"That's easier said than done, remember," Mike said. "Not only would they have to somehow rebuild the incredibly high-tech, expensive bunker we just destroyed, they'd also have to find or train people with the skills they need–skill that are very rare these days. Right now, let's not worry about that and focus on the data drive."
Bernon sighed and nodded. "Yeah, but we still don't know what to do with it. I was wondering if somebody out West would know, but going that way's a pretty risky gamble if we aren't certain about it."
At that point Rick shifted and gave a little cough. "Hey, uh, mind if I speak for a minute? I just thought of something."
Tanrial looked to Rick and nodded, "Of course, go right ahead."
"Well, so, Bernon mentioned headin' West, right? It just so happens that I might know somebody out there who could help."
Bernon brightened. "Really? Who?"
"His name's Mathias Shaubren. He's an uncle of mine, used to lived back home when I was a kid. He was kind of an outcast because he was more interested in science than in punchin' somebody else's lights out. He left to seek his fortune when I was sixteen, said he was going out to California because he heard a rumor there was some kinda intellectual stronghold there. We got letters from him sometimes, and last I heard he was doin' pretty good. I don't know if he specializes in machines like that data drive, and I can't promise that his colleagues are trustworthy, but I can vouch for him with confidence. He's a real nice, smart guy, and he might be at least a place to start."
(gtg, back in like 20 minutes)
"I guess it's the only lead we can go on," James sighed, "But that's good… I think."
(Okay)
Mike sat forward. "How do we find this guy, Rick?"
Rick scratched the back of his neck. "I can tell you roughly where he lives, but I've never been out there myself. It's a place called Bankport City, right by the ocean. I think it might be somewhere south of San Francisco. You can't miss it, it's actually one of the biggest trading ports on the whole coastline. Once you get there, I'm sure you can ask around and figure out where the scientists live. You know what, I can even write you up a letter to give him so he knows to trust you when you meet."
Mike thought about it for a minute, then nodded. "I think that's the best option we're gonna get. Unless we think of something else in the next few days, we'll try to get the data drive westbound as safely as possible. Everyone agree?"
Everyone nodded, Thranion looked like he was going to protest but decided against it and nodded too, "Well, that's good. Was there anything else that needed to be discussed?" James asked.
"Well…." Mike put his hands on the table and laced his fingers together. "Before you all break camp and go back home, I just wanted to touch bases with everyone and make sure Bernon, Tanrial and I have done all we can to repay you for your help here. We're only three people–we don't have any money or power to offer you. But I admit I feel bad letting you leave empty-handed after what some of you have sacrificed for this cause. I know I already said this, but if there's anything at all we can do, please tell us and we'll try our best to get it done." He glanced at Bernon as he said it, who nodded in agreement.
"Hey, Mike, you don't have to feel bad," James said, "I think we all knew that we weren't going to be getting money out of this and I don't think we care. I don't anyway. But thank you, if we need anything we'll be sure to speak up about it."
Trouble and Polla nodded. "Consider it a new customer discount," Trouble said jauntily. "Besides, this was a great way to give some of my younger warriors more experience."
Dane cleared his throat. "I hate to be that guy, but I would actually like you three to do me a little favor. I'll talk to you about it later, though."
Mike nodded. "Sure thing. In that case, I think we're done for today."
"Not sure when you folks are thinking of leaving," Polla added, "but just so you know, you're all welcome to stay as long as you'd like. It's been good to have some fresh faces around the place."
"Thanks Polla, that's very kind if you," James gave her a smile, "Well, I still need a nap so I'm gonna go do that if this meeting is over."
"Seems so." Rick stood up and hefted his pack once more. "I'll be out at the other lake if anybody needs me."
Trouble followed him out, as did Dane. Polla went to talk to the bartender, and Jackie quietly excused herself, saying she wanted to see her siblings. Bernon watched them go, then glanced at the others. "Well….now what?"
A slight cough came from the far side of the table. Ven was still there, watching them. "You guys got a minute to talk?"
Tanrial nodded after she watched Thanion and James go, "Yeah, what's up?"
(brb, gotta eat supper)
"I've been out west a couple of times," Ven said. "Are you three planning on taking the drive yourselves, or sending someone else?"
Brandon blinked and glanced at the others. "I guess I hadn't really thought about that yet…..I mean, I think I'll be going, because I was the one originally entrusted with the thing. You guys can come if you want…? But you don't have to."
(Okie)
Tanrial shrugged, "I was thinking of going if that fine by everyone. Why? Do you want to come with whoever that does go?"
"Heck no," Ven replied. "I'm getting out of the country if I can. I just wanted to tell you some of the stuff that might be in your way. You thinking of going on foot?"
"Um, well, maybe," Bernon replied. "That's what I'd do. But I've only ever traveled alone before. What's your recommendation?"
Ven sat back. "Walking can work, but you might consider hitching a ride with a trustworthy caravan, or chumming up with a trucking fleet. Those usually cost you, though, and they get attacked by bandits a lot. It depends on whether you care more about speed or keeping a low profile, really."
Bernon nodded. "Thanks. Anything else? Any landmarks to head for, or avoid?"
Ven thought for a second. "The central part of the country is infested with forest beasts. Stick to roads and paths, they usually avoid those. Oh, and make sure you pick a really good time and place to cross the Rockies. Those mountains kill more travelers than any bandit tribe." He shrugged. "I don't have any more specific advice. But you should definitely find a good map and don't leave too much to chance out there."
Tanrial nodded, "Thanks. I wonder if anyone here has a map we can borrow? It would be helpful if they did but if not… where would we get one?"
"I'll ask around," Bernon said. "I've got a couple maps of individual states, but the atlas I had last year got eaten by a bear. And anyway, most old maps are so outdated they're useless. I can navigate by memory pretty well, but it would be nice to have a really good picture of what we're getting into."
Mike nodded. "Thanks, Ven. Let's take a few days to rest up, gather what we'll need, and figure out our plan. Bernon, you can be in charge of supplies for the trip if you want. I'll do some scouting and see if any caravan or similar group is planning on going west soon. Tanrial, is there anything else you can think of that we'll need?"
Tanrial thought for a few moments before she shook her head, "Not right now, no. But if I do I'll make sure to tell you."
Ven stood up. "I guess I'll leave you guys to it. Should I tell the other ex-prisoners that you're looking for traveling companions? Some of them might be useful to have around."
Bernon, who was already making an inventory list for their trip, glanced up dubiously. "I think we three make a pretty good team…..but he could have a point….."
Mike stood up and went to the door to find his jacket. "We might as well stay open-minded. Tell them if they really want to come along, they'll have to come talk to us and we'll decide if they're fit and trustworthy."
"Will do," Ven said, heading out the door.
Mike finished tying his shoes and made to follow Ven outside. "I'll be out for a while, but hopefully I can get back here before dark. See you guys later."
Once he was gone, Bernon flipped open his notebook, staring at one of the diagrams with a faintly sullen expression. "Call me petty, but I'm not sure I like the idea of letting anyone else travel with us…."