Chapter 69: Journey
It was morning in the West Camp. The West Tribes’ guards and the followers had loaded up their vehicles, and they were ready to depart for their attack on the Downs Region. Orcilla and Octavius agreed to accompany them but were not given any authority over operations. Angelo was to lead the followers. Razor, who was impersonating Flint, was to lead the West Tribes’ guards. Demadrian was to lead his group of Sentray.
Maskameera was not officially leading any of them, but she still had control over Angelo. The Hat Lady had not been seen since her conversation with Demadrian. Maskameera was concerned about her, but she was more focused on maintaining her grip on Angelo. This was causing tensions to rise again; storm clouds were beginning to form above their convoy.
No Downs workers were joining them, and only a small number of technicians were accompanying the guards. Frank and Shamia were to remain in the camp for rehearsals for the musical as well as auditioning technicians. Homer and Leticia remained to practise their roles. Both Aganon Jr. and Aganon Sr. had agreed to join Frank. They were focused on learning their scripts as well as the choreography.
Walter, Scott, Alex, Freddy, and Phillip went outside the camp to wave them off.
‘They all keep coming and going, friend,’ said Phillip. ‘None of them bring any food. They just eat and then leave.’
‘Food is our area of expertise,’ said Walter. ‘This lot are mostly deranged and confused. It’s our job to help them. It’s what the spirit of Downs is all about.’
‘You’re so wise, friend,’ said Alex, nodding.
‘Great,’ said Walter, raising his eyebrows. ‘Absorb this wisdom and make it work for you. I’m going back to bed.’
Walter turned around and walked back into the camp. Scott patted Alex on the back.
Maskameera had managed to mount a Sentray, and she had made her way to the front of the convoy to join Demadrian.
‘That’s brave of you,’ chuckled Demadrian. ‘They don’t like you much. You could easily lose a couple of limbs.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Maskameera as she rubbed the head of her Sentray, who growled in response.
‘Yeah, keep thinking that,’ remarked Demadrian.
‘They obey you,’ said Maskameera.
‘They see me as family,’ said Demadrian. ‘You’ve got just a little too much Linap in you, and you’re a sociopath and possibly a sadist. If I lose just a little bit of a grip on them. You’ll be gobbled up like a nasty salty treat.’
‘Sounds like you’re admitting to weakness,’ said Maskameera as she stared angrily at Demadrian.
‘These are ferocious creatures who follow strength,’ said Demadrian. ‘If an alpha happens to come across our path. Things can change in a heartbeat.’
‘Well, this relationship is only temporary until we take charge of the Downs Region,’ sighed Maskameera.
The Sentray that Maskameera was riding suddenly raised his head and roared loudly. This almost shook her off.
Octavius, who was riding Ducky several rows of Sentray back, burst out laughing.
‘Shut up, you stupid fat, ugly bastard,’ shouted Maskameera as she turned around to look at Octavius.
Demadrian joined in the laughing.
‘At least I’m a lot better looking on the inside than you,’ shouted Octavius.
‘Do you know who are absolutely obedient?’ asked Maskameera as she looked at Demadrian.
‘Remote control killer robots,’ chuckled Demadrian. ‘I’ll make you one to help you chop the walnuts you put in your cakes.’
‘The answer I was looking for was the followers,’ said Maskameera aggressively.
‘She can’t handle the truth when it comes to her baking,’ shouted Octavius. ‘Walter was always better.’
‘You better shut your mouth,’ shouted Maskameera. ‘I won’t hesitate to go back there and wreck you and your stupid, toothless half-Sape.’
The Sentray that Maskameera was riding roared aggressively, almost knocking her off a second time.
‘Ducky has seniority, you wouldn’t understand,’ shouted Octavius.
‘I get it,’ said Demadrian as he looked at Maskameera, who was appearing quite frazzled. ‘Without August, you can’t control crap. Hence, the need for zombie followers and, before that, Jennifer-mind-chipped zombies. It’s so sad you have such insecurities. No wonder you rode August’s coattails your whole life.’
‘You better be careful,’ replied Maskameera smugly. ‘What I gave you with one hand. I can easily take away with the other hand.’
The Sentray next to Maskameera snapped aggressively at her. Maskameera shrieked and lost her balance, causing her to fall to the ground. She immediately rolled over to prevent herself from being trampled by the Sentray.
‘That is if you can keep your hands,’ called out Demadrian as he looked back at her.
Maskameera climbed into the lead vehicle of the followers’ convoy to join Angelo and Volo.
‘It would be wise to not underestimate her,’ called out Octavius to Demadrian.
‘Point taken,’ replied Demadrian. ‘She’s carrying enough poison to take out a dozen of us.’
Meanwhile, in the Central Agriculture Zone, the resistance had been joined by the little miracles. Polly, with the help of Jennifer, Bastion, Bellamy, and August, had helped rescue and bring most of the few remaining Downs residents who had been working in the hotel and catering areas to the resistance's camp.
‘The little miracles have cleaned out my lunch basket,’ grumbled Eugene as he scratched his head.
‘You can have this big slice of mango, son,’ said Arthur as he walked over to Eugene.
‘It looks juicy enough,’ replied Eugene. ‘It looks like you’ve upped your game.’
Arthur put his arms around Eugene and hugged him.
‘Hey, look everyone,’ called out Denise as she approached the group. ‘My dad has come to visit you. He’s feeling great.’ She was holding Morgan’s hand. ‘Speak to them, Daddy.’
‘Hello,’ said Morgan as he waved to them.
‘Oh my gosh, that’s amazing,’ said Vulay as she ran over to hug Denise.
‘Hello,’ said Yassmay as she waved to Morgan.
‘Hello,’ replied Morgan as he waved again.
‘How are you feeling today?’ asked Yassme.
‘I already told you,’ said Denise to Yassme. ‘He’s feeling great. Please, don’t stress him out.’
‘Hello,’ said Morgan as he waved again.
‘It’s really good progress,’ said Vulay as she rubbed Denise’s back.
‘Hello,’ said Morgan to Arthur as he pointed to a mango.
‘Here, you can have it,’ said Arthur as he handed Morgan a piece of mango.
‘You need to say friend, friend,’ said Eugene as he approached Morgan.
‘I told you not to stress him out,’ said Denise firmly as she looked at Eugene. ‘Progress takes time and requires…’
‘Friend!’ shouted Morgan in delight as he danced in a circle around Eugene.
Henders held up his thumb and smiled at Eugene.
‘Why’s he here?’ whispered Denise to Vulay.
‘Polly brought him here,’ replied Vulay. ‘He’s in danger, so we’re helping him. He’s very friendly.’
‘What’s happening in Downs?’ asked Denise as she watched the little miracles begin dancing with Morgan.
‘Something very bad,’ replied Vulay. ‘Polly didn’t have time to elaborate.’
‘I have a feeling an invisible monster is eating everyone,’ said Eugene, smiling.
‘Okay,’ replied Denise, frowning slightly.
Morgan jumped in front of Vulay and said, ‘Hello, friend.’
‘We’re forming sentences now,’ said Vulay, grinning.
Morgan pointed at Eugene, who was smiling gleefully.
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide is the final book in the Sapien Loop trilogy. It continues directly after the events of the second book. The world above and the world below merge into one world. The conflicts in the underground world are brought to the surface. The new ruling elite attempt to crush any resistance from above and below in an attempt to create a new global empire.
Currently, three books from the series have been published on Amazon; see the links below:
All individual chapters can be found on my @captainhive account.
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