Primal Estate: The Candidate Species (32 page)
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Authors: Samuel Franklin
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Rick drove home with the weight of too many issues crushing his mood. He still had the issue of Carson’s mother to reconcile. He needed to tell him what he’d done, what he’d been forced to do. She hadn’t made her usual weekly calls to Carson, and he hadn’t said anything about it yet. But Rick knew Carson would probably suggest they call soon. He must have figured she was just neglecting him but would want to call soon, just to see that she was alright. When she was reported missing, an investigation would begin. There was no avoiding that. Rick wondered if he’d better approach the situation first.
As Rick pulled up his driveway, he thought again. He imagined himself as the investigator driving up to the house, knowing that in any missing person’s case, with absolutely no leads, the ex-husband would be the prime suspect. Since the Provenger took her, there would be no body. With no body, there would be no time of death. Rick and Carson had been gone on the Provenger ship for almost a week after Rick had given up Sarah as the required family sacrifice. The police would suspect him. There would be interviews. He’d taken leave from work during the period that she’d disappeared. He’d called his boss at the last minute and asked for two weeks! He couldn’t show that he wasn’t in Denver because he couldn’t show that he was anywhere on Earth. No one around town would have seen him for an entire week. This could put him on the top of the suspects list, and he had no alibi. On top of all that, he had a smoking hot Cro-Magnon living with him that had no identification. This quick assessment made Rick realize he couldn’t tell Carson.
As Rick pulled up his driveway, he thought again. He imagined himself as the investigator driving up to the house, knowing that in any missing person’s case, with absolutely no leads, the ex-husband would be the prime suspect. Since the Provenger took her, there would be no body. With no body, there would be no time of death. Rick and Carson had been gone on the Provenger ship for almost a week after Rick had given up Sarah as the required family sacrifice. The police would suspect him. There would be interviews. He’d taken leave from work during the period that she’d disappeared. He’d called his boss at the last minute and asked for two weeks! He couldn’t show that he wasn’t in Denver because he couldn’t show that he was anywhere on Earth. No one around town would have seen him for an entire week. This could put him on the top of the suspects list, and he had no alibi. On top of all that, he had a smoking hot Cro-Magnon living with him that had no identification. This quick assessment made Rick realize he couldn’t tell Carson.
If his son knew the Provenger had taken his mother, it would be very difficult for him to carry off a series of believable answers to an investigator’s questions. Any cop who knew his job would get suspicious. Carson’s reactions to his mother missing needed to be genuine. Suspicion of murder was the last thing Rick needed.
He lingered on that thought. Rick had murdered her as much as if he’d pulled the trigger himself. He began to wonder if even he would be able to squirm out of an interrogation. No, they could not draw any suspicion. Instead, he and Carson needed to get their story straight; in Carson’s case, for the benefit of school officials or friends inquiring as to his whereabouts. He would brief Carson to say that he had been sick, which he had, that he’d stayed home for the week, and that his Dad had the flu and forgot to call the school. His father had been with him the whole time. The lie, in this fashion, would be easier. They should probably hide Shainan in the basement. The only problem was, they didn’t have one. The horror.
He lingered on that thought. Rick had murdered her as much as if he’d pulled the trigger himself. He began to wonder if even he would be able to squirm out of an interrogation. No, they could not draw any suspicion. Instead, he and Carson needed to get their story straight; in Carson’s case, for the benefit of school officials or friends inquiring as to his whereabouts. He would brief Carson to say that he had been sick, which he had, that he’d stayed home for the week, and that his Dad had the flu and forgot to call the school. His father had been with him the whole time. The lie, in this fashion, would be easier. They should probably hide Shainan in the basement. The only problem was, they didn’t have one. The horror.
Chapter 25
Nwella and Rick
After two weeks, Rick had finally gotten Shainan into her own bedroom, along with the dogs. Not so coincidentally this was also the first night he’d been able to keep her from drinking. He’d hidden the four bottles of wine he had left in the garage and was able to convince her there weren’t any more. He felt bad for her. She seemed to know exactly what she was doing when she started drinking. Rick figured they had some kind of alcohol in her time because she’d immediately recognized the smell of it on his breath. From that point on, she’d wanted it.
Rick feared it might become a problem. Whenever she started drinking, she didn’t seem to stop until it was gone. She seemed to have no control. With the first sip, any resistance to drinking more was gone. He hoped it was merely an adjustment. Although she was very happy to be back on Earth, she seemed very sad or lonely, or both. She was friendly but somehow distant, tough to assess with the language barrier between them.
Rick wondered what the term for “high maintenance” was in Shainan’s ancient language. That night she had insisted they build a large wood fire outside. She found an almost flat rock, put it in the fire, and covered it with coals. Then she took one of Rick’s elk steaks, laid it on top of the coals, and then put more coals and ash on top. After about ten minutes, she fished it out with a fork, brushed off the chunks, cut it into portions, and served it to Rick and Carson. Out of curiosity, he tasted it first without any seasoning. To Rick’s surprise, it was good, perfectly cooked, but it did need salt. It wasn’t burnt anywhere. When Rick tried to brush some small bits of black charcoal off, Shainan stopped him and motioned for him to eat it. Hesitant at first, he popped a chunk of meat in his mouth. The charcoal had no flavor, was crunchy, and quickly dissolved. It wasn’t at all unpleasant, completely not worth the effort to brush off the small pieces. When Rick added salt, the flavors of the steak exploded. It was one of the best he’d ever had. The ash added a flavor he’d never experienced.
Rick wondered what the term for “high maintenance” was in Shainan’s ancient language. That night she had insisted they build a large wood fire outside. She found an almost flat rock, put it in the fire, and covered it with coals. Then she took one of Rick’s elk steaks, laid it on top of the coals, and then put more coals and ash on top. After about ten minutes, she fished it out with a fork, brushed off the chunks, cut it into portions, and served it to Rick and Carson. Out of curiosity, he tasted it first without any seasoning. To Rick’s surprise, it was good, perfectly cooked, but it did need salt. It wasn’t burnt anywhere. When Rick tried to brush some small bits of black charcoal off, Shainan stopped him and motioned for him to eat it. Hesitant at first, he popped a chunk of meat in his mouth. The charcoal had no flavor, was crunchy, and quickly dissolved. It wasn’t at all unpleasant, completely not worth the effort to brush off the small pieces. When Rick added salt, the flavors of the steak exploded. It was one of the best he’d ever had. The ash added a flavor he’d never experienced.
He realized that a people with limited tools or continually on the move must have cooked this way, probably for hundreds of thousands of years. It beat holding the meat over the fire with a stick, and a grill wasn’t necessary. Rick wondered why he hadn’t been cooking that way all along. You needed nothing but the meat and the coals and hot ash.
After dinner, Rick got on the internet and searched the nutrient content of wood ash. Most of the sites he found were related to putting ash on gardens, not on food, with the exception of some high end restaurants. But the nutrients in ash made perfect sense. Wood ash was loaded with calcium, and many of the trace minerals needed for cellular metabolism were there: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, cobalt, all probably in a form that would be readily absorbed by the human body. According to what he read, ash also enhanced the body’s ability to digest and absorb protein. Sulfur, important for proper cholesterol transport, was possibly infused into the meat while cooking, and the small particles of charcoal appear to have the effect of absorbing chemicals that are poisonous to the body.
After dinner, Rick got on the internet and searched the nutrient content of wood ash. Most of the sites he found were related to putting ash on gardens, not on food, with the exception of some high end restaurants. But the nutrients in ash made perfect sense. Wood ash was loaded with calcium, and many of the trace minerals needed for cellular metabolism were there: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, cobalt, all probably in a form that would be readily absorbed by the human body. According to what he read, ash also enhanced the body’s ability to digest and absorb protein. Sulfur, important for proper cholesterol transport, was possibly infused into the meat while cooking, and the small particles of charcoal appear to have the effect of absorbing chemicals that are poisonous to the body.
Flaming, which creates harmful hydrocarbons in grilled meat, didn’t occur because the meat was in the ash, making the meat healthier. The only questionable issue was that some warned of heavy metals in the ash. But at most, there seemed to be only the slightest trace amounts, not enough, most sources said, to worry about.
For the next few days, the three of them settled into a routine. One evening, Rick thought it was time and suggested Carson call his mother. Of course, he got no answer. A few days later, they were visited by the Cortez Police as a courtesy, to let them know that Sarah was missing and to ask a few questions. Then the next day, they were contacted by the Denver police and questioned over the phone.
For the next few days, the three of them settled into a routine. One evening, Rick thought it was time and suggested Carson call his mother. Of course, he got no answer. A few days later, they were visited by the Cortez Police as a courtesy, to let them know that Sarah was missing and to ask a few questions. Then the next day, they were contacted by the Denver police and questioned over the phone.
Carson had a rough time with it. He loved his mother, as any son would. After what they’d been through, he feared the worst. He regretted some of the harsh words they had traded and the missed opportunities. When answering questions, Rick and Carson were helpful and stuck to their story. They offered to assist in any way they could and waited for further developments. Rick told Carson that when investigators came to question them in person, they wouldn’t make an appointment; they would just show up. If there were two of them instead of one, that meant they considered him a suspect in the disappearance. Rick still didn’t tell Carson of his involvement.
Meanwhile, Rick was working on getting Shainan some kind of identity. Because she wouldn’t be applying for a driver’s license any time soon, that wasn’t a priority, but he did need something in case the police arrived to question them. His plan was to introduce her as his second cousin visiting from Armenia. He and Carson had talked it over extensively. “It’s a small country but still European to match her looks,” Rick explained to Carson. “She’s much less likely to run into someone from Armenia.” It was a legitimate concern since, even though they lived in a remote area, they had a healthy flow of foreign tourists due to all the national parks in the area and Mesa Verde National Park right there in Cortez. As a final strategy, if they ran into someone from Armenia, they would claim she was deaf.
Meanwhile, Rick was working on getting Shainan some kind of identity. Because she wouldn’t be applying for a driver’s license any time soon, that wasn’t a priority, but he did need something in case the police arrived to question them. His plan was to introduce her as his second cousin visiting from Armenia. He and Carson had talked it over extensively. “It’s a small country but still European to match her looks,” Rick explained to Carson. “She’s much less likely to run into someone from Armenia.” It was a legitimate concern since, even though they lived in a remote area, they had a healthy flow of foreign tourists due to all the national parks in the area and Mesa Verde National Park right there in Cortez. As a final strategy, if they ran into someone from Armenia, they would claim she was deaf.
Rick was halfway through an elaborate plan to have her assume the identity of a dead girl when he realized he should delegate this to the Provenger. Within eight hours, she had a full identity as an Armenian immigrant with a green card and bank account with twelve thousand dollars in it, delivered to him by a messenger from Synster. Through sources at work, he checked the identification. It was all legitimate. The twelve thousand was an interesting number, Rick thought, small enough to not draw too much attention but large enough to be an immigrant’s life savings.
Rick was a cosigner on the account. I’ve just gotten my first cash payment as a collaborator, Rick thought. Now it’s official. Then he started thinking about what else he could get and found himself browsing the net for guns, tractor accessories, and the antique muscle car he always wanted.
Rick was a cosigner on the account. I’ve just gotten my first cash payment as a collaborator, Rick thought. Now it’s official. Then he started thinking about what else he could get and found himself browsing the net for guns, tractor accessories, and the antique muscle car he always wanted.
A little over two weeks had gone by since Rick had left the Provenger Nation Ship and Nwella had raped him while he’d been sedated. She’d been pleased with herself. She’d done something she shouldn’t have, just like last time with the wild man on the beach, except a head hadn’t rolled this time. She felt like she had finally completed something of which her father had deprived her. She had to admit to herself; she had done it out of spite. But there was another reason.
When she’d met Rick Thompson that first time, something about him had intrigued her. Something about his smell meant freedom. Something of his look was exotic. When she’d gone to check on the progress of Carson and Rick, sent by her father to keep her busy, she’d had no idea what she was about to do. She had merely been going to ascertain their progress and report back. But she’d acted on impulse.
She’d seen through the wild white hair to a face that was strong and young. It seemed to promise her something. Whatever it was, she could not resist. He had been helpless, sedated. Syrjon had left for a distant section of the ship and she knew they were alone, except for the unconscious Carson. She had secured the cloak to that cell so no one would see or walk in. This was a Provenger recovery room, so there were no monitors. Only the viewing room was a danger, and she’d made it secure. She could have her way; she could dominate him and take from him something sacred. The thought excited her.
She’d seen through the wild white hair to a face that was strong and young. It seemed to promise her something. Whatever it was, she could not resist. He had been helpless, sedated. Syrjon had left for a distant section of the ship and she knew they were alone, except for the unconscious Carson. She had secured the cloak to that cell so no one would see or walk in. This was a Provenger recovery room, so there were no monitors. Only the viewing room was a danger, and she’d made it secure. She could have her way; she could dominate him and take from him something sacred. The thought excited her.
She was now sitting on a lounge in Observation Deck Beta when she received a message through her com-monitor that she was to report immediately to the science deck. She had been thinking about her triumph over the human and now had this summons. A panic ran through her as she realized how unusual this was. She had never been called to the science deck before in this manner. Her job was now to be the available unwed daughter who had recently declared her separation from the family of the Science Director, Synster the Provenger. She didn’t get officially summoned there. She had brought him his meals occasionally of her own accord, when she was still considered his full daughter, but she was not an employee.
Did he know? Her paranoia approached slowly, as if from a distance. When it caught her, she became overwhelmed. If he knew, he would accuse her of being a deviant, and she would become even less than his outcast daughter running occasional errands at his request. And that was the best that could happen. She had already declared her separation from the family. She no longer had the protection that her former status offered.
Did he know? Her paranoia approached slowly, as if from a distance. When it caught her, she became overwhelmed. If he knew, he would accuse her of being a deviant, and she would become even less than his outcast daughter running occasional errands at his request. And that was the best that could happen. She had already declared her separation from the family. She no longer had the protection that her former status offered.
As the shuttle hurried her toward the Science Section, her angst grew. She was certain as she walked to the threshold of her father’s office that her time, even as an outcast of the family, was over. Things would now get worse. She entered the office prepared to accept her fate.
Synster looked at Nwella with disappointment. She had so much promise. Her sexual deviance on Earth ten years ago had been excusable, barely. And he’d forgiven her after her prompt action to save him from bleeding to death. Even though it had been her scream that day that distracted him during the hunt, he blamed himself for the injury. He had glanced away from the lion for only a moment. That was enough to give her the advantage to inflict a grievous wound. He should not have allowed the distraction.
And even if he’d known the encounter with the wild man was by her provocation in pursuit of adventure, he would have killed the nasty devil anyway. That day was so unfortunate. Synster felt he still owed her something.
And even if he’d known the encounter with the wild man was by her provocation in pursuit of adventure, he would have killed the nasty devil anyway. That day was so unfortunate. Synster felt he still owed her something.
“I’ve called you here to request that you act as agent for me in regards to contact with my primary human operatives. I’m heavily involved in the Harvest and ensuring that the Algorithm is regularly aligned with events unfolding on Earth. This will give you something to do, keep you involved with our progress. It may lead to employment in a field superior to where you’re headed now.”
Nwella bristled at his last comment. They both knew she was headed nowhere. She was angered by this expression of disappointment and his power to dispense favor on the unworthy. She now felt even more isolated. But her anger was tempered by her relief that she was not there to be disciplined. He must not know that she had slept with the human; otherwise, he would not have given her a role involving more interaction with Rick. How interesting. How relieving, she thought.
Nwella bristled at his last comment. They both knew she was headed nowhere. She was angered by this expression of disappointment and his power to dispense favor on the unworthy. She now felt even more isolated. But her anger was tempered by her relief that she was not there to be disciplined. He must not know that she had slept with the human; otherwise, he would not have given her a role involving more interaction with Rick. How interesting. How relieving, she thought.
“What would you have me do, Father?” Nwella asked innocently. “Are you sure I’m qualified?”
“Nwella, I’ve been talking with you about this Project since it started. You know exactly what we need to do and how to get it done. Despite your little stunt in this office with Rick Thompson, I know you were just trying to irritate me, and you succeeded. So we’re done with that now.” He paused as if to let the words sink in. “I know you are done with that,” Synster added.
“Nwella, I’ve been talking with you about this Project since it started. You know exactly what we need to do and how to get it done. Despite your little stunt in this office with Rick Thompson, I know you were just trying to irritate me, and you succeeded. So we’re done with that now.” He paused as if to let the words sink in. “I know you are done with that,” Synster added.
The problem was that Nwella was not done. She had only started. “Alright, Father. I will do it.”
“I need you to handle the following people.” Synster handed her a list. She looked at it and immediately saw Rick’s name at the top. She didn’t look any further. How sweet, she thought. In her mind, all kinds of twisted thoughts mingled with weak notions of her official duties.
“I need you to handle the following people.” Synster handed her a list. She looked at it and immediately saw Rick’s name at the top. She didn’t look any further. How sweet, she thought. In her mind, all kinds of twisted thoughts mingled with weak notions of her official duties.
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