Them and Us by Paul Schueller - HTML preview

Chapter 15

As the days and weeks went by Sam’s new open range friends were exposed to blatant drone attacks that blew up food storage and sleeping shelters. It was clear that the city didn’t intend to kill anyone but to send a message. In the past the tribe was able to hide from the attacks by monitoring drone activity with some radio transmission equipment that they had taken from unattended harvester crew trucks and storage units. Now it was clear that the reality of the city’s level of surveillance went well beyond what the tribe knew. Since the attacks started shortly after Sam’s arrival it was clear to all involved that Sam’s presence was the reason.

Sam met with the elders to make sure that they knew he understood he had inadvertently put them in harm’s way. They all assumed that the drone strikes were meant to flush Sam out if he was alive and had made it to them? It appeared that the city would just heartlessly inflict pain on and terrorize the open range people even though it was unlikely that Sam was with them.

They wondered how long it would go on.

Alexandria and Gideon were informed by the elders that Sam planned to walk towards the city until discovered even if he had to eventually knock on their door. The pair didn’t believe that was a good idea as thought he would likely be killed.

“If it’s true that the city can just wipe us out why don’t they do it?” Alexandria asked.

“Because they need you and your DNA. They need what you have inherited from your ancestors. Traits that have been passed down over more than 1000 years. The ability to thrive and survive as you have and to take certain risks. To live independently, caring for and watching out for each other to protect each other and not yourselves. Those are all things that don’t exist in the city much anymore.”

“So, what do you have to do with all of this?” Alexandria asked.

“I think that they feel I can provide a communication link. If I go back they will stop bothering you for now. If I’m right, you will see me again but be wary as the city will be trying to use me.”

“I hope that we do see you again as I will then know you are safe.” Gideon said as he put his hand on Sam’s shoulder.

“Even if they don’t hurt you won’t going back be very bad for your family?” Alexandra asked.

“What happens to my family isn’t as bad as what’s happening to your tribe. And if I don’t go back they won’t stop. They’ll eventually spot me with one of their drones and then likely start killing people. Plus it will be better if it’s me that comes back here than someone else you can’t trust.”

After absorbing that for a few seconds Alexandria said, “Then it must be so. I hope our paths cross again my young friend.”

“If you do need to find us we will be to the north where the prairie meets the great forest. We will be fishing and hunting there for weeks.” Gideon said.

Sam knew he’d be leaving in the morning and really wanted to see Cassandra first. He asked her to take a walk and they strolled along an area of prairie grass lined by stately oaks as far as the eye could see. It was shortly before sundown.

They had been walking and talking but suddenly Cassandra turned to Sam and kissed him and then guided him to the soft grassy area just beneath one of the large oaks. They turned to face each other and Sam started to unbutton and takeoff his shirt. Cassandra did the same in both shirts fell to the ground as did their other clothes. After a few seconds Sam reached out caressing Cassandra shoulders while his eyes took in the beauty of her body. Cassandra placed her hands on his chest and then move them to each side of his waist. She was fascinated by the firmness of his torso and tantalized by the slow motion and nature of their interaction.

Suddenly and simultaneously they moved toward each other in a deep and passionate kiss and embrace. Sam didn’t know exactly what to expect from his first sexual encounter but he certainly hadn’t expected this. They fell to the ground pushing their bodies together as one.

After several minutes Cassandra looked down at Sam, satisfied, then she paused until the tension came out of Sam’s body too. She then moved off to his side and they laid next to each other holding hands and looking up through the oak leaves at the evenings first few stars. As the ecstasy of encounter continued to drain from Sam it was quickly replaced by the apprehension of being so exposed. He moved towards his clothes and started to dress.

“What’s your hurry?” Cassandra asked.

“I haven’t lived my whole life outside. As much as I embrace it there’s something about being naked out here that makes me feel uncomfortable.”

As he finished his statement he turned to Cassandra and saw a change in her eyes. For the first time he noticed an inner beauty and a vulnerability that he hadn’t seen in a woman he found to be intimidating and aggressive. A tear came to her eye.

Sam paused and asked “Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s just I’m feeling things I’ve never felt before. It was much different last fall, the first time that I tried to make a baby.”

“You mean maybe you feel more for me than just somebody they can help you make a baby?”

Cassandra thought for a second and then said. “I guess maybe it is more I feel something that’s new to me but, I still want you to help me make a baby too.”

“You feeling more, like I do, is the part that’s important to me.”

“You are leaving in the morning, aren’t you?”

“Yes, put I promise I will be back.”

“Don’t promise, as you can’t but I trust that you will do everything that you can to make that happen.”

“I can promise that.”