Them and Us by Paul Schueller - HTML preview

Chapter 16

The next morning Sam started hiking east over a long stretch of open prairie. He knew coming out from under the shelter of the trees and canyons would make the job of the city’s drones easier. He walked for 20 miles over two days and shortly before sunset on the second day a drone seemingly came out of nowhere and hovered in front of him. He recognized the voice on the other end as Dr. Canard’s.

“I thought there was a chance you were still alive. Have your new friends had enough of our little game?”

“You know that to be the case and it’s why I am here. Tell me what you want.”

“Well, let’s do that back at the camp. Us will dispatch a helicopter for you immediately.”

After weeks of living with the open range tribe Sam found himself in the very same building where he had prepared for his training exercise. Not that much time had passed but his whole life had changed. He now considered himself part of the tribe. Sam realized even sitting in this

environment, much less if he was back in the city, that there was nothing he missed other than his family. He had some ideas on how to protect them as he steadied himself for whatever was coming his way. He shifted his weight in the chair as the metal door swung open.

It was Kevin who entered first. He immediately made eye contact with Sam and flashed a grin.

Sam smiled back but that emotion and facial expression quickly vanished as he saw Joe and Dr.

Canard following close behind.

The three sat down across the table from Sam who was shackled to his chair. Sam surprised them by initiating the conversation. “So there really isn’t a need for the shackles is there? I’m not a full-fledged open range person that could snap your neck in a second.”

Dr. Canard turned to the guard near the door and with a nod Sam was freed.

Sam worked up with a bit of a smirk on his face and said. “Do you really think they’re that barbaric?”

Dr. Canard took the lead. “I don’t know, maybe. Why don’t you get their leaders to come in for a conversation so us can get to know them better.”

“Why would they do that?”

“It’s in their best interest. As you must know by now, us could wipe them off the map.”

“You obviously need them and aren’t going to massacre all of them. That doesn’t fit so why threaten that?”

Dr. Canard was already growing agitated. “Listen, it’s in your best interest to get them to talk to us. Even if you are right and us won’t kill them all, there are other factors at play here. Would you like to talk to your parents? Would you like them to know you’re alive?”

“I would like that and I’d like them to keep whatever money you ended up paying them.” Sam said.

“That can be arranged but only if you deliver on what we ask of you.” Dr. Canard stated.

“If I do facilitate a meeting you’re going to have to come out to the open range.”

“Why would us do that?”

“Because it’s a point that’s not negotiable. Them coming to the city, or even to this outpost, it’s not going to happen. They would rather you obliterate their entire tribe then acquiesce to what the city represents.”

“These people are that crazy? Fine.”

“So, you’ll let my parents keep the money to pay for the baby and you won’t prosecute them?”

“If you deliver on our needs Kevin here will ensure that the agreement stays in place and he can even let them know that you are still alive. I’m sure you trust him more than you do me.”

Sam confirmed. “I can live with that.”

“Good. So now how will you make this happen?” Dr. Canard asked.

“I can take you to a point near where they will be and they will find us.”

“Please make it so. Us will leave in two days.” Dr. Canard said and then he and Joe left the room allowing Kevin and Sam to talk. The pair knew that their conversation would be recorded.

Kevin started. “Looks like you had quite an eventful trip.”

“That’s for sure. An interesting people.”

“Other than sleeping and screwing outside are they really that much different than us?”

“They are a thousand years different from people in the city. I would much rather live my life out with them then return to the city.”

“Wow. If you have that conviction…so, you weren’t kidding about them rather dying then come into the city for a simple conversation? Sounds like a bunch of losers and suckers if they’re that short sighted.”

“That’s the big difference. They are about what’s best for the greater good then for themselves.”

“Again, sounds like losers and suckers to me.”

“That’s the difference a thousand years makes.” Sam said.