By davisr (Rhonda)
The evening was perfect. There was a warm desert breeze blowing through windows partially rolled down. The scent of sagebrush and cactus infiltrated Archie's senses like a narcotic, chasing away months of toil from his soul. The red Camaro he was belted into tore across the open expanses of highway like a lion chasing its prey. He was young, powerful, and determined to rid the country of all its ills, self-imposed and otherwise.
Archie looked out the window of his car -- a gift from his father for winning a seat in the United States Senate. He was only 31, ostensibly one of the youngest senators ever elected in any state, and most especially in his home state of Texas. In the Deep South, age was revered as much as common sense, but he wasn't sure how much he had of either. Still, Archie was a fighter, and all Southerners admired spirit, even if it belonged to one as young as he.
Of course, Archie knew that one reason he had won the election was because he was replacing his father, the much beloved Andrew Franklin. Andy, a good ol' boy, had just vacated the position after 25 wonderful years, and the people were looking for a replacement they could love. They seemed to have found one in the ultra-intense, Archimedes Franklin.
The great state of Texas would not completely miss his father's leadership. Andy had answered a higher calling. As of the past November, the adored senator was elected President of the United States, and his eldest son rode his shirt tails into his old senate job. Everyone knew it, but no one cared. He was still the darling a state had watched grow up, and one smart and energetic enough to capture its heart.
Archie looked out across the grasslands and breathed in the rich aroma of an area more desert than prairie. He smiled at the pleasant odors and sighed. He wondered if he was the only weary soul to find comfort in this stunning expanse of nature. He rather doubted it, but, as he hadn't seen many people on the road that evening, he guessed they were not in need of the experience at that moment.
As far as his eyes could see, the land took on the appearance of a great, tawny ocean filled with distorted bushes, and dotted by clusters of branching cacti, all floating upon heaving waves of sand. Small tufts of grass poked their heads above the arid floor like so many bobbing knots of seaweed.
What few trees dared to fight the merciless environment, appeared small and gnarled. With daytime temperatures reaching well over the one hundred degree mark, their life energy was sapped by an unforgiving sun. Archie wondered how the many and varied species of desert animals could thrive in such harsh conditions. He didn't consider himself particularly spoiled. His parents had worked hard to teach him, and his younger brothers, to appreciate life when they were young. He just couldn't imagine wanting to live in so barren a habitat. It was a nice place to visit, and it acted as a tonic to his soul...but live there? He would rather not... which brought his mind back to why he was traveling the deserted road on that particular evening.
There was a bill just introduced in the senate, by him in fact, on his father's behest, requesting aid to the peoples of the Southwest plains. It was a sparsely populated area, mostly composed of meager plant life, and numerous Native American Reservations. The people here wanted to expand and make the parched land more productive. In his defense, and in defense of this desperate trip into the outer edges of the hustle and bustle of modern life, he did plan to assess their needs.
Still looking out over the vast stretch of nature, Archie's soul began to heal and his nerves to relax. He reached over, turned off the air conditioner, and then completely opened both windows. He let the hot air of the desert blow through his wavy brown hair bringing out the natural gold highlights that were his trademark. His hair flowed uncharacteristically loose around a firm and well-conditioned neck. Normally, it was kept in perfect place with gels and sprays so that each hair lay just where he wanted it. But he was on vacation, more or less, and let it fly free.
Of the Franklins' three sons, Archie was the most ambitious and the largest built. Tall, muscular, and handsome, he was appealing to the media. His two little brothers, though attractive in their own right, were slight in stature like their mother, and sported her blonde hair and blue eyes. Also, unlike Archie, they hated public attention.
Both younger brothers had chosen to become science teachers, an inheritance from their famous ancestor, Benjamin Franklin, whose love of the discipline was legendary. Their father was also interested in science, having worked as a medical doctor and researcher long before he entered into politics. Archie was proud of his father and brothers for their accomplishments. He had a feeling that old Ben would have been proud, too.
Archie's family was content in their chosen professions. His mother, who had dedicated her life to the raising of her children, was just as satisfied. He wondered if he would ever find that inner peace. At the present, however, contentment was a word foreign to his vocabulary. Maybe, he thought, after he was President like his father, he might allow himself to slow down and enjoy it all.
Smiling to himself, he passed a sign on I-40 declaring fifty miles to Gallup. An insignia, emblazoned on the top, proclaimed the road belonged to New Mexico. There were still a lot of miles to go before he had a chance to see all he planned of the Great Southwest. He decided Gallup was as good a place as any to rest for the night. He would call his mother once he got there and report in. Even though she was the First Lady of the United States, she was still a mother. Of course, he knew it would help if he got married and started a family like his little brothers. She didn't bug them as much as she did him. He would put it on his list of things to do. After all, what was a president without a First Lady by his side?
Pressing the accelerator to the floor, Archie felt the powerful car lurch forward. His heart moved with it, as a rush of adrenaline surged through his body. He was alone on the road and wanted to feel the endless landscape flash by.
Just as Archie leaned his head back to enjoy the sensation, he was startled by a deer. It was running full speed, its trajectory heading directly across the highway and into his path. It was an odd looking beast, rather unearthly in appearance, and it caught his attention immediately.
Instinctively, Archie leaned forward and pressed the brake, but there was no response. He pressed again, but the pedal snapped and fell clattering onto the floorboard. The car swerved violently and shot off into the uneven terrain south of the road. He grabbed the steering wheel and fought to steady the convulsing vehicle as it dashed, unhindered, across barren wasteland. The deer scampered, unharmed, behind.
| Author Notes |
A special Thanks for the artwork, "Desert Twins" by SCHATZLING
General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be. Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Summary of Chapter 1:
Archie Franklin was driving west from Texas across the Southwestern plains of the United States. Travelling well above posted speed limits, he careened off the highway to avoid hitting a deer. The deer escaped danger, Archie did not.
The Story Continues:
The car lunged and bucked like a living animal. If it were not for his seat belt and the irrefutable law of inertia, Archie might have been torn to pieces. At one point, though, the rear view mirror broke off and hit him on the forehead, causing blood to trickle into his eyes.
A moment later, one of the tires hit a low spot in the terrain and tossed the red car onto its top. It rocked back and forth a few times, then settled at an angle.
A warning from a film in driver's education nudged its way into Archie's mind. Never swerve to avoid animals. More accidents are caused in this manner than on icy roads.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.
Archie groaned as he looked at the mangled roof of the car. Yeah, this isn't good! Breathe in... breathe out... keep calm."
Archie touched the wound on his forehead. It was going to leave a nasty scar, but hoped it would soon scab over. His immediate concern was getting out of the wreckage. He grasped the seat belt holding him prisoner, tugged at it a few times, then stopped when he realized the release mechanism had been damaged.
Now what? The driver's window was still open, so Archie reached out and stroked sandy soil. It felt gritty beneath his fingertips, the sensation helping his concussed brain remain alert.
Archie called out for help, knowing as he did that his efforts would be in vain. Silence followed his cries, almost as though the air around him was eating his words and swallowing them into the bowels of the empty wasteland.
Finally, waves of exhaustion overcame Archie and he closed his eyes.
Time flowed like the slow trickling of sand through a car-sized hourglass, but Archie was only vaguely aware of its passage. He existed in a zone somewhere between awake and asleep. He was aware of being trapped under a heap of metal, and of a basic human need to be awake and fighting for his life. Archie was unable to do either.
*****
Morning dawned across the prairie, stirring Archie from sleep. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment he was disoriented. He took a deep jagged breath as his predicament sank in. He tried, once more, to struggle against the seat belt, but it held firm.
Seriously, can't I get a break around here?
Archie didn't expect an answer, so was surprised to hear a strange scratching sound near his head.
Who are you? A chipmunk stuck his head in the open window. Little feet scratched at the sand and a small brown nose twitched.
Go get help, would you?
The small creature chattered back and then scampered away, no longer interested in the stranger. Archie smiled and began to squirm. He felt stiff and sore, but was relieved when he realized he could still move all his body parts. He looked at the window and mentally calculated his chances of escaping through the small opening.
Archie braced himself against the steering wheel and tried to twist free of his restraints. He had to find a way out of the car before the rising sun turned it into a sweltering oven. It was one thing to feel hot air blow across his face when he was going eighty miles-per-hour down the highway, and quite another to have to try and breathe it while hanging almost completely upside down.
Think, think... what do I need to do? Okay, first cut this seat belt... but what can I use?
Archie worked his hand into a pocket, and found nothing inside but coins and a fingernail clipper. Where was his pocket knife? Oh, yeah, in his luggage. Good place...
Wait, I've got it. There's plenty of broken glass from the rearview mirror that hit me in the head.
Taking a deep breath, Archie tore a piece of cloth from his shirt and wrapped it around a shard of glass. He took his homemade knife and began working on the offending strap. It took him several minutes of painful sawing, a process that garnered him a few nicks to his flesh, before it sliced through.
Unfettered, Archie pulled himself out of the window and onto gritty soil. He tried to stand, but found his body too stiff and sore to cooperate. He dropped back to the ground and stretched his arms and legs until he felt strength return. Then, Archie rolled onto his knees and sat up. He paused a moment to let his swirling head steady itself.
Archie touched the oozing scalp wound, then tore another strip of cloth off his shirt and used it as a bandage. He wasn't going to bleed to death, but exposure to the elements wasn't good, either.
Satisfied, Archie forced his aching legs to push off the ground, drawing a reluctant body behind. Good, necessary mobilty. He was no longer a helpless victim of the ruined car and merciless desert floor.
But where to? Archie couldn't see a road beyond the furrows formed by his hurtling car. He had no idea how far off the highway he had driven, and was too tired and sore to try to walk it back. He leaned against the car and looked around. To his surprise he could see an adobe building in the opposite direction of the road. Which way would bring survival? As depleted as he was, he knew he had the strength for only one choice.
| Author Notes |
General Summary of the Book:
Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Interim Passage: After Archie is forced to decide whether to try to walk back to the highway after his accident, or toward a distant, yet visible, abobe building.
Blanketed in shadow, Archie's concussed brain tried to make sense of his surroundings. He felt hot sun on bare skin, heard the whistling of wind, and smelled the acrid odor of his own sweat. The only thing Archie couldn't do was see more than phantom images through his swollen eyelids.
He thought he saw a young lady of outstanding beauty looking down at him. She had long auburn hair and soft brown eyes. He tried to touch her, but his arm fell to the prairie dirt, and the vision faded.
Another image appeared. There was a young man's face, and then another's. He felt his body lifted onto strong shoulders. Help had come at last... or had it?
The story continues:
"Are you finally awake?"
A soft feminine voice penetrated the fog of Archie's mind and beckoned him to awaken.
He opened his eyes to a creamy hand pulling back shimmering curtains. He blinked as the sun illuminated a sparsely decorated room. As Archie sat up, pain erupted from various parts of his abused body.
"Am I okay?" he asked.
"Isn't that what I'm supposed to ask you?"
The disembodied voice became a young lady as she stepped away from the blinding rays of sunlight. Golden brown eyes softened an angular face, and long amber curls flowed around narrow shoulders. Her lips and eyes smiled with amusement. He knew that face-- he had seen it in the desert after he collapsed in the adobe ruins.
"I guess so," Archie said.
"Well, are you okay?"
"I think so, but I'm definitely not at my best."
"That's to be expected. You were in a terrible automobile accident."
"Yes, I was, and I appreciate you and your friends rescuing me today."
"You're welcome, but it was yesterday. And you're fortunate we were there, as we don't often go outside the village."
"Yesterday, really? That's not good. Do you have a phone I can borrow? I'll need to call for a tow truck to get what's left of my car."
"It's been taken care of."
"Great, thanks, but I still need to call my job and parents. They'll be frantic."
"Our phones are down."
"Why?"
"I don't know. They've been that way for weeks."
"Do you have a cell phone?"
"They don't work out here."
"That's odd. I'm sure there's some company that can reach this far. It's not like we are on another planet."
"Sometimes it feels that way when you're isolated by nature."
"Too true," Archie said. How well he remembered the feeling of loneliness he had experienced during his ordeal in the car.
"Now you just lie back and rest. Your body needs to heal."
"I couldn't agree more, but I also need to let people know where I am."
"And we will..." another evasive response.
Archie shook his throbbing head and leaned back. It was obvious he wasn't getting anywhere with this conversation -- at least not at the moment. His years as a lawyer had taught him when to press for details and when to be patient. He changed his tactic.
"So, what's your name?"
"Ayala."
"Ayala -- that's quite lovely. What's your last name?"
"I don't have one."
"What do you mean, you don't have one? Everyone has a last name."
"I'm an orphan," she explained. "We all are in this village, and we only have first names -- now stop being so nosy."
"I'm not nosy, just curious, and there's a difference, so stop raising your eyebrows at me."
"You need to rest."
"Yes, we already established that fact. What are you, a nurse?"
"No, a professor, and the mistress of this house."
"Which means?"
"It means I'm in charge. Now, what's your name?"
"Archie."
"Archie," Ayala repeated, mulling the name over as though trying to remember something. "Is that short for Archibald?"
"No, Archimedes. He was a scientist my father found intriguing."
"Yes, Archimedes was an ancient Greek mathematician and scientist. I've studied him extensively. He had many inventions to his credit. Your father chose an honorable name."
"Thank you, but I go by Archie. Do you teach science?"
"No, history."
"Well, my father is a scientist and politician."
"Those two don't often go together."
"I guess you can say he's a nonconformist," Archie said.
"You won't find many of those in Hokee. Most people here try to follow rules."
"Oh, my father follows rules, he just does so with his own particular style."
"I see."
"So, is Hokee the name of your village?" Archie asked. "I've never heard of it before."
"No, I don't expect you have," Ayala said. "We're quite secluded. The name is Navajo, and means the abandoned."
"Why would someone give such a dismal name to your town?"
"All who live here have been discarded in one way or another."
"That's sad, but I'm not an orphan. I'm a United States Senator, and people depend on me to remain in contact."
"I know who you are." Ayala handed him a cool cloth to place on his forehead. "Once you told me your name I recognized you from the newspapers. Archimedes is an unusual name."
"So I've discovered."
"And your father, he's the new President, isn't he?"
"Yes, so you can see why I need to contact my family."
"I can see why you would want to. I'll bring you something to eat, and then we can go for a walk outside if you're stronger."
"But... "
"Rest. We'll deal with your worries later."
"I need to know when I'm going home."
"You're not."
Ayala promptly left the room, closing and locking the door behind. Archie tried to stand, but fell back dizzy and exhausted on the bed.
"Hokee," he said with a groan. "In the whole vast expanse of the United States, how did I get manage to get stranded in the City of the Abandoned? As soon as I can get up and walk across the room, I'm going to abandon them, too."
| Author Notes |
General Summary of the Book:
Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
"Yes, so you can see why I need to contact my family."
"I can see why you would want to. I'll bring you something to eat, and then we can go for a walk outside if you're stronger."
"But... "
"Rest. We'll deal with your worries later."
"I need to know when I'm going home."
"You're not."
Ayala promptly left the room, closing and locking the door behind. Archie tried to stand, but fell back dizzy and exhausted on the bed.
"Hokee," he said with a groan. "In the whole vast expanse of the United States, how did I manage to get stranded in the City of the Abandoned? As soon as I can get up and walk across the room, I'm going to abandon them, too."
The story continues later that afternoon:
"How do your people get such a wide variety of plants to grow in the desert?" Archie asked, as he breathed in the luxurious fragrance of the garden outside his host house. Ayala held his arm for support and comfort as they walked along a flower bedecked path.
"The people who developed Hokee dug deeply into the ground and found a submerged river that sustains our village. Our settlement is small, and the water the river provides is enough for us to grow all we need for ourselves and for the animals we rely on."
"I'm impressed. How many people live here?"
"Well, there are twelve main houses, or dormitories, with about 30 people in each, and then a hospital. I don't know how many people are in there, but not many. I'm guessing Hokee maintains no more than about 500 at any given time."
"That is small."
Ayala nodded as she guided her unsteady charge to a park bench. The base of the structure was shaped like a beast, maybe a dog or wolf, with its proud granite head bowed, and its back supporting a smooth granite plank.
"What a beautiful sculpture," Archie said, running his free hand across the polished surface. "I almost hate to sit on it."
Ayala chuckled and sat beside him. "We have many beautiful pieces in Hokee. One of our dorms, the Tarantula House, is known for their creative arts."
"Tarantula? Are they overrun by spiders?"
"No, silly, all our houses are named after animals of some kind. The one you're staying in is called Coyote House."
"Cool, what are the others?"
"We'll talk about that later. You need to rest your brain, my anxious friend. Let the garden soothe your nerves."
"It is relaxing. Where did you get the plants?"
"They're actually indigenous to the area, which makes them more capable of surviving here. In the fields outside the village, we raise corn, wheat, and squash, which require less water than many other crops."
"Sounds well thought out."
"Quite so," Ayala agreed. "Hokee was developed by scientists, and you'll find it's run with precision. We're almost fully self-contained. There aren't too many places on this planet that can boast the same."
"No there aren't," Archie said, trying to relax as his hostess suggested. The sooner he was well, the sooner he could escape. "And what of your people, how do they do in the hot. dry air?"
"We, like the plants, have adapted. In time, you will, too."
Zap! She did it again.
"I won't be here long enough to adapt."
Ayala smiled and touched his arm. "Let's walk."
"We just sat down."
"Yes, and now it's time to walk again... walk, rest, renew. Let's go."
She guided him to a path leading out of the garden. "Coyote House has a better view of the village than any of the others. From just outside the garden, you can see most of Hokee. For a man smart enough to be a senator, you should find it interesting."
Archie let her lead him down the dusty path and up a hill outside the gate. His hand flew involuntarily to his mouth as he looked around the picturesque village. There, in the midst of cactus and sagebrush, was a quaint colorful town, resting like a delicate rose in the desert. He was filled with wonder as the fragrance of the garden he just left, mixed with the earthy smells of the charming village.
Archie could see the large houses Ayala had spoken of, or at least several of them. They were tall adobe dwellings that blended into the sand around them as though having sprung up from the ground itself.
Rows of small square windows opened onto stony outcroppings at each of three stories. If they followed the ancient pattern right, Archie thought, the windows would set up a natural breeze throughout the interior of the building, eliminating the need for electrical cooling.
Narrow detachable ladders hung at several spots along the balconies, and seemed to be the main method of entering the buildings from the outside. Though simple in structure, they appeared sturdy and full of life.
Around each building was a garden, much like the one he had just passed through. They were made of mostly the same edible and decorative plants, but were arranged in such a way as to grant individuality to their inhabitants, almost like dainty fingerprints of the souls inside. Archie's heart was touched with wonder.
The roads leading to and from each house were paved with gravel, and were traveled, not by automobiles, but by bicycles or hand drawn carts. In its simplicity, this city was beautiful and strong, just like the mistress of Coyote House.
"It's exquisite," he smiled, looking back at his hostess. "I'll have to hand it to your developers -- they've made a beautiful city. Do you have electricity?"
"Yes, there are windmills outside of the village, and we funnel the energy they produce into a small power plant. I don't think we run as many things as you do in the outside world, but it allows us to be somewhat modern."
"Do you have computers?"
"None we can easily access. We have very few communication devices at all."
"Like telephones?"
"They're down right now, remember?"
"And when are they going to be fixed?"
"Soon." Ayala eyes flickered away from Achie's.
"Ayala," Archie said, "I don't know what's going on here, but I'm a very busy man, and I can't stay in your town forever. I appreciate all you've done for me, but I have to go home."
"You owe your life to our leader, Leander," Ayala chanted mechanically, "as do we all. No one who enters this city does so without his permission, and no one is free to go without his leave."
"That's crazy," Archie protested. "This is the United States of America, and its citizens are free to come and go within its borders. Your leader can't force any of us to stay, whether we owe him our lives or not."
"We are our own country," she explained, smiling like he was the one who was clueless. "We exist as a world within a world, and are not allowed to emigrate."
"I don't believe it. There's no such place."
"That you knew of," Ayala said. "You see, we're an experimental colony set up about 40 years ago with the purpose of developing ways to survive in harsh conditions. Scientists determined that, as a species, human beings were becoming weak and spoiled, so they petitioned the government to develop a society where this trend could be reversed. Leander was the head of this group and still serves as our main leader."
"I won't argue that research is important." Archie chose his words carefully. "I mean, my own father is a successful and dedicated scientist, but that doesn't give your leaders the right to mess with people's freedom, and it certainly doesn't explain why I can't leave. Even if this Leander person has a right to mess with your lives, he has no authority over mine. I'm not a part of your experiment, and do have a life outside your city. I'm not an orphan, social or otherwise."
"We can't allow word of our village to be taken to the outside world, or all hope of seclusion from it will be gone. History has shown this over and over again.
"Take, for instance, the Hadzabe tribe in Africa's Rift Valley. At one time there were over 10,000 people roaming the valley as hunter gatherers; now there are scarcely 800. They had a perfectly happy life, existing on what they could grow and forage from the woods. They were simple people with uncomplicated ways. And then, they were 'discovered' by the mainstream civilization and almost completely destroyed. We don't want this to happen to our colony."
"And all of you choose to stay of your own free will?" Archie pressed.
"Of course. The cause is noble, and none of us would be alive if Leander had not intervened."
"It's not right to put such a price on saving a person's life," Archie contended. "If rescuing a person gave ownership, then we would all be slaves to someone."
"I see your point, but Leander has a charter from your government granting him this authority, morally right or not. Apparently the problem is severe enough to warrant drastic measures. If it means sacrificing some of the comforts of modern society, then it is a small price to pay for the ultimate survival of our species. I wish you could understand how important our mission is. It would make your life here more pleasant."
"Freedom is another noble cause, one worth dying for."
"If you try to escape, it might come to that."
| Author Notes |
General Summary of the Book:
Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
"And all of you choose to stay of your own free will?" Archie pressed.
"Of course. The cause is noble, and none of us would be alive if Leander had not intervened."
"It's not right to put such a price on saving a person's life," Archie contended. "If rescuing a person gave ownership, then we would all be slaves to someone."
"I see your point, but Leander has a charter from your government granting him this authority, morally right or not. Apparently the problem is severe enough to warrant drastic measures. If it means sacrificing some of the comforts of modern society, then it is a small price to pay for the ultimate survival of our species. I wish you could understand how important our mission is. It would make your life here more pleasant."
"Freedom is another noble cause, one worth dying for."
"If you try to escape, it might come to that."
The story continues the next day:
"This is the dining hall," Ayala said the next evening as she and Archie entered a broad open room filled with tables and chairs. "It's where you'll be taking your meals now that you're better. The food is prepared by members of the Wasp Kin, who leave their house and go to each of the other 11 houses to cook. They are experts at making the most of simple fare."
"It smells heavenly," Archie said as they slipped into the serving line. He'd slept most of the day, much as he had since arriving at Hokee, and now felt rested enough to confront his situation. This time he was prepared with a new strategy, and was determined to appear as complacent as his hostess.
Archie smiled at Ayala. "Who did you say made the food?"
"The Wasp Kin," Ayala repeated, pointing toward the workers behind a long food-bearing counter. There, Archie saw an array of slender women with shiny black hair tidied up into matronly buns -- serious looks planted on small pinched faces.
"Do each of your houses have specific jobs?" Archie asked, trying not to stare at the austere women.
"Yes, we do," Ayala said. She was glad the young senator seemed to be adjusting. She touched his arm to show her appreciation of his attitude change.
"What is the specialty of the Coyote House people?"
"Coyote Kin," Ayala corrected with a tolerant smile. "Our adults are teachers and professors, like myself. The young ones are in training to become educators."
"Quite interesting." Archie suppressed the urge to point out the lack of personal choice in this plan. He was determined to appear rehabilitated.
"I'm glad you feel that way, because I went to Hawk House today while you slept and talked to Leander Junior about what you did for a living in your old life. He was quite excited, and agreed you should join me as a professor at the University. He said we could use someone to teach law. Of course, you'll have to study our laws first, but I'm sure it won't take you long."
"Leander Junior?" Archie interrupted. "There are two of them?"
"Sort of. Junior actually lives here in Hokee, and is our immediate Governor. He's the head of the Hawk House, which is our governing body."
"I thought the scientists were in charge."
"They're who the Hawk Kin report to."
"You'd think Junior would want me to be a part of that house, then, given my history in leadership."
"I'm glad he didn't," Ayala gasped as though Archie had spoken a sacrilege. "The Hawks might be our leaders, but no one really likes them. You're way too nice to be one of them."
"So," Archie observed, "Paradise has a snake in it."
"Perhaps," Ayala said, and then paused, changing the subject. "So, what do you think of the food?"
"It looks wonderful," Archie commented, allowing his hostess to take a verbal retreat, and then followed her to a table and sat down.
"I would love to teach your people law," Archie said, drawing a raised eyebrow from Ayala.
"Great," she said, "I'll have some books sent to your room after supper. Maybe you can be ready by next week."
"Go ahead and plan for it," Archie said. He figured cult members were so used to being fed information they were pleasantly easy to fool.
"I do hope you'll enjoy the food. The Hawks say it's better than anything they've eaten on the outside. They're the only ones allowed out to trade outside the village."
"What do you trade with?"
"We use gold and silver mined in our other settlement to buy whatever goods we can't make here."
"Like what?"
"Cotton, sugar, metal, things like that," Ayala quoted. "Of course the Hawks aren't allowed to go off by themselves. They're well monitored by the scientists. It would be terrible for their great experiment to become contaminated with outside views."
"We wouldn't want that to happen," Archie said. He suppressed a shudder at his own faked indifference, and wondered if he was pulling off the ruse.
"The Hawks know if they slip up and do something stupid, they'll either be banned from travel outside, or sent to Mine City as punishment. They definitely don't want that, as Hawks are given rough treatment in the mines."
"Mine City? Is that the name of your other settlement? It sounds like a prison."
"That's pretty much what it is, or so I'm told. No one who goes is allowed to return."
"Harsh."
"Yeah, well, it's one reason we do what we're told."
Archie couldn't help a scowl creeping onto his face. He hid it, but not before Ayala noticed. She didn't say anything, but her eyes betrayed suspicion. Archie shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah," Ayala said, then looked around the room as though searching for someone. Archie looked, too, his eyes scanning the room curiously.
There were about twenty people seated around circular tables, some finishing up their meals and others just beginning. They were chatting casually, as though in no particular hurry, as people often do at the end of a workday. The whole bunch seemed very healthy to Archie -- well fed, but no one overweight. They had a vigorous glow to their skin and hair, and their eyes were bright with life. There were very few children and no family units. While happy, they seemed disjointed, like kids left alone to raise themselves.
"Oh, look, Koko's here," Ayala said. "She's a science professor, and the closest thing I have to a real sister. We came here to Hokee at the same time and always shared a room until last year when she got married. Come on, we'll sit with her and Todd."
"You're allowed to get married here?"
"Of course, why wouldn't we?"
Archie didn't bother to answer. He felt he had awakened from his wreck in an alternate universe, one where nothing made sense, and that he was the only person who noticed.
"You'll love Todd," Ayala continued as though not noticing. "He's the male head of our household and works at the high school as a math teacher. He's all energetic like you."
"Lead on," Archie said, getting up and following Ayala. "I would love to meet someone with my mind-set."
"I said energy, not attitude," Ayala said, raising a discerning eyebrow again.
"Hi, Koko," Ayala called out, greeting a young lady who sat alone at a table. Like Ayala, Koko wore a very simple dress with muted colors, much as one would expect to be worn in a desert compound. "I haven't seen you in days. What have you been up to?"
"Oh, hi," Koko said, her eyes flickering over inquisitively at Archie. "I'm sorry, but I've been working late in the lab -- research, you know. I came in here earlier with the little ones, but didn't eat. I was waiting for Todd to get here."
"Where is he?"
"I don't know, but it's not like him to be late for supper."
"Maybe there was a meeting at the high school. They're probably making plans for their football games."
"Those don't start until fall," Koko said, "and they already have their summer program worked out. No, I'm afraid it's something worse."
"I wouldn't overreact. I'm sure he'll explain it to you tonight when he gets here."
"You're probably right," Koko agreed, her voice betraying concern.
"Well, anyway, I've missed you," Ayala said as she and Archie sat down. "I'd like you to meet someone."
"I noticed you had company," Koko said, her eyes fluttering back to Archie. "Where did you find him?"
"You really have been deep in research haven't you?" Ayala said. "This is the guy we rescued from the desert three days ago."
"I heard something about a wrecked car," Koko said, her brow knitted in concentration, and making her look a lot like Ayala, "but I didn't realize we had a new visitor because of it."
"That's because he's been keeping a low profile," Ayala explained. "I was waiting for Junior to make a decision on what to do before we went public, but I'm surprised Todd didn't say something to you about it. He was one of the men who helped carry him from the desert."
"No, he didn't say a thing," Koko said. "He's been distracted the last few days. That's one reason I'm so worried."
"People get that way sometimes," Ayala said. "As I said, I wouldn't worry."
"You would, too. You worry about as much as I do, big sister."
"We were born on the same day." Ayala chuckled, sharing what seemed to be a familiar joke.
"Yes, but, according to Leander, you were born first."
"You two are twins?" Archie asked, sitting down and noting, once more, the obvious similarity between the two young women.
"I don't think so," Ayala replied. "Leander says he got us from different orphanages, but we always liked to pretend we were."
"My guess is that you are," Archie said, "no matter what your Leander has to say about it."
"I guess we'll never know," Ayala said, her tone ending the conversation. Archie guessed Ayala was used to having the last word on things.
"So, what's your friend's name?" Koko asked, looking at Archie with a direct gaze now. Archie noticed that she had a pile of untouched food on her plate.
"I'm Archimedes Franklin," Archie responded, holding out a hand to shake. "You can call me, Archie."
"Thanks," Koko responded, returning his handshake firmly. "Are you the Archie Franklin -- son of President?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Wow, I can't believe it. A real celebrity, right here in Hokee. How long will you be staying?"
"We'll talk about it later," Ayala said.
"What do you mean?" Koko demanded, her demeanor changing. "You can't keep Archie here like the others. There will be repercussions."
"It's not our call. So, how's your research going?"
"Good, good," Koko said, her voice changing tone, but her soft brown eyes revealing inner conflict; "just a lot of work right now. I'm writing a book on edibles of the desert."
"Why?" Ayala asked. "It's not like we don't have plenty to eat here."
"That's true, but you never know what might happen. We get some pretty bad storms sometimes, and one could hit that totally wipes out our homes. We would need to know what to eat in order to survive."
"You and your disaster theories." Ayala shook her head indulgently.
"You might scoff now, but one day you'll thank me for my theories and research."
"I would love to see your work," Archie interrupted. "My parents are both scientists, and I grew up in a home rich in all sorts of research."
"Then I would welcome your opinions," Koko said, glad to see that at least one person appreciated her work. "I don't have many colleagues who understand what I do."
"I'll bet," Archie said. "So, are all the women in Hokee as smart and beautiful as you two?"
"Uh, oh," Koko giggled. "We've got a charmer on our hands."
"He's a politician," Ayala reminded her. "He's used to talking smoothly to get his way."
"Not true," Archie said, taking a bite of food so delicious he couldn't believe he had gotten it in a remote village in the desert. "I'm just an admirer of beauty, and a man not afraid to speak his mind -- nothing more."
"In that case," Ayala continued, "I'll answer your question. Most of the people here, both women and men, are healthy and well proportioned. You might even say we exhibit a number of qualities we've heard the general public considers attractive. It's the part of the experiment that gives Leander and the other scientists the most pride. It validates their purpose."
"That makes sense," Archie agreed in a voice that seemed to defy his words. Ayala cut narrowed eyes over to him and frowned.
"All experiments have to have subjects," she reminded him. "Ours just happen to be human."
"I'm not arguing," Archie said, and then turned to look at Koko. "So, why are you so worried about your husband? I would think there's very little danger he could get into here in Hokee. From what I've been able to see, there aren't any ruffians roaming the streets."
"He's been having dreams again," Koko said, her voice dropping to a whisper. Her eyes stared blankly at the plate she had barely touched.
"The ones about animals?" Ayala said.
"Yeah," Koko said with an involuntary shudder. "He told Dr. Henry about them, and he said he wouldn't report it to the Hawks since Todd's been taking his medicine, but who knows?"
"I know you can't ever trust the Snake Kin," Ayala said, looking over at Archie. "The Snake kin are responsible for our healthcare system here in Hokee. They're good and patient people, but are quick to turn you into the Hawks or Cougars if they think they've got a good story."
"I know. I told him not to tell, but he wouldn't listen," Koko said. "He assured me he would ask the doctor to increase his anxiety medicine dosage."
"Was he having nightmares?" Archie asked, looking up from his diminishing plate of food.
"Yes. They started about six months ago, but after receiving medicine, had just about gone away until the other night."
"What does he dream?" Archie asked.
"Nothing distinct. I mean, it's not like the animals were attacking him or anything, but they're just there...always there."
"Why is that a problem?" Archie asked, looking back and forth between the women in obvious confusion. "Is he scared of animals?"
"Of course," Koko said, looking at Archie like he was a leper. "Isn't everyone?"
"I'm not," Archie said. "I love animals -- all kinds. I'd have a bunch of them for pets, but I travel too much. Maybe once I settle down and get married, I'll get a dog or something."
"But they carry diseases," Ayala insisted, her voice cracking with shock. "They are unclean."
"True," Archie said, "but they're also soft and cuddly. Man's best friend, you know."
"No, I don't know," Ayala said, "and I don't want to, either. Leander has banned animals of all kind from our village, except those used for food, and they're kept in pens outside. He says animals are the leading cause of death in the United States. They are one of the factors that make our species weak. Not only has mankind become dependent on them for tasks he should be performing himself, but they can also attack without provocation... and they eat babies."
"They do not," Archie argued, "I think more children are actually saved by animals than killed by them. They're good and safe companions when cared for."
"Well, your people still rely on them for work you should be doing yourself. You can't argue with that," Ayala said.
"My dear ladies," Archie said, looking back and forth between the two scandalized women, "we haven't used animals for much more than companionship for decades. Now, if you want to say the same thing about technology, then I would definitely back you, but animals? No, they're just our friends."
"Well, they aren't ours," Koko said, "and I think we are stronger for it. I can't imagine a life with them in it."
"Apparently your husband can," Archie countered, drawing a gasp from both women.
"Don't say that," Koko pleaded, tears rushing to her eyes. "He's not crazy."
"I'm not saying he's crazy," Archie insisted. "If anything, I would say his basic human need to love and care for things is expressing itself in a very healthy way."
"Unfortunately, our people don't feel the same way," Ayala said. "I mean, Coyote Kin are a little more open-minded than some of the others in Hokee, we're all about studying and learning, but I'm afraid none of us will ever make peace with unclean creatures."
"Why do you name yourselves after them if you hate them so much?" Archie asked. "I mean, you are the Coyotes, the Wasps cook your food, and the Snakes give you medicine. Who knows what other animals you have as house names?"
"We have twelve houses," Ayala reminded him. "I told you that before, but we don't like the animals. It's like we're named after that which we have defeated. They were once the warriors of the Earth, and now we are, and so we celebrate those victories by using their names. We have incorporated their strengths into our lives and then dismissed them."
"That doesn't make a bit of sense," Archie insisted.
"Well, it is our way," Ayala said. "In order to strengthen our species, we have to completely destroy all that would make us weak."
"Do you really believe that?" Archie asked as he finished his plate and pushed it away.
"She has to," Koko said, with the slightest hint in her voice that she didn't completely agree, "or they'll send her to the mines."
"Well, our independence from animals has made us strong," Ayala said.
"And I think the human spirit is what strengthens us," Archie countered. "If you suppress that, then you weaken the heart, no matter what you do to make the body strong, and that is my belief."
"Then we will have to agree to disagree," Ayala said, smiling again. "And for now, you've had enough exertion -- back to bed with you."
| Author Notes |
General Summary of the Book:
Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Summary:
After surviving a car wreck in the desert, Archie Franklin, son of President Andrew Franklin, finds himself held hostage in a desert compound run by a cult. The innocent-like people are subjects of an experiment, apparently sanctioned by the United States Government to try to improve the human species. Ayala, the leader of one of 12 houses named after animals is trying to acclimate him to life in Hokee.
The story continues after Ayala and Archie finish eating with Koko, one of Ayala's housemates.
Ayala stood and picked up her tray, indicating the conversation was over with her sister. Archie took the cue and rose with her. He wasn't eager to return to a locked room, but was ready to be alone. He had begun to formulate an escape plan and wanted time to plan further.
Archie had taken the first step when he left the room earlier, placing a wad of torn sheet into the strike plate on the door so the bolt wouldn't slip in all the way. It wasn't a big plan, but it was a beginning, and he sure hoped Ayala hadn't noticed.
Smiling warmly, he turned to face Ayala's sister.
"Koko, it was wonderful meeting you and I wish you luck with your husband. If you get a chance, tell him the stranger from Texas says his dreams are completely normal. Like it or not, animals are tied into our evolution, and his spirit cries out for that ordinary interaction."
"I'll try to remember all that." Koko chuckled. "Don't be offended if he doesn't share your view, though."
"I would be shocked if he did," Archie said, giving her a wink.
"Good night, then," Koko said, taking her full plate to the discard window and heading upstairs to her room. "See you tomorrow."
"Good night." Archie turned back to Ayala.
"What are the names of your other houses?" he asked, trying to break what he was afraid was going to be an uncomfortable silence. It was more than obvious that he was not adjusting to the new environment with the childlike trust he had pretended.
"Are you really interested?"
"Of course."
"Okay, but let's walk and talk so you can get back to your room."
"Fine with me."
"Well, first, there are the Tarantulas. They are our architects and builders. They fix whatever is broken, and create new technology when needed."
"Limited though that may be."
"We have what we need," Ayala said. "Next is the Hare kin. They make our clothing from wool and cotton, and distribute it to our houses. You know about the Wasps -- they make and serve food to all the other houses. The Donkeys maintain the roads, and build handcarts for our people. They also make bicycles and teach us the many ways they have developed to ride them effectively."
"We once depended on donkeys and horses for transportation in our world, too," Archie said. " I don't think America would be what she is today without their patience and industry."
"Good choice of names, then," Ayala said. "We also have the Cougars which I mentioned before. They're our police force and protection against outside enemies."
"You have enemies?" Archie interrupted.
"Doesn't everybody?"
"Apparently so. Who are yours?"
"Mostly animals," Ayala said. "They're always trying to invade our land to get to our water and food supplies. Without the Cougars, we would have nothing of value. They also make sure none of us escape, which is why I warned you not to try and leave. The Cougars aren't as nice as the rest of us. They work for the Hawks, and everyone in Hokee knows their ruthless reputation."
"Not nice."
Ayala gave a small nod, then continued, "We also have the Rat kin. They're the caretakers of our young ones from the time they get here until they are old enough to be taken to the individual houses."
"Which is what age?" Archie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Five years-old," Ayala answered. "Some are brought to Hokee as infants and then raised in the Rat house, others come a bit older. We just got a five year-old little boy, Moki, who arrived in Coyote House the day before you did. Junior said he was raised here."
"Why on Earth would you name a kin after rats?" Archie asked, "especially ones who care for your babies? I mean, what's more disgusting than a rat?"
"You don't love all animals?" Ayala asked, a sparkle in her eyes. "I'm shocked. So, in your theory, is it okay to love some animals and find others detestable?"
"Not really, it's just that rats carry disease and get into your food stores." Archie squirmed, trying to wiggle out of the hole he had just dug for himself.
"You don't have to defend yourself with me," Ayala said, smiling now. "What other animals do you find unclean?"
"None, go on."
"The next kin is the Snake," Ayala continued, openly gloating. "As you know, they are the doctors and nurses."
"Yes, I remember," Archie recalled, resisting the urge to shudder.
Ayala seemed to notice and grinned. "Okay, we have the Hawk kin, I told you a bit about. Remember, they're our political leaders."
"And Jerks."
"And demanding," Ayala corrected. "Junior is the head of that house and his brothers run our city and schools."
"Brothers?"
"Well that's what we call each other in the houses -- brothers and sisters... like with Koko and me. The familiarity gives us a sense of belonging."
"I understand." Archie nodded. "So, what about Junior's sisters, what do they do?"
"They act as liaisons between the houses. We report to them weekly."
"About what?"
"Well, like how things are going in the schools or in our household. If anyone needs discipline that we can't take care of ourselves, or we tell if there is someone is consistently breaking the rules, we tell them."
"Breaking rules, you mean like dreaming about animals?"
"Sometimes, but I'm not the one who told on Todd, Archie. I wouldn't do that. He's not just my sister's husband, he's my co-ruler in the house."
"Then what is unpardonable in your opinion?"
"Well, like becoming violent, or trying to escape, or having a baby."
"Whoa, I thought you are allowed to get married here."
"We are, but we're sterilized once we reach puberty. Leander, alone, decides who enters our compound. In this way, he can control the population and eliminate birth defects. He only picks the strongest children to bring here."
Archie took several deep breaths to control his anger. Righteous indignation would do him no good with his clever supervisor, but it wasn't easy not to defend personal choice and human rights.
"Leander is a good and kind man," Ayala said in response to the expression on Archie's face. "Remember, he's in charge of saving our species from self-annihilation. He has to take extraordinary measures to do that. If it was so wrong, your government wouldn't have sanctioned the experiment."
"Our government has been known to err," Archie said, "but it's still sound, and I have a pretty good idea they don't truly understand what's going on here."
"Well, Leander says they do, and that he's been given a right, morally and legally, to improve the human condition using whatever means he deems necessary."
"The last I read in my biology books, babies were considered a necessary part of the progression of a species."
"Leander says that once we have become strong enough, he will start allowing limited breeding; that's why women only have their tubes tied and not burned. Men's sterilizations are done similarly to make them reversible as well."
"Which can sometimes lead to babies being conceived," Archie said, getting the point. "Which is, apparently taboo in Hokee."
"You got it, which is why I have to tell the Hawks so they can set up a disposal with the Snakes."
"Disposal?" Archie snarled. "You mean abortion?"
"You make it sound so crude. Look, it may not be the way you were raised, but it's the way of our experiment. It's a terrible sacrifice, but a necessary one."
"Do you really believe that?" Archie asked, his face red with emotion and his fiery golden eyes boring into hers.
"I believe what I am told to believe," Ayala said.
"I don't think you do."
Ayala broke eye contact for a moment, then cleared her throat and continued. "Another house belongs to the Buzzard Kin."
"Let me guess, they're the clean up crew." Archie's voice softened. He had to control his temper if he was going to get anywhere with these people.
"That's right, and it's important to keep away disease and waste. Waste brings animals like your rats you don't like."
"I like them," Archie said. "In fact, if I saw one right now, I'd kiss it."
"Really?"
"No, but please tell me more."
"The Ant Kin breed and raise meat animals outside the village," Ayala continued a bit terse. "They're considered unclean, and we seldom interact with the people."
"I'm surprised you eat meat," Archie said. "It carries disease, you know."
"True, and early in our history, we tried to do without it, only to suffer deficiencies. It's one of the weaknesses Leander and the others are trying to eradicate. For now, we must accept our need for flesh and go on. It's our shame."
Archie disagreed, but left it alone. They were back at his room and he didn't want Ayala to stop talking. He was learning important facts about his captors, and that was good. Know your enemy, he thought, but there was something more. He didn't want to be alone.
"You've told me eleven houses now, what's the last one?"
"Our sports specialists, the Deer."
"Hey I saw one of those right before I crashed. Maybe it escaped your city."
"Oh, so you agree animals are dangerous, then?"
Archie laughed and opened his door.
"Okay, that's one for you. Good-night, Headmistress."
"Good night, Archie. You'll find some law books on your desk I had sent over while we ate. Study them so we can begin preparing you for your new life in the village."
"I'll do that, and then try not to dream of animals later."
"That's nothing to joke about," Ayala said with real fear in her eyes. "We don't even mention animals before we go to sleep."
"Then I take it back," Archie said softly. "Sleep well."
"Please don't let our differences come between us," Ayala said as she began to shut his door. "Such matters as we've talked about are really out of our hands. It's liberating to know you aren't the one who has to make decisions affecting other people's lives."
"I'm a United States Senator," Archie said. "Messing with people's lives is my job and passion. You're a leader, too, and as such you need to think about the well-being of the people you govern. Otherwise, all you'll ever be is the mouth and ears of the two Leanders and the Hawks."
"But that's all leadership is here in Hokee."
"Then make it something else."
"How? I can't go against my people, or I'll end up in the mines with all the other malcontents, and I'm not suited for underground living."
"I really don't know how you are going to be able to find your voice," Archie said, "but if you don't, you'll never grow."
"I'm not expected to grow," Ayala said quietly... "just survive so the scientists can observe me. It's my lot in life to be a subject in an experiment and, now, it is yours as well. Sacrifice is often required for science to progress, right?"
"Goodnight," Archie said, leaving the question unanswered.
After changing into pajamas he found on his dresser, he thumbed through several law books that turned out to be insulting lists of wrongs, all ending in one-way tickets to the mines. Archie slammed the last one shut, then lay down in bed.
Just as he was dozing off, he heard raised voices. Curious, he grabbed a robe the good people of the Hare kin had provided, and slipped it on. He used a metal clip off a pen and pried open his lock, a trick he had learned on TV. Oh well, he thought, not all education comes from books.
Once free, he crept down the hall so silently a mouse wouldn't have heard him, had they been allowed in Hokee.
| Author Notes |
A special thank you for the artwork,The Prince, by cleo85. I decided to give the cover photo a break for this chapter, and loved the cougar shot by cleo85.
General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Others to be listed as they appear in the book. Houses: Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors Hawk: Ruling clan. Houses Leander Jr. Not to be trifled with Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Cougar: Policing force; muscle for the Hawk Kin Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Archie crept toward a ladder-like staircase, his senses on high alert. He could smell the earthy odor of dirt walls, feel unexpected coolness in the air, and hear the whoosh of wind entering paneless windows. Technology, he decided, was only necessary when you distanced yourself from nature. Maybe the people of Hokee had one thing right.
Turning backward, he grasped a rope rail and climbed to the level below. Once there, he proceeded to the room where he was certain he had heard loud voices. He leaned his head against the roughly hewn wooden door and listened.
At first, there was nothing but silence. Archie pictured the combatants sitting in neutral corners between rounds. He waited with the patience he assumed the Tarantula Clan possessed.
Then the two pugilists began again... pugilists he recognized.
"I'm going to ask you one more time, Koko," Ayala said. "Where have you been, and what have you been doing? And, please, don't tell me another ridiculous story about your research."
"I have been working late," Koko said, frustration obvious in her strained voice, "and I have been doing research."
"That's never stopped you from reporting to me before. I'm afraid this behavior will have to be reported to the Hawk Kin."
"Why?" Koko asked. "Why should we tell them anything? They aren't our friends. They do nothing but punish us. It isn't fair."
"Koko, don't you know that type of talk will only get you sent to the mines?"
"By who, you... my sister? Being in charge of this house has changed you, Ayala, and not in a good way. You can't turn on me... not to them."
"I don't want to. It's just that it's my job to run this house, and you're disobeying its rules."
"By working late?"
"No, by talking against the Hawks, and by hiding whatever it is you are trying to hide from me."
"Well, what do you think that is?" Koko asked, turning the tables.
"I don't know, maybe you're planning an escape with those stupid Ants you're always hanging around."
"Is that what you're upset about, that I'm talking to the Ant Kin? That's definitely not against the rules, big sister."
"I know it's not, but the Ant people are unclean, and you have been spending more and more time with them lately. You say I've changed... well you have, too."
"Don't worry about me," Koko said. "I'm not cheating on Todd. I'm just getting research for my book. You know how I get wrapped up in my work. You're the same way."
"Why the Ant Kin?"
"That's the exciting part. The Ant people visit the desert every day to care for their animals. I get them to take samples of plants and describe the environment. That's all. They're really happy to help me. Now stop worrying and go back to bed. You've got a new professor to train, and if you want my opinion, he's just what you need."
"What do you mean?"
"You know, for a husband."
"That's not going to happen. He's an outsider," Ayala stuttered, obviously taken aback, "and, besides, he hasn't been sterilized."
"Then send him to the Snake Kin clinic tomorrow. They can do the surgery right there in the office, and then he'll be safe to marry."
Archie stifled a gasp as he continued to listen. He was surprised that that these two young women could throw such an important decision around without thought for his desires. It was apparent oppression took many faces in Hokee.
"Koko, stop trying to change the subject. I'm not here to discuss my marital status," Ayala said, to Archie's extreme relief. "The issue is your unacceptable behavior."
"I've done nothing wrong."
"If what you're saying is true, neither of us have anything to worry about, little sister, but I'm not convinced. Please make sure you report to me daily."
"Of course I will," Koko said.
"Then I'll go. if you change your mind and want to talk, you know the way to my room."
"I do," Koko ended sadly. "I shared it with you for fifteen years."
"Good night," Ayala said, and then Archie heard her footsteps approaching the door.
He slipped behind a corner and waited for the Headmistress to leave. Maybe Koko didn't feel comfortable telling her secret to Ayala, but Archie hoped she wouldn't feel the same way about an outsider.
As soon as Ayala disappeared down the stairs toward, what he guessed, was her room, he went to the small wooden door and knocked.
"Who is it?" Koko asked. Her voice sounded tired and worried.
"Archie."
"What're you doing here?" Koko cracked the door open and peeked out. "You're supposed to be in your room."
"I don't follow rules very well," Archie said, putting his hand on the door and gently pushing, "and I need to talk -- we need to talk."
"Ayala wouldn't like this," she said, allowing Archie to press the door in further.
"She would like it even less if she knew your secret.
"What do you mean?" Koko reached out and pulled him across the threshold. Her eyes betrayed deep concern.
"Ayala may have missed the meaning of your loose clothing and upturned nose at the food tonight, but I didn't."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Really?" Archie said, closing the door behind him. "I think you do, and it's nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not the least bit ashamed," Koko said, her eyes meeting Archie's. "I'm excited, enthralled, captivated, and proud...but I'm also afraid. If anyone in Hokee figures out what you just did, then my baby is doomed. I can't let that happen."
"How far along are you?" Archie asked, sitting in a chair Koko waved him to.
"I don't know. There are no books on pregnancy in Hokee, and very few whom I trust enough to discuss the subject. I'm guessing I'm about five or six months. I've been feeling the baby kick for weeks now, and am having to be very creative hiding my growing belly."
"You won't be able to do that much longer," Archie said. "What are you going to do about it?"
Koko hesitated, and looked down at her hands. A single tear fell down a face that was struggling to be brave. She hesitated a moment, then seemed to come to a decision.
"Todd and I were planning on trying to escape in a few days. We were going to slip out at night and go across the desert, but now that he's gone missing, I don't know what I'll do."
"So that's why you are doing research on edible foods of the desert? Very smart."
"That's part of it. I mean, the topic has always fascinated me, but then when I knew I had to get away, I began to study more earnestly."
"And what if Todd has gone to the mines? What will you do then?"
"I really don't know, but I'm not going to let them take my baby," Koko said, looking up again with determination. "If I can't find Todd, then I'll leave on my own. You aren't going to tell Ayala are you?"
"Of course not, my dear, I plan to go with you."
"But you'll put yourself in terrible danger."
"The deer who ran in front of my Ferrari did that for me."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the wreck I was in didn't end when the car rolled to a stop. My whole life has been a disaster ever since, and, Koko, I'm not one to take adversity lying on my back. I'm sure not good at waiting for others to make my decisions for me. I'm guessing you aren't either."
"Not any more."
"Good, then I have a plan I've been working on. See what you think."
| Author Notes |
Thank you for the artwork, "The Robber" waits by willie. Nice insect!
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was out scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group of people from a cult-like village called Hokee. In Hokee, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The leader, Leander, choses what babies are brought to the village, and doesn't want anyone to know about the place so they can maintain their isolation. So, Archie is now a prisoner. There are 12 houses in Hokee, each named after a desert creature. The jobs of the people in the houses is supposed to reflect the qualities of the animals. Strangely, the people are taught to fear and despise animals, in spite of a need for meat and wool. The Hawks, where Leander Jr. lives, are the rulers and are very exacting. The Cougars are the strong arms of the Hawks, and dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Others to be listed as they appear in the book. Houses: Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors Hawk: Ruling clan. Houses Leander Jr. Not to be trifled with Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Cougar: Policing force; muscle for the Hawk Kin Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores |
By davisr (Rhonda)
"I'm so pleased you liked your classroom," Ayala said the next evening. "If you finish reading the law books I sent over, I'd say you could start teaching on Monday."
"I've already read them," Archie said, and he had. The books were full of rules and regulations set up by the Hawk Kin and enforced by the Cougars. Archie noticed there wasn't much room for individual choice, and punishments were swift and cruel.
"Will three days be enough for you to prepare?" Ayala asked.
"More than enough." Archie couldn't imagine standing in front of a group of hopeful young minds and teaching them there was no hope at all. If his and Koko's escape plan worked out, he wouldn't have to.
"Good, then I assume I can trust you to behave if I leave your door unlocked tonight?"
"Absolutely."
Ayala looked at Achie a moment, seeming to juggle trust and suspicion. While he appeared happy and docile, there was always an underlying edge to him she just couldn't define.
Earlier, they had toured the University where she showed Archie her classroom and the one prepared for his law class. He showed interest in both, and even asked if he could arrange for a prisoner from the mines to come talk to his classes about following all the prescribed laws.
Of course, she had to explain that no one sent to the penal colony was allowed to return. He seemed genuinely disappointed and asked if he could take his students there on a field trip instead.
Once more, she denied this request also due to the distances involved and the inherent risks. She suggested shorter trips to the desert, accompanied by the Cougar Clan, may be more appropriate This time he had smiled. He seemed content and well adjusted. Maybe it was just her concern over Koko that had her so suspicious.
She looked at Archie again, and he graced her with a warm smile. Yeah, it was just her insecurities.
"Good night," she said, closing the door to his room and leaving it unlocked.
"Good night."
Ayala climbed down the ladder to the second floor, and walked over to Koko's room. She heard rustling sounds inside, so tapped on the door.
"Come in," Koko sang out.
Ayala opened the door and stepped inside.
"Oh," Koko said, leaving an unspoken, "it's just you", hanging in the air.
"Sorry I'm not Todd," Ayala said, misinterpreting Koko's response. "No research tonight?"
"There's always research, but I took your advice and came home early."
"Good, good. Have you heard anything from Todd?"
"No, and at this point, I'm going to assume he's in the mines."
"We don't know that." Ayala walked over and sat on a high-backed chair. "He might be back at the hospital having another sleep study. If they can correct the animal dreams with medication, they'll send him home."
"They've already tried that."
"I know, but Todd's a good professor, and I'm sure he's better fit to teach than dig for gold."
Koko just shrugged.
Ayala leaned over and looked at a burlap bag Koko had laying on the floor. She reached out a hand to touch it. "What's in there?"
"Just some samples the Ant folk collected for me," Koko lied.
"Oh." Ayala pulled her hand back in disgust. "Well, I guess it's necessary for your research."
"It is."
"Good, well, I'm glad to see you're home early."
"Yes, and very tired."
"I'll let you get some rest, then."
Koko nodded and leaned back on a stack of pillows, her eyes half closed in feigned sleep. She listened to Ayala walk out of her room and close the door.
She waited a few more minutes, then jumped to her feet and began shoving collected items into her bag.
Moments later, she heard another knock.
"Yes?" Koko kept her voice quiet as though rousing from sleep ... just in case...
"It's Archie, are you ready?"
Koko cracked the door open and let Archie slip inside.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks go out for the artwork, "Coyote in the wild" by cakemp55
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was out scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group of people from a cult-like village called Hokee. In Hokee, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The leader, Leander, chooses what babies are brought to the village, and doesn't want anyone to know about the place so they can maintain their isolation. So, Archie is now a prisoner. There are 12 houses in Hokee, each named after a desert creature. The jobs of the people in the houses is supposed to reflect the qualities of the animals. Strangely, the people are taught to fear and despise animals, in spite of a need for meat and wool. The Hawks, where Leander Jr. lives, are the rulers and are very exacting. The Cougars are the strong arms of the Hawks, and dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Others to be listed as they appear in the book. Houses: Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors Hawk: Ruling clan. Houses Leander Jr. Not to be trifled with Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Cougar: Policing force; muscle for the Hawk Kin Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Summary:
Ayala stopped to talk to Koko on her way to bed. She didn't stay long, but happened to notice the burlap bag Koko was packing to escape. Koko convinced her it was harmless, so Ayala left. Archie showed up a few minutes later. Koko let him in to discuss their escape plans.
The story continues:
"Are you ready to go?" Archie asked.
"Almost, but listen, Ayala was just in here and saw my bag. I told her it contained samples for my research. I think she believed me, but she's a really suspicious person. We'll need to be extra careful."
"I've handled shrewd people before," Archie said.
"You don't know Ayala."
"You don't know my mother."
"Mother ..." Koko repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Archie, do you think I'll make a good one?"
"Of course, my dear. You have great instincts or you wouldn't be risking your life to protect that baby."
Koko nodded and touched Archie's hand. "I'm glad you showed up."
"I guess I am, too. This isn't how I'd prefer to have found out about Hokee, but it's fortunate I did. My father definitely needs to know what's going on."
"Yes, but not before we find Todd. If he's in the mines, we'll have to get to him before the scientists."
"My father wouldn't tell anyone about Hokee until the miners are safe."
"He wouldn't have to; they'd know. Archie, you have no idea how powerful the scientists are, especially Leander."
"Leander and his buddies may have a compound of orphans bullied, but I'm not afraid of him. I've met his type before."
"But you promised me yesterday..."
"I know, and don't worry, I'll keep my promise."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, but you'll have to keep your word, too. If we can't find out where Todd is by midnight, we go forward with the plan."
"Oh, I know, and I have an idea on that. Junior has a book where he keeps records of disciplinary actions. All we have to do is get to it and then we'll know what's happened to Todd."
"Where's it kept?"
"In Junior's office in the Hawk House. Todd saw it there a few months ago when he was called in about his dreams. Junior threatened to write his name in it if he stopped taking his medicine, or if the dreams came back."
"Do you think he'd let me look at it since they think I'm going to be teaching law?"
"It's possible, but you'd have to make an appointment."
"How long would it take to get in?"
"A day or two, if he's not busy."
"Yeah, that's not happening."
"We could always let Sani set a diversion so we can sneak in and read it."
"Sani?"
"He's an old man who lives in the Ant House, and helps them take care of the animals."
"You have old people in Hokee? Everyone I've seen is about my age or younger."
"We have just the one. He isn't from here, as you might have guessed. He used to be a miner in Colorado, but ended up stranded like you. He's been part of my escape plans from the start. He's, also, the only other person who knows about the baby."
"It's always nice to have an ally, but how old is he?"
"Very."
"Wow, are you sure he's up to survival in the desert?"
"He seems to think so. He also has experience with explosives, and plans to set something off tonight to divert attention from our escape."
"When were you planning to tell me about this?"
"Before we started out. I had to talk to Sani this morning and make sure he could do it tonight. I didn't want to offer services he wasn't ready to deliver."
"But he's okay with it?"
"Yes, but I'll need to talk to him about the changes."
"How can you contact him? I know you don't have cell phones."
"He's waiting behind the Coyote House," Koko said, smiling at Archie's sarcasm. "I have to slip out and hide our burlap bags by the back fence, anyway. I'll talk to him then. Do you have your bag ready?"
"It's upstairs. I'll go get it."
"Good, and, Archie, thank you again."
Archie nodded and slipped out, looking around carefully to make sure Ayala wasn't lurking about.
Koko closed the door and leaned against it, feeling the familiar rough surface with her hands. She squeezed her eyes together as she thought about the uncertainties ahead. Swarmed by a myriad of conflicting emotions, Koko sighed and let her hand fall to the growing bulge in her midsection.
"If only," she said, and then turned and grabbed her burlap bag.
| Author Notes |
Special thanks go out for the artwork, "Stern Bird of Prey" by eileen0204.
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of Last Chapter:
"He's waiting behind the Coyote House," Koko said, smiling at Archie's sarcasm. "I have to slip out and hide our burlap bags by the back fence, anyway. I'll talk to him then. Do you have your bag ready?"
"It's upstairs. I'll go get it."
"Good, and, Archie, thank you again."
Archie nodded and slipped out, looking around carefully to make sure Ayala wasn't lurking about.
Koko closed the door and leaned against it, feeling the familiar rough surface with her hands. She squeezed her eyes together as she thought about the uncertainties ahead. Swarmed by a myriad of conflicting emotions, Koko sighed and let her hand fall to the growing bulge in her midsection.
"If only," she said, and then turned and grabbed her burlap bag.
The story continues:
Archie and Koko strode along the path leading to the Hawk House. They took their time so as not to draw unwanted attention. They had already told Ayala they were going for a walk so she wouldn't be suspicious when she saw them leave. She had seemed a bit surprised, but happy the two were getting along.
In the dying rays of sunlight, Archie noticed the rocky path framed by colorful desert plants and wildflowers. As before, he was surprised at the color and variety of vegetation in Hokee. Many species were associated with cacti of different types, but some bloomed in solitary splendor.
Archie breathed in the fragrant scents of sage and lavender, and breathed out days of pent up tension. He imagined he was back in his Ferrari as it tore across the desert plains. In his vision, he skirted safely around the interloping deer.
"Archie?" Koko interrupted. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," he said, the happy vision disappearing like a drop of water on arid soil.
"We don't have to do this tonight if you're still feeling bad."
"You're the one we need to worry about ... considering your condition," Archie said.
"You mean the baby? Don't start worrying about that now. We've got a long way to go in very bad conditions. If I stay here, Ayala will figure things out and then there's no chance for it at all."
"Okay, then, we're both fit as can be expected."
"Yes."
"Good, so, everything's ready to go," Archie said. "We've gotten our bags packed with food and provisions, you've hidden them by the back fence, and your friend, Sani, is ready to set his diversion, right?"
"Yeah, he said he's preparing several explosions outside animal pens. He promised they won't harm the nasty sheep, but will drive them through a gate he's going to leave open and right into town. The ensuing chaos should give us plenty of cover to get the book we want, then get out of Hokee."
"That's his whole plan; he's going to drive sheep into town?"
"You know how our people hate animals," Koko said.
Archie nodded. He remembered the conversation two days previous when Ayala and Koko both expressed extreme distaste of all animals, and explained how people in Hokee felt the same. When asked why they named their houses after them, neither woman seemed to have a good answer. Archie assumed it had something to do with intimidation and control.
As they approached Hawk House, they took a moment to gaze at the magnificent figure of its namesake chiseled into the house's adobe face. Larger than life, its talons were raised as if to attack, its gaping beak prepared to tear prey into pieces. The last fluorescent glimmers of sun spread a radiant aura around the beast and lit fierce burning eyes.
"I've always detested that thing," Koko said, as they slipped passed its watchful eyes. "It seems to hate everyone not a Hawk."
"I'm pretty sure that was the intention of its artist. Let's just hope that image ends up being our worst problem tonight."
"Yes, let's hope."
Archie and Koko completed their journey to the back of the building and tucked themselves beneath the limbs of a sprawling mesquite tree. The fragrant odor it produced wasn't enough to calm their fears, nor were the protruding thorns. Still, they were so focused on their task, they chose to ignore their trepidation and danger.
Further conversation was halted by the sound and feel of three consecutive explosions. Archie resisted the urge to fall flat on his face and assume a fetal position as he felt the waves from the blasts cover him like a blistering blanket.
Koko reached out and grabbed his hand for moral support, but otherwise seemed unaffected. Archie flashed her an embarrassing smile as they listened to the sound of running feet and screams of frightened people.
"Where did your friend get all that ammo?" Archie asked as he guided Koko to a window.
"He's a miner," Koko reminded him, grabbing the windowsill and pulling herself through. "He told me he had a way of finding whatever he needed, and I didn't pry."
"Well, I'm glad he got hold of it. Perhaps I'm not the only lion in this fold."
"There are lots ... Cougar Kin ... and we'll have to keep an eye out for them as soon as they get the explosion mess figured out."
"Let's find that book, then. Where did Todd say he'd seen it?"
"In the main office." Koko shrugged. "And all I know is it's on the second floor. I've never actually been in here, myself."
"That's a start," Archie said. "Look, there's a staircase on the left."
The two made their way to the stairs without encountering any resistance. Once at the top, they discovered a wide open space filled with soft cushions. Its leisurely appearance was in stark contrast to the austere gathering places of Coyote house. Currently, it was unoccupied.
"I wish we had Todd with us," Archie commented. "He could at least point us in the right direction."
"If Todd were with us, we wouldn't have to be creeping around this horrible place."
"You find it horrible?" Archie asked.
"Worse... sickening."
"That's apparently not how Ayala feels. She seemed to think it's some fairy-tale castle or something."
"First of all, I'm not Ayala, and secondly, I have a feeling she sees it more the same way I do than she wants to admit. She just tries to follow rules and stay out of trouble."
"And you don't?"
"No," Koko said as they slipped quietly down a long hall. "I've become quite the troublemaker of late."
Archie grinned. "Just try and stay out of it until we escape, okay?"
"I'm not promising anything."
Archie had a feeling her idea of trouble wasn't even close to the world's view. Nonetheless, he was glad she was rebellious enough to help with the getaway.
Beyond the meeting area, they found row after row of doors that led, Archie guessed, to dorm rooms. Afraid to open them and find occupants, he continued walking down the hall looking for a room that appeared different. From what he knew about people, Archie figured Leander's office would be more pretentious than the others ... perhaps ornately decorated or gaudy.
Taking their time, they perused the hallway, scanning back and forth with machine-like efficiency. Suddenly, a door burst open and a rather tall spindly man sauntered out.
"What are you doing here, Coyote?" the man demanded, looking at Koko with distaste.
"Escaping," Archie said, punching the man in the jaw and dropping him like a log.
"What did you do that for?" Koko asked, looking at the still form of the man.
"I didn't like the way he was talking to you," he explained, and then added. "We don't have time to stop and make up a story to everyone we see."
"What are we going to do with him? He won't stay unconscious forever."
"He'll be out long enough for us to get done what we need," he replied. "Come on, just leave him there."
Koko shrugged her shoulders and continued down the hall. She had taken Archie for a bit of a wimp, most professors she knew were. She would have to keep his strength and agility in mind. Maybe he would be more help on this venture than she had hoped for. Archie grinned as he rejoined her in the search.
"This has to be it," Koko said when they turned a corner. She grabbed Archie's arm and guided him to, as Archie had guessed, a lavishly carved door.
The large wooden door was standing ajar, evidence of the speed at which its inhabitant left. Inside stood an even more elaborate desk with a soft, comfy chair pushed up to it. Archie could picture the young leader of Hokee sitting in the posh chair enforcing new and more oppressive laws. He wondered how the man could live with himself, or, more importantly, how his infamous father could.
"Do you see the book?" Archie asked while he scanned the desk.
"I see lots of them," Koko replied standing beside a bookshelf, "but I don't know where to look for the one we need."
"Just start grabbing books and pulling them off onto the floor," Archie instructed. "Junior will have much more to get mad at us about than a dirty office before this whole thing is over."
"Okay," Koko agreed, reaching up to pull several off a bookshelf, "but our little adventure is starting to get messier by the minute."
"Can't be helped, just hurry, Miss Troublemaker."
"I am," Koko grinned as she pulled off several more, looking at them once they hit the floor. "Have you found anything in the desk?"
"Not yet," he replied, and then paused. "Wait, I think I've got something. It's a big book titled The Humanity Project. Just beneath the title is the word Hufacs. What does that mean?"
"It's a nickname the scientists call us. It means something like, 'humans used for advanced civilizations'. Are there any maps inside?"
"A few, but they aren't very detailed," Archie said, thumbing through colorful pages. "It starts off with an introduction, and then follows with several chapters, each titled with the different names of your houses. At the end is a long list of names of children, and, at least, one adult parent for each. Under each is the name of an animal, I guess designating the house the child is sent to."
"Wow, a record of the orphans," Koko sighed, "I'd like to look that over later. I can find out if Ayala and I really are twins. But what does it say about prisoners? Is there a chapter about where the mines are?"
"Yeah, here it is," Archie stated, audibly turning pages. "Wow, quite a list. It even tells what house the person is from that is sent there."
"What about Todd? Is his name there?"
"Let me look," Archie answered, still flipping pages. "Yeah, here it is -- the last entry. Sorry Koko, but he was sent four days ago. Let me see if I can find out where the mines are located."
"Wait, I hear someone coming," Koko whispered. "Archie, we're going to get caught if we stay. Just bring the book with us."
"Okay," Archie said, heading for a side door and pulling Koko behind him.
"That's Junior," Koko said as they shut the door and pressed against the wall. "I'm sure of it."
"How do you know?"
"The sound of his footsteps. Everyone in Hokee knows that dreaded sound."
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "In My Sights" by eileen0204.
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of Last Chapter:
"Wait, I hear someone coming," Koko whispered. "Archie, we're going to get caught if we stay. Just bring the book with us."
"Okay," Archie said, heading for a side door and pulling Koko behind him.
"That's Junior," Koko said as they shut the door and pressed against the wall. "I'm sure of it."
"How do you know?"
"The sound of his footsteps. Everyone in Hokee knows that dreaded sound."
The story continues:
"Are they that distinctive?"
"Everything about Junior is. He struts around like a, I don't know, what kind of animal struts?"
"We'd say, in our world, peacock."
"Okay, peacock then. Are they fierce creatures?"
"I don't think so."
Koko was about to comment on how all animals were terrible, when she was interrupted by Junior crying out in anger -- he had discovered the mess in his office.
"Why didn't he leave with the others to check out the explosion?" Koko asked.
"Because he's a coward. That's why he hides in this extravagant house, behind a flashy desk, and gets Cougar kin to do his dirty work. Let's go."
"Wait," Koko said, digging her heels in. "I've changed my mind. It sounds like Junior's alone. Why don't you just go in there and punch him like you did the other guy in the hall?"
"Because I had the element of surprise on that one, Koko. I would have to confront Junior directly, and I'm not sure I can take him without drawing attention. We're not certain how many people are still in the house, and I don't need to remind you that our main goal is escape."
"I have to find Todd."
"No, you have to honor Todd's wishes, and get you and the baby out of Hokee. We'll stick with our original plan and head for the San Juan Mountains. You said Sani has a general idea of where Mine City is. We'll have to trust him."
"Okay, I guess you're right, maybe Sani can use the book you already have."
Archie nodded, and grabbed Koko's hand, lending what support he could. She stepped away from the wall, pausing to take a backward look at Junior's office, almost as though she would find Todd standing there watching. When she turned back around, she was ready to face the task ahead. Resolute, she headed out with Archie.
*****
"Follow me," Koko said once they were outside. "I don't need much light. The full moon is enough for any of Hokee's people."
"Hufacs?"
"Yeah, Hufacs, but that's sort of a derogatory term."
"Sorry."
"That's okay. You didn't know. Come on, I know a shortcut to the fence behind Coyote House."
Archie nodded and followed Koko down a small pathway. He was amazed at her agility and speed as she picked her way through the vegetation, following a trail he couldn't even see.
In the distance, the sounds of bleating sheep and screaming people mixed with the acrid odor of explosives and fire. Archie felt the blast had been a bit overdramatic, but figured Sani had his reasons. He intended to ask him about it later.
Koko paused as they reached the perimeter fence. She reached out and ran her hand along the wood as though searching for something.
"What are you looking for?" Archie asked.
"We're behind Coyote House now," she said. "Sani clipped the wires with a metal tool just before we parted company. You can't see the break from the distance, but when we find it, we can separate the fence to get out."
"What about our bags?"
"They're just over the fence in some brush."
"Okay." Archie ran his hand across the fence like Koko, wondering how soon they would find the break, and why the pair hadn't marked the spot better. Were the Cougar sentinels that diligent? Surely escape wasn't attempted often.
"I found it," Koko said. "Come help me push it open."
Archie made his way to the shadowy figure of his partner and leaned his shoulders against the thick logs. With Koko, he inched the fence outward until they created a space large enough for two people to pass through.
"After you, my dear." Archie swept a hand toward the opening.
"Oh, please," Koko said. "Come on. I see our bags by the brush."
Archie stepped forward, but was halted by the crack of a stick behind him.
"We're being followed." Archie grabbed Koko by the arm and thrusted her behind him.
"Stop now," a female voice ordered.
Archie, ever quick and resourceful, shot an arm out, caught their pursuer around the neck, and slung her to the ground. He dropped to his knees and pinned an arm painfully behind her back.
"Who are you?" Archie's voice grew deep and raspy, and he leaned into the hold.
"Get off of me, it's Ayala," an angry voice shot back.
.
"Ayala? What're you doing here?"
"That's exactly what I was going to ask you." Ayala struggled beneath Archie's firm grip. "Now, let me up."
"No, you'll try to stop us."
"From what?"
"Escaping, Ayala." Koko knelt on the ground beside her sister and stroked her amber hair.
"Why are you doing this?"
"It's complicated. Why don't you come with us?"
"No! Are you crazy?"
"Not at all. I have my reasons. I would really like you to go with us, but if you're not, at least turn your head and act like you don't see us go."
"I can't. It's my job to keep discipline in the house. Koko, your know that."
"You need a new job," Archie said. He continued to apply just enough pressure to keep her from getting up. "Koko, I have a bed sheet in my bag, please hand it to me. I'm tying up your sister until we can get out of here."
"You can't just leave her here in the dirt. We're outside the fence. There are animals and insects everywhere."
"Then what do you suggest I do? She'll go to the Hawks or Cougars if we let her go."
"Why don't we just bring her with us?"
"She said she doesn't want to go, and we've got enough challenges without bringing one of them with us."
"You're right, I want to stay here, you idiots."
"Do you really?" Koko asked. "That's not what you used to say when we were little. You were just like me then -- you questioned things."
"Most kids do at some point, but then they grow up and get common sense."
"Common sense? Is that what you call oppression? Well, common sense has failed me, Ayala, and it's failed Todd too. Come on Archie. Gag her and bring her with us. She'll thank us in the end."
"Okay, if that's what you want," Archie said shrugging his shoulders. He stuffed a wad of cloth in Ayala's mouth and secured it with another length of material.
Against muted protests from the head of Coyote House, he tossed Ayala over his shoulder and stood to his feet.
"Okay, Koko, lead us to your miner friend."
"That won't be necessary," came a deep, penetrating voice.
Turning his head, Archie saw a small wizened man standing in the moonlight. A tuft of gray hair rested on his head in hopeless disarray, and a thick white beard graced his chin. He was adorned in baggy clothes cinched about the waist with a length of rope. On his feet were large tattered boots almost too big for his diminutive frame. He appeared as ancient as the desert itself, but in his old eyes burned a flame that drew Archie in.
"I'm Sani," the stranger said, shooting out a hand. "I'm glad to finally meet you."
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Moonlit Scenic 5" by BRUCEIORIO
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of Last Chapter:
Against muted protests from the head of Coyote House, Archie tossed Ayala over his shoulder and stood to his feet.
"Okay, Koko, lead us to your miner friend."
"That won't be necessary," came a deep, penetrating voice.
Turning his head, Archie saw a small wizened man standing in the moonlight. A tuft of gray hair rested on his head in hopeless disarray, and a thick white beard bristled out of his chin. He was adorned in baggy clothes cinched about the waist with a length of rope. On his feet were large tattered boots almost too big for his diminutive frame. He appeared as ancient as the desert itself, but in his old eyes burned a flame that drew Archie in.
"I'm Sani," the stranger said, shooting out a hand. "I'm glad to finally meet you."
The Story Continues:
"Did you see the explosion?" Sani cackled with obvious pride.
"No, but we heard it!" Koko said. "You did a great job with your distraction. You're absolutely brilliant!"
"Most fun I've had in years, and now, thanks to you two young folks, I won't have to die in this Godforsaken compound."
"No, but you might not last very long in the desert, either," Archie said. He looked doubtfully at the frail old man. "Are you sure you're up to this?"
"I'm used to a hard life, Sonny. Are you?" Sani shot back.
"I've worked hard my entire life."
"In the city, yes, but, we're talking about survival in a harsh environment."
"I honestly don't know, Sani. I guess we're both about to find out what we're made of."
"If I doubted we could do it, we wouldn't be starting this journey."
"Fair enough."
"So, who do you have all trussed up?" Sani asked. "That isn't Ayala, is it?"
The frustrated form on Archie's shoulder responded with a growl and a few more kicks.
"I guess that answers my question. Why don't you put her down and let her walk? You're going to get mighty tired toting her across the plains."
"She's sort of a hostile participant," Archie explained. "If I let her go, she'll run back to the Hawk Kin."
"Suit yourself, but we've got to hurry. We'll have to get as far from here as we can before daybreak. That's when I figure they'll notice we've gone missing and send the Cougar Kin out."
"No sooner?" Koko asked.
"Nah, I blew up half the south fence with the explosion. Between trying to keep sheep out of the town, and desperate Hokee people in, they'll be busy until at least mid morning."
"I did wonder why an explosion was necessary," Archie said. "I figured turning animals loose in town would wreak enough havoc to let us escape."
"I don't do anything without a purpose," Sani said with an edge to his voice. "Now, let's get going while we have the advantage."
*****
Like silent desert creatures, the foursome passed along the plains northward. They picked their way between sharp plants and bruising stones, forging a path through virgin soil. The only light they had was provided by a full yellow moon and the glowing ember of a mini torch Sani had made. Kerosene lamps, packed by Koko, stayed stashed in her knapsack until which time as stealth was no longer required.
After they had traveled quite some distance, Sani spoke again. "Do you have any weapons with you, Archie? Koko told me you had some ideas when you first spoke about escape."
"I have a metal pole I pulled off the shower curtain and sharpened into a spear. I figured we could use it for defense or digging roots and tubers. Koko said she has all sorts of edible plants in her book."
"Oh, she's got quite a comprehensive list, complete with drawings."
"Sani helped me quite a bit," Koko said.
"It was my extreme pleasure, child. You were great company for this lonely old man. Were you able to get hold of a compass? We could use a good one."
"No," Koko said. "The only one I could find was in Ayala's office, and I don't have to tell you what that means."
"I understand," Sani said.
"Can't we use the sun as a guide?" Archie asked.
"Not when we travel by night," Sani said, "but not to worry, I have a simple one I made with a piece of the stone, magnetite, I found in an old dried up creek bed." Sani pulled a metal object out of his tattered trousers and held it up. "It's an old miner's trick."
"Excellent!" Archie exclaimed. "I saw my father make one once on a family campout. He's all into survival stuff."
"Wise man, your father."
"I'd like to think so. Do you know who he is?"
"Yes, yes," Sani replied. "He's the President. We all know that. But not many people realize how close he is to nature."
"That's not what he's best known for."
"Well, when you see your father again, tell him old Sani says he's all right in his book."
"I certainly will."
"Have you got anything else useful in that pack?"
"Just a shower curtain and a couple of bowls. I figured we could use them to distill any liquids we might find."
"That will come in quite handy. There are plenty of barrel cactus around here, and in a pinch, we can distill our own urine to make fresh water."
Groans from all three companions caused a grin to crack Sani's grizzled face. "You complain now, but when you're thirsty, you'll appreciate my skills." He chuckled to himself for a while, and then fell silent as he motioned the pilgrims onward.
For hours, they marched through arid yellow soil, not laughing, not talking, just placing one exhausted foot in front of the other. Just before dawn, nauseated and physically depleted, Koko stumbled and fell to her knees.
"We rest here for the day," Sani said, dropping his supply bag on the ground.
"Don't stop on my behalf," Koko said. "The Cougar soldiers could be on us in minutes. I'll be fine if I have a sip of water and a few moment's rest."
"There are no enemies nearby, Koko. Remember what I taught you about the voice of nature. If you want to know what you can't see, listen for birds and creeping animals, feel the ground beneath your feet, and wait on the message of the wind."
"I remember."
"Then what does the earth tell you?"
Koko cocked her head and listened. "I don't hear any frightened animals." She placed an exhausted hand on the ground. "And I feel no vibrations from tramping feet."
"Good, and what of the wind's message?"
"That clue's a little more subtle," Koko said. She closed her eyes, and let the gentle desert breeze flow across her weary brow.
"It gives me comfort. There are no pursuers close-by."
"Very good," Sani said. "It's time for us to rest and prepare for day."
Sani pulled a scraggly bag off his shoulder and opened it. He reached and removed a leather sheet, which he held out for the others to see.
"Are we going to construct some sort of shelter with that?" Archie asked.
"Yes, but an unusual one. First, we'll dig a cave under the dirt, and then put a mat over the top made of grass and sagebrush. It will give protection from the heat, and provide excellent camouflage."
"What will we use to dig with?" Archie asked. "All I have is the metal pole, and I don't think that'll be very effective."
"No, it won't be much help, but I have something that will." Sani pulled a folding metal spade out of his pack and handed it to Archie. "I've been preparing for this escape for months. You can start digging in the sandy area we just passed through. The soil is cool and damp just beneath the surface. Go ahead and get started. I'll tell you when I'm ready to take my turn."
"Okay." Archie knew the old man wasn't going to take a turn digging. He wouldn't have let him if he offered. He just hoped he could finish before the Cougars caught up with them.
Archie looked over at Koko who smiled encouragement. Ayala, whom he had deposited on the ground, just glared.
"Will one of you cut her loose?" Archie asked, "I don't think she'll try to escape now."
"How do you know that?" Koko asked.
"Because," Sani stepped in, "she's been with us all night, and our enemies will assume she's here by choice. If they catch us, they won't give her a chance to explain. I'll cut her loose. Archie, you start digging."
"Yes, Sir." Archie began pounding the dirt with the spade.
"Son, work with the soil, not against it," Sani said. "Look at the ground and let it tell you where to dig. If you keep wrestling it like a heifer, you'll wear out."
"I don't know how to read the earth," Archie said. "I'm a city boy, remember?"
"I remember your father tried to teach you about nature, but you didn't listen well. You act like the spoiled child you were not raised to be."
"That's not true. I told you before, I work very hard."
"Is that what you were doing when you flipped your shiny red car, Archie? Working?"
"Yes, I was taking a research trip for a special committee I'm on in the Senate."
"At night, traveling at excessive speeds?"
Archie heard Ayala snort in mockery. He could tell she was enjoying watching him squirm.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Dry Tree" by GaliaG.
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, the ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied he up and took her with them. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
"I don't know how to read the earth," Archie said. "I'm a city boy, remember?"
"I remember your father tried to teach you about nature, but you didn't listen well. You act like the spoiled child you were not raised to be."
"That's not true. I told you before, I work very hard."
"Is that what you were doing when you flipped your shiny red car, Archie? Working?"
"Yes, I was taking a research trip for a special committee I'm on in the Senate."
"At night, traveling at excessive speeds?"
Archie heard Ayala snort in mockery. He could tell she was enjoying watching him squirm.
The story continues:
"Native Americans say the Earth is our mother," Sani continued. "Seek her spirit, Archie, and she will help you dig your hole. Just relax and let the environment caress your senses. Breathe in, breathe out... picture a large hole in the ground, one so deep we can all hide inside comfortably. Tell me when you see it."
Archie fidgeted for a while, then settled down. "Okay, I see it."
"Good, now place yourself in it. Tell me when you're there."
A few seconds passed, and then a few more as Archie wrestled with impatience. Finally, he spoke.
"Okay, I'm in the hole."
"Good, now imagine the spade separating grains of sand like a knife whittling though layers of wood. Do you see them?"
"Yes, I do."
"Then you're ready. Open your eyes and find those grains. Start digging and don't stop until you have the hole you imagined."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"What will you do?"
"I'll help the girls weave a grass blanket to cover your hole." Sani pulled out a sharp knife and cut Ayala loose with several smooth strokes.
"Come, child," he said. "You're so angry, and that's not good for your disposition or health. It'll sap your strength more quickly than the desert sun. Do you need to help Archie dig to calm your emotions?"
"That won't be necessary." Ayala glared at Archie, who held a hand up defensively.
"I wouldn't give her a shovel right now," he said.
"Oh, she'll be fine." Sani patted her on the arm.
"Really, how do you figure that?" Ayala quipped. "I was attacked by Archie, trussed up like a common animal, and dragged into this disease infested desert against my will."
"Yes, but at least you're out of that horrible prison," Sani reminded her.
"Hokee is my home."
"Most prisons are, but you're much too lovely a dove to stay in a cage."
"Dove! You should have seen her fighting earlier," Archie snorted. "She was more like a red-tailed hawk."
"I'm no hawk." Ayala's voice dripped with contempt.
"You could have fooled me," Koko said. "You turned Todd in to the Hawk Kin for having animal dreams, and now he's in the mines."
"I told you that wasn't me, and you don't know for sure where he is."
"Yes, we do. Archie and I found a book listing all the people who were sent there, and guess what? Todd's name's on the list."
Ayala's face clouded with concern. "Oh, Koko, I'm so sorry, but I promise it wasn't me who told on him. I wouldn't do that."
"Really? You threatened to turn me in."
"I didn't mean it. You know I didn't. I was frustrated because I couldn't figure out what was going on, and still can't. This whole escape thing is entirely out of character, Koko. You know what's happened to those who've tried it before."
"Yes, they've either ended up dead or in the mines, but that's not going to happen to us."
"You don't know that, and now you've condemned us to the same fate as the others."
"We'll do everything to make sure that doesn't happen," Sani interjected.
"How?"
"For one thing, you have me. I'm very knowledgable about survival, and the Cougar and Hawk people are not. They were raised in Hokee with the rest of you."
"That is true."
"Yes, and another thing, we have Archie, who has connections in the outside world, and who's very strong."
"Eh, I'm not impressed."
Sani ignored her remark and went on. "Lastly, we have each other and can work as a team. The others who've tried escaping were alone."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Koko and I researched it. Now, come help us make a mat to cover the hole Archie's digging. It's essential we find shelter from the heat."
"I'll help you, but I hope Archie falls in and breaks his neck."
Archie looked up from digging. Dirt covered his body like a brown aura. "I didn't attack you, Ayala. I just put you in a wrestling hold, so I could tie you up. As I recall, it was you who assaulted me."
"Semantics."
"Doesn't matter, anyway," Archie said. "It was for your own good."
Ayala snarled and kicked dirt in his face. "That's for your own good, Nature Boy. It'll help you connect with the environment."
Archie chuckled and continued to dig. If the worst thing the lovely headmistress did was kick dirt on him, he was fortunate. He planned to keep the spade well out of her reach.
"You're doing good, young man," Sani commented. "Just remember, the people of Hokee are orphans who were placed in a compound as babies and treated as experimental subjects. You were sent here to rescue them, son."
"I mean no disrespect, but I wasn't sent. I was involved in a wreck and carried to Hokee unconscious."
"You don't think you discovered these people by mistake do you, or that Ayala and her class found you by happenstance?"
"I assure you, I didn't do it on purpose."
"Yours isn't the only purpose at work," Sani said. "You were born to be a leader and rescuer. You've known that all your life. Am I wrong?"
Archie threw a shovelful of dirt over his shoulder, then paused to think. "No, of course you're not wrong, but I'm a senator from Texas, not New Mexico, and I assure you, I have plenty of leadership opportunities there."
"The Earth recognizes no political boundaries, only the cries of her children."
"What cries?" Ayala asked. "Our people are happy."
"Really? Then, I guess I'm wrong." Sani looked Ayala straight in her eyes and held her gaze until she glanced away.
"Now," he continued, "to make things right, Archie, ask Ayala, nicely, if she wants to travel with you to civilization."
Archie looked at Sani with his mouth agape.
Sani raised a parental eyebrow and said nothing.
"Fine. Ayala, would you, please, go with me and Koko to my world where she can get help delivering a baby your people would want to kill? You said you didn't know what was going on with Koko, but it took me under five minutes to figure it out."
Ayala paused before discharging a scathing remark, as the enormity of what Archie had revealed soaked in. She took a deep breath and turned to her sister.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the beautiful artwork, "Topographical Terrain" by SCHATZLING
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
"Now," he continued, "to make things right, Archie, ask Ayala, nicely, if she wants to travel with you to civilization."
Archie looked at Sani with his mouth agape.
Sani raised a parental eyebrow and said nothing.
"Fine. Ayala, would you, please, go with me and Koko to my world where she can get help delivering a baby your people would want to kill? You said you didn't know what was going on with Koko, but it took me under five minutes to figure it out."
Ayala paused before discharging a scathing remark, as the enormity of what Archie had revealed soaked in. She took a deep breath and turned to her sister.
The story continues:
"Is this true?" Ayala demanded. "Are you going to have a baby?"
"Yes." Koko stood tall and proud, the bulge in her midsection suddenly prominent. "It's not like I chose to become pregnant, but I'm not sorry, either."
Ayala's body remained motionless, but an array of emotions spread out across her face... disgust, fear, disbelief, understanding, and, finally, wonder. Her hands rose to her mouth as tears welled up.
"Oh, Koko," she said. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know... I didn't understand."
"It's okay. I'm not sure I completely do, either. We're all sterilized at puberty, so this isn't supposed to happen."
"I know, at least not to people we love. But, oh Koko, how does it feel to have a life inside you?"
"It's the most wonderful sensation in the world, Ayala. I know I should feel shame or revulsion; those are the ideals hammered into us as children, but I don't. Is that so wrong?"
"No, I think it's beautiful." The tears in Ayala's eyes now wandered down a bewildered face. "So, is this what you were trying to hide from me?"
"Yes. What did you think it was?"
Ayala sighed. "I don't know, I figured you might have a boyfriend in the Ant Kin."
.
"I wouldn't cheat on Todd, and with a member of the Ant Kin? Please tell me you didn't believe that."
"But you were being so mysterious."
"Wouldn't you have been?"
Ayala tilted her head to the side as though deep in thought. "I don't know. I would like to think I'd be as brave as you."
"I'm not brave, I'm scared to death. Not only do I not understand pregnancy, but this whole trip through the desert thing is terrifying. I know we've been out here on field trips, but never this far, and never without Cougar guards. I can actually feel insects touching me."
"Yeah, and there are other animals here, too. I heard them stalking us earlier. Why do you think I let Archie carry me so long?"
"Because he had you tied up?"
"That wouldn't have stopped me if I had really wanted down. Besides, I was hoping to wear him out. I'm not as big as the women in the Cougar Kin, but I'm no lightweight, either. I enjoyed each time he moaned or stumbled."
Koko put her hands on her hips in a maternal stance and cocked her head at Ayala. "Do try and get along with Archie. He means well."
"You should listen to your sister," Archie said, drawing a glare from Ayala.
"You just keep digging and leave intellectual discussions to those with more brains than muscle."
"So what're you trying to say, Ayala? I'm stupid because I'm strong?"
"No, you're stupid because you tied me up and carried me across the desert, and you're stupid because you came between me and my sister."
"That's not fair," Koko said. "If it weren't for Archie, none of us would have gotten away."
"I'm pretty sure it was Sani's explosion that made it happen."
"The mechanics of it, yeah, but Archie gave us hope and resolve. Todd and I had been working with Sani on an escape plan for weeks before Todd disappeared. I had all but given up hope when Archie showed up and offered his help."
"Deep inside, I know you're right, Koko, but I feel so vulnerable out here. In Hokee, we had order and consistency. I felt safe."
Sani folded his hands across his chest and cleared his throat. "Ayala, think about what you just said. You felt safe. How so? You already know Koko's baby isn't safe back there, and I'm not so sure the rest of you are, either. I know you aren't from the outside world, but even you must know the usual fate for experimental animals."
"You mean they're sacrificed?" Ayala scoffed. "They wouldn't kill us. We're human beings, not lab rats."
"Then why don't they let you have babies?" Sani pressed. "If the point of the Hokee experiment is to produce a stronger populace, wouldn't the next logical step be to see if your children are strong?"
"We're still in phase one of the experiment," Ayala said. "The scientists want to observe how we interact and respond to the restrictions of our divided and organized society before allowing babies into the equation."
Sani looked at Ayala as a father to his child. "I know that's what you've been told, but that's not what I think is going on. Archie, your parents were scientists before your father went into politics. What is the most important rule of experimentation?"
"You only try one variable at a time. You can't have multiple tests at once. They can either test your strength, or your ability to interact in the society they set up, not both at once."
"Apparently they can," Ayala said, "and when they're satisfied, they'll allow us to reproduce."
"But they sterilized everyone," Archie pointed out. "If there's a phase two, it won't include any of you."
A cold chill settled over the warm desert air. Ayala looked from face to staring face. She dropped to the ground as the enormity of the situation soaked in. "No!"
Koko knelt on the ground beside her. "I'm sorry, Sister. I know it hurts, but it's the truth."
"They can't kill us," Ayala contended. "We're human beings. It's against the law to kill people."
"You said your leaders have a special charter," Archie said. "If they have the guts to keep the son of the President hostage, they're capable of anything."
Ayala looked at Archie with calm determination. "As soon as we reach the road, can you get a motorist to pick us up? I'm sure once they realize who you are, they'll be quick to get us to your father. Maybe he can intervene on our behalf with the government."
"He would definitely do that, and it would help the people living in Hokee, but there's still Mine City to consider. If our theory is correct, your Leander and his associates would move them before help could get there."
"The same could be said for the people in Hokee."
"Not really," Sani said. "Hokee is a very stable society and is following all the precepts of their charter, but Mine City is a different matter."
"We don't think it was included in the original plan," Koko said.
"And there are many hidden places in the mountains they could move the people," Sani added. "Are you willing to sacrifice their freedom for those who live in Hokee?"
Ayala started to point out that they were just criminals, but stopped when she thought of Todd. "No, I wouldn't, but don't you think they'll move them as soon as they find out Archie has escaped?"
"I doubt it," Sani replied. "I have a feeling they're pretty confident in the strength of the charter, and in the danger of the desert."
"And, I don't think Junior will tell his father if he thinks there's a chance of capturing us before he finds out," Archie said. "I mean, I don't know these people as well as all of you, but human nature is pretty much the same anywhere you go."
"Well, I do know Junior," Ayala said, "and I think you're right. He and the others will come after us, but I don't think they'll tell on us for fear of telling on themselves in the process."
"Which gives us a little time if we use it wisely," Sani said. "Come, girls, we have a camouflage blanket to weave. Koko, we've talked about how to make them before. Help me gather prickly pear cactus. They're fibrous and we can use their strings for binding."
"We'll also need creosol plants," Koko said. "The tips of their leaves can be used as needles and the fiber inside as thread."
"What will we sew together?" Ayala asked. She rose to her feet and joined her sister and Sani.
"Tumbleweeds, sagebrush, anything we can find," Sani said.
"Where are you really from, Old Man?" Archie asked.
"The mountains." Sani waved a wizened hand northwards. "I've been a miner all my life. There's gold and silver in my skin and rock dust in my blood. If the Earth is our mother, the mountains and rocks are our brothers."
"I wish there was something I was that passionate about."
"There is. You've just been too busy to stop and find it."
"It may have found me."
"That's exactly what I've been trying to tell you, Son."
| Author Notes |
Thank you for the beautiful artwork, "Sonoran Slope of Saguaros" by one of my favorite artists and writers, SCHATZLING.
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of Last Chapter:
"Where are you really from, Old Man?" Archie asked.
"The mountains." Sani waved a wizened hand northwards. "I've been a miner all my life. There's gold and silver in my skin and rock dust in my blood. If the Earth is our mother, the mountains and rocks are our brothers."
"I wish there was something I was that passionate about."
"There is. You've just been too busy to stop and find it."
"It may have found me."
"That's exactly what I've been trying to tell you, Son."
The Story Continues:
"You know," Koko said, "I'm surprised at how well the cave turned out. It's nice and cool, and the blanket we made lets in just enough light to see, but not so much that we can't rest. Archie, Sani, I'm impressed. Ayala, what do you think?"
Ayala looked over at Koko and hesitated as though any praise might be misconstrued as admiration for Archie. Yes, she wanted him to rescue her people if he could, but she still wasn't comfortable being friends. Somehow, she blamed him for everything negative that had happened.
"Ayala?"
"It's good, Koko. I mean, it's better than anything I would have imagined, had I imagined such a thing. But, don't worry, I'm not going to look for excuses to complain. It wasn't my choice to make this trip, but I accept the need for it. The cave is great."
"And are you satisfied, Archie?" Sani asked. "You worked very hard digging it."
Archie ran his fingers along the cool sandy wall, feeling the gritty texture. "Yes, Sir, it's nice. As a matter of fact, if it weren't for the circumstances, I'd think this was another of my father's camping trips . . . but with much better company . . . ."
"Let's hope this is the only company we get today," Sani said.
Archie nodded as he bit off a piece of dried lamb. "What does the earth tell you of our pursuers?"
"They're on our trail now, but just barely. I suggest we get some sleep while we can. Who knows what the night might bring?" Sani stretched his short legs out in front of him and reclined against the wall. Seconds later, he was snoring softly.
Koko and Ayala snuggled against each other as sisters often do when they crave each other's comfort. Archie looked at them for a moment and was struck, as before, by their obvious similarities. They had light brown hair... identical almost to the strand... strong handsome features, and firm slender bodies. Twins? Most likely... identical? Probably not. Archie tilted his weary head against the wall and closed his eyes.
Archie tried to relax into the comforting arms of sleep, but his active mind refused to let him. He flexed, twisted, sighed, and then gave up and leaned forward. Sleep was as elusive as Mine City. What was he going to do through the long hours as everyone else slept?
The book! The one he had taken from Junior's office. That would keep him busy. He reached into his knapsack and pulled out the heavy tome.
The cover bore an emblazoned image of a golden hawk. Its wings outstretched as though in flight. A rat clutched in one claw, the other, a hare. In the background, a full moon glowed, illuminating a valley below. A gorge silhouetted the other nine animals of the other Hokee houses.
Archie ran a finger across the figure as though trying to absorb its meaning. What lay hidden beneath the stiff cover of this lofty book? A sense of foreboding washed over him, causing him to shudder. Why? It was just a book, and one about a group of people that were barely his responsibility.
He opened the front cover. The logo image was repeated in black and white on the first page. He flipped to the next.
This book and project is dedicated to the future of humanity and to the strengthening of the human condition.
We, the Coalition of Humanitarian Scientists, do dedicate this book, and our lives, to the culmination of this project.
A charter is on file with the United States Government, allowing us full permission to do what we must to fulfill the dream of strengthening our species.
Archie turned to the next page.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Hufac Manifesto
Chapter 2: Organization of Houses
Chapter 3: Acquisition of Subjects
Chapter 3: Hawk House
Chapter 4: Donkey House
Chapter 5: Ant House
Chapter 6: Wasp House
Chapter 7: Hare House
Chapter 8: Coyote House
Chapter 9: Tarantula House
Chapter 10: Cougar House
Chapter 11: Buzzard House
Chapter 12: Snake House
Chapter 13: Rat House
Chapter 14: Deer House
Chapter 15: Mine City
"Read something from it," he heard Ayala say.
Archie looked up in surprise. "I thought you were asleep."
"I was, but I'm a light sleeper. I heard you get that book out, and I was wondering if it was the one you and Koko were talking about."
"It is."
"What's it called?"
"The Humanity Project."
"The Humanity Project? I've heard that name before. I think it's the name of the Hokee experiment."
"Sounds pretentious to me."
"We won't argue the point. What's pretentious to you, is life's journey to me. So, what's written inside?"
"I haven't read much, but I know there are lists of different sorts. One is of people who've been sent to Mine City. That's the one we saw Todd's name on, but there are others... ones that give the name of each child brought to Hokee."
"So it reads like a ledger?"
"In part, yeah, but there are written passages as well. I didn't have much time to explore it until now."
"Do you suppose mine and Koko's names are in there?"
"I wouldn't be surprised. Why don't you scoot over and look with me?" Archie held the book up as a taunt. "I promise to be a good boy."
"Forgive me if I withhold judgment."
"I would expect no less. Come on."
Ayala tilted her head in a slight nod, then moved over closer to her rival.
"Here's the Table of Contents," Archie said. "Pick any chapter you want to read."
Ayala stared at the page for a few moments, then pointed at Chapter One. "Why don't you start here? I'd like to see what's in the HUFAC Manifesto. Let's see if you and Sani are right about the experiment."
"Are you sure you really want to know? Ignorance can be bliss."
"I think it's too late for bliss, Senator."
Archie nodded and turned to Chapter One. He cleared his throat and began reading softly so as not to disturb the others.
In order to repair generations of poor breeding and bad choices, my colleagues and I have taken on a task with possible heroic ramifications. In the process, we have made a discovery that may change the world as we know it.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Great Indira" by Dick Lee Shia.
Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Eagles Flight" by rockinjonz1. Brilliant job, my friend!
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. it's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There is a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a fantasy environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
Archie, Ayala and Sani read the Hufac Manifesto in The Humanity Project book... a book that detailed the purpose for the Hokee experiment. Koko woke up just as the others finished discussing their findings. They quickly became protective of their pregnant companion, and decided to keep the news about the genetic experiment from her.
*****
"What's it about?" Koko asked.
"We don't know for sure," Archie said. "We just got started reading the introduction. We were about to look at the Coyote House chapter to see if you and Ayala's names are there. It says that all the kids and their parents are listed. Do you want to look with us?"
"Oh, that would be great." She leaned forward, resting a free hand on her midsection.
Ayala's eyes met Archie's as they exchanged unbidden concern for the condition of her unborn child. They both blushed. Koko, mistaking the reason for the exchange, smiled warmly. Archie opened the book to chapter 8, Coyote House.
The story continues that evening about dusk.
Archie awoke to confusing sounds on the desert floor above him. At first he was disoriented, the effects of a lifetime of living in the city, but came to his senses in a matter of moments.
Sani reached out a hand and restrained Archie from rising to his feet. He pointed upward. "Don't say a word," he mouthed. "Cougar Kin."
Archie nodded and leaned back, his ears straining to hear footsteps and voices above. Sani continued to sit quietly, his grizzled head cocked to one side.
Aware of movement around her, Ayala roused as well. A sinking feeling came over her as she thought about the book and its horrific revelation about her heritage. Now she knew she wasn't an orphan . . . she was a genetic anomaly . . . the product of an unholy experiment. She started to speak, but Archie put a finger to his lips.
He whispered the simple word, "Cougars." Ayala closed her mouth and leaned back against the earthen wall as though blending into it might, somehow, make her invisible.
After a few tense moments, Sani nodded his head, signaling danger had passed. Ayala sighed and leaned her head forward onto her knees. She wrapped her arms about her legs, seeming to form a protective cocoon around her body. Archie reached over and patted her on the back.
"Don't let all this get into your head. You're still the same person today you were yesterday."
"I hate animals."
"I know, but only because you were trained to feel that way."
"That's right," Sani agreed. "Leander and the other scientists might have decided how you started out in this world, but you get to pick how you live in it. At least you found out you and Koko are real sisters. That's something encouraging."
Ayala looked over and smiled. "Yeah, and twins, just like we thought. . . and I'm the oldest." She leaned over to hug Sani, but lost her balance and bumped into Koko. She awoke with a start, an alarmed cry piercing the silence of the cave.
Ayala clamped a hand over her sister's mouth and pointed upward. She didn't even have to mention the Cougar Kin. . . Koko understood.
They all waited in pensive silence, hoping the scream had passed unnoticed. At first, they heard nothing, not even the stirring of air, but then Sani held up a warning finger. In the amount of time it would take a desert snake to strike, the protective grass mat was jerked off their enclosure, and two brawny men dropped inside.
Archie reacted with his usual quick reflexes, busting one in the jaw with a quick right. This brawnier man didn't go down as easy as the one in the Hawk house, the day before. He took a second blow, but it didn't come from Archie.
Archie heard a thunk, saw Ayala with the Humanity Project book held high, and then watched as the guard dropped to the ground.
The man's companion grabbed Ayala around the neck and whirled her in front of him. A huge bicep pressed against her throat. "Step back, or I'll break her neck."
Whack... the second man went down. This time it was Sani who stood behind him, his knapsack still in motion. "Grab your things, kids, we've got to get out of here. These two weren't alone."
Ayala rubbed her throat with one hand and grabbed her bag with the other. Archie helped her out of the hole, then turned to Koko, who had just picked up the discarded Humanity Project book and stuffed it in her backpack. She wasn't sure what it said, but was clever enough to realize its contents had upset her companions. She would read it later.
After all four fugitives crawled out of the cave, they faced their oldest member to await his instructions.
"It's all over for us, isn't it?" Koko asked. "We spent so much effort making shelter, and I ruined it."
"You did nothing of the sort," Sani said. "We got a good day's rest, while the Cougar team hunted in the heat. That gives us the advantage. Of course, we'll run, and they'll follow, but we must be swifter."
Koko's face betrayed guilty concern, but she nodded her head and followed the others as they took off north. As they had the night before, they fell in behind Sani like desperate little ducklings following their mother to life-giving water.
The way was treacherous, the setting sun uncomfortable, and the rocks beneath their feet dangerous, yet they pressed on with no sign of pursuit.
"We need to slow down," Archie said as he watched Koko stumble for the third time. "Koko's exhausted."
"Hold onto her," Sani responded. "We must make it to the highway before the Cougars."
"Why the highway?" Archie asked. "Have you changed your mind, and decided to flag down a car?"
"No, we still can't do that, not if we're going to make it to the mines ahead of Leander. We're going to the highway because we aren't afraid to cross it."
"What?" Koko asked.
"Hufacs are forbidden to go past it," Sani explained. "Anyone who crosses is considered a fugitive, and subject to be shot on sight. While we're willing to take that chance, I'm betting the Cougars aren't."
"How do you know this?" Archie asked.
"It was in the book. You should have finished reading it like I did."
"Really?" Ayala asked. "When did you?"
"Oh, after you kids went to sleep." Sani grinned. "It was pretty interesting. The best way to defeat an enemy is to know his heart and intentions. The book was all full of both."
"What's so special about it, besides a list of names?" Koko asked. "From what we read in the chapter on Coyote House, there was nothing but descriptions on how to run the house, and a list of kids inside."
Rather than answering her question, Sani stopped short. He held up a cautionary hand, and they all fell silent once more.
"Run!" he cried out. "The road is just ahead."
On both sides, Cougar guards poured out from behind clumps of sage bushes and boulders. It was an ambush. Archie and the others ran.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Cougar" by suzannethompson2.
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. it's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There is a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a fantasy environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
Rather than answering her question, Sani stopped short. He held up a cautionary hand, and they all fell silent once more.
"Run!" he cried out. "The road is just ahead."
On both sides, Cougar guards poured out from behind clumps of sage bushes and boulders. It was an ambush. Archie and the others ran.
The story continues:
The last hundred yards to the highway was an epic race. Archie and his companions took the lead, the Cougar guards sprinted close behind.
The refugees were winded, but need overcame fatigue, and desperation replaced fear. The road, just ahead, beckoned like a unrequited lover.
As he was running for safety, Sani stepped in a hole and fell to the ground. Koko, so close on his heels tripped over him and fell as well. As Archie ran to their aid, Cougar guards struck. . .
Archie reacted immediately. He punched, kicked, and wrestled several into submission. He was about to take on another, when he heard Ayala scream in terror.
Archie turned to see two men holding Ayala between them, and a third, slapping her. Archie grabbed a rock and flung it at the nearest man, knocking him in the head. The man dropped to the ground, disoriented and no longer a threat.
"Good shot," he heard Koko say. He looked over to find her standing, Sani right beside her. . . wise eyes full of rage.
Archie met the old man's gaze and returned it with understanding. It was up to them to make the escape happen. He turned back to Ayala and rushed her captors. He took both to the ground. The three began to roll around, trading powerful punches.
"That's quite enough," an authoritative voice boomed out.
Everyone froze in mid action... Junior had shown up. He stood tall and formidable in the evening light, small predatory eyes searching with intensity. His long, hooked nose pointed around until it fell on Ayala.
"Well, look who we have here. Koko, I would expect such behavior from you, but, Ayala, I can't believe you're part of this foolishness."
"She's a hostage," Archie said. "I tied her up and dragged her along with us."
"She isn't bound now. Ayala, are you a prisoner of these people?"
Ayala looked at her sister.
Dust covered Koko's clothing from her fall, and several scrapes were visible on exposed skin. Her eyes were narrowed in anger. A protective hand rested on her unborn child.
A vision of the pages in the book stood out in Ayala's mind. . . animals. They were only animals.
Ayala looked at Archie. He looked back with concern. He was giving her the chance to return to Hokee as she had left -- a leader of the Coyote House.
She returned her gaze to her sister . . . her twin. She made up her mind. "We're not going back, Junior. We know your father's ugly secret, and we're going to tell the world."
"You don't have either the courage or opportunity," Junior said. "Even if you were to get away from us, you'd be a fool to tell outsiders. They'd slap you in a cage and perform all sorts of terrible experiments. They wouldn't understand you like Dad. You're his creation, and he cares for you like a father."
"Father?" Ayala asked. "Is that what he thinks of himself? Well, he's not my father, and he's not really yours, either. You're just as much an animal as the rest of us."
"What're you talking about?" Koko asked. "It's whatever you read in that book, isn't it? Junior, what has your father done?"
"He's given us a gift," Junior replied. "We're all part of a brilliant genetic movement."
"Genetic movement?" Koko asked. "I've heard this rhetoric all my life. What does it mean?"
"It means we're made of a mixture of animal and human DNA," Ayala explained, "and it's way too long a story to tell here."
"That's crazy," Koko said. She shook her head as though in doing so, she could shake away the disgust she felt.
"I know how it sounds, Koko. Believe me, I was so horrified when I heard about it, I could have died. But Archie believes in us, and he says we have rights. He's willing to use his influence to help us."
"Animals don't have rights," Junior sneered. "Don't you realize my father could kill you bunch of criminals anytime he wants, and not even be prosecuted for it?"
"Not true," Sani disagreed. "From what I've read in your book, he has to have reasonable cause to kill, and then it must be done in a humane manner."
"That was in the first chapter. You should have read on. Apparently you didn't see the danger clause."
"The what?" Archie asked.
"A clause stating that if any of the animals turn renegade, they must be destroyed at once," Junior said, "and that we, and that includes any Hawk or Cougar, may use whatever force is necessary to do so."
"You're obscene," Koko stated.
"Me, obscene? At least I don't have a monster growing in my belly." Junior pointed at Koko's bulging middle. "Not only is carrying a baby vulgar, you have no idea what it is. Carrying a puppy, Coyote Girl?"
"That's enough," Sani said. His voice rose above all other sounds, his words reverberating across the prairie. "Get to the point, Junior."
"Fine. Return with me to Hokee and you'll live. Leave and we'll have you shot on sight."
"I'm not a Hufac and neither is Sani," Archie said. "You have no authority over us, and can be prosecuted if we're harmed."
"True, but, unfortunately, I found you mauled in the desert by these renegades. I tried to save you, even shot the animals responsible for the attack, but unfortunately, I was unable to rescue you in time. Quite a sad situation."
"No, you're a sad situation," Archie snarled. His hand involuntarily balled up in a fist.
"I'm just an animal like the rest in Hokee," Junior returned. "So, you can't really blame me for any mistakes. I can't be expected to think things out like you, nor held accountable for human morals."
Archie's anger boiled over, pushing him to allow impulse to overcome discretion. He lunged in and punched Junior in his face. Blood spurted over both combatants as the hooked nose broke. Junior paused for a moment, as though not sure what to do about resistance, then responded with a jab at Archie's throat causing the larger man to bend over and gasp for air.
"That was a quick," Junior laughed. "Is that all you've got, Senator?"
Archie drove his head into Junior's solar plexus, bringing him to his knees. Junior swept a foot across the sand, aiming at Archie's feet. Archie stumbled, regained his balance, and then executed a roundhouse kick to Junior's head.
Everyone held their breath as they watched Junior's head snap back, but Junior shook his head and regained his footing. He drove a fist into Archie's gut, and then another. Archie grabbed him around the neck and pulled his face down into a raised knee.
Desert dust filled the air, causing the spectators to cough, and their eyes to tear in protest.
Out of nowhere, a blinding flash obscured all vision. Confused, Archie dropped to his knees. He heard Junior hit the ground beside him. He felt around in hopes of finding a rock to smash him in the head, when his hand fell on a shoulder instead.
"Ayala?"
"Archie?"
"Yeah."
"Let's get out of here."
"Where's the road? I can't see a thing?"
"I remember the way. Just follow me."
"What about Koko and Sani?"
"I can't see them, but they're probably making for the road, too. I suspect our odd little companion is responsible for the diversion, and he and Koko were standing together."
"Okay, but if they aren't there waiting, I'm coming back. Without Koko, I have no reason to run away."
"And without Sani," Archie added, "we won't know how to get to Mine City."
| Author Notes |
A very special thanks to fellow writer, artist, and friend, SCHATZLING for her work, "Fragmented Disposition".
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. it's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There is a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a fantasy environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
"Ayala?"
"Archie?"
"Yeah."
"Let's get out of here."
"Where's the road? I can't see a thing?"
"I remember the way. Just follow me."
"What about Koko and Sani?"
"I can't see them, but they're probably making for the road, too. I suspect our odd little companion is responsible for the diversion, and he and Koko were standing together."
"Okay, but if they aren't there waiting, I'm coming back. Without Koko, I have no reason to run away."
"And without Sani," Archie added, "we won't know how to get to Mine City."
The Story Continues:
Archie's chest heaved as he fought to breathe thin, dusty air. His legs, seemingly strapped with lead, thrust against brittle earth as he pressed forward. Almost as though locked in a distorted dream, Archie struggled to make his way across the broken terrain.
Archie could see Ayala toiling by his side, her lithe body fighting against the same obstacles he encountered, but traveling with ease and grace. He wondered if her animal genes were at work, giving her added stamina in the desert contest, or if it was mere desperation that drove her.
The echoing sound of a gun drawn from its holster distracted Archie's musings.
"Down!" he cried.
Archie grabbed Ayala's arm and pulled her to the ground. They landed on unyielding asphalt, and began rolling toward the other side of the road. Over and over they went, while radiating heat penetrated their light clothing. And on they rolled.
Finally, Archie felt the prickling of cactus against his ankles, and the strong scent of sage in his nostrils. He had made it to the other side. Ayala rolled against his side.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, just a little bruised. You?"
"Good. Stay down until we're sure they're finished shooting."
"Okay."
Dust hung in the air from their struggle, but Archie could still see the Cougars. . . they were on the other side of the highway. One held up a gun, but didn't fire.
Sani had been right -- they wouldn't cross the road, either personally, or with a gunshot. Archie let out a sigh of relief, but shuddered as he saw hate pouring out of faces that appeared, now, more animal than human.
"Please tell me I don't look like them."
"You don't. Hatred drives us to our animal natures. Those guys just had a shorter trip there."
"I still don't feel comfortable about my heritage."
"I probably wouldn't, either, but, for now I'd just go with it. Lean on your human side, but allow the strength of the coyote to come out. They're survivors, my friend."
"You sound like Sani."
"Don't tell him."
"Our secret. Can you see him and Koko yet?"
"I don't see anything but Cougars."
"What about Junior? I can't imagine he would let a mere road stop him."
A familiar voice spoke out, startling them both.
"The little whelp might fight well enough in direct combat, but he's too much of a coward to chance coming across the road."
"Sani! You made it," Ayala said. "Where's Koko?"
"I'm here," Koko said. She leaned out from behind a sage bush where she was sitting. "I was just resting a moment. We made it across before you did. We heard the gunshot and feared the worst."
"We ducked in time," Archie explained.
"Glad to hear it, Son," Sani said. "Now, if everyone is rested, we need to get moving. We have to make it to the mountain tunnels before Junior gets back to the village. The hospital is full of humans he can report to. That's where they do their experiments, you know."
"I'd rather not think about it," Ayala said, "but point taken."
"The whole thing is rather complicated," Sani said. "I'll explain it all when you're ready. . . after we've taken care of your friends in Mine City."
"So, we're going to stick with the original plan, then?" Archie asked.
"Certainly," Sani said. "The Cougar attack wasn't unexpected, and Junior's reaction far too predictable. Off to the mines with us. I can't wait to get back in my element."
"Do we really have a chance once we get there?" Koko asked.
"Sometimes the greatest battles are won by the smallest forces, child," Sani replied.
"You mean us?" Ayala asked. "We barely made it away from a handful of surprised Cougar guards. What chance do we have against prepared resistance?"
"Not much if we were acting alone, but we have others waiting to help."
"Seriously?" Archie asked, "Why didn't you tell us about them before?"
"I never reveal everything at once. Poor etiquette, you know. Besides, you can never be sure about the little folk until they're ready to fight."
"Little folk?" Archie asked.
"Yes, yes, the Tommyknockers. They're leprechaun-like creatures that live in the walls of the mines. All miners know of them. They help the lost, and warn of danger."
"Are you serious? We're headed to the inner tunnels of a mountain range, in the middle of who knows where, because you think a bunch of leprechauns are going to help us free Ayala and Koko's people?"
"Don't discount what you don't understand, son," Sani retorted, "or you'll go through life seeing only what you expect to see."
"What's wrong with that?"
"You'll miss all the good stuff."
Archie shook his head, but didn't say anything. He figured it would do no good to argue with the old man. At least Sani was an expert with explosives, and that would come in handy when the Tommyknockers didn't show up to lead the charge.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "cougar" by kathy1256 Tommyknockers are mythical creatures thought to inhabit the walls of the mines. They supposedly came to this country on boats with the early Irish miners. Relatives to leprechauns, Tommyknockers are supposed to protect and warn miners of danger. A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. it's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There is a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a fantasy environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
The quick flurry of excitement and danger at the road, soon turned to hours of unending toil. The team traveled north for several nights with no sign of pursuit, and very little of relief. In spite of a lack of overt danger, they pressed hard and fast across terrain that was at one moment dry sand, and at others, uneven and treacherous rock. They were weary and sore, and their supplies, along with their patience, were beginning to run short.
"Our water bag is nearly empty," Ayala said. She held up a leather container she shared with Koko.
"We'll make a still later when we stop," Sani said. "It'll take most of the day to get all we need, but it can work while we rest."
"Can't we just drink from one of the streams we've passed?" Ayala asked.
"Not out here, Sweetheart," Sani replied. "There are too many bacteria and parasites in warm water. We could boil it if I wasn't afraid of drawing attention with smoke. Better to distill any liquids we find until we get to cleaner streams farther north."
"How will we make the still?" Koko asked. Professional curiosity lined her dirt streaked face.
"Archie brought some supplies with him we'll use," Sani said.
"I packed the plastic shower curtain from the hall bathroom in Hokee," Archie explained, "and two bowls I slipped out of the cafeteria. To make the still, we'll dig a hole in the sand and put one bowl of liquid in it, tent the shower curtain around it, then lower one section of the plastic to let the evaporated water run into the second bowl. Beyond that, the hot sun does all the work."
"Well, I hope you know what you're doing with it, Archie, because you told me we might have to distill our urine to drink," Koko said.
"I doubt it comes to that," Sani laughed. "There are the creeks Ayala talked about and plenty of barrel cacti, which make wonderful living canteens."
"So, we won't be drinking our urine, then?" Koko asked.
"Probably not," Sani replied.
Koko cut her eyes over at Archie, who winked. She shook her head indulgently and continued following Sani. "I guess men never grow up in your world, either?"
"Not if we can help it," Archie admitted.
For a while, the team fell quiet. A soft glow from Sani's torch illuminated the landscape and gave the illusion of cacti dancing in the moonlight. Adding to the ambiance was a cool breeze wafting across sweat dampened skin, and tossing tangled amber curls. Finally, Ayala spoke up, her strong voice cutting through the night air and causing her companions to startle.
"Did your father teach you to make stills?" she asked. "You said he taught you a lot about survival."
"Yes, though I didn't fully appreciate the lessons at the time."
"Looks like he taught you how to fight, too," Sani said.
"Not personally, but he did send me to Taekwondo and kickboxing classes for years."
"Admirable, but real life fighting didn't end up quite like competition in the ring, did it?"
"No, Sir. First of all, there were no referees to call the match off when those crazy cougar guys violated rules of engagement."
"They didn't violate any rules, the fight just changed venues. You adjusted with agility and courage. Your father would be proud."
"I look forward to discussing it with him. I'm afraid it's just one item on a long list we have to address."
"At least you have a father to talk things over with," Ayala said, "I had house parents who were only interested in our daily care and education. There was no warmth . . . no love. Of course, in retrospect, I guess they knew we were just subjects in a genetic project."
"Yeah, that's rough," Archie said, "and I wish I could change your past, but I can't, and neither can you. Try to focus on your future. You're free from Hokee, and might just find a degree of normalcy out here."
"Normalcy? I'm not sure that's possible. Maybe Junior was right. People will probably lock us up and do even more experiments."
"That's not going to happen," Archie said. "I won't let it, and neither will my father."
"I hope you're right."
"I'm always right." Archie smiled.
"Whatever," Ayala said. She punched his arm playfully. "I'm sort of glad we found you in the desert after your wreck."
"I've been meaning to ask you about that. Why did you take your students out that day? As nervous as you are about animals, I can't imagine you willingly going on field trips."
"We didn't go often, but I liked to take my classes to look at the ruins once in a while. You know, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I sort of enjoyed those short desert journeys."
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Archie said. "It's the human in you. We're a curious lot."
"But, I was scared too, even with the required Cougar Guards all around."
"I felt the same way," Koko said. "I got nervous going out with the Ant Kin to do research for my book. It was worth every minute of it, though. Just to feel free of those walls . . . even if just for a few hours."
"That's because of another human characteristic," Archie said. "We're notoriously averse to being confined."
"The human spirit struggles to be free," Sani added. "You can effectively fence in an animal, but not a human, and it's that fact that's driving your flee for freedom."
"That, and we're trying to rescue my husband and save my baby," Koko said.
"Yes, those things too," Sani said.
"People helping people," Archie added.
"As long as there is life, my child," Sani said, "there is responsibility to others."
Ayala looked around at the desert, then at each of her companions in turn. "I think I understand. Holding Archie in Hokee against his will was wrong. I knew it, but couldn't figure out how to act on it. I guess that's why I didn't put up a bigger fight when Archie carried me off."
"Really?" Archie said. "I have a few bruises to prove otherwise."
"You're tough," Ayala said. "You just told us you have a black belt in the martial arts."
"I never said anything about what color my belt was, and what do you know about martial arts, anyway?"
"They teach several forms in Hokee, including the Taekwondo you mentioned. Our people are big on personal fitness and competition, especially the Cougar and Deer Kin."
"Cool," Archie said. "That's something you have in common with the rest of us in the outside world."
"Yes, that's one thing. So, are you a Black Belt?" Ayala asked.
"What difference does it make? Those Cougar Kin guys kicked my butt all over the desert. Belt colors make no difference in real fights."
"You were terribly outnumbered," Koko said. In spite of her consolatory words, a playful smile danced about her lips, and her eyes sparkled with amusement.
Archie grinned back, and kicked a small tumbleweed in her direction. "Looks like I'm not the only one who hasn't grown up."
Koko poised her foot to kick the weed back, when Sani interrupted. "While I appreciate that you kids are feeling better, I think it's time to dig shelter and set up our water still. Dawn will be here soon."
"Yes, Sir," they both answered.
They all stopped and examined their surroundings by the light of Sani's torch. The terrain had changed during their nighttime journey. Soft sandy soil had given way to darker, firmer earth. Sagebrush was still present, but was now interspersed with stumpy mesquite trees and lusher grasses.
Archie placed his knapsack on the ground and pulled out items needed to build the still. He handed them to Sani, who gave him a shovel in return.
"Try digging over there, Son, just past the clump of sagebrush. I'll put the torch in the middle so there's enough light for all our projects. Ayala and Koko, you two weave us another cave covering, and I'll assemble the still."
Archie nodded and turned toward his digging spot. Before walking off, he glanced over his shoulder at Ayala.
"Third degree," he said.
"Black belt?"
"Yes."
Ayala smiled as she joined Koko.
"He's not so bad now, is he?" Koko asked.
"I never said he was. I just didn't like the way he tied me up like an . . ."
"Animal?"
"Yeah."
Ayala's eyes flicked up at Archie as though looking to see if he had heard the remark. He didn't look their way, but Ayala was sure he had hesitated a fraction of a second from digging. She couldn't help but wonder what he really thought about her and her people, and, when it came down to it, if she really cared?
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "High Desert" by MoonWillow.
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. it's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There is a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a fantasy environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. They are soon discovered by Cougar Guards, and are forced to flee across the highway where the other hufacs dare not go. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
Archie nodded and turned toward his digging spot. Before walking off, he glanced over his shoulder at Ayala.
"Third degree," he said.
"Black belt?"
"Yes."
Ayala smiled as she joined Koko.
"He's not so bad now, is he?" Koko asked.
"I never said he was. I just didn't like the way he tied me up like an . . ."
"Animal?"
"Yeah."
Ayala's eyes flicked up at Archie as though looking to see if he had heard the remark. He didn't look their way, but Ayala was sure he had hesitated a fraction of a second from digging. She couldn't help but wonder what he really thought about her and her people, and, when it came down to it, if she really cared?
Chapter 21:
"Well, hello," Archie said. He stood upright in the hole he was digging. "Are you two finished weaving the mat?"
"No, I helped Koko gather supplies," Ayala replied, "but by the time we were finished, Sani had the still up and going. He sent me to help you."
"Did he have another shovel in that backpack of his? I wonder how he got so much in that raggedy bag. He's definitely a better packer than I am."
"Me too. Of course, I didn't get the chance to pack one..."
"Yeah, sorry about all that. I couldn't just leave you behind."
"No, and I'm glad you didn't, though I was pretty upset at first."
"You wanted to rip my liver out."
"I never said that."
"That's because there was a gag in your mouth, but I could see it in your eyes."
"If I didn't say it, you can't prove it. Anyway, Sani didn't have another shovel. He sent me with a sharp digging stone. He says they were quite popular in caveman days. I was nice and didn't ask if he knew from personal experience."
"Ha, ha! Good idea. Hop on in here. It's nearly finished. I have it about as deep as we need, although it needs widening at the bottom."
"Why the bottom and not the top?"
"More dirt on top will act as a better roof and insulator. It'll also give Koko and Sani less area to have to cover with their mat."
"And the whole thing won't fall in on top of us?"
"Not if we keep to the damp area with our digging. It's the same principle behind tunneling in mines."
"But mines have beams to support the ceiling."
"True, when they're needed. Sani could tell us more about it, but I do know that for small areas, it's not necessary. We're just widening out a sleeping area, not digging to the next county."
"I'll take your word for it. You have built all the others so far."
"Yes, I did, but I appreciate the help and company. I can't believe Sani let someone help me this time."
"He said you're less angry."
"I wasn't angry, before. I was uptight, and Sani was trying to teach me some life altering lesson about patience."
Ayala giggled, and dropped into the hole with Archie.
"I guess, we were both uptight," she admitted.
"Yeah. Good thing we're past all of that."
"Right."
Ayala flashed an impish grin, and began digging at the sides of the wall. She loved the way the earth felt as it peeled away with her stone. She wondered if that's the way the Ant Kin felt when they were digging in their gardens. She took a handful and squeezed it between her fingers.
Archie looked over at her and grinned. "You look like a kid playing in a sandbox."
"I guess I'm sort of like a child, aren't I? A stranger in a strange world?"
"There's nothing wrong with innocence. I find it refreshing."
"It won't last long, will it?
"Probably not."
Ayala stroked the damp soil with her stone, letting the soft granules cascade down her fingers and onto the ground. As she dug, she thought about her current condition, and her fears about the future. She pressed her cheek against the cool soil as though to let the earth absorb her worries.
"What are we going to do with all this soil we're collecting?" Ayala asked.
"We'll scatter it around in the plants so it's not so obvious where we are. We'll do that when we're through digging."
Archie grabbed handsful of the dirt, and added it to the growing pile outside the hole. Hiding the evidence was his least favorite part of the hole-digging experience, but it was necessary to maintain security. It was this rookie mistake that had led to their discovery the first day of the escape.
"What was it like growing up in a normal world?" Ayala asked.
Archie turned around and focused on his companion. Her hands were caked with soil, her exquisite face, streaked with signs of toil. But, her eyes were alive with adventure and delight. He smiled, and she smiled back.
"Normal world," he repeated as though mulling the term over. "I wish I knew. My father worked in medical research until I turned seven, and then became a United States Senator. If we weren't traveling to D.C. to keep Dad company, or enduring one of his many social events, we were trying to live life without him. There were times I dreamed of having a conventional life."
"And the rest of the time?"
"I spent planning my own rise to presidency." Archie laughed, his rich voice echoing in the hole.
"Well, at least you were busy."
"That I was, and there were moments of normalcy. I mean, like when my father took us camping, or went with me and my brothers to Taekwondo. It was then he seemed less a public figure, and more an everyday guy."
"Do you get along with him?"
"Most of the time. My mother says we're a lot alike."
"Like me and Koko?"
"You two are similar only in appearance."
"I've heard that before. So, how is my digging?"
Archie looked around the hole. She had created a sort of alcove in the area she was working on. It was neat and compact.
"Is that your own apartment?" he asked.
Ayala waved a hand toward the niche, and shrugged her shoulders. "It wasn't intended to be, but I kind of like it. Can I leave it?"
"Sure, I should have thought of doing it sooner. It'll give you ladies a place to tuck away."
Ayala continued to widen her nook, digging with all the passion of youth. She seemed content to have found something she could control in her vastly changing world.
"What was your life like before I got here and messed everything up?" Archie asked.
Ayala paused and looked up. "Oh, not nearly as exciting as yours. We arose early in the morning, ate, played with the little ones, went to work, came home, ate again, played educational games with the children, and then went to bed. Nothing more."
"Do you miss it?"
"I won't lie. I could use a real bed about now."
"I hear that."
"Be honest with me, Archie, now that you know the truth about me and Koko, what do you think of us? Do we look more like animals to you?"
"You look no different than you did the first day we met. You're a beautiful young lady who is healthy, kind, and curious. You've nothing to be ashamed of, except, maybe, a bit of dirt on your nose."
Ayala laughed and brushed the soil off with a hand dirtier than her face. All she managed to do was smear it across her face. "I don't think that helped she said."
"Not so much, but you're still beautiful."
"Then why do I feel like a freak?"
"Well you're not. You don't look any different from anyone else."
"But what if I did? Or what about Koko's baby? What will your world do if it's born with paws and a snout?"
"I wish I could answer your question honestly, Ayala. I mean, prejudice of all kinds is rampant, but I think that, as a whole, society is doing better. The entrance of your people into it will rattle things up a bit, but I believe we'll adjust and learn to live together."
"You make it seem easy, but I know it can't be. I have a feeling we're going to come off as lab rats--a fact that may be more attractive to you, the son of a scientist, than to me, the subject."
"I'll be there right beside you. I promise I won't let you face my people alone." Archie reached out a hand and touched her shoulder. She shrugged, but didn't move away.
"I grew up trusting everyone," she said, "and now I don't know who to have faith in."
"What about me?"
"I don't think I'm quite ready to do that yet."
"Fair enough."
Archie turned around and continued digging. His small shovel moved through the virgin soil as easily as beach sand. He had no idea what the future held for any of them, except they would never be the same again. This was going to be a bigger news story than if he had stumbled across a spaceship complete with live aliens. These strangers were homegrown.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks goes out for the artwork, "through a hole" by Joelgraphuchin.
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. it's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There is a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a fantasy environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Ayala smiled and closed her eyes. On one side, she could feel her sister resting against her, gentle snores wafting in shared air.
Koko was the main reason Ayala endured this ghastly journey. She had never considered the possibility of giving birth, herself. Her people were taught procreation was vulgar. . . reserved for the uninformed masses, but Koko was her sister, and the baby she carried, a part of her as well.
On the other side of Ayala was Archie -- the enigmatic senator and President's son. He wasn't touching her, but she could feel his comforting closeness. Maybe, he was right. . . maybe she and her people were more human than animal. The book he read to them didn't say just how much of their DNA was animal. It could be a few nucleic acids in a vast chain of thousands in their chromosomes.
She would have to believe in that possibility and hold onto it like a lifeline. Animals had always been her enemy. It was hard to dismiss an idea her entire life had been built around. She was glad she wasn't alone with the knowledge, though. Misery, she decided, does indeed, love company.
With a deep sigh, Ayala joined her companions in uneasy slumber. Protected from the sun's brutal rays, they rested beneath the cool earth.
The hot desert sun etched a path across the sky, but Archie and his companions slept on, oblivious of its sojourn. Finally, as the celestial giant dipped low on the horizon, two figures emerged from the primitive shelter. They spoke together a few minutes, then one lit a small fire. The other scurried about gathering food and fuel.
"What does the earth tell you about our pursuers?" Archie asked as he rejoined Sani. "Are they drawing close?"
"There has been no rumor of them since we passed the road."
"They couldn't have given up."
"No, my guess is they plan an ambush later. They probably figured where we're heading when we didn't go to the authorities."
Sani stirred the coals of his fire, certain no one would be looking for smoke. He set a deep metal bowl in the center and let it get hot.
"So you think they'll be in the mines?" Archie asked. He sat on the ground beside his mentor and traveling companion. He handed him a sack of food items he had gathered.
"I'm almost certain of it," Sani replied. He leaned back and put his feet up to the fire as though they were cold.
"What's our plan once we get there?" Archie asked. Unlike Sani, he had no desire to warm his feet, so he sat back a few feet from the old man.
"I told you, there's a hidden army on our side."
"You told me a fairy tale about leprechauns."
"Tommyknockers."
"I stand corrected, but, Sani, you can't expect me to believe in miners' superstitions. It might work on the girls, but I'm a man of the world."
"So, you can believe people have animal and human DNA mixed, but not that I have friends with unusual powers?"
"One is science, and the other fantasy. Please tell me you have real people waiting to help us."
"Old Sani has many friends. Have a little faith."
Sani clapped his hands together as though ending the conversation. He looked around, his eyes settling on Ayala and Koko, who were easing out of the shelter. "Well, ladies. Good evening."
"Good evening," Koko said. "Is everyone hungry? We have some travel cakes and a bit of greens I collected while we walked last night."
"Bring the greens, but save the travel cake. Archie and I have prepared our evening meal. Have a seat."
Ayala and Koko sat on stones around the fire. Ayala leaned her head toward the bowl and sniffed. "Smells good."
"Yes," Sani said. He reached in the bowl with a stick and pulled out a blackened cricket. The girls watched in horror as he popped it in his mouth and began crunching.
"Tell me that isn't supper," Ayala gasped.
"They're good for you," Sani said. He handed one to Archie, who couldn't mask a grimace as he shoved it into his mouth.
Archie had eaten insects before on hunting trips with his father and brothers. It was part of the elder Franklin's idea of survival techniques. He still didn't enjoy them, but wasn't about to let the old man show him up in front of the women. Besides, he knew their food supplies were running short, and their journey was not.
"Taste it," Sani said. He handed a small, well-cooked one to Ayala. She held it precariously in her hand. Should she eat it and gain the respect of Sani, or throw it and scream? She looked at Archie, who nodded encouragement.
To heck with it, she thought. If Archie could do it, she could. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of thinking her weak. She opened her mouth and poised it over her lips.
"Ayala, don't you dare," Koko warned. "It's. . . it's. . . unclean."
"No more than any other meat you eat," Sani said.
Ayala closed her eyes, and bit down. It wasn't bad. She put the rest of it in her mouth and chewed. Good thing she was hungry.
"Well, you three can have my share." Koko threw a hand to her mouth in revulsion. "I don't mind eating stewed cactus or even munching on desert greens, but this is really too much. I can't wait to get to civilization where I can get something normal to eat."
"You may find the food where we come from a little different than what you're used to," Archie said.
"How's that?" Koko asked. "You don't eat gross stuff like bugs do you?"
"No, but our food is often over-processed and ripe with chemicals."
"Why?" Ayala asked.
"I don't know. I guess it's because we're too rushed to grow and prepare things properly."
"No wonder Leander says your people have become weak. You need to slow down and do things right."
"Maybe that's one of those things your people can teach mine." Archie popped a roasted scorpion in his mouth, carefully biting beneath the stinger.
"It'll be my pleasure," Ayala said.
Archie smiled. He was glad to see Ayala thinking positively about the future. He just hoped things would go as smoothly with his father as they all needed.
Ayala closed her eyes and shoved another insect into her mouth.
"Well done," Sani said. He smiled and patted her on the back.
"I think I'm a cannibal," Ayala giggled. "I have some friends who are in insect kins. I'm not so sure they would appreciate me eating their relatives."
"Worse," Koko said. "Wait until they find out they're related to them."
"True. I guess that makes me feel better about us being part coyote. At least we're mammals."
"Yes, coyotes are wonderful animals," Sani said, "but we've now wasted all the time we can afford, my dear children. Koko, eat some of our food stores to keep up your strength. The rest of us will finish the insects. It's time we headed for the mountains. It'll be dark soon, and we need to be well down the road before it does."
The group nodded and did what Sani suggested. Debate was fine when there was time, but, as a group, they trusted Sani's ultimate authority and wisdom. Short of half an hour, they finished eating, and gathered their belongings.
As they began, yet another march, each person was given to their own reflections.
Koko thought about her husband Todd, and longed for the moment they reunited. Ayala thought about babies, and how eager she was to hold Koko's in her arms.
Archie reflected on how very like his father Sani appeared. He was wise, loved nature, and never seemed disturbed by anything happening around him. Archie hoped he'd remember Sani's example when he returned to his own leadership position. And Sani's thoughts? Who knew what was in his mind? The others just followed him with child-like trust into the unknown.
| Author Notes |
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases.
It's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There are a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a science fictional environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of Last Chapter:
"Yes, coyotes are wonderful animals," Sani said, "but we've now wasted all the time we can afford, my dear children. Koko, eat some of our food stores to keep up your strength. The rest of us will finish the insects. It's time we headed for the mountains. It'll be dark soon, and we need to be well down the road before it does."
The group nodded and did what Sani suggested. Debate was fine when there was time, but, as a group, they trusted Sani's ultimate authority and wisdom. Short of half an hour, they finished eating and gathered their belongings.
As they began, yet another march, each person was given to their own reflections.
Koko thought about her husband Todd, and longed for the moment they reunited. Ayala thought about babies, and how eager she was to hold Koko's in her arms.
Archie reflected on how very like his father Sani appeared. He was wise, loved nature, and never seemed disturbed by anything happening around him. Archie hoped he'd remember Sani's example when he returned to his own leadership position. And Sani's thoughts? Who knew what was in his mind? The others just followed him with child-like trust into the unknown.
The story Continues.
The terrain gradually changed as the fugitives marched toward the mines in southern Colorado. Vegetation, once composed of water storing succulents and drought resistant bushes, began to change to taller trees and fuller bushes.
Though all but Sani were unaware, the elevation increased as well. Gradually, low flatland yielded to the cooler footstools of the San Juan Mountains. The team no longer dug holes to sleep the days away, but built lean-tos to shelter them while they rested.
They no longer worried about pursuit, having decided the enemy lay ahead, not behind. As a result, they spent limited energy and time on moving forward.
The girls chattered constantly about the sight of mountains. They had never known anything but dry open desert, and were in awe of the towering giants and beautiful vegetation before them.
"Oh, Sani, how can anything so magnificent harbor the horror of Mine City?" Koko asked. She held her sister's hand as much for moral support as for any physical need.
"The wonder of the mountains always move me," he replied. "You can't blame nature for the horror mankind perpetrates. These mountains rise above the petty doings of a self-destructive species."
"We aren't all self destructive," Archie pointed out, "nor are we evil. The work of Leander and the other scientists in his study group do not speak for our species."
"I didn't say people are evil, or I wouldn't be helping you. I believe redemption is possible for humankind, and that most are good folks. But, enough negative thoughts. We are almost to the mines, my children."
Sani stopped and waved a hand toward a wall of stone, barely a half-day's journey ahead.
"You say mines with such reverence," Ayala said. "You almost make me excited to go there."
"What do you mean, almost?" Archie asked. "Isn't this what our whole journey has been about?"
"Remember, I only agreed to stay with the party to support Koko and help her find Todd. I know there's a deeper quest here, one that will free my people from oppression they aren't even aware of, but I'm a bit more single-minded."
"Oh my goodness, you're afraid of the mines," Koko said. "I forgot. You never liked the dark and are terrified of closed spaces. Ayala, you've been dreading this part all along, haven't you?"
"Yeah. Sani, do you suppose I could just wait on the outside while the rest of you go in?"
"Running, or hiding, from our fears doesn't help us overcome them, Dear."
"Let's say, I'm not concerned about overcoming them, and am happy enough to let them linger?"
"Then you will have missed one of humanity's main reasons for being on Earth."
"To succeed in life and leave your mark for the future?" Archie asked.
"Oh no, dear boy, that's just the aftereffects. We must overcome our weaknesses, or if we don't, we're just pawns in someone else's game. Fear allows people to control you, Ayala. Haven't you learned from what the scientists have done with your people in Hokee? It was more than a mere fence that kept all of you inside."
"They made us afraid of animals and the desert," Koko said.
"And told us we were orphans no one else wanted," Ayala added, "but, they didn't teach me to be afraid of the dark or enclosed spaces. I got those fears entirely on my own."
"Were they ever discovered by the others?" Sani asked.
"I don't think anyone knew, besides Koko."
"Fear breeds fear," Archie said. "My father taught me that. He spent my entire life encouraging me to charge ahead and be afraid of nothing."
"Which is why you are a United States Senator at thirty two-years old," Sani said.
"And why few people have ever left Hokee," Koko said. "Their fear never touched me the way it did others. That's why Todd and I decided to get away... before they hauled him off to the mines."
"You told me people have tried to get away before," Archie said. "Were any ever successful?"
"None that I know of," Koko replied. "They were always brought back, and taken to Mine City."
"Except one woman," Ayala said. "Remember the tale, Koko? It happened way before we came to Hokee."
"Yeah, I do, but it's not a very encouraging reminder for me at the moment."
"What happened?" Archie asked. He reached a hand out and touched Koko on the shoulder. She sighed and eased down on a log. The others joined her by sitting on the ground, or finding a log of their own.
"It's a story the Hawks tell of a woman who had managed to get pregnant, like me," Koko said slowly. "She wanted to let her child live, so she escaped in the night. They said she almost made it to the road before she gave birth in the sand. She and the child both died."
Archie got up and sat on the log beside Koko. He put a protective arm around her trembling shoulders.
"That's not what's going to happen to you," he said. "You aren't alone, and you've already made it further than she did."
"Can you protect me against an army of enemies, or even against the birth process?"
"Sweetheart, having a baby is the most natural process on earth," Archie said, as though an expert. "My mother had three."
"In a hospital with lots of doctors and nurses around, not in the middle of the wilderness," Koko said.
"You won't give birth here, either," Archie said. "We'll go get Todd, then take you to get proper prenatal care. We haven't come this far to lose our most precious cargo."
"But what if the baby doesn't look like a normal human?" Koko asked.
"Will that make it less your child?" Archie asked. "Or will it make you want to put it in Mine City?"
"Not at all."
"Then we press on," Sani said. He rose to his feet. "Come children, by nightfall we will be in the mines. Ayala, you will face this challenge like all the others."
"With fortitude I never knew I had," Ayala said.
"Yes, and with all of us beside you," Archie commented. He reached down and pulled both women to their feet in one fluid motion.
"That's better," Sani said. "Now on we go. Archie, you fall in behind. The closer we get to the mountains, the more danger we might face."
"Cougar Kin?" Archie asked. "I thought you heard no rumor of them."
"Ah, I don't speak of the human sort, but there are other animals lurking about. Don't worry ladies. There's nothing out there our strong Archie can't handle. So, Archie, if you see a bear, puff yourself up, and hold your hands over your head. Look fierce. Be an alpha male."
"You're kidding, right?" Archie asked. He looked around as though waiting for a black bear to pounce at any moment.
"Not to be afraid," Sani said. He winked at the girls. "Just remember . . . alpha male."
"Got it . . . alpha male."
Archie had a feeling Sani was trying to prove that even the strong, brave Archie had things he feared. Sani was right.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Thru Mine Eyes" by paraisle
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. It's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There are a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a science fictional environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. In the book, they find Ayala and the others in Hokee, are a part of a project where animal and human DNA were mixed together to produce a new, stronger, species. In order to keep the people of Hokee secluded, they have made them feel they were unwanted orphans, and to fear animals and the desert. They were kept in check by the ruling Hawk clad, and the fierce Cougar clan. They continue to journey to Mine City in the San Juan mountains. They overcome many challenges along the way. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Summary of last chapter:
Archie, Ayala, Koko and Sani enter the rocky steppes of the San Juan Mountains. Ayala professes her fear of being in tight spaces, and is afraid to go into the mines. Meanwhile, Sani teaches the overconfident Archie a lesson on fear by making him watch out for bears. Now, the time has come for the group to go underground.
Chapter 24: The Bowels of the Earth.
Ayala looked at the entombing walls of the mines through the filtered light of her flickering torch. She felt the pressure of tons of stone above and about her. She had been glad to reach the end of their journey across the plains. It was a harsh and hurried march. Her feet were bruised and chafed, her stomach aching for good food, and her tawny skin burned and cracked. But now, she felt buried alive.
Her breathing grew shallow and rapid, and her skin crawled with a thousand imagined insects. She was just about to cry out when she felt a hand on her elbow.
"Deep breaths, Ayala," Archie said. "Sani said we won't have to travel far before we rest."
"I can't rest in here, Archie. I can hardly breathe."
"Don't look around any more than necessary. Try to focus on Koko. Let one foot fall and the other replace it. Watch for your sister's feet, and listen for mine."
"Thank you, I'll try," Ayala said, "but please don't let me go."
Archie took her by the hand and they walked side-by-side behind the leaders. A few times, when he felt her trembling, he put a protective arm around her shoulder. She would nod at him, then move on.
As they journeyed on into the heart of the mountain, Archie took time to look around. Just as Sani had told them when they first entered the mines, his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the torches, much more so than they had in the darkness of the wastelands they had passed through earlier. By this pale light, the secrets of the mines burst forth like flowers in the desert after a rain.
The damp walls were brilliantly decorated with multicolored flakes of minerals. They glowed and sparkled like messengers of light seeking to warm a realm of darkness.
Archie was also impressed by random areas that occasionally opened up on either side of the rocky trail. They looked like small cabinets or caves and Archie stopped, when he could, to gaze inside in wonder.
Within many were glistening stalactites dripping orbs of colorful water, others, barely visible to the human eye, looked like chiseled scenes from another world. Archie thought, for just a fraction of a second, that Sani was right; that there was some magic deep within the inner network of the rocky world they had entered.
Koko joined Archie from time to time to look in upon the small rocky indentions. Occasionally she would reach a hand up to touch a sparkling stone, or caress a golden orb. Her heart seemed as touched as Archie's by the sights. She needed this, Archie decided, and was glad Sani was traveling slowly enough to allow her to look. Ayala wasn't as fascinated, however, and didn't join her companions in their explorations. It was taking everything she had to keep her composure.
Archie was surprised to find that the walls of the tunnel were damp, so much so that they often leaked water onto the floors, resulting in a small stream that flowed forward on their right side. Archie wasn't sure where the water was heading, but he figured it escaped towards some distant body of water. The gentle sound of the babbling brook added to the wonder of the crystalline world they found themselves enveloped in.
Had their situation not been so dire, Archie might have enjoyed his journey inside the mountains more. He had often wondered what it looked like deep beneath the earth's surface, and found himself impressed by what he saw. Someday, he thought, he would return here with a camera and spend days recording the wonders -- someday, when the wrongs of the experiment had been righted.
In the midst of a particularly deep musing, Archie turned and looked at Ayala. He was saddened to see that she still appeared frightened and oppressed, the proverbial weight of the mountains pressing upon her young shoulders. He wondered how much longer she could hold together. A strong girl on the ground's surface, beneath it, she was a frightened kitten. He offered an encouraging smile.
The group stopped just as Ayala felt she could endure no more.
"You doing okay, Ayala?" Sani asked. He walked over and handed her a piece of dried meat.
"Not really," Ayala replied. She sat beside her sister on a boulder and handed her dried meat to Koko. She didn't feel like eating. "I still feel like this place is going to fall in on me."
"I understand your concern," Sani said, "but take the word of this old miner, Child, you are completely safe in here. We are surrounded by solid granite. These aren't coal mines, you know."
"What's the difference?" Ayala asked. Her arms wrapped around her body protectively.
"Granite is hard rock." Sani placed a fatherly hand on her arm. "It doesn't break apart when you drill into it. Coal comes from soft rock, like limestone, which tends to cave in when stressed. The worse problem you'll have is getting lost, and so long as you follow me, you'll be just fine. Besides, the Tommyknockers are about, and they'll watch out for anything that might harm us."
"Sani," Archie said. "We've followed you through the desert, barren grasslands, mountain steppes, and even through an ungodly hidden tunnel in the side of the mountain. Now, we're miles underground in a world none of us, besides you, have ever experienced. We need more than fairy tales."
"Fairies are useless creatures who dance around in the moonlight and catch butterflies. Tommyknockers are hardworking..."
"Sani!"
"Okay, fine," Sani said. He leaned against a wall, chewing on a piece of dried meat. "I'll admit Tommyknockers may be a myth, but many miners believe in them. Look on the side wall there, what do you see?"
"Looks like a vein of rock," Archie observed. His brow was knit up with concentration. "It's lighter in color than the surrounding rock."
"Yes, that's what we call cave coral. Sometimes it indicates the presence of more precious stone, like gold, but in this case, it shows us a direction to travel. See, it's shaped like an arrow."
"It does, sort of look like one," Ayala agreed, turning her head to the side and squinting her eyes. "Who made those?"
"I guess it was just by chance it was formed, but when making our maps, we miners use such landmarks to our advantage. The Old Ones believe they are formed by Tommyknockers to guide us."
"And young ones like you?" Koko asked. She flashed a wink at her sister.
"Oh, we like to believe in anything, but I guess they aren't who I was talking about when I said we'd have help. There are others who live in the shadows and who'll help you in need. I assure you, they are quite real."
"Who are they?" Ayala asked.
"Others of your kind," Sani said. "Ones that could never blend into society because of their animalistic characteristics. They don't even fit into Mine City. They've formed their own counter culture in the inner tunnels of the mines."
"What are they like?" Archie asked. He had sat on the floor in front of the girls and nibbled on a piece of the stored meat.
"They're good people, who are aware of our quest. They'll show up when you need them. But more on them later. Let's rest for a bit. The next leg of our journey will take us to the brink of Mine City."
"I'm not sure I can sleep in here," Ayala said. "Whether my eyes are opened or closed, I can still feel the rock around me."
"Then lean against me," Archie said. He pulled her close to him.
"Mind if I squeeze in, too?" Koko asked. "I'm not claustrophobic, but I can use the comfort."
Sani sighed as he watched his three charges beneath veiled eyes. The girls fell asleep after a few tired moments, in spite of any fears. While starting out resting against Archie, they now lay cuddled in each other's embrace.
He looked at tall, strong Archie, his head leaning against the wall, his eyes wide open.
Sani closed his own eyes for a few moments, then opened them. His mind was resolute. He motioned for Archie to step away from the women and follow him.
"What is it, Old One?" Archie whispered. He didn't want to wake the women.
"We need to talk."
"About what?"
"Oh, a little about Mine City, and a whole lot about leadership."
"Couldn't this wait until the girls wake up?"
"No, Son, this is between the two of us."
| Author Notes |
Special thanks for the work, "See the sea" by GaliaG
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. It's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There are a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a science fictional environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. In the book, they find Ayala and the others in Hokee, are a part of a project where animal and human DNA were mixed together to produce a new, stronger, species. In order to keep the people of Hokee secluded, they have made them feel they were unwanted orphans, and to fear animals and the desert. They were kept in check by the ruling Hawk clad, and the fierce Cougar clan. They continue to journey to Mine City in the San Juan mountains. They overcome many challenges along the way. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of last chapter:
Sani closed his own eyes for a few moments, then opened them. His mind was resolute. He motioned for Archie to step away from the women and follow him.
"What is it, Old One?" Archie whispered. He didn't want to wake the women.
"We need to talk."
"About what?"
"Oh, a little about Mine City, and a whole lot about leadership."
"Couldn't this wait until the ladies wake up?"
"No, Son, this is between the two of us."
Chapter 25:
"What do you have to say that we must discuss alone?" Archie asked.
"We'll get to that, Son," Sani replied. "First, I want you to listen to the walls. Tell me what they say to you."
"The walls? I thought we were past all the magic stuff."
"I'm not talking about magic, I'm talking about listening to the stone and see what it can tell you."
"And this will do what?"
Sani shrugged shoulders that seemed as old as the mines themselves. A grizzled white head tilted in mute invitation, and sparkling blue eyes engaged Archie's golden ones in challenge.
Archie hesitated a moment, then leaned his head against the stone wall. How could he resist the old man? He was strange, sometimes, but always in command of his purpose.
At first Archie was nervous and jittery, listening to internal debates about the journey through the tunnels, Ayala's fears, and Sani's recent call for Archie to talk about leadership. All the thoughts and debates spun about his head, but they did not help him hear what the stone might tell.
"Relax, Son. Let all your thoughts drain into the rock."
Archie took a deep breath and released it into the tepid air of the mines. He leaned his tawny head, again, against the wall. At first he felt an unusual vibration, one that caught the attention of the young Senator.
"What?" he uttered, and then leaned in closer. "I hear a lot of motion. What's going on? This sound doesn't sound random."
"It's not," Sani said. "We stand on the threshold of Mine City."
"How big is it?"
"Larger than Hokee. It was built in an area that the old miners had hollowed out to keep their supplies and donkeys penned in. They, of course, widened it as needed. It's a pretty massive structure by now; quite an impressive feat of engineering if you just sit back and look at it."
"A gilded cage?" Archie asked. He continued to lean his head against the rock to listen. The more he heard, the more an image of an underground city came to form in his mind.
"What's it look like?" Archie asked. "I feel it's enormous."
"It is, and someday people will come down here just to study the architecture, but not yet. For now it's a fortress that we've got to break into and then back out of."
"Wow, and no one in the government knows about it," Archie said. He shook his head sadly. "It's like a world within a world."
"There are many of those, young man," Sani alleged. His voice sounded even wiser below ground than it had above. "Most of which you know nothing about, or would scarce believe exists at all."
"Are they all bad like Hokee and Mine City?" Ayala asked.
"No. Some are quite good, and, Young Archie, there are those in your government who do know of the existence of Mine City and Hokee."
"Really?" Archie raised a doubting eyebrow. "Then why do they keep the information to themselves?"
"For reasons of their own," Sani replied, "and you might also expect them to give you a bit of a problem later when you try to go public with what you know."
"Well, my father won't," Archie insisted, "and I can promise you he doesn't know about this place."
"Don't be sure of anything, but prepared for anything. There are many secrets a President knows that he can't share, even with those he is closest to."
"I understand that," Archie said, "but I do know that he wouldn't put up with people being held imprisoned like this. He's a real patriot and believes in all people being free. He will help us, even if he has to take on the entire country to do so."
"I hope you're right, because he might just have to do that very thing. All our hopes rest on his coming through for us."
"He will," Archie said. Only the slightest hint of uncertainty entered his voice.
"Don't worry. I've said from the beginning that you didn't happen upon Hokee by mistake. I'm sure that whatever power led you there, knew your father to be as much a man of character as his son."
"Is this what you wanted to discuss with me about leadership?"
Sani cocked a silver eyebrow Archie's way, but didn't answer.
"I mean, what do we do now?" Archie asked. "We can't just walk in there and announce we've arrived to set everyone free. I mean, we could probably sneak in and rescue Todd for Koko, but I have a feeling that isn't what you have in mind."
"No, not at all, and neither do you, Archimedes. Everyone must be saved or our whole mission is for nothing."
"I get that, and I'm willing to do what I need."
"There will be people here who will challenge what you believe about humanity," Sani said. "Are you ready to embrace them as well?"
"Of course. I've had plenty of time to think about that issue. I know it will be a bit of a shock first, but we'll all adjust. What do we do first?"
"Tighten up the nucleus. Make sure the girls learn they need to be wild animals, not caged ones. They have to learn to think outside the cage they were raised in. If they don't get it, they won't be able to instill in the people of Mine City the same sense of freedom. It will be one of your biggest challenges."
"Uh, don't you mean we?"
Sani looked directly at Archie, his deep eyes no longer dancing in fun or challenge. They were sending a message even Archie couldn't miss.
"I am a very old man, and have lived through many crises. It's made me strong and wise, but this war is not mine. It is a job for younger people. I got you here because it was the right thing to do. Now it's time for you to take over."
"Oh," Archie wasn't sure how to respond.
"Speak, boy. You'll pass out if you just keep standing there holding your breath." Sani laughed out loud, but the tension remained electric.
"I'm sorry," Archie finally sputtered. "You've caught me off-guard. Are you trying to say you're going to leave us at some point?"
Sani continued to look at Archie as though his piercing eyes would tell a story his words need not do so.
"You're leaving now, aren't you?"
Sani's wizened head nodded slightly, but his eyes continued to tell a tale as old as time.
"I don't know what to do. I've never been to Mine City, and no nothing of its structure," Archie protested.
"It has an opening to the outside on the East side. Only trustees are allowed to go out it, and they are the most human-like in appearance."
"What keeps the others in? Are there a lot of armed guards?"
"No more than at Hokee. I think you know the answer to what keeps them in cages."
"Their appearance?"
"That and proproganda to make them believe they would be hunted and killed by the Cougar leader of the city. However, they are more afraid of the people on the outside. The people of Mine City are captives of the mind."
"And how do I reach them? How do I get these people out the door to freedom?"
"Create a situation they have no choice but to respond to."
"Will you leave me explosives?"
"No, you have no idea how to handle them, but there are those in these mines who do. Reach them to help you."
"Are these the Tommyknockers you spoke of before - the outliers?"
"Yes, the secret group who live in the shadows.They call themselves the Resistance."
"How do I find them?"
"They'll find you. They've been waiting for you to get here."
"What do I do when they approach me?"
"Do what we discussed and be prepared to accept the unusual."
"Do these people have a leader?"
"Yes, you."
"Me?" Archie coughed. "I don't know these people."
"Do you know all your constituents in Texas? Does your father, the President of the United States, know all the people he represents?"
"Of course not."
"Same with these people."
"But how will they know I'm their leader?"
"If you have to ask that question, you're not really a leader."
"I'll have to think on that one, Old Man."
"Better think quickly."
Archie pulled away from the wall of the mine as he watched Sani draw into the shadows of a fork in the mine. At first, he saw the old man's face glow in the light of his torch, and then disappear as the torch was put out.
"Sani?" Archie called out softly. "Sani, come back. I'm not ready."
Archie listened for a response. He heard nothing but the retreating steps of a very old man.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "The glowing cave" by El-mundo.A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases.
It's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There are a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a science fictional environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. In the book, they find Ayala and the others in Hokee, are a part of a project where animal and human DNA were mixed together to produce a new, stronger, species. In order to keep the people of Hokee secluded, they have made them feel they were unwanted orphans, and to fear animals and the desert. They were kept in check by the ruling Hawk clad, and the fierce Cougar clan. They continue to journey to Mine City in the San Juan mountains. They overcome many challenges along the way. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Archie leaned against the damp tunnel wall and sank slowly to the ground. He bowed his head into his hands and moaned. How was he to lead the women, one pregnant, and the other terrified of being underground, to a city of outcasts? How was he to free a group of animal/human hybrids held under guard, and lead them to an unsuspecting world? And why, why did his mentor and leader, Sani, leave them behind?
On and on the questions flowed as Archie sat engulfed in indecision. He kept thinking about how incapable he was to lead, and how this wasn't really happening to him. Eventually, he drifted into troubled reveries marked by Cougar Clan attacks, Hawk betrayals, and the people in Mine City rejecting him.
A hand landing on his shoulder, disrupted Archie's insecure musings. "Please be Sani!" Archie rose to his feet and leaned against the wall. "I knew you wouldn't really leave us."
"I'm not Sani," a voice stated. The male voice was coarse, and uttered in a low tone as though not to be heard by any but Archie.
"Who are you?" Archie stood up straight, blood pumping through his veins so violently he could feel it in his throat and temples.
"I'm Jacob." A hairy hand dropped down to shake Archie's. "Please don't be afraid. I'm a friend of Sani's. He sent me to help you."
"A Tommyknocker?"
"Absolutely not," Jacob chuckled. "Sani has called us that before, but I assure you, we aren't fantasy creatures. We are very real, and quite determined, my friend. We are a secret force who have only waited for a catalyst to stir us up."
"I guess you mean me?" Archie leaned away from the wall and stood before the larger man. He placed his hands on his hips and tilted his head in question.
"I don't know." Jacob's eyes glowed with the embers of a primordial fire. "Sani seems to think so, but I will need more convincing."
"Do you want to wrestle?"
"Maybe. You look like a stout guy, but we'll have to leave that for another day. For now, we need to move ahead."
"Okay." Archie's eyes sparkled. They had just thrown a proverbial gauntlet at each other, but it was good natured. They didn't have time to prove alpha male, so they would share for the moment.
"You have two women with you," Jacob said. "Sani has explained them to me. They are welcome as are you, but, let's be honest, they may prove to be a weak link in our plan for freedom."
"They are the main reason I'm here, and must end up being an integral part of any of our plans. I'll not leave either behind."
"Fair enough." Jacob put a hairy arm against the wall. He had on a coarsely woven short sleeved shirt that looked like it might have been stitched together from an old feed sack. His pants were made of leather, ending about his ankles. His feet, shaped like a human's, but hairier. Long toenails came to a sharp point. Archie wasn't sure if they were naturally shaped that way, or chiseled. Either way, they added to the wolf-like impression of the man.
"We have chosen to lead our own lives in tunnels outside the city," Jacob said. "We do help the others mine. To not do so would be to shirk our duties, but after we are done, we blend into the shadows of the tunnels where we are attempting to build an army."
"The leaders of the city don't try to stop you?"
"No reason to. We do our work and don't cause problems. Beyond that they figure we just prefer each other's company. The leaders aren't Hufacs, and are basically scared of us. Besides, Leander Senior is my father. I don't get the attention Junior gets, but I'm allowed certain latitudes."
"Leander Junior of the Hawk Clan?" Archie asked. He leaned forward, trying to get a good look at the face and eyes of his new companion. The torchlight was just bright enough to give him a vague impression of a massive creature, his visage softened by humanity. There was very little that seemed to tie Jacob to his weaker Hawk sibling, however, both were tall . . . both bore a commanding presence.
"Yes. I was my father's first creation with his DNA, the other scientists contributed to other experimental animals. It was then they figured out which animals worked well with humans, and those that did not. Wolves, apparently did not."
"So your father stuck you out here in the mines?"
"Not at first. He kept me in his home for as long as he felt he could. He treated me as any other son until he got Junior, then he sent me here. I was about 10-years old. Others were brought here as well. It's sort of a long story, and we don't have time to go into it now. We've got other plans to make."
Jacob then stepped out of the shadows of a tunnel and rested his hand back on Archie's shoulder. Archie suppressed a revulsive shudder as the man's face came into clear view. A large shaggy head was graced with a plethora of thick reddish brown hair. Piercing brown eyes were set deeply into a face that looked disfigured by a protruding nose.
As though aware that Archie was staring, Jacob put a hairy hand up and touched his mouth, which when he opened it, betrayed sharp canines. His other teeth seemed more human-like as did his body form.
"I look like a monster, don't I? I can see it in your eyes."
"Not as much as I had imagined, but you are a big guy, Dude." Archie managed to regain his composure, and slap Jacob on the shoulder. "I'm just glad you're on my side."
"Am I?"
"Aren't you?"
"Question is, are you on mine?" Jacob raised a furry eyebrow, eyes piercing through Archie's as though in doing so, he could look into the smaller man's soul. "At this point, you could leave . . . go back to your world as a Senator, or whatever it is you are. It would be much safer. To stay here is to put yourself in great peril."
"I've been in peril since I flipped my car on the highway and ended up in Hokee."
"You've not known real danger," Jacob said. He slapped a hairy hand on the wall beside Archie's head.
Archie was filled with an array of emotions and sensations. His first reaction was fear. He felt it rise up like bile in his throat, but swallowed it back down. The next feeling was bewilderment. This man-like creature in front of him was a beast out of legend. It seemed surreal.
The final emotion was a heady thrill. He could smell the wild animal in Jacob, and the effect was to stir the latent animal inside all human beings. He could almost imagine early mankind rising out of the primordial swamps that bred life. He breathed in the sensation, and breathed out desire to fight for survival . . . his own and those he had pledged to protect.
"I'm not afraid," Archie snarled, his breathing raspy and fast.
"You will be," Jacob said, leaning in closer. He seemed to be smelling Archie's scent as well. "But I believe you mean to help us, and you're the best we've got right now."
"Thanks," Archie said. His voice was steeped in sarcasm. He knew to show weakness right now would be to lose the respect of Junior's larger and more serious brother.
"Follow me," Jacob said.
"Where?"
"To our compound. We need to talk and make plans."
"What about the women?"
"I'll send one of our women to bring them."
Archie shrugged and followed his furry guide. He certainly was not comfortable with the turn of events, but what choice did he have? The only way he would free the miners was to trust one of them. After years in politics, he had learned to trust his instincts... that and watch his back.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the art work, "spirit of the wolf" by MKFlood
A note on the purpose of the animal DNA discovery. This book is intended to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but it has an underlying theme. There have been groups of people throughout time that have been treated as less than human, even experimented on in some cases. It's also to bring up any discrimination against other groups of people. It happened in the past, and is still happening today. The poor, ethnic groups, sexual orientation, mental illness, people from other countries, etc. There are a lot of different types of experimentation where we try to "cure" what we don't understand. It is my intention to use a science fictional environment to teach cultural tolerance, while telling a yarn. Thank you to those of you who look beyond the story. Summary of the book so far: Archie Franklin is a United States Senator from the State of Texas. He's also the President's son. He was traveling the west, scoping out New Mexico for a committee he was on, when a deer ran in front of his Ferrari and caused him to crash. He was rescued from the desert by a group from a cult-like village called Hokee. In this town, the people are part of an experiment to improve the human condition by taking orphans and raising them isolated from many of the modern conveniences that make mankind weak. The children, as young as 5, are placed in houses named after animals, but otherwise taught animals are dangerous and unclean. Each "house" has a particular job in the community based on the attributes of the representative animal. The leader, Leander, chooses what children are brought to the village. He doesn't want anyone to know about the compound so they can maintain isolation. Archie is now a prisoner, but has befriended a young lady, Koko, whose husband has come up missing, and is assumed imprisoned in a penal mining colony. Working against odds, the two hope to escape and protect Koko's unborn child. Having babies at stage one of the experiment is forbidden by the scientists in charge. Teens are sterilized at puberty to avoid pregnancies, but occasionally one will be conceived. Standard operating procedure is to perform an abortion, but Koko is willing to fight against all she's grown up to believe to give her child a chance at life. Now, Archie, Koko and Sani have escaped the complex after the old miner, Sani, set off an explosive distraction. On the way through a fence, they ran into Ayala, Koko's "sister" who tried to stop them. In order to ensure her silence, they tied her up and took her with them. After traveling all night, they stopped at dawn to dig a shelter under the sand. Covering themselves with a blanket they wove from plants, they are resting from enemies and the heat of the day. Archie and Koko begin to read a book Archie rescued from Hokee before they left. It is the story of the experiment called The Humanity Project. In the book, they find Ayala and the others in Hokee, are a part of a project where animal and human DNA were mixed together to produce a new, stronger, species. In order to keep the people of Hokee secluded, they have made them feel they were unwanted orphans, and to fear animals and the desert. They were kept in check by the ruling Hawk clad, and the fierce Cougar clan. They continue to journey to Mine City in the San Juan mountains. They overcome many challenges along the way. These are the 12 houses of Hokee: Hawk: Where Leander Jr. lives. They are the strict rulers of the compound, answerable only to Leander Sr.. Cougar: The strong arms of the Hawks. They dish out whatever punishment is required, even to sending miscreants to another settlement they have up North in the mines. Coyote: The one Archie and Ayala are in: Job: Teachers and professors. Allowed more knowledge of the "outside world". Ant: Considered unclean, these people tend meat and fur animals outside the village Tarantula: Architects, and menders Donkey: Transportation and communication Wasp: Prepare and serve food Deer: Sports and entertainment Hare: Make and distribute clothing Rat: Childcare Snake: healthcare Buzzards: Clean up crew, maintain sewer and custodial chores General Summary of the Book: Young Texas Senator, Archie Franklin, finds himself marooned in the desert with a group of people who are more than they appear to be on the surface. Hokee: Name of the village Archie is held in. It means, "The abandoned." Characters: Archimedes (Archie) Franklin: High energy, main protagonist, who is, also, a Senator from Texas, and son of the President of the United States, Andrew Franklin. Ayala: Female head of household in the house Archie finds himself imprisoned. Andrew (Andy) Franklin: President of the United States, and father of Archie. Koko: Ayala's best friend in Coyote House, close as sisters, born on the same day. Todd: Koko's husband Sani: Old man. Used to be a miner up north. Another trapped refugee from the desert. An ally in the quest to escape. Leander: Head scientist in charge of the structure of Hokee. His son, Leander, is in charge of daily operations. Junior: Leander's son, who lives in the Hawk house. He's personally a coward, but rules Hokee with an iron fist. Others to be listed as they appear in the book. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Summary of last chapter:
Nancy, other Daredevils, and several allies, escape the auditorium once the witches leave for breakfast. They set out on their own to try to help the other captives survive.
The story continues with Tina Alice and her phone call marathon.
"Yes, Sir." Tina Alice spoke into a land line phone she held against her ear. "500 white T-shirts to be delivered to the woods outside of Milton Middle School."
"I do know it is 2:00 in the morning, and no, I'm not crazy. Emory Settler asked me to call you on his behalf."
"The password? Phone Call Express."
"No, Sir, I don't know the nature of your relationship with Mr. Settler, but I'm familiar with his line of work. He's on his way up here to rescue people inside my school being held hostage by four witches, and more werewolves than I could count."
"Thank you. I hope it turns out well, too."
"Oh, you live in Miltonville? Great."
"Gooblie Shirts?"
"I know exactly where that is. It's about a mile from my house. Cool!"
"It stands for Goblin T-shirts? Wow, I never knew that."
"Yes, Sir I've met you before, but you didn't look like a goblin to me."
"No, I guess I've never seen a goblin before, so I don't really know what one looks like."
"Oh, you had plastic surgery. Very smart!"
"All white t-shirts, yes. I think he plans for our troops to wear them so they can be distinguished from enemy forces."
"Of course, we can tell werewolves from humans without the shirts, but the Shadow Wolves will be fighting with us, and I'm not sure we can distinguish one side from the other."
"Sir? No, he didn't say he wanted anything written on the shirts."
"I don't know, what would you put?"
"#goodguys? That would be cool, but wouldn't it take too long? You have to meet him before 5 a.m..
"If you can do it, I'm sure he'll be appreciative ."
"Nice to talk to you, too, and thank you. Good-bye."
Tina looked at the long list of names and phone numbers on the table. Such a lengthy roll would have intimidated most 12-year-olds, but Tina was excited. It would be the first time in her life she was allowed to sit up all night and talk on the phone.
Okay, next number. Tina dialed before looking at the name. A heavily accented voice answered.
"Hello?"
"Hello. Umm, may I speak to a..." Tina looked at the paper and gulped. "Umm, Mr. Akie, please?"
"This is he. What can I do for you?"
"Okay, so I'm Nancy Jordan's student, Tina, and... are you the real Akie from her story? I mean are you a mummy?
"I was. I'm kind of a normal guy now. What does Nancy need?"
"There's been a hostile takeover of my school in Miltonville where Miss Jordan is working. Bruce told me to call Emory Settler, who told me to call you and ask a favor."
"Go ahead."
"Officer Settler says he needs as many men as you can spare to come help rescue hostages being held at the Middle School."
"Am I to understand the hostage takers are supernatural beings?"
"Yes, Sir, they are. There are four witches and a ton of evil werewolves. There are some good werewolves helping us, though."
"Shadow Wolves?"
"Yeah, do you know about them?"
"Everyone in our world does. So, they've picked a side, have they?"
"Apparently so. Their captain, Kurt Kirkpatrick, seems confident he can rally the others he commands to help."
"I wish him success. So, where is Miltonville?"
"About 200 miles north of Bunker Hill."
"Tell Mr. Settler I'm on my way with as many mummies as I can gather on short notice."
"Live mummies?"
"They wouldn't be much help to you dead."
"True, but, I thought Miss Jordan said you didn't do that anymore. Doesn't bringing mummies back cost someone else's life?"
"We have a new, less invasive, procedure for reanimation. It's all done with a computer program, and no one is hurt. Thanks for asking, though. I love modern technology."
"Yeah, me, too. Do you need directions here?"
"No, Sweetheart, I have GPS."
"Great, can y'all get here by 5 a.m.? That's when he plans to 'address the troops' as he calls it."
"We'll be there. Thank you. Nancy will be proud. Good-bye and good luck."
"Same to you."
Tina placed the phone into its cradle and sat back against her chair. That was the coolest call she had ever made. She had actually talked to a real mummy; the mummy from the pyramid story. She couldn't wait to tell her friends at school.
Tina took a deep breath and stifled a flow of tears threatening to escape her tired eyes. She had to believe her friends were going to survive, and that they would live to trade stories of their own.
She picked up her list of numbers and dialed the next one. Listening to the virtual sound of ringing, Tina wondered about the next call. Would it be the squeaky voice of a goblin, the throaty one of a werewolf, or the cackle of a hag?
She was surprised by a velvety male voice. "Hello? This is Crandall Enterprises. May I help you?"
"Yes... Sir... this is Tina Alice. I'm calling on behalf of Emory Settler according to the policy of the Phone Call Express. May I speak to Mr. Jerald Crandall, please?"
"This is Jerry, What's wrong?"
"Mr. Settler is gathering an army of troops to try and retake my Middle School, which is being held hostage by four witches and an army of werewolves."
"Is that the one they were talking about on the news last night? They didn't say anything about witches and werewolves. They said some foreign terrorists had taken over."
"How long have you known Mr. Settler?"
"Several years."
"Then you should know by now you can't believe everything you hear on the news."
"True. I should know that better than anyone. I used to be an unbeliever, myself."
"Oh. you aren't a supernatural being?"
"I didn't say that. About fifteen years ago, I was a young man with a lot of ambition. I was enticed by a man who promised me a type of power no one else could give . Before I knew what was happening, I had become a beast. Emory Settler showed up and gave me a way out."
"Are you a werewolf?"
"No, my dear, I'm a Daywalker."
"What's that?"
"A long story I'm not prepared to tell a child in the middle of the night. Suffice it to say it's a type of vampire."
"A good one?"
"Yes, and I owe Emory Settler for helping me maintain that status."
"It looks like he's calling in the debt tonight. He wants you to meet him at Milton Middle school by 5 a.m. at the latest."
"Where's the school?"
"About 200 miles North of Bunker Hill."
"I'll look it up and be there as soon as I can make arrangements."
"Do you have any friends you can bring?"
"A few. I'm not into the whole vampire scene, but I'll do what I can."
"Thank you, Sir, and will 5 a.m. be a problem?"
"My dear, I can be there within the hour."
"You fly?"
"Yes."
"I mean, like personally... like a bat."
"Pretty much."
"Cool."
"You sound like a Daredevil Girl."
"Thank you. I was made one today. I'm Nancy Jordan's student."
"Trouble seems to stalk her, doesn't it?"
"Apparently so."
"Okay, Tina, Daredevil Girl. I'll meet Emory Settler at your school."
"Thank you."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Tina hung up and dialed the next number on her list.
"Hello? Whoever you are, it's 2:30 in the morning, and this better be good."
"I don't know how good it is, but it's important. My name is Tina Alice. I'm calling on behalf of Emory Settler according to the policy of the Phone Call Express."
"Tina Alice? The one from Milton Middle School I served snacks to earlier?
"Yes, are you Sean the caterer?"
"That's one of my titles, little craetur . What's going on?"
"Remember the media event the principal told us about?"
"Yeah, she asked me and my employees to leave before the people arrived. Did something crazy happen afterwards?"
"You have no idea. Our principal, Mrs. Pierson turned into a witch, then took over the school with a werewolf army"
"Not good, Lassie."
"No."
"What time?"
"5 a.m.. Do you have any friends to bring?'
"I've a whole flippin' leprechaun army, Lassie."
"You're a leprechaun?"
"Card carryin' member."
"How big is your army?"
"Well, that depends on how many are speaking to me at the moment, but don't worry, I'll scrounge up what I can."
"Thank you. Do you know how to find Emory once you get there?"
"Aye, Lassie, I'll look for the center of the tornado."
Sean hung up, and Tina looked at her list. She felt good about her record thus far. She had made four calls, and all were productive. She picked up the phone, dialed a number, and continued her quest for aide.
| Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, Red Telephone Boxes, by avmurray
Little craetur: Irish term of affection to a child General Summary of book: Nancy Jordan is a teacher in an ordinary small town middle school. She is living a safe, uncomplicated life when suddenly her past comes back to haunt her--literally. Her students have somehow found out that she was once a member of the world famous, Daredevil Girls from Bunker Hill, a group of young people who fought evil supernatural beings in the early 1980's. She is asked by her principal to share stories from her youth once a month in an assembly. Reluctantly she agrees. In the first assembly, set auspiciously on Halloween, she is joined by the former members of the Daredevil Girls, who are now grown and have lives of their own. With their help, she retells two of their adventures. After the last story is told, Nancy finds that her past has become a part of her present---will she be forced to fight again? Characters: Nancy Jordan: Now a teacher, once the leader of the Daredevil Girls From Bunker Hill Emily Jordan: Nancy's mother Mrs. Pierson/ Witch Gelada: Nancy's boss and Miltonville Middle School Principal Melba, Anastasia, and Matilda: Witch sisters of Mrs. Pierson/Gelada Victor Brewer: Coach teaching across the hall from Nancy, perhaps a romantic interest. Sean: Caterer and old acquaintance. Also known as the "Prankster". Mildred: Witch and head of an organization of evil creatures. Locked up, for now, in a jail for supernatural beings. Theo: Werewolf captor who is bronze colored and the nicer of the two. Truman: Meaner and less intelligent of the two werewolf captors of the Daredevil Girl Supporters inside the school. Jerry Crandall: Daywalker Vampire ally of Emory Settler Gooblie: Goblin ally of Emory Settler Akhenaten II/Akie: Ahmed's alter ego as a reanimated mummy, the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten I and Queen Nefertiti Sage: Sally's wise beyond her species, cat sidekick. Daredevil Girl Supporters: Also students in Nancy's classes Tina Alice: Leader of the supporters, tiny in stature, student all teachers love, very level headed. Blonde Belle Conner: Girl twin who is larger than most kids in her grade and very outgoing. Dark hair Billy Conner: Male twin who is a football player, large, strong, outgoing and plagued by a need for "fairness." Dark hair Rasha: Athletic, smart, bouncy, African American Julia: Small, energetic, speaks before she thinks sometimes, Hispanic Sally Jordan: Nancy's little sister Tabby: Daredevil Girl member-fast, smart, popular, African American. Real name is Tabitha Elizabeth: Daredevil Girl member-strong willed, short, chubby, Cherokee heritage Becky: Daredevil Girl member-Tall, gangling, awkward, slow in school, smart in ways of nature and the woods. Bruce: Becky's little brother, the only "Daredevil Guy" Kurt: Young and handsome Captain of the Shadow Wolves, a group of fringe werewolves who denounce the shedding of innocent blood. |
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