The Harvest

By Clint Morey

Mutants bred for their organs escape the harvesting farms and begin killing the humans they were designed to save. 

In a future where mutants are bred for their body parts, Steph Martin is a defect. Not up to transplant standards, she's been assigned the job of preparing other mutants for their glorious gift of life to the humans.

Cody Rodgers is also defective, but he's human so few notice. A Deputy Sheriff, he has little love for mutants but is very attracted to Steph until he finds out she's one of "them."

When the mutants break free from the harvesting farm, they attack the town where the extractions take place. People are unable to differentiate between humans and mutants and the town quickly becomes a killing field. 

The government decides it must destroy the entire town to prevent mutants from infiltrating society at large. Cody and Steph must learn to work together if there is any hope of stopping the killing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clint Morey
• Release date: Jan 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781386400318

Book preview

Chapter 1

A white van kicked up rocks as it sped along the gravel road cutting through the rugged emptiness of northern Nevada.  There were no markings on the van.  There was no way to tell if it came from The Facility.

Sunlight poured over the distant mountains, bathing the desert in glorious reds and yellows.  Soon it would fill the seemingly barren landscape with oppressive heat, but for now the world was full of color and a feeling of new beginnings. 

Number 3752 rode in the middle seat of the van along with his counselor, Stephanie Martin.  He wore a freshly cleaned, pressed and starched orange jump suit.  It was definitely uncomfortable but his chiseled body made the institutional uniform look good. 

Steph rested her hand on his arm.

The man in the orange jump suit tried to smile.  Will you stay with me?

Of course.  Steph looked in his deep blue eyes.  He was really just a boy but he looked like a full grown man.

The windows were covered with a dark plastic that kept people outside from looking in and kept the people inside from looking out.  There was a small tear in the plastic at one corner of the side window, and the man tried to peer out the little space.

Steph reached over and peeled off the entire sheet of plastic that covered the window. 

I don't think you should do that, the driver said. 

Roland Logan had been driving for The Facility for nearly four years and Steph hated it every time she drew him as the driver. 

She ignored Logan’s comment and let the man in the seat lean across her body to look out the window.  Stroking the man's soft, wavy hair, she enjoyed his fascination with a world he had never seen.

The bouncing stopped as they turned onto the smooth asphalt road leading to Crestwood.

Steph remembered when Crestwood was a small desert town just off the highway.  No one had any reason to stop there unless his car broke down.  Now they came from around the country to visit the place.

The Facility changed everything.

It's glorious, 3752 said.

Yes, it is.  It didn’t feel glorious to her at all but he didn’t need to hear that now.  He had far more important issues to deal with.

They passed the small airport that could handle commercial jets.  They saw the result of the construction boom—shops, bakeries, clothing stores, restaurants, hotels and a brand new high school with a new gym and a new football stadium. 

Crestwood was no longer a small desert town.  Almost 20,000 people called this place home and another 5,000 were classified as guests.

Even though it was early people were on the streets riding bikes, walking, and sitting at the outdoor tables of the cafes and bakeries. 

When the heat made it unbearable, they would retreat inside their air conditioned buildings, but for now the people were enjoying the morning freshness of the desert. 

They turned onto the drive leading to the first class regional hospital that had been built because of The Facility.  They bounced over the speed bumps in the parking lot, and the driver guided the van through the security fence to the surgical entrance. 

Hurry up, Logan said. 

I'm going to stay for the procedure, Steph replied in her calm voice.

Oh, come on counselor.  I've got things to do.

Steph glared at the driver.

Yeah, yeah.  Okay.

Logan noted the time in his log and made a point to write a comment that the counselor was accompanying it into surgery. 

Steph got out first and held 3752's hand as he stepped onto the receiving platform. 

Near the hospital entrance Deputy Cody Rodgers broke into a large grin when he saw her.  I was hoping you were on this morning.

What did you do to get this duty? Steph asked.

I filed the papers yesterday.

Steph shook her head.  You're actually going to run against your own Sheriff?

The county needs a good sheriff. I figure I’m a better option than the one we have.

Sounds like a bad career move.

Only if I lose.

Steph knew the hospital duty was usually given to the low man on the totem pole, the newbie in the unit. She figured Cody would be pulling it until the election, unless he lost.  Then he might be pulling it the rest of his career.

Steph motioned to her friend.  Robert, this is Deputy Cody Rodgers.

A pleasure to meet you, Deputy Rodgers.

Cody nodded but didn't make eye contact with the man in the orange jumpsuit. 

Steph noticed the slight.

She let Robert take one final look at the town, then led him toward the doors. 

Cody started to follow but Steph gave him a quick look and he stayed on the platform as she led the man into the hospital.

The tapping sound of their footsteps echoed in the long, empty hallway.

I think he likes you, 3752 said.

He's not my type.

The man looked at the floor as they walked.  I like you. 

Steph squeezed his arm against her side.  And I like you Robert, very much.

Am I doing this right? 

Perfect, she said.

They walked to a door that automatically opened for them.  The counselor and the man entered the pre-op room.

A voice boomed out from the speakers.  Verify.

Robert, Steph said. 

She and the man grinned at each other.

That's not funny, Counselor.  The voice didn't have any sense of humor.  Steph wondered what the person behind the voice looked like.

Three-Seven-Five-Two, Steph said.

The man held out his arm and a scanner flashed across the back of his hand.

Verified, the voice boomed again.

The man squeezed his counselor's hand.  She tried to let go but his grip was firm.

He tried to form a smile.  Steph knew he was doing it to make her happy and she tried to reciprocate, but it was hard.

I'm right here, Steph reassured him. 

The voice from the speakers echoed in the room.  Take off your clothes and place them in the bin.

The man unzipped his jumpsuit, slipped out of it, and placed it in the stainless steel bin.  Then he came back and took Steph’s hand.

A surgical tech entered the room with the special shaver.  The tech shaved 3752's head and then quickly shaved the rest of his body.  It only took two minutes.

The man squeezed Steph’s hand again and looked into her eyes.

You’re doing fine, she said.

Another set of doors opened.

Enter the decontamination area.

Steph let go of his hand.  It’s just like we practiced.  Remember to shut your eyes.  Don’t breathe.  I’ll rejoin you in a few minutes.

She watched 3752 walk into the small room.  He would be sprayed with a cool stream of chemicals to make him ready for his donation and then he would be led into the operating room. 

Steph went to the prep room and got into her scrubs.  She hurried so she could spend as much time with her friend as possible.

The operating room was large and had very bright lights.  Five smaller rooms were attached to this surgery center like spokes in a wheel.  A special chair sat in the middle of the room and her friend was sitting in it when she entered. 

How was it? she asked.

Just like you said it would be.

The nurse and the counselor secured metal restraints that closed around his arms and legs.

Let me know if they're uncomfortable, Steph said.

It's fine.

The nurse pressed a button and the chair folded back to become a fully adjustable operating room table. 

They watched the clock count down.  When it hit zero a green light flashed and three men in blue scrubs entered the room.  Dr. Eugene Baker led the team.  Dr. Baker walked up to 3752 and quickly checked the body.  The other two doctors rolled their surgical kits into position.

He looked at the counselor.  Anesthesia? the doctor asked.

Do you want to sleep, Robert? she whispered. 

No.

Dr. Baker leaned down near Robert's face and pointed a finger at his nose. 

Do exactly what you're told three-seven-five-two, the doctor said.

Robert nodded.

Verification, a voice boomed over the loudspeakers.  Doors in front of each of the five rooms opened up revealing an operating table, a patient and a surgical team in each room.  A tech walked out of each room and stood facing the lead team  positioned around Number 3752.

Liver, said one of the techs.

Heart, said another.

Kidney.

Lungs.

Pancreas.

All right, Dr. Baker said.  Let's save some lives.

The doctor took his scalpel and pushed it deep into the 3752's belly just below the sternum.  He pulled the scalpel down the abdomen separating muscles and a thin layer of fat. 

Near the abdomen the doctor reached his hands into the incision and pulled the flesh apart, revealing the all important organs.

Another incision and the chest cavity was torn open and the ribs pulled out of the way.

Robert gripped Steph's hand and kept his eyes focused on her.  Steph didn't watch the doctors work.  She knew all too well what they were doing.  She leaned close to Robert's face and pressed his hand against her cheek.

Roll to your left,  Dr. Baker growled. 

Steph whispered in her friend's ear.  He would like you to turn.  Are you able to do that? 

Even though he was secured to the operating table, Number 3752 slowly turned his body so the extraction team would have easier access.

Not so much dammit!

You're doing superbly, Steph said to Robert.

They had been preparing for this day for months but she was always amazed at how they approached these final moments.

Robert, number 3752, smiled at her.  It was a genuine smile from a pure heart.  She had seen that smile so many times during their counseling sessions and their quiet evening talks.  He was a beautiful boy.

I’m helping people, aren’t I?

It’s a glorious thing you’re doing.  You’re saving lives, Robert.

He didn’t look at what they were doing to his body.  His eyes were locked on Steph’s eyes.  She knew that was important.  If he could go through with it, so could she.  She’d always been there for him.  She wouldn’t leave him now.

She knew Robert could feel the pressure of the incisions.  But she also knew he didn't feel any pain.  Maybe in heaven Robert would be able to feel pain.  It must be a glorious feeling, Steph thought, as she clutched her friend’s hand. 

There was so much more Robert wanted to know and to understand.  He was a bright boy but he would never have the time to do the things he dreamed of doing.  Time was everything and the computers at The Facility said Robert’s time was up.

Steph wasn't ready for him to leave, but she could feel his life slipping away.  The teams worked quickly in their assigned orders.  Sometimes three cutters worked on him simultaneously. 

What happens after? Number 3752 tried to squeeze his counselor's hand but there was no strength in his grip. 

God has prepared a place for you, Robert. Steph spoke the words softly.

Streets of gold? he muttered.

Steph nodded.

His eyes fluttered.  It wouldn't be much longer.

Steph held his hand to the end. 

Even after the flat line on the monitor indicated his body was dead she still held his hand.  She waited until the extraction team was finished with the removal of his organs for today's surgeries.  Then she leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.

Move it counselor.  We've got to finish up here.

Dr. Baker pushed Steph aside and the extraction team began working on the residual parts—eyes, joints, teeth.  Parts that would be shipped to other hospitals. 

Steph walked out of the extraction room and didn't look back.  She wanted to remember Robert as a young man full of life with a bright smile and lots of questions.  She would miss their talks at night under the stars.  He had so many questions. 

And she had so few answers.

Chapter 2

Deputy Sheriff Cody Rodgers stood on the receiving platform and watched his town come to life.  He was supposed to accompany the deliveries from The Facility into the hospital to prevent any incidents, but the counselor, Steph, never wanted anyone to go with her.

That was fine with Cody.  He didn’t like this duty or those things.  He wondered how she could work with them.  She’d been doing the job as long as he’d been working for the Sheriff’s Department.

The Facility advertised for a head of security last year and Cody met all of the qualifications, but there was no way he would apply for the job, even at twice the pay he was making as a Deputy Sheriff, not to mention full medical and a retirement plan that would actually let him enjoy retirement.  The mere thought of being around them every day was unthinkable. 

Cody heard the door swing open and turned to see the counselor come out of the hospital.  Her hair was a beautiful dirty blond pulled into a pony tail.  Girls didn't wear pony tails much anymore but it looked good on her.  She had on a light summer dress instead of the institutional uniforms the others wore when they came to town. 

You're looking good. 

She ignored his comment, walked to the edge of the receiving platform and closed her eyes.

Cody couldn’t help but notice she was definitely in shape.  Her arms were firm.  He was sure she spent several days each week in a gym.  He liked a woman who took care of herself physically.  It showed she cared about her body.  The Facility probably had a great gym for the staff out there.  Everything they had was first rate.

He was a gentle boy, Steph said.

I'm working the football game tonight. Cody hoped it would interest her.  She never came to the games.  No one from The Facility came to the games.  But who didn't like football?

His name was Robert.

Cody doubted any of the recipients of the guy's organs cared in the least what his name was.  Transplants were a right for all citizens.  Since the program began there was no more waiting on lists for the perfect match.  If you needed a transplant, you got it.  The guy was merely the provider.

Five humans will live because of his sacrifice.  He wanted me to tell people that.

After the game I was planning to go to Eddy's, Cody said.  If you're free, I was wondering...

I'm not.

The terse response was like all the others he had received from her whenever he suggested a date.  Cody didn't mind.  Well, maybe he minded just a bit.  But he had to admit it made it a challenge.

Steph looked to where the van should have been parked, then at the Deputy.

He didn’t say where he was going.

I know where he is.

I can drive you wherever that might be.

Steph headed off the platform and across the parking lot. 

Cody didn't wait for an invitation. 

Or I could walk with you.

He had to step quickly to keep up with her, walking side by side past the specialty stores and around the people sitting at the outdoor tables on the sidewalk. 

Cody had a smile and word of greeting for just about everyone, even the visitors here for their operations, but he always turned his focus back to Steph.

A pretty girl in her mid twenties walked by drinking her coffee.  Hi, Cody.

Hi, Sue.  You look beautiful this morning.

Thanks.  She took a deep breath and kept walking, dreaming about what would never be.

Everyone seems to know you.

It goes with the job, Cody said.

Cody knew it was a whole lot more than just the job for him.  He used every skill and technique he could to make a difference in the lives of people.  He learned names and faces and tried talk to people by name whenever he could.

It made a difference.

Do you think you can get elected?

I was born here, Cody shared.  Everyone knew my mom and dad and they saw me grow up.

Will they vote for you?

Cody hoped that would work but there was one drawback to that plan. The Sheriff was born and raised here too.

Cody reached out and touched her arm. 

She stopped. 

Steph.

Yes, Deputy Rodgers.

Please call me Cody.

Steph smiled but didn't say the word.

Tomorrow ... if you're free ...

I'm not.  I'm sorry.

Cody's radio crackled on. 

Rodgers, where are you?  It was the Sheriff's voice.

The task master, Cody said.  He held the button down on his transmitter.  What do you need, Sheriff?

I hear that one of our patrol cars is parked at the hospital but the deputy who is supposed to be driving it is walking around town making moves on some woman from The Facility.

Don't you love small towns?  Cody clicked the button on his mic a few times and made a static sound.  You're breaking up Sheriff.  Say again.

I have to go, Deputy Rodgers.

Steph walked off.

Cody raised his hand in an attempt to wave goodbye, but her back was already to him as she headed down the street.

I'd say you struck out.  The voice belonged to Rudy Hancock. 

Rudy was a thin man in his mid sixties.  He wore a dark blue suit and a tie even though the weather forecast was for the high nineties.  But that was Rudy.  Even in the middle of the day if you saw Rudy he was in a suit.  He flicked his cane as he walked toward the deputy.  He claimed he didn't need the cane, but he was legally blind and always had it with him just in case.

Hi Rudy.  The deputy watched Steph get farther away.  She must have something against cops.

Maybe she doesn't like you.

Thanks for the encouragement.

The radio crackled again.  Rodgers, you get your ass back on duty or I'm going to write you up.

Cody ignored the radio command.

May I walk you home? the deputy asked.

I'd like that.  Rudy flipped his cane shut and started walking down the sidewalk.  This was his home town.  He knew it perfectly.  I want to talk to you about your campaign.

Chapter 3

The Horseshoe Bar got its name from the