Survivors: The Recycled Earth #3

By J J Mathews

Year 998 P.E. (Post Earth)

They say that each of us are tested, every day. On the recovering Earth, that can be as simple as basic survival, one day at a time.

Eighteen-year-old Miya and her companions have rescued Thomas – only to be rescued themselves by the mysterious fire-spitting drones sent by Oversight.

Where are they being taken, and why?

Their questions remain stubbornly unanswered as Oversight asserts its influence once more.

Miya had been hunted by wild beasts and lived to tell the tale. But when they arrive at their destination, Miya soon realizes that survival in the wilds was nothing compared to what she faces next.

For she will be tested to her limits, and someone else’s life – or death – hangs in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J J Mathews
• Release date: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781738608072

J J Mathews

James Jacob (J J) Mathews grew up with his nose stuck in books. A voracious reader in his youth, he devoured all of the science fiction and fantasy books he could find at the local library. J.R.R. Tolkein, Isaac Asimov, Ben Bova, Larry Niven, Voltaire and Greg Bear were some of his early influences, with many other authors added to his bookshelf as time went on. Broadening out to read more genres as an adult, J J has always held a special place for fantasy and sci-fi.J J is married and lives in Hamilton, New Zealand with his wife and three boys, and writes in his spare time.

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Titles-Surv-510x73 Black

The Recycled Earth

Book 3

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J. J. Mathews

Copyright © 2024 J. J. Mathews

Smashwords edition

All rights reserved.

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First published in 2024

Cover artwork by Mail Creative / @mailcreative

https://www.instagram.com/mailcreative

No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of New Zealand.

Print ISBN: 9781738608089

eBook ISBN: 9781738608072

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Mouse Moon Press

PO Box 27055

Garnett Ave

Hamilton 3257

New Zealand

www.mousemoonpress.com

Dedication

For my sons, Michael, Liam, and Daniel.

Preface

Year 998 P.E. (Post Earth)

A thousand years ago, humans destroyed the Earth.

Dead. No life. Gone.

We now live in thirteen Arks orbiting the dead planet, hoping it will someday recover and support life once more.

Searchers have spent centuries looking in vain for signs of recovery on the Earth below, and for hospitable planets out amongst the stars.

Day in, day out, analysing the endless streams of images that Oversight brings them, looking for the tell-tale green of life.

Until one day, eighteen-year-old Miya saw something else.

Something that shouldn’t exist on the dead planet below.

Something she wasn’t supposed to see.

Fearing for her life, Miya fled the Ark to the inhospitable planet below.

After arriving on the surface, Miya and her companions set out on a mission to rescue her husband. They travelled hundreds of kilometres on foot, on the edge of deep winter in the middle of an ice age.

Miya and her companions have rescued Thomas – only to be rescued themselves by the mysterious fire-spitting drones sent by Oversight.

Where are they being taken, and why?

Their questions remain stubbornly unanswered as Oversight asserts its influence once more.

Exodus - Day 1

Thomas stared out of the window at the circle of ash that was all that remained of Mars Base Two West. The four-seater drone aircraft had been circling the site for over an hour, looking for signs of life.

It’s hard to believe that they were actually cannibals, said Hank, squeezing Thomas’s hand.

Uh-huh, said Thomas, his gaze fixed on the devastation below. Nothing stirred in the ash and snow, other than wisps of smoke drifting on the breeze. Thomas had mixed feelings about finding nobody alive down below. Yes, they had all been cannibals, but what had happened to them the day before had been horrific. Seeing people being burned alive wasn’t something he wanted to repeat anytime soon.

I mean, we’re lucky the drones saved us, right? Hank prompted.

Thomas pulled his hand free. If you say so.

Hey. Hank put a hand on Thomas’s shoulder, and Thomas flinched. Hank withdrew his hand.

After one final circuit of the smouldering remains, the aircraft levelled out and headed southward. Thomas continued looking out the window until the last traces of the burned-out village disappeared behind them. When Thomas turned away from the window, his expression was grim. I should be down there.

Hank’s eyes went wide. You mean leave you behind? There’s no way Miya and I would abandon you. We just walked for weeks to find you.

Thomas shrugged. That’s not … what I meant.

Hank put a hand on Thomas’s shoulder. Thomas flinched and tried to push Hank’s hand away, but Hank tightened his grip.

Let go of me, Hank.

No. Hank shook his head. "Now you listen here, Thomas Jacob Solas, whom I love and cherish. You do not deserve to die."

Thomas stared at Hank. I do. Cannibals deserve … to die. You’ve seen … the proof. You should let go of me, or you might … get flame-balled too.

Hank stared intently into Thomas’s eyes, but Thomas just stared back at him with a haunted expression. Hank let his hand fall. I strongly disagree. But maybe you’ll listen to Miya.

Miya leaned forward and put a hand on Thomas’s knee. We love you, Thomas. We talked about this last night. You did what you had to do in order to survive. That’s all. It’s not your fault what they made you eat.

Thomas drew in a ragged breath. "Doc and I snared a little … once I was strong enough, but it made … no difference. We ate white meat, Miya. White meat … from fucking people! Somebody’s mother, or father, or—" Thomas burst into tears.

Miya looked up at Hank. Hank wrapped an arm around Thomas and pulled him close. This time, Thomas didn’t resist. His tears dampened the front of Hank’s jacket as his body shuddered with grief.

Miya unbuckled her restraints. She slid off her seat and knelt awkwardly on the jumble of gear they had piled up between the pairs of facing seats. She leaned forward and held Thomas, too. It’s going to be okay, Thomas. You’re going to be okay, I promise.

I’m n-not okay, Thomas gasped. Maybe never.

Shhh, said Miya. Give it time, that’s all.

The three of them remained like that for several minutes until finally Thomas took in a ragged breath and wiped his eyes. I don’t deserve … you two, either.

Miya slapped his leg and looked up into his face. Now you listen up, Thomas. We love you. Hell, we walked to the ends of the Earth to save your sorry ass. Now the least you can do to thank us is to not be a dodo.

Thomas gave her a lop-sided smile. A dodo.

Hank loosened his grip around Thomas. Yes, a dodo. It may not feel like it right now, but you deserve to live, Tom. And we love you. That should be enough for now.

Miya shifted her weight back onto the tangle of equipment. We’re here to help you through this. But I don’t want to hear you saying you should be dead, or that you don’t deserve us.

Thomas wiped his eyes. It’s going … to take some time … for me to feel like I … deserve any of this.

Miya smiled. We’ve all got things to deal with, the things we’ve had to experience. I mean, look at Sam with his broken ribs. He did what he had to do to save you, despite his injury. He’s paying for that, but hopefully resting like this while we fly wherever we’re going will help in the healing.

They’re just cracked, I think, said Sam. And resting seems to help. Rest, and time should help Thomas, too.

Just don’t do anything stupid. Miya patted Thomas’s knee, then slid back up onto her seat. The rest, we can work on one day at a time.

Hurry it slow, said Sam. That’s what we do, to stay alive on the trail. And that’s how we saved you. You said you owe me your life, right?

Thomas smiled weakly. Yes, I said that.

Right. Sam took a breath, then spoke slowly and carefully. "Well, if you owe me your life, then I want you to promise not to do anything stupid with it. And I owe Miya my life, so that makes it double on you. Don’t be a dodo. Can you do that?"

Thomas stared at Sam. I don’t know … what you’re saying.

Sam studied Thomas closely. I don’t like the look in your eyes, Thomas, not one bit. I’ve seen it before.

Where? Miya turned sideways to look at Sam.

On the faces of friends who went for the long walk in the dead of winter when our bellies were the most empty, and the food was nearly gone.

Why would they go for a long walk? asked Hank, then his face paled. You don’t mean—

Sam fixed Hank with a cool stare. They sacrificed themselves to save the rest of us. One less mouth to feed can make the difference between life and death for several other people. At Two West, they’d have gone into a pot. But we don’t do that.

Holy shit. Miya trembled. People actually did that? Sacrificed themselves and walked off into the snow to die?

Yep. Sam sat upright in his seat and grimaced. That same look is in Thomas’s eye right now. So you two hug and coddle Thomas all you like. It will probably help.

Okay. Miya nodded. We can do that.

Good. Sam drew in a careful breath, then spoke. "Because I’ll be fucked if I’ve walked three weeks through second snow into a nest of cannibals just for him to go off and die on us voluntarily. That ain’t right, no, sir. So yes, I’ll have that promise from Thomas."

What promise? asked Thomas.

Sam fixed him with a stare. "Promise me, promise us, that you won’t be a fucking dodo and get yourself killed."

Thomas stared at Sam. I wouldn’t—

"Swear it. Promise us. Right now." Sam hissed, pain etched on his face.

Thomas looked at the others. I wasn’t going … to do anything, I swear.

Miya raised an eyebrow. I think you should do what Sam said. You keep your promises, right?

Thomas gave an exasperated sigh. Fine. I promise … not to kill myself or … be a fucking dodo. It sounds stupid … even saying it.

But you promise? asked Sam, his eyes fixed on Thomas.

"Yes, Thomas hissed. I fucking promise. Are you happy?"

Sam studied Thomas’s face, then nodded. Happy enough. Now I, for one, would like to hear what happened to you since you left the Ark.

Separator

Maybe we should let Thomas be, said Miya. What happened to him was obviously traumatic.

It must have been, said Hank. We can talk about it later. Hurry it slow, right? Give Thomas a chance to recover?

No. Sam grunted as he shifted in his seat.

Those broken ribs seem … pretty painful, Sam, said Thomas. Miya and Hank are right. We should all rest.

Sam shot Thomas a dark glance. I’ll be fine. In fact, a nice story-telling can be soothing, they say. Takes the mind off things. So start talking.

Thomas took in a breath, then shook his head. I don’t remember all of it.

Sam gestured with his hand. Then tell us what you do remember.

Thomas dragged his fingers through his hair. Where do I begin?

Sam pointed at Miya and Hank. They both got dropped from an Ark. Obviously you did, too. What happened after that?

Thomas cast a furtive look up at the ceiling. We’re being … watched by Oversight, you know.

Sam shrugged. I kind of figured that. Drones snoop on us around Mars Base Zero from time to time. Now we’re flying in a big drone. Of course they’d be snooping. That’s what Oversight does.

Thomas sighed. Okay. Well, up on Ark Three, Katriana … forced me into a capsule—

Your first wife, right?

Thomas nodded. Yes.

The one who’s part of Oversight, said Sam.

Thomas’s eyes widened. How do you know that?

Miya told me.

Right. Thomas shook his head. "Well, there was something … wrong with my capsule. The round thing above me — the parachute … didn’t work properly. It didn’t make a proper circle … when I looked out the window. Some of the ropes sheared off … left one side flapping. When the capsule … landed, it hit really hard, and … I blacked out. The next thing I knew … someone was poking me … with a stick."

They poked you with a stick? asked Miya.

Yes, said Thomas. I was hanging inside the … capsule, in the middle of a … creek, strapped in. The capsule … ripped up a lot of forest … on the way … down the mountain. Thrown around … like a rag doll. Took me a while … to talk … proper again. Banged up … pretty bad.

Holy shit, Hank whispered. You’re lucky to be alive.

Thomas nodded. Should have … been dead. Purée, Jake said. He and Simon … dragged me … back to Mars Base Two on a trav, though I … don’t remember … much of that. The doc … Clarence … took me in, healed me … fed me. It would have been … easy enough to just … let me die. But he said he … took a vow to … do no harm.

I didn’t know you went through all that, Miya whispered.

Doc saved my life.

And he fed you white meat, said Sam.

Thomas shivered. Yes. Not … his choice, he said. They wouldn’t let him … leave the base. He fixed them up … when they got hurt. And they brought him … white meat.

Sam shook his head. If I was in your position, Thomas, I’d have done the same thing while I was an invalid. Eaten what I was given, I mean. No shame in that. You probably didn’t know what it was.

Not at first. When I was … strong enough, I … cooked for Clarence. Then I found out … what I was eating. The choice was to eat … or die and end up … in a pot. But we snared when we could … for dark meat. Clarence taught me … how to do that. He could have done … some snaring, but he didn’t … trust Simon … one bit.

The same Simon that rescued you?

Thomas snorted. Turns out … that Jake … saved my life. Simon was … a murderer. Everyone else … ate white meat … that was … already dead. Not that … it made it right. People disappeared … and Simon … always had meat.

You’re a very lucky man, Thomas, Sam whistled.

And then … you came. Simon … murdered doc. The drone … flame-balled Simon. That’s it.

Sam shook his head. You’ve been through a lot, Thomas. But we’re here for you.

Thomas nodded, visibly exhausted. Thank you. No more … talk, please.

Okay. Miya nodded.

The four fell into an uneasy silence until, one by one, they drifted off to sleep.

Separator_1

Miya watched Sam fiddle with the map in his lap as he tried to figure out where they were. It was hard to believe that only three weeks ago she'd been living on one of thirteen Arks orbiting the planet, searching for signs of life on the Earth below. And now, here she was, rescued by drones after discovering that humans had been surviving on Earth for years. It was all a big lie, but why? She stared out the window at tall mountain peaks off to her left, or east. Sam was having some difficulty with the change in perspective, so Miya helped him trace their route with her finger. The aircraft was apparently not that high in the air, relatively speaking, as the peaks still towered above them outside the window. But it was different from trying to work out their location on the map when their feet were on solid ground. The compass itself was completely useless. The red arrow spun in a slow circle as the rotors turned overhead. So they had to work things out by sight alone, searching for landmarks. That was getting more difficult as the sun sunk lower in the western sky, lighting up the tops of a long bank of low clouds.

As best I can tell, we’re somewhere around Mars Base Four South, Two West. Straight south of Two West, about four hundred clicks or so. Sam pointed. But I doubt we’re going there.

Probably not. Miya sighed.

The aircraft gradually descended and set down in a small clearing with a thump. The rotors slowed, then stopped. A harsh metallic clank reverberated through the interior.

The side door opened. A drone waited for them, hovering several metres away. The air was fresh outside, but slightly warmer than where they had left, though still below freezing. The trees all around them were covered in a thin layer of snow.

The display on the drone flashed instructions. Unload.

Miya unbuckled first, then helped Sam out of his seat. He groaned in agony. Hank unstrapped himself, then helped Miya wrangle Sam down out of the aircraft. Thomas remained inside, passing their meagre possessions and the disassembled parts of the travois to Miya and Hank down on the ground. Thomas did a quick check to make sure that nothing was left behind, then he grabbed a hand-hold and jumped down onto the ground.

The door slid shut behind him, and the drone spoke as the display flashed instructions. Sit down. Lower elevation.

They quickly sat, then the rotors spun up again. Hank and Thomas flopped forwards to keep some of the smaller objects from blowing away in the rotor down-draught.

The aircraft rose back into the sky and disappeared to the north.

Well, I guess that’s that. Hank clapped his hands together. We should make camp, right? he glanced at the drone. It flashed a small triangle on the display.

Thought so. Hank nodded. Looks like there’s water close by. Not a bad camp site, right, Sam?

What are you so happy about? Sam held an arm across his chest.

We’re done. The aircraft left.

Sam pointed. Then why is that drone still here, watching us?

Oh, crap. Hank hung his head.

We still need to make camp, though. Sam took a breath and grimaced. Miya, can you and Thomas please set some snares? He said Clarence taught him. You can check his work.

Got it. Miya nodded.

I’ll start the fire and cook up some of the food we have left, said Hank. Then we can set up camp when you get back.

Sounds good. Miya nodded as she grabbed a fistful of thin paracord from a pack and handed some to Thomas. C’mon, Tom.

Thomas accepted the paracord and followed Miya into the bush.

They came back half an hour later and went about setting up their sleeping arrangements. Miya taught Thomas what to do as they did it.

Good job, guppy! Sam called out.

Miya grinned with pleasure, then sat down beside Sam as Hank tended the fire and stirred the billies. That smells delicious, Hank.

Thomas pulled his knees up close to his chest as he sat beside Miya. It’s getting cold.

Hank poured out some of the billy’s contents into a clean one, then handed it to Thomas. This will warm you up.

Thank you. Thomas accepted the billy and a spoon, warming his hands while he ate.

I wonder where that aircraft went? Miya mused as she ate from her billy.

Dunno, said Sam. North, anyway.

Did you need help, Sam? Miya watched as Sam struggled with the spoon, trying to get it close to his mouth.

I’ve got it.

I can help, you know.

Sam shook his head. I can feed myself. Ow!

Miya took the billy from his hand, then held it so it was easier for him to scoop out food with his spoon. He slowly, carefully, brought it up to his mouth without grimacing too much.

Thanks, Miya, Sam said sheepishly.

No problem. She smiled. We’ll wash up for you.

Thanks. Sam sighed. I feel so useless.

Miya touched his hand. You’re not useless, just injured. There’s a difference. You’re still trying to do things you probably shouldn’t.

I’m not used to being an invalid.

Thomas laughed softly. Yeah, you’re not … very good at that. Coming to … rescue me from cannibals … with a chest full … of broken ribs? Definitely not … what I’d expect from an invalid. They must … grow them tough down here.

You’re speaking a bit better than you were earlier, Tom. Sam grunted. That’s good.

I’m not upset right now. Thomas stared into the fire. I’m getting better, just like you.

I’ll be fine, said Sam. Ow.

Miya took his empty billy and kissed him on the cheek. You can only get better if you rest, Sam. You’ve overdone it, and now you need to take it easy. Real easy.

Okay. Sam winced. No walking, no running for our lives right now. Yes, I think I can do that. Take it easy.

I’m serious. Miya stood up. You need to listen to me, Samuel Walker. I know broken ribs, and if you don’t take it easy, not only will it take longer to heal, you might actually break one properly, or even puncture a lung. Then you’re pretty much dead, down here.

So no arm wrestling, then? Sam looked up at her.

Miya snorted. Not until you’re properly better. But then, I’d still win.

Sam eyed her up and down. I wouldn’t be easy on you, you know, just because you’re a girl.

Oh, I know. Miya smiled sweetly. "Eight years of turning valves in close to a full G, Sam. I might need to take it easy on you."

Sam turned to Thomas. You’re her husband. Is she always like this?

Thomas nodded. She threatened to … snap me like a twig once.

Sam laughed, then winced. She’s pretty sharp, though. Smart as a whip, learns quick, and she’s a crack shot with a pistol or a rifle.

Thomas smiled. She’s impressive. And a … terrible influence. I used to be … a full Devian, but once I met Miya—

Sam shook his head. "I don’t like that name, Thomas. Devian. Names mean things. The way I see it, you’re just people. It don’t matter if you prefer the same sex or not."

Thomas smiled. Thank you, Sam. I … appreciate that. Miya’s open-minded too.

Miya stuck out her tongue. "If you two boys are finished talking about me, I could use some help washing up please, Thomas."

At the use of his full name, Thomas got up to his feet. He looked down at Sam. Duty calls.

Separator_2

Miya walked over to the nearby creek, a billy in each hand. Thomas followed behind, carrying the other two billies.

Miya knelt down beside the creek, looked around carefully, then pulled out her pistol and set it on the ground beside her.

Why did you take that out? Thomas eyed the pistol.

Miya glanced at Thomas. Just being ready. I was attacked by two wolves near a creek like this once. Killed them both.

Thomas gestured at the pistol. With that?

Yep. Miya nodded, keeping an eye out as she dipped a billy into the water and scooped up a bit of sand from the creek bed. She used her left hand to scrub the billy clean with sand, keeping her right hand dry, holding the edge of the billy with her fingertips.

Thomas copied her movements, scooping up a bit of sand and scouring a billy with the wet sand. This water is freezing.

Uh-huh, said Miya as she rinsed the billy and half-submerged the other one in the creek, picking up some more sand. It’s how we wash on the trail. No basins to wash everything in, so we use a creek, water and sand. But yes, it’s damned cold.

You’re keeping your right hand dry, Thomas observed.

Yep, I always do now. Miya nodded and pulled out a set of four wolf’s ears on a paracord necklace around her neck and lifted them up for Thomas to see. These are a reminder of when I nearly got killed by those wolves. I was filling our water bottles down at a creek near our camp, and I let my right hand get too cold in the water. When the wolves attacked, I couldn’t hold the pistol, but eventually managed it with both. I’m lucky to be alive. So I never let my pistol hand get cold like that. I nearly died that morning. It was terrifying.

You three … have been through a lot. Thomas shook his head. He finished rinsing the first billy, then began washing the second.

Miya had already finished her second billy and all the utensils, and was warming up her hands with her breath.

You seem close, said Thomas.

We are. We’ve relied on each other for weeks, and got to know each other pretty well.

But you and Sam … seem real close.

Miya turned her head. Sex, once. I told you that. But I’ve kept warm at night on the trail with both of them. You know how I get cold at night, even on the Ark.

Thomas nodded. I remember.

Miya tucked her hands under her armpits. It was just spending time and surviving against the cold, Tom. Getting to know each other. If you want to put a label on it, I love all three of you in different ways. You’re all good people.

Hank has a crush on you.

I know. Nothing has come of it. Just a few massages to help me de-stress. But I returned the favour.

That’s all?

Yes, that’s all. And remember, you rejected me when we first got together, but I accepted what you and Hank have. I don’t care that you’re both Devians. You’re both people that I care about.

And now Sam, too.

Yes. And there’s a name for it. Sam calls it a friendly square. You and I and Hank, we’re a triangle. But Sam’s in there too. If I can share you with Hank, then there’s no reason you can’t share me with Sam.

A friendly square?

Yes. I care about all three of you. And even though Hank has a crush on me, it doesn’t mean I need to have sex with him.

But you might with Sam. Again.

Yes, I might. Is that a problem?

Thomas stared off into the darkness. I don’t know.

Miya abruptly stood up, billies and utensils in hand, pistol already tucked safely into her pocket. "That seems one-sided, Thomas. Not what I’d call fair. But we can deal with that when and if it happens, okay?"

Thomas got up to his feet. Okay.

Right. Miya shook her head. Now we should head back to the fire before it gets much darker.

Separator_3

Thomas paused at the edge of the trees, the light of the campfire flickering in his eyes. I still can’t believe that you three … braved three weeks of walking … in the wilderness to rescue me. You didn’t even know … that I was alive.

Miya’s face clouded. At first, no. When they stuffed Hank into the dropper capsule, they said ‘look west’. It only made sense it would be you. But after we left Mars Base One West, we definitely knew you were alive.

How? Thomas raised an eyebrow.

This. Miya pulled out a small, crinkled glossy sheet from her pocket and handed it to him.

Thomas studied the image by the flickering firelight in the distance. That’s me … and Clarence’s hand! I remember that day.

Uh-huh. Miya pointed a finger at the bottom of the image. Read that.

Thomas brought the picture up close to his eyes. A date, and … does that say HURRY?

Yep. Miya took the picture back and carefully put it back in her pocket. A drone dropped this message off for us in the middle of the forest.

Why would it do that? Thomas shook his head.

Miya shrugged. Hank and I figured it had something to do with Katriana.

Thomas paled. "No, I don’t think so. We didn’t part … on the best of terms, Miya. In fact, she was … furious with me about you. She told me to … get the fuck … off of her Ark. She dropped me west … on purpose, far from you."

So it wasn’t an accident where you landed? asked Miya.

Thomas shook his head. No, she was … bitter, vindictive.

Miya pulled out the picture again. So you don’t think it was Katriana who sent this?

Thomas took a deep breath and shook his head. "She chose to … drop me there. And if Oversight … knew there were cannibals, then … she knew, too. Maybe she … sabotaged my capsule."

Oh, my God. Miya put a hand to her mouth. That bitch! She actually wanted you dead!

Thomas clenched his jaw. "She was angry. But I … learned things … before I left the Ark, Miya. Things nobody knows … secrets about Oversight. Maybe she told me … because she knew … I’d be dead soon. She hated me."

Miya glanced at the drone. Then I don’t understand. If it wasn’t Katriana, then —

Thomas took her hand. Oversight is … a committee. A committee of thirteen … accelerated humans, one per Ark. They vote … on important things, majority rules … simple system. When a tie vote needs to be broken … the chair votes to break the tie. I was voted … off the Ark, seven to six.

So Katriana was the chair? Miya studied his face.

Thomas looked at her in surprise. How … did you know that?

Miya gave him a grim smile. It just makes sense, Thomas. Once, you said that she liked me, you said that she thought I was good for you.

She obviously changed her mind.

Miya frowned. Because we figured out how to make it work, right? Between me and you and Hank, I mean.

Thomas nodded slowly. "She was really jealous. I thought she’d … lost her humanity after the surgeries … and lost the baby. An innocent life … gone. She’d become … distant from me. But I’ve never … seen anyone … so angry, so … spiteful."

But you two still talked regularly, Thomas, after I was selected for you.

Yes. But things changed … after you and I had sex.

Ah. Miya nodded. Now it makes sense. The jealous ex-wife.

"She still calls me … her husband, Miya. She told me … I’ve only got … one wife, and that’s her. You are poison … to her now."

Wow! Miya’s eyebrows rose. She doesn’t hold back, does she? Unless you embellished a little, maybe?

Thomas shook his head. Word for word. Poison to her.

That bitch! Miya yelled, then froze as the drone moved several metres closer to her, its screen flashing orange. Her voice fell to a whisper. What I mean is, it doesn’t sound like she wanted to rescue you, or at least, not all of us. Especially me.

You’re right, Thomas whispered back. So something … must have changed … up there.

Huh. Miya stared up into the sky. "So they voted to rescue us from the cannibals."

Thomas nodded. "Our lives … could still be hanging … on a single vote."

Shit. Miya glanced at the drone, which had moved back to its original position. Then let’s hope that they keep voting for us. Any suggestions?

Thomas shook his head. Follow instructions. Don’t … get flame-balled.

We need to tell Hank and Sam. Away from the drones.

Yes. Thomas nodded. Tonight, if the drone goes away … like they did last night.

It’s pretty much dark. We can go to bed anytime. The sooner they hear what we think is going on up there, the better.

Thomas put a hand on her shoulder. Okay. Now who sleeps … with who tonight?

Miya looked at the two triangular bivs on each side of the fire. Sam’s Ur-bear fur in one, and the two bedrolls zipped together in the other. If it’s okay with you, I’ll be sleeping with Sam tonight.

Not with me? Thomas dropped his hand. You’re … sleeping with Sam?

Not for sex. Miya put a finger to his lips. I need to check on his ribs. He really overdid it, though he’s trying to look strong. And that way you can have one-on-one time with Hank. He’s missed you terribly.

Oh. Thomas frowned. Of course.

The drone drew closer, an image of a triangle appearing on its screen. Sleep now.

Works for me. Miya walked over to Sam. Bed, and time to check those ribs again, Sam. No painkillers down here, so you’ll just have to make do with my gentle touch to help you relax.

Thomas stared after Miya, then walked over towards Hank. Looks like it’s … you and me tonight, Hank.

Hank looked up from the fire. It’s about time I got you to myself. I missed you, Tom.

Thomas held out a hand and pulled Hank up to his feet. Yeah. I missed … you too.

Hank squeezed Thomas’s hand, then let go. He bent down and tossed another couple of logs onto the fire. We try to keep it burning all night. Helps keep the predators away.

Thomas nodded, then looked over his shoulder at Miya and Sam, who were already snuggling into the Ur-bear furs.

Sam’s a good man, said Hank, when he noticed where Thomas was looking.

Thomas blinked and turned his head back to Hank. He forced a smile. Sure.

Hank put a hand on Thomas’s shoulder. And you’re a good man too, Tom.

Thomas sighed. I don’t know … what I am. Not anymore.

Hank caught Thomas’s hand in his. Then let me remind you who you were. You’re still that person.

If you say so. Thomas followed Hank as he led them towards the biv with the bedrolls.

The drone watched as Miya and Sam settled in under the furs, and Thomas and Hank crawled inside their joined bedrolls. When Miya had finished her probing of Sam’s ribs and silence had fallen over the camp-site, the drone silently withdrew and headed north.

Miya waited for several minutes before opening her eyes. She gently shook Sam’s shoulder, and Thomas nudged Hank. Whispered conversations went on for several minutes, and then, finally, eyes closed and sleep overtook the travellers.

Exodus - Day 2

Miya awoke to a grey dawn with low clouds hanging overhead.

Looks like snow, Miya commented.

Sam lifted his head out from under the furs. Just a dusting. But yes, likely snow.

I wonder if the drone can fly in that?

Sam shrugged. No idea. We don’t know if they’re coming back at all. This might be it.

Miya gently put her arm around him as