The crash box set, p.109
The Crash Box Set, page 109
part #1 of EMP Crash Series
Behind him, Mack could feel the tension of the people in New Haven. He heard them readying their weapons to fire. He had faith that they would emerge triumphant, but at what cost? So many lives had been lost already, and Mack was growing tired of these endless fights. There always seemed to be someone else out there who wanted to take away what they were working toward, and he wondered if it ever would come to an end. He was becoming jaded.
Although he would fight until his dying breath, he wished he could walk down there and shake some sense into the group’s leader. He cast his gaze around the city. The city was bigger than both of them, so was the country and the world. There was plenty of room for them all to live in peace, so why could so few people see it?
Mack was getting ready to give the order to fire when he heard a noise behind him. Then he heard the creaking of the gate and wondered what the hell was going on. He looked over and saw Tash sliding through the gate, walking out onto the open road. Mack was filled with confusion. He'd always thought Tash was on his side. She seemed so trustworthy and kind. Had he missed the signs that she was going to betray them? There were shouts of confusion behind him as the people of New Haven debated whether to go out after Tash, or just close the gates behind her and protect themselves. Saul and Maggie cursed as they raised their weapons at her, locking her in their sights.
“What the hell is she doing?” Saul asked.
Mack wished he had an answer for him, but all his hopes began to vanish. For if he was betrayed again, and New Haven fell victim to another attack, it would be more difficult to galvanize everyone. He wasn't sure there was a way back for them. Tash had seen what these people had done. Was it possible she could sympathize with them? There didn't seem to be any sign of movement from the other group. The dogs still were snarling. The leader still was sitting on his horse. Mack waited with bated breath as Tash took her small steps out onto the road. Her hands were folded in her robe, held together in front of her. She said nothing and she didn't even look at Mack, or anyone else. Nobody knew what was going on in her head aside from herself, and nobody knew what was going to happen next.
Mack, his jaw clenched, reached around and drew his weapon, feeling the weight of it in his hands as he pointed it out toward the army that was waiting there, ready to attack. Whatever Tash did next could determine the future of New Haven, but either way, Mack and all the others were sure it would precipitate a conflict.
Chapter 16
“Tash, what are you doing?” Mack said, not wanting to threaten her in case she wasn't betraying them, but wanting to make it clear to her that if she was going to endanger New Haven, then he would do whatever it took to protect the settlement.
When she didn't respond, he called out again, urging her to get back inside. Not in the least because, if she still was loyal, which he hoped with all his heart, then she was putting herself in danger and Mack didn't understand why. She wasn't able to fight the approaching group on her own, and Mack doubted she would be able to convince the other leader to stop his attack. Whatever she was doing, it was a bad idea, and Mack wished he could get down there and drag her back to safety.
Tash didn't obey any of his commands. She walked forward, and it became clear the other group were just as taken aback as the people of New Haven. So, it didn't seem as though Tash had been secretly working with them. But without that motivation, it was difficult for anyone to understand her true goal. All they could do was watch her walk toward the approaching group and hope she didn't get killed.
It only would have taken one bullet, one shot, to end her life. The moments in which she moved forward were fraught with tension. Mack, who was used to pressure, felt beads of sweat form on his temples for he was afraid Tash would be gunned down and left as a bloodied corpse. He swallowed, trying to get rid of the lump in his throat, but that didn't help. All he could do was watch forlornly.
As she drew closer to the leader, the group members raised their weapons. There was the sound of guns being readied to fire, an echo of violence accompanying the sounds of the beasts. They could sense the tension, too, and were becoming more agitated. Mack hoped that Tash knew what she was doing because the only end he could see for them was for the animals to be released.
“Don't shoot her!” the leader called out, seemingly curious as to what Tash was doing, “if she wants to get mauled to death, then that's her problem.”
Tash, however, was undeterred by the man's proclamations. She had a calm look on her face and didn't seem to be scared at all. Her steps were taken deliberately and her path did not waver. Though everyone tried imagining what was going on in her mind, nobody could fathom the thoughts going through her head. But she knew. She had an overarching serenity about her. She had listened to everything the leader had said, and knew it to be false. She also knew that nothing would drive them from the task other than being shown how wrong they were.
Like Mack, she was tired of violence, too, and had been tired of it even before the end of the world. She always had tried living her life as simply as possible, with as little conflict as she could manage. She even tried to avoid disagreements at the store where she bought her groceries, and tried to speak calmly at all times. There was no room for violence in her life. To her it seemed like a lot of wasted energy, as wasted as needless worry or stress. To manage her feelings she meditated, and in her meditation, she connected with what she interpreted as the energy of the world. In those moments, she felt as though she was in communion with whatever cosmic force bound them to the Earth, and she saw that it was beautiful and harmonious. In the old world, there had been others who had shared her philosophy, and while it had been difficult to deal with the harsh realities of life, at least she could enjoy her community. But that all had fallen apart, and in this world, might seemed to make right.
She had enjoyed meeting Mack because he had a similar soul, even though he had lived through a lifetime of violence and was well-acquainted with the worst aspects of humanity. However, in New Haven she saw a chance for a fresh start and a way for everyone to turn their backs on resorting to violence. She did not hate this new group, for hatred was not part of Tash's vocabulary. She pitied them. She wanted them to change and feel the love that she felt inside her because that was far more fulfilling than the visceral feeling of pain and hatred, and the need to control others. Yet, she knew, too, that everyone had their own personal journey to embark upon, and that each had to come to an understanding in their own time.
For herself, it felt as though she had lived on the planet for thousands of years and was deeply connected to the fabric of the universe. She was a perceptive person, and could see things to which others were blind. Even now, she knew that if she was not successful in this endeavor it likely would cost her life, and New Haven would be coated in blood. She also knew that the people of New Haven needed to be shown that there was another way. That just because the world had ended didn't mean it was inevitable the world would descend into chaos and anarchy.
Mack had shown them all that it was possible. With the resources of New Haven and the people within it they could build a peaceful society, and they could prove the myth of violence being a central part of the human condition as just that, a myth. Tash had many times shaken her head in disbelief as people put forward the idea that humans were inherently destructive. If that was the case, then the species never would have reached a point where it could build vast cities and sprawl across the globe as the dominant force on the planet. Yes, aggression was a natural part of humanity but, like everything else, it could be moderated and controlled.
Tash continued walking past the leader into the main pack, where the animals were located. Dangerous beasts were there, and as she walked, all of her friends watched with bated breath. Some quickly turned their sights away in case the scene turned tragic and they were forced to witness something they did not want to see. But Tash had the strength of her convictions. She knew in her heart what was right, and she knew the animals would not hurt her. Just like everyone else, the world had changed for them, and they were hurting because of it.
Tash was irritated that this group had taken these animals, cast in confusion, and used them for their own mission. She had heard the leader speak about the new world order, but found it abhorrent that he would corrupt innocent animals. It was hypocritical of him to use them in such a way that made it clear they certainly weren't equal, and she wanted to show him how far wrong he was.
She walked up to the main group and stopped in front of the animals. They were growling at her, some of them even were foaming at the mouth. Tash knew that one mistake would cost her life, but she was calm and kept her breathing steady. She looked at all the animals in turn, and tried peering into their souls. She reached out and tried feeling their hearts, the hearts of warriors. They had been caged in zoos for so long, but none of them had forgotten their true nature, that of roaming free throughout the world, not tethered to any person or any other purpose than that which they made for themselves. In turn, she revealed her own soul to them and bowed her head with respect, for although they were in a city men had built, it was important to show deference to the animals as well. The leader of the group was right in that they deserved the respect of humans, and that their lives were valuable, too.
Then Tash moved forward again, getting even closer to the animals. She went up to a lion, the king of the jungle. She got so close she could feel its hot breath against her arm as she wrapped it around its thick neck. She felt the coarse mane, and then the strong muscles underneath. She was small, so small compared to it, and the lion was a picture of raw strength. Tash slowed her breathing and placed her forehead against the animal, nuzzled into it, and repeated the process with many of the other animals there. After they had shared in this silent communion with Tash, they lowered themselves to the ground and seemed relaxed. It was at this point that many of the other people shouted at Tash and tried to rouse the animals, but they were settled and nothing would do the trick. With a smile on her face Tash returned, walking back in the same manner to New Haven, stopping to look up at Mack.
“The animals will not attack. They are creatures of peace, and it is not right that they should be ordered to war.”
The group leader looked stunned and turned back to his men, none of them able to comprehend what Tash just had accomplished. Mack smiled and ordered the weapons to be raised. As the gates opened for Tash to return, others ran out and pointed their guns, training them on those who would threaten New Haven's safety.
“You've carved a trail of destruction through the city, but you haven't met a group like New Haven yet,” Mack said, feeling smug after Tash's astounding feat, although even he was a little confused about how exactly she had accomplished it.
“We do not take kindly to being threatened. You may not like it, but this is how we choose to live. We're going to rebuild society in the best way we see fit, and you're free to disagree with us, but that doesn't give you the right to try stopping us. We have you outnumbered and outgunned, so any move you make against us will be futile. It's a big city out there. I suggest you leave us in peace and go find a piece of it for yourselves. Try to enjoy your own lives rather than taking other people’s.”
The leader was fuming. He paced around on his horse, looking back to his men and the animals that now were lying down. It was clear he had lost all advantage that he once had had. Mack's wishes were fulfilled as the leader begrudgingly retreated with his forces. They tried ordering the animals to leave, and some did, for they were used to being trained, but others were rooted to the spot and wandered off later, ready to fend for themselves. Mack breathed a sigh of relief as the group moved away into the distance. He knew because of the humiliation that they were unlikely to return. They had seen what New Haven could bring to bear to defend itself, and they would think twice about attacking again.
It pleased Mack that New Haven could be intimidating. It meant future fights could be over before they even had begun, and it meant that not everything was going to end in a firefight. However, he had to speak to Tash as well. He told Maggie and Saul to wait there just in case anybody returned. Then he skipped down to the ground, where people already were gathering around Tash, congratulating her for her bold move, and asking where she got the courage. She replied mysteriously, and gave Mack a coy smile, made all the more mysterious by her obsidian eyes and her exotic skin.
“That was an impressive talent, but please don't do anything like that again, at least not without consulting me first,” Mack said.
“I'm sorry, but it seemed like the only thing to do that wouldn't end up in a violent conflict.”
“How did you do that anyway? Did you used to work with animals in the old world?”
“Ah, Mack,” Tash said, placing a hand on his shoulder, “all it takes is a little bit of practice. No, I did not work with animals. I only worked on myself. But, you see, all things in this world are connected, and it is more a state of mind that allows communion with them. I really cannot explain how it works. I only can tell you that it is what it is. It is one of those things that you will understand when you experience it, but not before. All I can tell you is I had faith that it would work, and then it did. The animals, they are a part of this world, too, and it was not right that they were being used like that. I think deep down they knew it, too, but they do not have our level of consciousness to process it.”
“Well, I don't really care how you did it, just that it got done. I wasn't looking forward to another fight.”
“Me neither. There already has been too much bloodshed in this world. I am with you all the way in creating a new world of peace, and I think others are as well.”
“I'm not sure about everyone,” he said dryly.
“You are talking about Gary. Yes, well, sometimes people need to fight because that is all they know, and it's all they can do. I think he will come around, with the help of his friends. They all will, eventually. What we are building here is valuable and precious, and it will last for a long time after we are gone.”
“You sound awfully sure about that,” Mack said.
“I am. And I know you can feel it, too. I am very sensitive to the world, Mack, and I know that what we leave behind is almost as important as who we leave behind.”
“What do you mean by that?” he asked, but Tash only gave him a wink, and then she walked off.
It made him think about the conversation he'd had with Anna, and how they felt about bringing a child into the world. Tash had a sense of mystique about her, but Mack shook the feeling away. Despite what he just had seen her do, he was sure she only was playing with him, and that she didn't have any real insight into the future. Yet, still there was a niggling feeling in the back of his mind that she meant something more.
Chapter 17
After that incident, Mack resumed his efforts to prepare New Haven for the winter. He still needed to discuss with various people how to proceed, but it was time to implement some of the plans they had for New Haven. While the others were taking care of their own duties, he enlisted Anna's help in teaching a class on hunting. While a lot of people knew how to forage for food and were adept at firing a weapon, hunting was a different thing entirely. Without proper training, any attempt at hunting would end in failure. Since people were a finite resource, Mack had to gather up those who didn't have any particular skills who could be used in other areas, and that included Gary.
“Are you sure about that?” Anna asked when Mack told her he was planning to invite Gary along.
“It has to be done. If he doesn't start contributing, then he's just going to be a drain on resources. Eventually, people are going to see him as such, and aren't going to be too happy. What happened before was only the beginning. If he continues in this vein, he's going to get himself in trouble, and Maggie and Luis are going to have another crime to solve.”
The invitation had not been met with enthusiasm, but after being caught in a brawl, Gary was willing to at least try making an effort, which is all Mack needed.
He and Anna had gathered the prospects in a quiet area of New Haven, away from the center of social activities. They had brought a number of bows, arrows, and spears, and these had been handed out to each of the participants. Mack hoped that taking this class would bring the two of them closer together, and allow them to spend more time together. Now that they were in the same place again, he didn't want to let his duties as the leader of New Haven get in the way of his relationship. While he was aware that they both were independent people, he felt it important that they have shared interests again, and try to reclaim the relationship they had before the end of the world. He was also very aware that she hadn't directly confronted the issue of children. He hoped to have a resolution to that discussion soon as well.
“I've brought you all to this class because winter is coming and, quite frankly, we may have to go looking for other sources of food. The rat attack left our food stores looking bare, and while we're still looking for food, it's important we have as many alternatives as possible. We eventually may have to send some parties out into the forest to hunt. Many people in New Haven, including myself and Anna, learned these skills during our time surviving in the woods. It may seem daunting at first, but anyone can learn these skills as long as you put your mind to it.” He directed those final words at Gary.
“The reason why we have these weapons is because any gunshots will scare away any other animals in the area. We'll also be instructing you how to build your own weapons like these, although a lot of the spare wood we're going to be saving for firewood.”
At this, he picked up a spear and launched it through the crowd. It plunged into the ground beyond them, kicking up dirt.
“The things you learn here might be strange at first,” Anna said, giving Mack an approving nod regarding his throw.
