Fall of the Cities: Planting the Orchard by Huxley Vance

Author:Huxley, Vance [Huxley, Vance]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Entrada Publishing
Published: 2015-11-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9:

Berry Beer

“Are we doing that?” Harry senior paused. “We already are, I suppose. Though I don’t want to declare independence. I’m British and proud of it.”

“No need for declaring independence. In fact we’ll be flying the flag to prove we’re still a part of the Union. Even if we’re a bit cut off from the rest.” Sharyn smiled and gave Harold a thumbs up.

“More cut off than we thought. Toby has finally connected his computer and there’s a problem with the phone lines.” Faith, Toby’s Mum, waved a hand at her son. “I’ve no idea why but he can’t play his games or talk to his friends most of the time.”

Toby knew his cue. “It’s the speed on the lines. Maybe because the landline here is an old one, though I would have thought that posh houses like these would have a good connection.” He frowned. “The government said there was a minimum established everywhere now, and this is too slow. It’s as if everyone is using the system at the same time and they can’t be.”

The meeting was being held outdoors and everyone turned to look at the stretch of empty, damaged buildings. There were a lot less people on the system now than there had been for a long time. “Can you fix it, Toby?”

“No. It’s to do with the line or the exchange. Some of the houses use the Virgin network, with the fibre optics. Those are all dead. Not a flicker.” Toby looked around hopefully but nobody had any idea of how to help.

“Does it really matter if Toby can’t play games?” Seth asked, but others were nodding.

“It matters when we need information from the internet and there isn’t any. Medical help would be a blessing since I’m only a trainee.” Patricia smiled. “I‘m qualified up to Band Aid, and maybe bandages, but if it gets serious get on the www sharpish.” She frowned. “Maybe Toby could download a lot of that sort of information now, so I don’t have to wait?”

“Where to find a brewery would be a good bit of information if we are going to hide in here. The cans will run out and I’m not the only one who enjoys a pint.” Seth stared back at the smiles. “I didn’t see anyone throwing that wine-making gear away even if none of us can use it.”

Casper looked over. “Didn’t you suggest getting a brewer, Harold?”

Harold nodded. “Yes. We should try to recruit a builder as well, and any other skills that might come in useful.”

“A real building type joiner for starters, or a cabinet maker. I can fix up shelving, handyman stuff but I don’t build kitchens or put on roofs.” Finn looked around. “We should double up where we can.”

“We can take apprentices?” Rob looked round and smiled. “It might not seem glamorous, but when the loo is blocked, guess who you need?”

“Won’t happen so much now we’re rationing loo paper.”

“Won’t happen at all in our house, nor will a loo roll shortage.

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