Forager by Peter R. Stone

Author:Peter R. Stone [Stone, Peter R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Dystopian
ISBN: 9781492949701
Google: D7FTngEACAAJ
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2013-11-22T00:00:00+00:00

Councillor Okada drove me home (more like drove me around the corner) in his incredible black 4WD, complete with a touch screen navigation computer in the dashboard, air conditioning, and a host of other features I couldn’t even begin to guess at. We sure had nothing like this car in Newhome.

When we reached my flat, Councillor Okada bowed and made to leave, but I reached out a hand to stay him. “Councillor Okada, can you please come in, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Nanako was clearly disappointed we wouldn’t be alone, but translated my request nonetheless.

Inside the flat, the councillor and I sat at the kitchen table while Nanako dragged over my large footrest and knelt on it.

This was my first opportunity to speak with Councillor Okada since they had arrived. When I met him in the ruins I thought he was middle aged, but I misjudged his age, just as with Nanako. His hair was flecked with grey, so I guessed he was probably at least fifty.

Nanako made us all a cup of tea, and after engaging in some pleasantries, I began to share with Councillor Okada what was on my mind. Nanako translated quietly in the background. “The reason I wanted to talk to you, Councillor, is that one of the Skel who attacked us today had a working Smartphone that looked just like Nanako’s."

Nanako sprayed a mouthful of tea over the table in shock. Councillor Okada’s reaction was a little more controlled. “How do you know it was working?” he asked in Japanese, and just like before, I somehow understood what he said.

“The screen was lit up and covered with icons,” I replied. “I’m also pretty sure I heard him talking to someone with it.”

“That’s impossible," he declared adamantly.

"I brought it back with me.”

"Where is it? I must see it at once," he demanded, clearly alarmed.

“Sorry, I gave it to Lieutenant King."

The councillor looked crestfallen. “I really wish you had let me see it first, Ethan. I need to know what satellite service it is connected to."

“You could ask Lieutenant King to let you see it?” I suggested.

“Out of the question,” he replied, “that would reveal you have divulged this sensitive information to me, and that could land you in much trouble.”

I nodded, touched by his consideration for my well being. “Do you trade the phones to other towns?"

“Of course, the Smartphones are our most desired commodity. Every town we trade with has purchased them.”

“So the Skel must have stolen the phones from their victims,” I deduced. “Unless you trade with the Skel too, but you wouldn’t do that, would you?”

“Of course not. We shoot them on sight,” he replied indignantly. “But to answer your suggestion; stealing the phones cannot be the solution. The phones need to be constantly recharged.”

“And how is that done?”

“The recharger plugs into any electrical outlet,” he said, his forehead creased in deep thought. “And the Skel cannot have access to electricity, due to their nomadic lifestyle.”

“I think, Councillor Okada, that we have all massively underestimated the Skel.

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