Sea Pod by M. L. Lindner

Author:M. L. Lindner [Lindner, M. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-07-13T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter sixteen

The Ultimatum

The Healer stepped to the front of the breathless crowd and faced Brynetta Gray in the blazing afternoon sun. Lomi came to her grandmother’s side. Through the haze of his mist-induced good feelings, tension worked its way up Hunter’s neck. He put his hands over his nose and mouth so the drones’ spray would have less effect.

“Why have you chosen to come to our land?” said the Healer, putting a strong emphasis on the word ‘our.’

Brynetta smiled. “I need an open forum so that everyone can hear.”

“Hear what?” said the Healer.

Hunter’s palms were slick with sweat against his face. He could tell the Healer was angry. Was Brynetta going to attack?

The President glared at her. “You have been here for decades.”

The sea pod residents nodded. The islanders looked from one to the other. Hunter wondered what was going to happen.

“We have supported you and the connection has been good for both of us,” said Brynetta.

The Healer, Lomi, and a bunch of other sea pod residents looked like they did not trust the President, but a buzz of agreement erupted from some people in the crowd. Drones swept over the crowd shooting mist in people’s faces. Hunter was not sure if he was imagining it, but many people seemed to have their skeptical expressions erased. Most likely the green mist from the drones lifted the people’s fear and concern. But many people did as he did, covering their faces.

“Unfortunately,” said Brynetta, “you sea-pod residents have caused much jealousy and resentment among the citizens of the mainland with your spots here.”

The crowd was loud and raucous. People pushed each other so they could see. Hunter saw Lomi glance through the crowd at Thomath.

“What do you mean?” said the Healer.

Brynetta rubbed her bolero tie. “People need to be equal.”

The Healer inclined her head. “Of course.”

Hunter looked at the breathless sea pod residents. Lomi opened her mouth, but no words came out. Brynetta paced the platform as Lomi took the Healer’s hand.

“The sea pod has been a safe haven for you in these challenging times,” said Brynetta. “Your ancestors made an abundant situation for you when they purchased your spots here.”

The Healer lifted her head. “We made accommodations. We agreed to take in islanders from the north of Florida. We raise crops for mainlanders.”

“We know.” Brynetta raised her shoulder in an off-hand shrug. “But the time has come for more change.”

Commotion stirred the crowd. Everyone looked worried. A few people hunched into fetal positions. Many took their hands off their faces even though the drones still swooped overhead.

The Healer lifted an eyebrow. “Of what sort? We already have islanders here. You did not ask permission to bring more people from the south of Florida.” The Healer scanned Brynetta’s face. “Are you planning to take control of this sea pod? We will not be your prisoners.”

“That is not why I am here.”

The Healer hoisted her shoulders. “Why then?”

“We can no longer allow you to maintain your place here without further compensation,” said Brynetta as she cleared her throat.

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