Tara by J G Possum

Author:J G Possum [Possum, J G]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Published: 2018-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

It was a good location. Mike directed them to move some excavators into place and start processing gravel. Mike was worried; he felt uneasy about working out in the open with Tarasaurus around. He needed to protect his crew.

He received another call. They found a small stream west of the ship that ran down the mountain into a large lake that emptied into the south side of the river, the water was crystal clear. Mike thought, This is great, now we have a reservoir. They selected a site where a service building could be constructed for shelter and protection.

When Mike returned to the ship, he checked with his men on the status of the road construction. It was on plan. He could hardly wait to tell Sue about the rock quarry. She was delighted. “Now I can really go to work-- thank you, honey.” After talking with Walter and receiving the formula for Kyrex, Mike sent three armed men to look for the Kyrex plant. He had pictures and a good description. It was late in the day.

Around 6:00 p.m., it started to rain. It hadn’t rained in a week, but he was pleased because it kept the dust down from the road work. They had completed almost two miles in one week, except for the gravel base. He decided to stop work for the day. He directed everyone back to the ship. He heard a crashing sound. He looked up and saw some movement at the edge of the jungle near the road.

Standing upright only fifty feet away was a large Tarasaurus. Next to it were two small creatures that he guessed were her offspring. He froze and said, “Don’t shoot; just stand your ground.”

Hikaru and Takeo decided they would start planting tomorrow morning. The rain had soaked the ground, and they were ready. It looked like they would get some rain at least every week. Just in case, they would install a simple irrigation sprinkler system. Hikaru said, “Takeo, I’ll have a team drill a well on the west side and we will set up a pumping station near the ship.”

Takeo said, “Could we excavate a small pond for irrigation?”

“I’ll ask Mike, when I see him,” Hikaru answered.

Mike watched the Tarasaurus family intently, trying not to make any threatening moves. The creatures seemed to be just curious. They made no effort to hide. Mike thought, This could have been the turning point that would change our life on this planet. It could have been total hell, that would lead to the extinction of Tarasaurus and probably cost many human lives...maybe we were being tested?

He announced, “Men, we seem to have had a peaceful encounter. Secure your equipment and head back to the ship.”

The search team reported they found the plant. Mike said, “Return to the ship now.” The sun was just starting to set. The wind would return, although it wasn’t as strong lately. Mike felt really good. He missed Sue and looked forward to this evening.

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