Mckcy looked thoughtful.
"You still have not told me why you would go on such a mission," asked Ickcy.
"I agree that what they're doing to Subject #78 is not right. Also, I told you I always wanted to travel in space and see different planets. This is an opportunity to see if I will like it."
"I can use your help, Mckcy. Thank you."
She swayed. "How big is the transport?"
"It can carry seven and there will be seven of us."
"Seven? I count both of us, Suki and are you thinking of taking Subject #30?"
"No, Subject #5."
"Who is Subject #5?"
"That is Matilda, the older woman that is dying in the Forest Village. I was thinking since we have some room, we could try to get her and maybe a couple more of the Original Subjects to go. They really should be taken home."
"You are such a knight in shining armor. Trying to save everyone."
"I don't think I'm a knight, but at least I am dressed in white. Oh, and by the way, I am available for hugging anytime."
(Reader: having four appendages these aliens regard hugging as a bigger commitment than we humans do.)
Chapter 28
Ickcy stepped into the home of Matilda. She had told him to come in, but the room was dark. His suit allowed him to see clearly in the dark, but he wondered why she wanted it this way.
"Matilda? Are you there?"
"Yes," she said sounding tired. "Still here. Which Manager are you?"
"The most recent one, and I have news for you."
"Oh, should I be happy?"
"Why don't we put a light on in here?"
"You are going give me bad news. That must be it. Why else are you concerned about how I look?"
"No, it's not that, I just thought you might want to see me."
"I know how you and all the other white suits look. It is the same."
Why did everyone make it so hard to be nice, he wondered. "I am going to take you to Earth."
She turned on the lamp next to her. "You? Can you really do this?"
"Yes. I am The Manager, of course I can."
"When? I don't have much time left you know."
"It will be soon, within the next couple of days."
"Wait, that is too soon. I need more time to say good-bye to my friends."
"I don't think that is the best idea," said Ickcy.
"Why? I will never see them again I have to say good-bye. It is a human thing to do."
"I understand, but your friends are not going to Earth and they might not feel happy about being left behind."
"Oh," she thought about it. "You're right. They could get jealous and want to go instead of me."
"Yes, I think that is very human too."
Later that day, up on the ship, Ickcy reviewed the files of the Originals. In the last five years, Subject #3 and #4 had died on Planet Humex, and #1, #2 and #6 had been taken back to Earth. They were taken back when the Pickers were still gathering Subjects and it had been easy to drop the old folks off.
Subject #7, #8, #9 and #10 were all possibilities for this trip to Earth. Their ages ranged from 70 to 77 with #10 being the youngest. He would have to choose three out of the four. Then he would have to inform them and hopefully they would keep quiet about it. It would not be easy peasy, thought Ickcy.
He looked at the locations for each of the Subjects. Subject #10 was living in the Forest Village, and Mckcy was going to check on her. She was not the overseer of #10, but since she was in the Forest Village often, it would be natural to check that Subject out. The other three were in the Tropics Village. He was not familiar with that village. He was going to have to call a meeting.
Someone whistled at his door and interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he said.
It was Mckcy and she came in and closed the door behind her. "How are the plans going?'
"Very well, I informed Subject #5."
"She must have been quite happy."
"Funny, she was not as happy as I would have thought. She was upset we were not allowing her to tell her friends good-bye. The schedule wasn't quite right."
Mckcy looked at him amazed. "Really? Well she is old, maybe she is not thinking correctly."
"Maybe. Hopefully I convinced her not to say anything. Did you check on Subject #10?"
Mckcy swayed. "She is a very nice woman. She is active in the community and everyone calls her Auntie, which is a term of endearment the humans use. Her health is good and she should be able to make the trip fine."
"I was thinking of taking both Subject #5 and #10 and then two of the ones in the Tropics. We have to keep all of this very discreet."
"Yes, I could see problems if more humans found out. Of course, if the other Overseers find out what we are up to..."
She didn't have to finish saying it. It would be chaos.
Chapter 29
He watched his fellow Overseers file into the conference room. They were not overly curious as to why the meeting had been called. In fact he had overheard one of them say it was the promotion that was getting to Ickcy's head and that he wanted to show all who was boss.
That was not the reason, but let them think that way.
"Okay, I think everyone is here, let's get started," said Ickcy. "Anything to report since the last meeting?" He looked around.
"Yes, I have something," said Anaky.
Anaky always had something, thought Ickcy as he told her to go ahead. Ickcy had to have patience. For the Overseers to buy into his idea, he had to have patience.
When Anaky was done another Overseer talked. "I have a problem with one of my Subjects," started Drvky,"As you know, I am in charge of Subjects #8 and #9. They are a couple."
"What?" said Ickcy. "The file does not mention they are a couple?" He had just finished reading it.
"I know. Thank you for noticing my Subjects," said Drvky impressed that he had. "They are Originals, and they are not part of the Couples Experiment, but they met and now they live together. It is not the problem and it makes it easier to oversee them. The problem is the that one is getting sick more often than normal."
"Have you sent the doctor?" One of his fellow beings had been trained with all the human ailments.
"He went and said it looks just like Subject #5, it is old age. There is nothing we can do."
"Hmm," said Ickcy. "Then we can't do anything."
"I was thinking since you are overseeing Subject #5, maybe you could oversee Subject #9? You are more familiar with the aging symptoms."
"You mean both #8 and #9? Because I don't see how you can oversee one without the other if they are living together."
"Yes, sir, you are right."
It was perfect. He would be in control of two of the Subjects he hoped to take to Earth. "Two more Subjects is lot to undertake," he said in his Manager voice. "Stay after the meeting and I'll see what I can do."
"In reference to the Originals," said Mckcy. "All of them are getting quite advanced in their ages. In the Forest Village, there are two that will need extra attention. One is of course, is Subject #5, but there is also Subject #10. Maybe all of the Originals should be under one Overseer. Their issues are unique to them."
"Are you volunteering for that task, Mckcy?"
"No, sir. I already have eight Subjects and none are the Originals."
Ickcy looked as if he was thinking.
"Is the budget still restricted?" asked another Overseer. "I have one of the Originals and I thought we were supposed to send them back to Earth when they got old."
"That would have solved some of our problems," said Ickcy, "But there is no budget for that." By taking four of the Originals with him, he was going to help fix some of the issues his fellow Overseers were having. He might even be considered a hero, he thought for a nanosecond. He didn't really believe that.
Chapter 30
It is set for tomorrow," said Ickcy when he came to visit.
She smiled. "I can't believe I'm going back to Ea
rth."
"Do you miss it?"
"I do. I wonder how long have I been gone?"
"You have only been away from Earth for three months."
"How is that?" She looked at her wall with the hash marks. It has been two months since I have been on Humex."
"Yes, but whole process of transporting and then doing checks on the ship, usually adds a another month."
"Well three months is not such a long time to be away. Things should be almost the same as I left them."
Ickcy swayed.
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to pick up two people from the Forest Village and bring them back here to the cabin just before we leave."
"Are you trying to save them as well?"
"Yes. They are older so you will have to build some extra time to get them into the canoe." He gave her the names and described the houses of both Subjects. "Can you do this?"
"Of course I can. Do they know I am coming to get them?"
"They will know and be ready. The other white suit that was here the other day will be piloting the transport."
"Mckcy?"
"That's right."
"I remember you said her name."
"We are fortunate she has decided to help, she is a good pilot."
"So it will be both of you, me and the two women from the Forest Village?"
"There will be two others, but you don't have to worry about them. I will bring them when I come."
She nodded. "I really appreciate this Ickcy. I hope you don't get into trouble because of it."
"Don't mention it. I am doing it so I can sleep at night. I couldn't if I didn't try to save you."
She walked to him and put her arms around him. She knew he couldn't feel it through the suit, but she wanted to.
"Okay Matilda, we really have to go," said Suki waiting by the door. Twenty-four hours had gone by since her conversation with Ickcy.
Subject #10, Inga, was also by the door. Suki had had no problem in picking her up. Matilda on the other hand was proving a pain. Suki could not understand what was the delay.
"Stop hurrying me. You get me frazzled and I can't think. I want to label these items correctly so that the right people get them." Matilda was placing labels on boxes.
"Did you do the same thing Inga?" asked Suki.
"No. I left a note saying anyone could take what they needed. I am sure they will work it out. Most people in the village are very reasonable"
Matilda threw a look of astonishment and shook her head as she continued with her task.
Of course, thought Suki, one woman was generous and expected others to be the same while the other woman was not as generous and expected the same. She looked at her watch. She had built extra time, but it was being sucked away by this silliness.
"I am leaving in two minutes with Inga," she said firmly.
"Go ahead. I know that The Manager wants me to go. I don't know if he told you, but I know I am a very important passenger on this trip."
Suki shook her head finding it hard to believe.
"Maybe I can help," said Inga.
She moved next to Matilda. "We don't want to miss the transport, do we?" she said softly and started to lead her away from her things.
"Wait, I have my suitcase."
"What?" asked Suki. She couldn't believe there was more.
"It is just a bag and the suitcase. The trip to Earth is several days and I have some things I need to take. Where is your suitcase Inga?"
"Matilda," said Suki hoping her patience would last. "This is not a vacation or sightseeing trip, we are trying to escape. We were told to take one small bag to not attract attention."
Matilda looked hurt. "These are my things. I have lived here a very long time and you, being young, would not understand what sentimental things mean."
"All right, I'll take the ? suitcase. Let's go," said Suki.
"Come on Matilda," said Inga helping her move along.
They started walking towards the lake. It could have been a couple of women having a nice little walk if it wasn't for the stupid suitcase, thought Suki.
They could see the lake now. Suki was carrying the suitcase and it was heavy. Inga carried her bag and was even helping Matilda with hers. They passed right next to Enrico's house and Suki didn't look.
She would miss him. It was too bad they couldn't take everyone, but she was the one in the most danger.
When they reached the dock she finally breathed easier. Inga stepped into the canoe and helped with Matilda and her bag.
Suki joined them and was soon paddling towards the cabin.
"So is that where you lived?" asked Matilda, as they got closer.
"Yes."
"A bit of a dump, isn't it?" said Matilda.
"No. I was going to say it is charming," said Inga.
She shouldn't care, thought Suki. It wasn't her cabin, but it wasn't a dump. She didn't answer as she paddled. The extra weight made her go slower.
"I hope you know what you are doing," said Matilda. "I would hate to miss the transport because you took us to the wrong place."
A thought crossed Suki's mind about the depth of the lake and how canoes had accidents all the time.
When they arrived to the cabin, the sun was setting, but they were on time.
"Where is The Manager?" asked Matilda.
"He'll be here soon," said Suki. "We can sit down and wait."
"Let's wait inside," said Matilda. "I don't like the breeze out here. It seems to be stronger than in the village."
Suki wasn't going to argue and told her she was welcome to go inside. Inga went with her.
She went to feed the fish. It would be the last time she did. She noticed her entourage of fish following her along the dock. There were four now and she would miss them the most, she realized.
Ickcy showed up soon afterwards and Suki met him outside.
"Are they here?"
"Yes. They're in the cabin. I decided to wait outside." She didn't want to say anything bad about Matilda, but if she heard any more complaining she might say something she regretted. "I'll get them."
"Thank goodness you showed up," said Matilda as they started walking to the transport. "I was wondering if you had forgotten us or that Suki had the wrong instructions."
"No, we are right on schedule," said Ickcy.
They entered the forest and soon Suki could see the transport. The ramp had been lowered to allow them to enter.
No one saw Enrico. He must have been hiding near by and suddenly he jumped out and grabbed Inga. He put a knife to her neck. "Take me to Earth or she dies."
Everyone froze.
He repeated his demand.
"There is no more room on the transport," said Ickcy.
"Enrico, Inga and Matilda are older. They are supposed to go back to Earth," said Suki.
"I don't care. They are old and can be buried here just as well as on Earth."
No one moved.
"Anyways," said Enrico, "you are not old Suki, why do you get to go? Is it because you are his lover?"
He wasn't going to let that one go, thought Suki.
"And what if she was my lover," said Ickcy and all turned to him, including Suki. "I want her to come with us."
Suki realized what he was doing and didn't contradict him.
"Okay, then we leave this one," said Enrico still holding Inga.
"Matilda, Suki, get in the ship," said Ickcy.
Matilda moved hurriedly past Suki and headed up the ramp. Mckcy had been watching from the top of the ramp and now she came down. Suki stayed where she was.
"What is the delay?" asked Mckcy.
"We have an impasse," said Ickcy. "Subject #30 wants to go to Earth."
"We can't take anymore passengers," said Mckcy.
"Damn right, impasse," said Enrico. He looked towards the sky. "The others will find out soon what you are doing. You better decide quick, save some or none."
"Isn't there a way we ca
n take him?" asked Suki.
"I will go check the transport manual," said Mckcy.
"All right," said Ickcy. "While she checks, we might as well go inside the transport."
Suki followed Mckcy on board while Enrico dragged Inga followed by Ickcy. Once inside Ickcy closed the doors.
"Maybe we can do it," said Mckcy. "I can get can get rid of some extra equipment and maybe with some furniture. I think that will keep us within the weight limit."
"Let's do it," said Ickcy.
"There is the sofa in the lounge," said Mckcy.
It was easy to unattached from the floor and then Ickcy told Enrico to push it out the door. Enrico hesitated for a moment.
"Come on, we have to do this fast," said Ickcy looking for other things to throw out.
Suki started to push the sofa and finally Enrico helped.
"How about the beds?" asked Mckcy.
"Those are attached firmly to the wall," said Ickcy.
"What about these dining chairs?" asked Matilda. "They don't look that comfortable and they are not attached."
"Great," said Ickcy. "Out they go."
Enrico, Ickcy and another older man picked up the chairs and pushed them down the ramp.
"How are we doing?" asked Ickcy.
Mckcy checked the scales. "We are still about 10 kilos overweight."
Suki looked at Matilda's suitcase. It weighed close to that. "How about that," she pointed.
"No," said Matilda noticing her look. She grabbed the suitcase tightly.
"Matilda," said Suki. "It is this or a person's life."
"It's my things," she moaned.
"Never mind," said Mckcy appearing with a case of her own. "We can throw this out instead. It's a printer we use to make spare parts."
She gave it to Ickcy and he tossed it out.
"I think that did it," said Mckcy as she started up the engines. "Everyone, go to the seating cabin and strap yourselves in."
The group moved to the section of the transport that had seats equipped with seat belts. There were only five seats in that section so Enrico had to sit on an armchair in the lounge.
Suki took a glance at her fellow passengers, next to Matilda and Inga, was an older couple about the same age as they. The man was the one that had been helping get rid of the chairs. There was also Ickcy, Mckcy, Enrico and herself, eight of them on board.
The transport shuddered and everyone held tightly to their seats. Slowly it started to lift. Through the porthole windows she saw the forest drop down below.
Chapter 31