Day 30 – Wings Unfolded

Although I have finished my NaNoWriMo journey and my 50,000 words, my book is not complete. I figure this chapter plus one more should do it. Then I can begin the editing process and hopefully have it published soon. Enjoy:

Chapter 31

“What’s the plan for today?” North asked Talon over breakfast. North and Moon have been staying with them ever since the battle with the cougars and Star had no intention of asking them to leave. She thought it was nice having the additional company around, besides the house was plenty big enough for all of them. When she wanted to be alone with Talon, they just retreated to her suite. Her master suite was larger than most homes and provided them many comforts. What she didn’t realize was that Talon disagreed with her and didn’t want Moon staying with them. He knew she was trouble and was always afraid of what would happen next. If he got a chance later today, he would ask her to move out.

“I have to go back to the hospital zone and finish healing the wounded,” Star said buttering a piece of toast.

“I’m going back to the cave-in to make sure it’s stable. Torn will be there to help, anyone else want to come along?” Talon asked.

“Count me in,” North said rinsing off his empty plate and putting it in the dishwasher. He wasn’t used to having modern conveniences and was happy to stay as long as they let him.

“Me too,” Moon said. “Here’s an orange Star. It will help keep up your energy,” Moon said as she handed it to her.

“Thanks, I need all the help I can get right now,” Star said.

Afraid to use the elevator the group headed down the spiral staircase to the main level. “I’m going to the hospital zone with Star, then I’ll meet you guys at the cave-in,” Talon said as they flew off the ledge.

Gener was waiting to greet them at the hospital zone when they landed. “Good morning,” he said as he approached them. “I must say, you look much better after a good night sleep,” he said shaking their hands.

“Thanks, I feel better. How many wounded are still here?” Star asked as she looked around the area.

“The three you had helped yesterday before you left, of course, and about 10 more with various injuries. We sent everyone home that were either healed or had minor injuries. If they don’t, heal by themselves, they will call upon you at your home.”

“Good, where do you want me to start?” Star asked.

“I think with the last three victims. They are the worst,” Gener said.

“I guess you have your work cut out for you here. I’ll see you at home when we are done tonight,” Talon said giving her a kiss. He knew what they had to do to fix the cave-in area and it wasn’t going to be an easy task. They would have to rely heavily on Torn’s super human strength.

He left Star and joined a group of helpers at the cave-in site. They were already discussing how to stabilize the area when he landed beside them. “I think we have to make sure there are no openings at the top. The last thing we need is a flood the next time it rains,” Torn said.

“I agree,” Talon said. “But how do we support this area so it doesn’t completely cave-in?”

“What if we fill it in,” one of the helpers suggested.

“With what?” Torn asked.

“Rocks, I’m sure you can find us some,” the helper replied.

“If we do that, then we would have to make sure it was sealed properly. That could take us weeks,” Talon said.

“Maybe not, I know where there are several elevators we can use. They’ll help cut our time in half,” the helper said.

“Where’s that?” Talon asked.

“In the empty warehouse in town. It used to be a parcel depot. They shut it down in a few years back during the last recession. Everything is still inside. If we put them end to end, we could move a lot of dirt fast. I’m sure there are generators at the ranches we could borrow,” he said scanning the faces in front of him.

“I can drive the transport if about 10 people can help lift them into the trailer,” another helper said.

“I’ll go, I can probably lift them by myself,” Torn said.

“Great idea, why don’t you two head out now. Moon take someone with you and find as many generators as you can,” Talon said. “Make sure when you bring them back you set them on the stable part of the Mesa. Take Crystal with you, she will be able to use her X-ray vision to direct you to a safe area.”

“We are going to need shovels and wheelbarrows,” Talon said. A few people volunteered to retrieve them. “Can anyone think of anything else we need?” he asked.

“Ya, I think we need Red, he can create water. We should also get Soron because he can dry whatever we make with his breath,” Cloud said.

“Okay, can you go get them?” Talon asked.

“Sure,” Cloud replied.

“One last thing I think we’ll need is straw,” Talon surmised.

“We’ll get some straw and met you up top,” a helper suggested looking for approval from his friend. When he nodded in agreement, they left to get straw from the surrounding ranches.

It was difficult trying to figure out what abilities would help them the most. So far Talon was doing an excellent job of organizing the volunteers. The few volunteers that remained made their way to the top of the mesa. Talon helped to direct traffic as items arrived. From on top of the mesa, Talon could see the transport truck quickly approaching. He figured that Torn could lift the elevators to the top without any help from them.

“Where would you like this?” Torn asked holding one of the elevators as if it only weighed a couple of pounds.

Crystal surveyed the ground with her x-ray vision. “Place the first one here.” Torn sat it easily down into position. There were six more still in the trailer. He quickly lifted each one putting them together in a line to form one long elevator.

Torn and Talon went back inside to make sure the entrance to the cave-in was filled in as much as possible. Torn was able to move the boulders into position. He placed the last one then stepped back as a group of builders spread a thick layer of stucco over it to help seal it. “That should do it,” he said.

“I hope so,” Talon said as they lifted off the edge and flew to the top of the mesa.

Volunteers started the generators and plugged in the elevators. Everyone cheered as they began rotating. Shovels were handed to each person. Talon noticed there were ten left over. “Moon, can you duplicate so we can use every shovel we have?”

Moon duplicated herself until there were the same amount of people for every shovel. They worked as fast as they could in the hot sun shovel full after shovel full made its way along the elevator into the opening below.

Crystal noticed a group of children playing with a parachute. They always enjoyed raising it into the air and then climbing under just to raise it again. Crystal flew down to them and asked them to fly with it above the mesa to provide them some shade. She knew they couldn’t do it all day, but if they took turns it will give them a break from the sun for a while.

She returned to her area and began shoveling as the kids maneuvered the parachute into position. She waved at them when it provided enough shade for everyone.

The volunteers noticed the difference right away as soon as they were shaded from the sun. They all took a second to wave to the children.

The children continued to circle holding the parachute in their hands. As one would get tired, another one took their place. They were able to keep the parachute in position for an hour. Slowly they lowered to the ground. “Thanks for your help,” Talon shouted out. “Can you come back after lunch and do it again?” he asked.

“Sure we’ll bring more help,” the tallest child in the group said. They all thought it was fun and were glad that they could build their strength for festival night which was fast approaching in two days.

Talon stopped to check the opening. Torn was there to move the elevator to the areas that needed to be filled in the most. “How are we doing?” Talon asked.

“I think that’s just about it,” Torn said changing the position of the elevator.

Once Talon saw the red dirt overflow the opening he raised this hand to his mouth, inserted two fingers and let out a loud whistle. Everyone turned to see what he wanted. They both waved their hands and yelled out, “no more.”

“Crystal I need you to check and make sure there aren’t any large openings,” Talon said as he approached her.

They both walked to the area at the end of the elevator. Carefully she scanned the ground and surrounding area. “Looks good to me,” she said wiping the sweat from her forehead.

“I think it would be a good idea for us to take a break inside out of the sun. We can have something to eat and drink and met back here in a half an hour,” Talon said. He watched as each person sat down their shovels and flew away. He was the last person back inside the cave. The cave always maintained a constant temperature sheltered from the hot sun and all types of weather.

The first place Talon went was to the hospital zone. He sat down beside Star, who was eating a sandwich. “Hi,” he said watching her carefully.

“Hi how’s everything going at the cave-in?” she asked him taking another bite.

“Good we have filled it in. A group has sealed in on the inside with the first coat and we are going to start sealing it on top after we take a break,” he said reaching for a sandwich.

Star could see he was covered in sweat. His shirt was soaking wet. “Here drink this,” she said handing him a glass of orange juice.

“How much longer do you think you’ll be here?” Talon asked her.

“I only have a few more people left. Two have broken arms and the third has a concussion. The worst ones have been healed. Then I told them I would help them clean up,” she said looking at the mess in front of her.

“Take your time,” Talon said not wanting her to over do it. “I think we’ll be about another two hours,” Talon said taking another drink of juice.

“I thought it would take you weeks to fix it,” Star said.

“Normally it would, but we used everyone’s abilities to hurry up the process,” Talon said as he stood up.

“Good thinking.”

“I better go, we need to get this done. See you later,” he said.

Talon made his way out of the cave and back to the top of the Mesa. He watched as the volunteers returned, landing near him. “It’s time to make the coating of stucco. Fill your wheelbarrows with a third of the way with dirt. Put your arm up when you’re done and Red will give you the proper amount of water,” Talon said as he walked, weaving his way among the different stations. “There is straw at each station to put into the mix. Mix it all up and when your done Torn will carry it away and dump them. Soron will then use his ability to dry the stucco. I”ll let you know when were done. Any questions?” Talon asked.

The directions were clear. Everyone began making their mixture. Hands were raised when they needed water. Talon made his way to Moon’s station. She had duplicated herself so she wouldn’t have to pair up with another volunteer. Her partner was an exact replica of herself. Talon stood between the two Moon’s not sure which one was the real one. “I think it’s time you decided to move out,” Talon said in a quiet voice so no one else could hear.

“I’m staying with my sister, I think it’s time you move out,” she said glaring at him. “Maybe I should ask Star what she wants.”

“Star’s not capable of making those kinds of decisions right now. Not until she’s stronger,” he said.

“Good then I’m staying until then,” Moon said lifting another shovel full of dirt into the wheelbarrow.

“No your not, you need to pack up your things and move out today,” he said. His face got redder the more they talked.

“By the way, I would like to know how come you were working outside the colony. Star told me you were working as a janitor when you rescued her. You know that’s not allowed.”

“That’s none of your business,” Talon said.

“I should report you to the elders,” Moon said with a smirk on her face. Finally, she had some dirt to hold over his head.

“Keep your voice down,” Talon said looking around to see if anyone heard her.