Chapter Fifty-One - Community Feelings

Chapter Fifty-One - Community Feelings

Chapter Fifty-One - Community Feelings

Theres an essential mistrust of the community. A well-honed fear of your own neighbour.

Who knows, they might be a thief, a murderer, or a rapist? You certainly dont know.

That fear, thats whats keeping us afloat right now. The longer people spend mistrusting their neighbour, the longer itll take them to realize that the person in the same shithole as them isnt the one with the boot on their neck.

--Clive Robertson, Head of Public Security for Nimbletainment, 2045

***

I, uh, appreciate it, I said. Now I just felt awkward, and I think Lucy caught on, because of course she did.

Actually, Peter, I think Cat was here to ask about something else.

Peter looked between Lucy and I. Oh, okay. I jumped to a wrong conclusion then, he said. I assumed that you wanted me to help you... actually, I dont entirely know. We could collect water and perishables now, before this sewer crisis really takes off. A few days of preparation could save a lot of lives.

Actually, yeah, that sounds like a fantastic idea, I said.Updated chapters at novelhall.com

We do a lot of community outreach here. Foodbanks, shelter prep, school supplies. Theyre all different non-profits, because we need to compartmentalize things, but all of them keep in touch, we have boards online where to share things. If you want, I can get word out that theres going to be a water shortage. Its happened before, we know what to do.

It wouldnt hurt, I said. But yeah, Lucys right. I mostly came here to ask about something entirely different.

Peter leaned his elbows down onto his borrowed desk. Well, Im listening. If it's going to save people, then Im definitely in.

Those people that the Sewer Dragons kidnapped, the ones I mentioned before, we need to help them, right now Gomorrah and I are focused on saving the city, but Id feel pretty fucking awful about myself if I left them to rot, and I doubt theres any system in place to help.

That would require medical assistance for a lot of people, Peter said.

It is a lot, I said. Do you think you can help?

You wont be too surprised to know that this kind of thing comes up often. Usually its someone in the community that needs an operation, or some new organ, or who lost a limb in one of the factories. When people cant afford the help they need, they often turn to us, and we in turn turn to the rest of the community. Ive done more charity runs than I can count.

Peter stood up and rushed to the door to help us out. We made some meaningless small talk on the way out, and finally broke off as soon as we were back out in the main corridor.

We were out of there fast, Lucy said.

Yeah, sorry, I said. Just... I dont know. Not a bad feeling, just, Im feeling jittery?

Sexy jittery or annoying jittery.

Annoying, I said. Weve done nothing but talk to people all day, that and a bit of moving around. It feels like at any moment things will go tits up, in a bad way.

Lucy looped an arm around mine and pulled me closer. You worry too much, she said. Maybe we should head back home, try to relax you a bit?

I sighed, then leaned back into her. Yeah, that does sound nice.

And maybe that pretty dress of mines arrived, I can put on a show for you? Or ... nah, maybe we can just order something from room service, find some PJs and do some cuddling?

That did sound nice. We dont have PJs.

Well, itll either have to be nothing but some old t-shirts, or we can order some same-hour delivery clothes. Whichever you think would be more fun.

I laughed, then turned as Lucy gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

Youre taking on too much again, she said. Always playing the big damn hero, but never looking out for herself. Dont get me wrong, I think heroes are hot, but I prefer the live ones. So you need to take a break when you can afford to, okay?

I guess, I said.

Youre not responsible for everyones lives, Cat. But I am responsible for yours, so if I tell you that you need a break, Im being serious.

Oh, youre responsible for me, huh?

Damn right, Lucy said with unflappable certainty. Now lets get home, my feet are killing me.

***