From the branches spanning the pool overhead, droplets of sap would occasionally drip into the water, triggering the creatures to race up and investigate, searching for their next meal. Tricked to the surface, the beasts provided Manny with a better look at them. They varied in size from little minnows to larger monsters with leg buds starting to develop. Not one had fully developed legs.
"They're all juveniles;" Manny observed. "I don't see any of the adults that attacked us:"
"We must have killed them all with the poison;" Camera said.
"No wonder there wasn't a second attack. It must take time to rebuild their army."
"For the piranhas, maybe. . :" Camera stood two yards back, her voice suddenly hushed and sick. ". . . but not everything:"
Manny glanced back to her. She pointed her weapon toward the lower trunk of the tree, where the roots rode up into the main body. Up the trunk, the bark of the tree bubbled out into thick galls, each a yard across. There were hundreds of them. From holes in the bark, black insects scuttled. They crawled, fought, and mated atop the bark. A few flexed their wings with little blurring buzzes.
"The locusts," Manny said, edging back himself.
But the insects ignored them, busy with their communal activities.
Manny stared from the pool back to the insects. "The tree . . :" he mumbled.
"What?"
Manny stared as another droplet of sap drew a handful of the piranha creatures to the surface, glistening silver under the glassy waters. He shook his head. "I'm not sure, but it's almost like the tree is nurturing these creatures:" His mind began racing along wild tracks. His eyes grew wide as he began to make disturbing connections.
Camera must have seen his face pale. "What's wrong?"
"Oh, my God . . . we have to get out of here!"
6:30 PM.
Inside the cabin, Nate sat hunched over the laptop computer, numb and exhausted. He had reread many of his father's journal notes, even crossreferencing to certain scientific files. The conclusions forming in his mind were as disturbing as they were miraculous. He scrolled down to the last entry and read the final lines.
We'll try tonight. May God watch over us all.
Behind Nate, the whispery sweep of the cabin's door flap announced someone's intrusion.
"Nate?" It was Professor Kouwe.
Glancing at his wristwatch, Nate realized how long he had been lost in the laptop's records, lost to the world. His mouth felt like dried burlap. Beyond the flap, the sun was sliding toward the western horizon as the afternoon descended toward dusk.
"How's Frank?" Nate asked, dragging his attention around.
"What's wrong?" Kouwe said, seeing his face.
Nate shook his head. He wasn't ready to talk yet. "Where's Kelly?"
"Outside, speaking with Sergeant Kostos. We came down here to report in and make sure everything was okay. Then we'll head back up again. How are things down here?"
"The Indians are keeping their distance," Nate said, standing. He moved toward the door, staring at the sinking sun. "We've finished setting up the treehouse as our base. Manny and Private Camera are scouting the area.
Kouwe nodded. "I saw them crossing back this way just now. What about communications with the States?"
Nate shrugged. "Olin says the whole system is corrupted. But he believes he can at least get the GPS to read true and broadcast a signal. Maybe as soon as tonight:"
"That's good news," Kouwe said tightly.
Nate recognized the tension in the other's voice. "What's the matter?"
Kouwe frowned. "Something I can't exactly put my finger on."
"Maybe I can help:" Nate glanced to the laptop, then unplugged the device from the solar cells. With night approaching,
juice would not be flowing anyway. He checked the laptop's battery and then tucked it under his arm. "I think it's time we all compared notes:'
Kouwe nodded. "It's why Kelly and I came down. We have our own news.
Again, Nate saw the worried look on the professor's face. As Nate stood up, he was sure his own expression mirrored Kouwe's. "Let's get everyone together."
The pair ducked out of the cabin and into the late afternoon sunshine. Free of the stifling cabin, they felt almost chilled by the slight breezes. Nate crossed over to where Kelly and Sergeant Kostos were talking. Manny and Camera had joined them.
A few steps away stood one of the Ban-all tribesmen. It took Nate a moment to recognize him. It was their guide from earlier. He had washed off the black camouflage paint, revealing brown skin and a crimson tattoo on his bare chest.
Nate nodded to Kelly as he stopped beside them. "I heard that Frank is doing better."
Her face was pale, distracted. "For the moment:" She noticed the laptop under his arm. "Were you able to learn anything about your father?"
Nate sighed. "I think everyone should hear this:"
"It's time we put a plan together anyway," Sergeant Kostos said. "Night is coming.
Kouwe pointed to the three-story dwelling in the towering nightcap oak. "Let's get everyone up to the dwelling:"