We
travel many miles further, and let Dorwith guide us by pointing in the general
direction, locating the Giants easily. How precise, I think, and laugh. We have
always used absolute degrees and numbers. This appears random to us but seems
to be working, so I won’t complain.
We
fly right over a good dozen Giants after a twenty five minute flight. Many
males are in this group but there are women and children too. I can’t see any
elderly yet. This area is rocky and has multi-levels of elevation. I am not
comfortable here. We need to be close to the Giants but because of the lay of
this land, our pod could be within reach from several rocky formations
surrounding this area.
Dorwith
sprays nine quickly. They are throwing rocks and large hunks of wood. The rocks
make me nervous. We are in jeopardy here. Sure enough I spot two males, holding
large spear shaped sticks. They are using primitive weapons. I tell Ardel, “Let’s move higher and above
these two on the rocks.”
Ardel
immediately moves higher and right above them to improve their position for Dorwith.
I
am happy when Dorwith’s tested accuracy is successful.
After another fifteen minutes of
flying, we approach a larger group of families mingling together. I hope they
will be easy for Dorwith to spray.
He
guides us closer, warning us again to stay out of their reach.
We
move steadily nearer as Dorwith prepares the spray. This entire group is
watching us, yelling, and shaking their fists. Two younger ones cleverly
implement a new idea. One climbs atop the others shoulders. OK. I definitely
don’t like this. Others soon copy the maneuver. We must move higher, where Dorwith’s
accuracy will be tested. This group is angry.
The
ground seems level around them. Crude tents are laid out several feet apart.
One young adult is being raised up by sitting on the others shoulders. Our
altitude is secure, but Dorwith is frustrated.
“Well,
Dorwith, this should be easy as every face is looking up at us.” I don’t know
if my sardonic humor will make him mad or laugh.
“They
are evolving by taking a stance against us,” Dorwith says in a low growly
voice.
Our
pod shakes. A large net flung into the air lands on us. The noise of the crowd
below is appalling and frightening. Dorwith yells, “Get us out of here! Now!”
Ardel
maximizes the pods power, but we are staying in place, held by the net. It’s
secured by long ropes gripped by half a dozen large males. Ardel reverses, then
goes forward to create a rocking motion. The net rips. We break free. We tear
out of there like fire is on our backside.
“How
many more groups of Giants are there, Dorwith?” I ask.
“Rounded
off, thirty or a few more. Not all are nearby.”
“Should
we call it a day, then?”
“Yes,”
Dorwith says, “I need to develop a better plan. They surprised me today and I
don’t like surprises when I’m on the wrong side of their attention.”
“This
has been a stressful day for all of us,” Ardel says.
“Just
get us back home. I promise a nice restful evening,” I tell my honey.
“As
long as there are no threats, attacks on us, or unexpected diversions, I’ll be
happy,” Ardel says to me.
“I
concur,” adds Dorwith.
------------------------
By morning light we are awake and preparing
for our days work. I make breakfast but can’t find Dorwith. “Ardel, have you
seen Dorwith?”
“No,
not this morning. “ As he says that, Dorwith comes into the kitchen carrying
weapons and a strange box.
“What
is all this?” I ask.
“I
have guns containing a chemical that will freeze the aggressive subjects in
place. I’ve regulated it just short of killing or stopping their breathing. It
is apparent we need such a safeguard. I also have a cloaking device for the
pods and since they are silent, we will not be detected. This will enable us to
expedite our spraying. We move closer with the safety of cover. I also have a
horn that replicates the sound of a common large bird. It will attract their
attention and they will undoubtedly look for the source of the sound. It will
simplify my work.” Dorwith sets the weapons down and sits for breakfast as
though it is standard morning behavior.
Within
two hours, we are spraying the third group. We notice before we lower our
altitude, that several yards behind a small mound, are many people gathered in
a circle, waving for help. Fortunately, they can’t be seen by the Giants who
are out of their range of sight. When we
complete our spraying we fly over to their locale.
“Dorwith,
they see us. How can they?” I ask.
“The
cloaking chemical is designed for the Giants frequency,” Dorwith answers. “This
camouflage system belongs to the House and has unknown benefits. When people
are in need, it responds. We still must watch out for Shape Shifters, as they
will attempt to slip through our detection. They are self-serving enemies and
strive to control others. We need to be aware of a few more cruel species, I
can detect the Giants and usually am successful finding the Shape Shifters too.”
“Thanks,
Dorwith, It’s helpful information.” I like his reasoning.
Ardel
lands and I get out of the pod with Dorwith.
These
are people thrilled to see us. We are surrounded with hugs, waving and yelling
positive words of joy.
After
speaking with them, we find out they not only look just like Ardel and me but
are from the same area where we have been staying. We suggest they come with us
to get back home. Some are crying, some laughing, but all gather their few
belongings and fit easily into the two remaining pods.
At
the end of the day we settle in and enjoy our new neighbors company and hold a
welcome home feast. Some in the crowd are musicians and play a variety of
instruments. The House has provided excellent food. It is good to hear laughter
and watch the younger ones dance. In a few hours, all wander off toward their
old homes. We are exhausted.
“I
can’t remember any of their names, honey, I was too tired and excited to focus
on who they are. We will see them again and I will have to ask. I hate doing
that,” I say to Ardel.
“Just
knowing they are happy at being rescued is enough for now, honey, don’t worry
so much.”
In
the coming days we return thirteen groups of people who escaped capture by the
Giants. They live scattered about out of our immediate area. All have been
happy to return to their homes.
The
spraying continues until all the Giants in this dimension have been sprayed.
Our days have been fulfilling but long. I look forward to some lazy relaxing
time off.
Then
Dorwith informs us, “We need to expand our search area. We will be going into
another dimension today. I have more
equipment to take. Be prepared.”
So
our adventure continues………