Page 31 of Stranger Gifts

“Remember that he has men in other states,” said Ghost. “We need to see where those men are and if they’re headed this way.”

“On it!” yelled Sly from the comms room. They all grinned, nodding.

“That could present a problem for all of us if that happens,” said Ian. “Depending on how many men they have, they could start chaos in the city, local businesses, anyone and anything just to find us.”

“I guess that means we need to find them first,” said Ghost. He turned to Kane.

“Kane? Can you send up Hawke and see if he can find them, maybe listen in on what they’re doing? I mean, can he listen in?” Ghost shook his head. “Sorry, we’re still trying to learn how all this works for you guys.”

“So are we,” laughed Kane. “We’ve been like this nearly our entire lives and we learn something new every day. For instance, Hawke learned a few years ago that small birds don’t work as well as large bird species like eagles, hawks, vultures, that sort of thing.”

“Vultures?” frowned Gaspar.

“Hey, he doesn’t taste what they eat,” laughed Kane. “He only sees what they see.”

“That’s just crazy,” said Nine. “I’m no scientist but how that dust affected you guys really has me curious. Imagine being able to enhance skills.” They all turned to look at him with a shocked expression.

“I’m not suggesting that,” he frowned. “I’m just saying I understand the appeal of those that tried to do this.”

“They didn’t just try, Nine. They succeeded. What we don’t know is the long-term effects on all of us. We were particularly worried about David and Griffin and the toll on their muscles, joints, and internal organs but it seems they’re doing well. Or Griffin was.

“Regan is the one that has the most side-effects. When he absorbs large amounts of data, his body just seems to give out.”

“Well, hopefully we won’t need for him to do that again,” said Nine. “I don’t want anyone doing anything that would strain them. Maybe have your team focus on just being themselves right now.” Kane laughed, shaking his head.

“Is that funny?” asked Gaspar.

“Wellllll, let’s just say your mama is very convincing.” Kane nodded toward the windows and Gaspar saw Irene walking with Ivy – Regan’s Ivy – Nash, Hawke, and Nat.

“What the hell is she doing now?” Gaspar stood and walked toward his mother outside, the others following to watch the ensuing spectacle. “Mama? Mama, what are you doing?”

“Oh, hello son,” she smiled. “Well, I’ve just learned that Ivy is able to make anything grow, if it once grew in the earth here. That means we could regrow some of our extinct species of plants.”

“Mama, is that a good idea? I mean, maybe it went extinct for a reason,” said Gaspar, concerned for all of them.

“He might be right, Mama Irene,” said Nine. “I mean what if it’s some sort of pre-historic Venus flytrap that could eat a human.”

“Sometimes you boys don’t make any sense at all,” she said with a disgusted look. Ivy just laughed, shaking her head.

“Don’t worry, Gaspar, Nine. It’s odd how my gift works. I can sense plants that we need. Shade trees, fruit trees, extinct flowers for the bees to become more active, herbs, that sort of thing. It’s like my body feels when something could be dangerous.”

“Like?” frowned Ian.

“Well, Silphium was used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome. It was also used as a spice but had some very odd side effects. I’m not sure we want that everywhere today. Here in Louisiana, there are water invasive plants that we want to keep away because they clog drains, cause problems in the bayous and could destroy the delicate ecosystem balance.”

“How do you have all that in your head?” asked Ghost.

“I don’t know,” smiled the woman. “I just touch the earth, feel the plant, know its name and origins. I wish I could explain it. All I’m doing with Mama Irene is helping the things that were natural to Belle Fleur to grow again. Some of these plants and trees could offer natural protection and borders for the property. It might even go so far as to offer camouflage.

“A lot of the cypress trees and live oaks have suffered due to hurricanes and floods. If we could just bring back half of what was lost here, the property would change dramatically.”

Gaspar nodded and looked around the gardens that backed up to the offices. They’d once been moderate, pruned to perfection and now looked almost overgrown.

“What’s new here?” he asked.

“Pear, peach, apple, and plum trees. Rows and rows of sweet corn and other vegetables. If we had a place for livestock, we’d be nearly completely sustainable.”

“Is that true, Irene?” asked Nine.

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