Day 18-5
What a place! This crater has to be at least three miles in diameter. Most of the area is covered with growth, so thick, there doesn't seem to be a way through. Not the slightest hint of either exit or entrance. Must look like just a green carpet from the air, and a regular mountain from the outside. Sure would explain why it can't be recognized for what it is on any surveillance photos.
'Harry' is leading us along a good-size creek, that is so full of minnows, it seems to glow. Man, I bet there's more deer and bear in these woods than in all of Washington State put together. I wonder how they...
"Jimmy?" Following the thought, I tap Chief's shoulder since he is walking in front of me with 'Harry'. "Can you ask him, how they hunt for meat?" I inquire when he looks back.
"They don't," he answers without even consulting the big guy.
"Huh?"
The 'bright' question earns me a roguish grin and some signs toward Cut.
"He says, he asked Harry that before. They don't eat meat."
"They don't?"
"Nope! Purely vegetarian."
"But..."
"Yeah, I's just thinking the same thing...Jimmy!" Now Cut taps him because he is looking forward again. "If they don't hunt, then what was the trap for, you stepped in?"
A thoughtful shrug and he turns, getting 'Harry's attention and signing. For some reason though, it seems the big guy isn't too happy about the question. He stops in mid-stride and signs back, looking irritated. Now what?
We get the answer pretty quick—at least Cut does—I have to wait a while until he translates.
"Jimmy says, the traps really are for meat. They don't like to do it, but they know most people eat meat. And since they had all them guys up here for so long...well, they tried to make 'em as comfortable as possible."
"So they just did it for them?" I ask in disbelieve.
"Seems like. Man," he laughs, "if I wasn't here now, and anyone come tell me shit like that, I'd send 'em to have their head checked."
"Got that right, Cut. Looks like science can go stick all their theories somewhere else, don't it?"
"Sure does. But wait a minute, Chase, I just thought of somethin' else...Jimmy, why'nt you ask 'im, if he knows anything about a bear that kinda disappeared on us," he requests with a sly grin.
Some more signs, a grunt from 'Harry', and I get sort of an unfriendly look. Oh, boy! Guess he ain't too fond of me for shootin' that thing.
"Chase..." Jimmy has an uncomfortable expression on his face.
"I know, I know! Tell 'im, I'm sorry. It's just something us people do."
"He knows," Chief answers dryly, then signs to Cut again.
"Says they don't like it, but they understand. They just do somethin' every now and then, to try and get us humans off that huntin' thing."
"Like make bucks or bears disappear after we shoot 'em, right?" I snicker.
"Right!"
"Great!" I roll my eyes, then smirk at 'Harry' and he smirks back. Then another thought crosses my mind. What about those surveillance photos from last year? The large bipedal creature, chasing something that would resemble elk or bear? They hadn't captured any of those guys yet at that time, so what was that all about?
I relay the question to Cut, and he looks real thoughtful, explaining it to Jimmy.
Chief merely shrugs nonchalantly and signs an answer right away.
"Well, that sure beats all," Cut shakes his head. "Get this, Chase..."
"I might, if you ever fill me in."
"Oh, shut up! Anyways, Jimmy says, they wasn't huntin' at all. They's chasing them elk alright, but just to get 'em away from the chemicals."
"What? He already talked to Harry about that?" I squint up at the big guy again.
"Not directly, but he says Harry told 'im about chasing animals to scare 'em out of the area, when they got talkin' about that huntin' thing."
"Great!" Now I shake my head. "This just gets better all the while."
#####
We walk on, and the conversation is stalled for the moment. Would be too hard, watching hand-signs and where you're going at the same time. We cross the creek at a narrow spot, reaching an area where the thicket of trees and brush suddenly opens up into a small clearing that is almost completely filled out by a clear pond. Beautiful! Hell of a place to go fishin'. Bet there is some big ones in there.
I have no time to admire it further though, because 'Harry' cuts to the right, leading us straight back toward the growth. There ain't no way through here... I am still thinking, when it seems he just disappears into one of the trees. What the...? Then I see it! Wow!
It really is a tree—well, actually two of them. Huge oaks, separated at the bottom of their trunks, but grown into one about eight feet off the ground. There is an opening behind those trunks, impossible to see until you are actually in it. It leads through another tunnel-like entrance which opens up into a cave, even larger than the one we were in before. Dim light, but enough to make out the surroundings. These rocks look like frozen black waterfalls. Lava stone!
That is as far as I get with my observation. Then I look forward, my mouth drops open, and Cut doesn't have a real bright expression on his face either
There are at least twenty of them. All different sizes, from maybe three foot to as big as eight foot tall. Fuzzy long hair, in some cases a little curly, ranging from the lightest shade of gray, to beige, to brown and to the deepest black. Gees! We stare and get stared at in return, but there is not one single, furry face that doesn't have a curious-friendly look on it.
"Jesus Christ the Almighty!" Cut mumbles hardly audible, and I am thinking the same thing.
So many? And they just stand there, like this wasn't the wildest thing that ever happened. Wonder what they're thinking? Stupid, Chase! They're probably thinking, "what the hell did Harry bring them dumbass humans in here for."
I am wrong, and I realize it immediately when Jimmy signs to the group and the faces get even friendlier.
'Harry' signs something back, and Chief relays it to Cut.
"He wants to know…if we would like to be introduced?" Cut's voice has a little crack in it.
"Well..." I know, I probably don't look all too bright right now.
"It's okay, Chase," Jimmy assures me with a wide grin and some more signs.
"He says, there ain't no way he'n translate any names, but that don't matter," Cut informs me. "Guess our names wouldn't sound right in Bigfoot neither," he grins.
"Guess not, Cut. Well, let's just do it. What you think?"
"Think it couldn't hurt nothing. They look friendly enough."
What happens next is so unbelievable, I feel like slapping myself just to make sure it is real. Jimmy signs something else, and they start coming toward us. This real big one stops right in front of me. I recognize him immediately, for the scar on his arm. Oh, no! That's the one I shot. Getting so tense, it is almost painful, I stare up at him. Now what do I say? I don't have to say anything.
He reaches out and takes my hand, gripping it so tight, I can feel my knuckles crack. Then he shakes it, nearly throwing out my shoulder again. I shot the guy, and he is actually shaking my hand instead of ripping my head off! He tilts his head, giving me a little grunt, and I finally wake up. Well, not really since he is still there. But now I start grinning and return the hand-shake with the best grip I can muster. Man, and I thought I had big hands. This guy's paw is about three times the size of mine. Sure am glad he ain't mad at me. Another hearty shake, and he steps aside.
Then the others take over. The little ones is what really gets me. Like a bunch of fuzzy, Old English Sheepdogs, just bigger and up on two legs. But the faces are so human under all that hair, it is even possible to distinguish different characteristics —at least if you look real close.
My hand is about sore, by the time we get through all the 'introductions'. A glance at Cut, he wears an expression that is just short of completely 'bumfuzzled'—as we call it back home. Don't think I look much better.
One of the little ones tugs on Jimmy's shirt-sleeve, and signs to him when he looks down. Chief casts a thoughtful gaze over at me, but then smiles and signs back. Whatever the conversation is about, I don't know, but it earns me a real happy, toothy grin from the little guy, and he comes over, hugging my waist for a second.
"Damn, Jimmy, what was that all about?"
A roguish grin, some signs to Cut, and I get filled in.
"Jimmy says, she was worried you'd hurt her daddy again," Cut smirks. "He told her you were actually a good guy, just a little nervous."
She? "Gees, Cut!" I shake my head in disbelieve.
"It's okay, Chase," Chief assures me again. "They understand."
"Yeah, but I feel like a complete asshole now, Jimmy."
For a moment he looks like he is going to answer, but then I only get another grin.
Thanks! Guess I had that coming.
"Hey, Chase?"
"What, Cut?"
"Is this really happenin'?"
"Not sure, man. But my hand hurts. I think I'm awake."
"Yeah," he snickers. "Sure got a hell of a grip, even them kids, don't they?"
I have no time to answer because Chief gets his attention and signs.
Cut gives me a weird look. "Chase, Harry wants to know if we have any questions?"
"Any questions? Man, I got about ten million of 'em. Just wouldn't know where to start."
"No, shit!"
"Jimmy, can you ask him how they know that the chemicals up here are dangerous?" I inquire nevertheless.
He looks real thoughtful for a moment, but then nods and turns to 'Harry'.
"That's a good start," Cut mumbles.
"Not really. Just the only one I'n think of right now."
"Chase," Chief squints uneasy, "he says, they kill."
"Kill? You mean, like animals that get in contact with the containers, die?"
"No!...They die!"
"They?"
"Yes."
"Damn, Jimmy," I mutter frustrated, "how many of 'em have died from this? Do you know?" I ask, thinking, even one is already one too many.
"Shit," Cut whispers when Chief turns back to 'Harry', "we really gotta make sure somethin' gets done about this, Chase."
"You bet!"
A tap from Jimmy regains my attention. "What's that?" I frown since he is holding up one hand, thumb and ring-finger touching at the tips, the others stretched out.
A slightly irritated flinch, and he quickly switches to both hands, holding up seven fingers.
"Damn! Tell him, I'm sorry, and I promise we'll get it taken care of."
"Chase, we gotta go," Cut sounds urgent all of the sudden. "We gotta find Billy before he runs into that bunch down at the camp."
"Thought you's planning on staying the night?"
"I was, but..."
"Know what you mean." I am thinking along the same line. These guys are living here, not hurtin' nothing or nobody, and they'll keep dying, one right after the other, if this mess doesn't get straightened out. "Jimmy, tell him we appreciate the hospitality, but we have to go."
He gives me a questioning squint and I explain. "If we can't get to Billy in time, then we don't stand a chance. Those jerks out there mean business."
Now I get a nod, and 'Harry' gets the message.
Looks like they even got some kind of social-structure going, and Harry is the one in charge. Fantastic!
Chief taps Cut's arm because he is grinning over at the little one that had hugged me.
"Yeah?" Cut drawls and turns, then relays what Jimmy signs. "He says, we can leave any time we want to. Just let Harry know, and he'll have one of 'em show us the way."
"Great! Jimmy, tell him thanks again, and I just gotta go talk to the other guys real quick. Then we'll go, okay?"
A nod from Chief, and an affirmative grunt from 'Harry' after my words are put into signs.
#####
It is almost completely dark by the time we get back. I enter the cave with Cut, while Jimmy stays outside, involved in a conversation with 'Harry'. The men in the cave are eating dinner. Sure smells good. Man, am I hungry! I get a rather nasty smirk from Cut when my stomach starts growling. But we are pressed for time, so I—at least try to— ignore the uncomfortable feeling. At the curious looks, I get straight to the point.
"Gentlemen," I squat down beside Sergeant Drake, "sorry to interrupt. Let me make this quick." Hope Perry doesn't give me a bunch of shit again. "I figure you've all been informed of the situation by now?"
Mostly acknowledging nods, and I continue, overlooking the angry squint from Perry. "Good! Now, here's what's gonna happen. My partners and I will be leaving in a few minutes..."
"Wait a second," Perry breaks in, "I thought you said, you would stay the night?"
"If you let me finish, I'll explain that," I answer sternly and he frowns, but then keeps quiet. "Alright," I go on, "it was our intention to stay, but after finding out a little more about the situation up here, we feel it's necessary..."
"What situation?" one of the other agents interrupts.
"Why don't you all just shut up for a minute," Cut snaps at the guy. "Stuff some food in your mouth and listen."
"Thanks for the input, Reece," I smirk, calling him by his real first name—he hates it when I do that. "Like I was trying to say, we think it's necessary that we leave here earlier than planned. The people who are on the way up here need to be warned. I'm sure you know about the chemical agents by now?"
More nods, but no interruptions this time.
"We found out that these chemicals are responsible for several deaths. I don't have time to get into all the details right now. Let me just say this, we need to make sure this matter gets taken care of quickly. We have an understanding going with our furry friends up here that should we, for some reason, not be able to return, you will all still be set free in a few days." The statement earns me a slight squint from Cut, but no one seems to notice.
"How can we know you're telling the truth?" one of the soldiers inquires though.
"You can't," I answer honestly. "Look, Corporal, I understand how you feel. But all I can say is, you just have to trust me on this one, okay?"
There are some extremely concerned expressions now, and I push the issue.
"Gentlemen, I know this is tough. But if we can't get things up here straightened out, none of us will ever go home again." I say it dead serious, and see in their faces that most of them start to at least get thoughtful.
"Sergeant?" Another one of the soldiers stands up—Lieutenant Walker, I recognize the name and rank when he steps closer.
"Sir?" I straighten as well.
"Look, Sergeant Drake and Mister Hughes here have informed us exactly about what is going on out there." He sounds worried. "Let me just say this, I understand the situation you are in, and, as far as my men and I are concerned, we wish you good luck. Just watch yourself and come back to get us out of here," he smiles ruefully.
"Thank you, Sir!" I salute sharply, suppressing a sigh of relief.
Hughes and the other two civilians seem to agree with the Lieutenant.
Now what about Perry and his bunch? I glance over at the agents. Most of them look uneasy, but more or less willing to cooperate. Perry wears an expression that is completely unreadable.
"Agent Perry," I address him directly, "what about your men? Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes, Sergeant!" he gives back between gritted teeth.
"Okay! Then if there are no further questions..." I hesitate, but there is no response. "Good! Then I'll see you Gentlemen in a few days from now. Just sit tight and keep your fingers crossed. Oh, and, Sergeant," I grin at Drake, "thanks for the help."
"You're welcome. Good luck!" he grins back and salutes.
"Frank?" I give Hughes a questioning look.
"We'll be alright. Just don't forget about us."
"I won't!" I pledge somberly, saluting the whole group. "Later, Gentlemen. Let's go, Cut," I say, turning, but think, thank God that's over with.
Cut trudges after me, and I know only too well what is on his mind. I keep quiet nevertheless, waiting for him to start in on me about the matter. It doesn't take very long. We are barely ten steps into the tunnel when I hear him draw a deep breath.
"Chase?"
"What, Cut?" I ask unnecessarily, knowing what is to come.
"Well, I...hell, how'm I gonna say this?"
"Say what, Cut?"
"Well..." he goes again.
"Oh, just come out with it, will ya?"
"Fine!" he snaps, then starts rattling on, "What in the hell were you doing, promising them guys they'd get to go home, even if we didn't come back?"
There it is!
"How can you say somethin' like that? We ain't never even mentioned it to Harry, 'bout lettin' any of 'em go. What if he don't? What if he..."
"Cut," I finally interrupt, stopping and turning around, "listen to me a minute."
"I'm listening!" He crosses his arms over his chest with a smartass sneer.
"Look," I rub my forehead, "you said yourself, we gonna have to hurry, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Now! I had to have somethin' to convince these guys to stay, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah? Don't you see? What else was I gonna tell 'em? That there ain't no way they'll ever go home, in case we don't make it?"
"Hmmm..."
"Don't hmmm me, man. Damn, Cut, I just had to say something."
"But what if we really can't come get 'em, for one reason or another? Then what?"
"Well..." Now I am doing it.
"Well, what, Chase? Then they still never get to go home, right?"
"Well," I repeat and sigh, "I was kinda hoping, Jimmy could help us out on that one. Maybe he'n talk to Harry, and convince 'im to let those guys go after a few days."
"Oh, so now you are passin' the buck?" he almost yells.
"God damn it, keep your voice down," I interrupt quickly, not wanting to alarm the men inside the cave.
"Sorry!"
"It's okay! Look, Cut, I'm not trying to pass the buck, as you put it, at all, believe me. I've thought of this from the beginning, and I's gonna ask Jimmy anyways to talk to Harry about it. It just gotta happen a little sooner now."
"And how you plan on havin' him explain it?"
"That I don't know," I answer honestly. "I's just more or less hoping he could think of somethin' real convincing himself."
"Great! Bet he'll appreciate the hell outa that one, Chase," Cut grumbles and starts walking again.
Damn! I follow behind him, and the tunnel is suddenly much too short. I need time to think. We don't have no time. Shit, Chase, think faster. Then we are outside, get a questioning look from Chief, and Cut squints at me. Great!
"Well, Chase, go ahead, ask 'im." Cut motions with his head toward Jimmy.
"Ask me what?" Chief inquires, and I hesitate.
"Go ahead. You're on your own on that one, man," Cut grumbles
Thanks a lot! "Look, Jimmy," I rub my forehead again and get a curious squint. Damn, how am I gonna say this? Ah, to hell with it... "Jimmy, I need to ask you a favor. I need for you to tell Harry that he's gotta let these guys in there go in a few days, even if we don't make it back. Think you could do that?" There! Now it's out and I feel better.
A moment of hesitation on Chief's part, and I am not sure if he got all of what I said, since it was rattled off in one single breath and the light outside has to be all but enough to read someone's lips. But then he suddenly gets a smirk on his face.
"I already did," he states matter-of-factly.
"Huh?"
Rolling his eyes at my 'smart' reply, he signs, and Cut snickers.
"He says, he already talked to Harry about that while we's still in there."
"You did?"
"Yeah!" Cut continues. "Says, he caught part of the conversation before when you mentioned it to Drake, and thought he'd help out a little."
"Gees, man," I exhale a long breath, "you just don't know how much I appreciate that. So what did Harry say?"
"It's okay!" Jimmy answers with sly grin.
"It's okay, as in he'll let them go?"
"Yes."
"Great! Man, I owe you one," I finally grin, too.
"So where's Harry anyways?" Cut inquires, looking around, and we get the "don't know" sign for an answer. "Well, hell," he mutters, "we sure ain't gonna find a way outa here by ourselves..."
"He'll be back," Chief assures us.
"Sure hope so!" Cut no sooner says it, when 'Harry' is suddenly beside us.
Gees! Scared the hell out of me.
He signs to Chief, the usual relay to Cut, and I find out what is going on last.
"Harry says, if we're ready to go, he'll take us himself."
"Outstanding! Let's get the gear and unass the AO."
#####
It seems even more impossible to find a way through the growth in the dark, but 'Harry' is leading us without hesitation. To my relief, the ever-present clouds broke up earlier in the day and I can make out a direction by the stars. Straight west. We walk on, I estimate about one and a half miles, then Harry slows down, ducking low. I remember this. It gets completely dark, and we have to feel our way along the rock-wall of the tunnel. I wonder just how far it actually is to the camp. Figure a good three or four miles anyway, considerin' how fast the other one was going and how long it took when he brought me here. Maybe Jimmy can ask Harry when we get out of this black hole...
Then we are through and I look back. What the...? Where the...? Nothing there! Not the slightest hint of any kind of exit we could possibly have come out of. Nothing! Just solid mountain, overgrown by bushes and trees. How are we ever gonna find this place again?
"Chase?" Cut's voice sounds tight, and I know he is thinking the same thing.
"Somethin' else, ain't it, Cut? No wonder no one's ever found this place."
"Yeah...but..."
"I know! Just hope we'n remember where it's at."
"Right! Jimmy," he taps Chief's shoulder, then says along with signs, "ask him, if there's anything to go by, finding this place? You know, when we come back for the others."
Not if, but when? You sure got more confidence in us than I do, Cut.
Chief comes back with 'Harry's answer quickly.
"He says, Harry told 'im not to worry 'bout finding 'im. They'll find us," Cut translates.
"Great! Just tell 'im to please leave out the knockin' in the head part next time, okay?"
A grin from Jimmy, and a chuckling sound from 'Harry' when my request is put into signs.
"Well, I guess that's it. See you later, Harry," I smile and grab the big guy's hand.
He shakes it vigorously, then does the same for Cut and Chief, and is gone so suddenly we don't even have time to blink.