#84: Banana Slug -Food

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“Sorry I took so long to get back with you Chuck.” Shelby said “For us being out in the middle of a wide river there sure are a lot of grass fires to be put out. The Dragon Lady said that you needed to talk to me?”

“Yeah I do. Sorry to bother you but I think you need to know” Chuck said.

“Know about what?” Shelby replied.

“The ‘farms’ “ Chuck replied. “They’re in a bad way. I can keep them going for a little while longer, I dunno how long, and then they’re going to crash. We won’t have any fresh vegetables after that.”

“How are you on the farm, Chuck?” Shelby asked, seemingly veering onto a tangent.

“To tell the truth I’m pretty much lost more often than not.” Chuck said “I dunno how half the stuff works. It’s that new SSmoke stuff mostly. I can’t seem to wrap my head around it. More often than I like to admit to I holler for one of the RowdyBunch to come show me how something operates. They take to it like baby ducks to water. It’s embarrassing.”

“Don’t feel bad.” Shelby said “You’re not the only adult in that situation. You’re exactly right about the children. The Dragon Lady told me that dealing with the Neuro-Loop had many of the same characteristics as learning a new language. How many languages do you speak Chuck?”

“Just English” Chuck said, he was totally lost. What had any of this got to do with the aquaponics system. He’d grown used to feeling lost lately.

“Ah, I suspect there might be some relationship. I wonder if it’s causal or correlative? “ Shelby asked. Chuck just looked at him, what? Chuck had been a sanitation engineer for twenty years. He was VERY good at what he did. He knew no peer when it come to plumbing but he hadn’t branched out much until lately.

“How are you at working with someone new Chuck?” Shelby asked kindly. He was treading treacherous ground here. Chuck was family. One does not betray family. One does not even leave the perception of betrayal. Most especially for those who are operating near maximum capacity.

“I’m glad you brought that up” Chuck said “Me and the boys would feel a lot better if there was someone who knew what the HELL was going on. We don’t. We’re just ‘spraying and praying’ half the time. This new AquaPonics system is bad enough but integrating it into the old sewage system and then the new magic stuff....”

Shelby laughed, it was either laugh or cry “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from Magic”

Chuck just looked at him.”What?”

“I have an idea Chuck” Shelby said “You’re no doubt aware of the farmers that we rescued recently?”

“Yeah I am” Chuck said “Big Black guy. Reminds me of my brother in law back in the city, rest his soul.”

Shelby didn’t want to go there. He regained control of the conversation. “Yes. Well. His name is Melton, Weldon Melton. I think he’ll be joining us. Would you like for me to ask him to see if he could help you out?”

Chuck’s face lit up like sunrise. Worry and despair was replaced by hope. “Would you Mr. ArchMage Sir? You have no IDEA how frustrating it is to feel so helpless. I’d love to have someone help us out.”

“Just to be completely clear Chuck.” Shelby said gently. “If it works out he might be staying permanently. Are you ok with another addition to your shop.”

“You mean am I good with having a new Boss?” Chuck asked. “Yessir. I know my limitations and I’m working waaaaay beyond them. A Boss is what I really, really need.”

“I’m glad you see it that way Chuck. I certainly don’t want you to think that we think any the less of you. You were given an impossible job with no warning and you held it together like a man. No one can complain about that.” Shelby said “We’re all thankful for your work Chuck. We’re proud of you.”

“Awwww” Chuck was actually embarrassed. His black skin didn’t show a blush too well but he had one. He looked down rubbed one toe on the floor. “Aww gee, Thank you Mister ArchMage Sir.”

Shelby looked at Chuck and raised one eyebrow. “Are you messing with me Chuck?”

“Well Hell YEAH I’m messing with you Shelby. When’s my new boss gonna show up?” Chuck said.

“Don’t get your hopes up Chuck” Shelby warned him. “I haven’t asked him yet. I have no idea how he will take to the offer. I’ll have to approach him with it. Would you like to be there when I do?”

Chuck thought about that for a minute.

” Yeah.” he said “Yeah I think I would.”

“Well that’s it then.” Shelby said “Now get out of here so I can get some work done.”

Chuck just grinned. “You be in MY office Mr. Shelby.”

“Oh. Yeah. So I am. Well I gotta go now Chuck. I’ll let you know as soon as I can.” Shelby smiled. That had worked just perfect.

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_The Next Episode Is-
#85: Banana Slug - He's heading toward Ernie’s…
The Previous Episode was
#83:Islanders And Barges…
The First Episode was
# 1 : Prologue…
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Book One: SoulStone
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