Supplies
The next morning was a rude awakening--literally. I awake to the sound of distant voices, wagon wheels grinding their way over rock, and the clack of horse hooves. Terror gripped me because it might be a gorilla patrol. Cornelius warned me that they often search the countryside whilst pulling a paddy wagon.
Before I could raise my head to look: "Cornelius!" There is Zira, welcoming him back.
Man--this is not the way that I want to wake up. What’s worse is, they don't have any joe. Apparently, apes have no taste for it. Well, I DO, and I am jonesing for some. No sense in complaining, I guess. I had better get up. Nova is still lights-out. I’ll just let her sleep.
I approach the wagon and Cornelius is already unloading the supplies.
Bakster: You must be Lucius!
Lucius: You must be the human that said we are brainless.
I glance at Cornelius, he turns away quickly.
Man! They will not let this go. Sigh.
Bakster: Yes, I'm that human. For the record--I meant the gorillas.
Lucius: Oh! We all know that gorillas don't have any brains. I agree with you.
Nice! I like this kid.
Bakster: I can see that we'll be good friends.
Lucius: I doubt it. I don't trust anyone over 30.
So much for liking him.
(Let’s see what Cornelius brought us)
Bakster: Cornelius--what are in those sacks?
Cornelius: Dried fruit.
Bakster: What kind of dried fruit?
Cornelius: Bananas.
Bakster: Don't you eat anything other than bananas? Like meat?
All three of them in unison: Meat?!
Bakster: Yeah! Some Jerky? Or, anything that once walked or swam?
Zira: You eat meat?
Bakster: Don't you?
All three of them in unison: NO!
If looks could kill--I'd be dead.
Zira: Humans are so primitive!
Gulp!
Cornelius: Here! Have an apple and be happy with that.
Bakster: Keep your apple, I want meat.
Cornelius: Well--we are fresh out.
Mumbling... whatever.
Bakster: What's under that canvas?
I reach for it and Cornelius grabs it from me.
Cornelius: Oh NO! This is not for you.
Bakster: What is it?
Cornelius: If you must know... it's a rifle.
Bakster: Oh, heck yeah. That is for me.
Cornelius: Are you insane? Humans are not allowed to have guns.
Bakster: Well--this human is, and I need it.
Zira: Cornelius--can't we make an exception? Bright Eyes seems reasonable, for a human.
Cornelius: Zira... really. You know better than anyone else that humans can't reason.
(Jaw dropped. I didn't just hear that)
Zira: Yes, I know. But can't we make an exception? Just this once?
I did hear that! They really do think I am a Neanderthal. I must get out of this place--and FAST! Now--I am much less sorry for my brainless comment. Hey, Timmy! You are off the hook for throwing me under the wagon wheel. Just saying.
Cornelius: Zira! Do you want to get us killed?
(Zira gives Cornelius a look that only a married man can understand)
Cornelius: Here! Take it! But if any gorilla sees you with it... you stole it while we were not looking.
Bakster: Works for me!
"Click-clack," as I check the chamber.
Bakster: We have water, and dried fruit to last seven days. And with this little baby—possibly some rodents along the way.
(If looks could kill)
But hey--I don't care anymore. I have the gun, and everything that I need to get the H E L L out of here.
***************** End of transmission********************