Chapter 28 - No More Sheds

Andy sighed. "So you're expecting me to put the sheds on the back burner and spend that money on logs to be eaten by termites because a bacteria whisperer told me the end is nigh, or did I miss something intelligent."

"You haven't missed anything intelligent. You've forgotten something intelligent. The purpose of the homestead is to keep you alive and well fed in times of catastrophe. You anticipated a human disaster, but Mother Nature has jumped the queue. So lets say, hypothetically, that I am wrong. I have had several ideas for this project that have had savings roughly equivalent to two thirds the cost of the sheds. These ideas have also increased the human carrying capacity of the homestead. Over time I am likely to have more ideas, so the net effect of my presence would still exceed the cost of the sheds."

"And what exactly is your stake in this. It seems all too altruistic for me.", he took mental note of the thinly veiled threat.

"You're quite correct it is. I need somewhere to stay as well."

"I suppose you'll be wanting your parents along."

"And Daniel."

"So that's an extra six"

"Four actually", Imogen replied.

"So Daniel's parents aren't coming along?"

"Nah, fuck 'em"

Andy looked at Daniel for confirmation. "Imogen's right and maybe this is just a far-right thing but I would much prefer it for them to fuck each other."

Andy felt better for hearing that - he to had had an emotionally sterile childhood. "How many are you bringing", asked Imogen.

Andy thought for a moment and suddenly realised that he had no one special. Subconsciously he was playing the saviour so that others would find him of value. Now that the crunch time was approaching he had no one to share warmth with. No one cared about him except maybe these strange adolescents. Or did she have some other angle. "If this disaster is as big as you say it is then the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA will be involved since the climate will be affected. Now if you can hack into them and get some kind of proof of involvement then I'll go along with your plan."

It was Daniels turn to speak. "I had some doubts as well Andy. The correct terminology is cracking. Anyway I got some PDF's and emails last night."

"What, that easy?", asked Andy

"What do you think this is, Hollywood"

"Don't worry, I've got a real challenge for you after.", said Imogen

Andy looked at the PDF's. They seemed to have the 'right' kind of content to back up Imogen's claims. Of course they could be forged, but maybe they weren't. He needed to trust. They weren't asking for additional money and certainly none to be spent on themselves, just divert previously committed funds. "Ok, if I say yes. Can these termites be put over the hard clay soil areas so they can make it more porous."

"Yes, that would make it more suitable for growing trees. Another bonus is that seepage from the abattoir will keep going for another 10 years due to the slow movement of discharge through the hills porous rock. As you may recall that fuels the composting process for deep litter chickens. Just that little stretch alone, which due to the way the water flows can't be expanded, can produce enough protein to keep 10 people indefinitely."

"So what kind of carrying capacity can you get to?"

"A lot depends on the timing of the eruption. Going by gut feel, with termites/earthworms to chickens to people about 50 adults. Cut out the middle man and your looking at 200, but it would be a very dour existence for them. But I guess it's better than dying."

Andy figured the wood would cost about $25,000. Maybe a bit less with quantity discount. That was the firewood rate, maybe $20,000 if he were lucky. Another $10,000 for water distillation and earthworm equipment because they would also be playing a big part in recycling wastes and food production. Besides if the disaster didn't eventuate he could always turn the homestead into some kind of permaculture/touristy thing. His mobile rang. It was Tracy. "You guys don't know your wood markets too well. 100 tonnes of wood chips delivered for $7,000 which will also reduce the energy consumption of the wood grinder for the sawdust." Andy thanked her. "OK, lets do it. Tracy will call you when the wood's on site."

Lü Zhi got the IT department on the intercom. "I have received a message on my internal email account. I want it traced so I can find out who the joker is."

It was George who took the call. "What time did you get the email?"

"3:47AM today"

"Ah, that one. Lets take a look. Mars has 1/3 atmospheric pressure. Contact me when you're convinced. Imogen MacBeth, Albany Western Australia Ok, view email source code. Whoa, looks like a handcrafted message. No senders email address. I'll see what I can do to track down the source. These aren't supposed to be possible on our system unless you really know what you're doing."

"Can you spare me the cliches and get on with it."

"No problem."