“We use a combination of solar, wind, and hydroelectric generation from a stream on the property to keep the compound powered.With solar, we have panels mounted over one hundred feet up and facing south.”Jagger gesticulated with fervor, his passion clear to see.
The mechanical building was a thing of beauty, housing all the compound’s essential workings.Jagger appeared to be the master of all things mechanical as well as a damn good pilot.The man’s genetically engineered ability enabled him to see things differently from most people and to construct intricate systems from nothing, without drawings or schematics.He was truly talented.
His musing was interrupted by Jagger.
“Apollo, do you mind?The key has gone missing.It’ll save me having to use the hacksaw.”Jagger held a padlock that was closed and locked a chain around four refillable gas containers.
“Sure,” Apollo said before taking the padlock in his palm and closing his hand into a fist.Rocko saw the concentration on his face.Moments later, Apollo reopened his palm, revealing a melted shackle, allowing the chain to fall to the floor, free of the lock.
“Thanks,” Jagger said, taking the remains of the padlock out of his hand.
“Bet that ability comes in handy getting in and out of places,” Rocko said with a smirk.
“Exactly,” Jagger answered before Apollo could.“Although we do tend to go through padlocks a lot.”
“This setup you’ve got here is truly amazing for the first year alone,” Rocko said.“I’m impressed by your setup..I’ve read about these systems, but I’ve never seen one as advanced as this.It’s ingenious.Could have used a guy like you in the trenches.”
Jagger’s face lit up with uncomfortable pride, and Rocko saw a slight smile of approval on Apollo’s face.Rocko wasn’t simply blowing smoke up Jagger’s ass to soft-soap Apollo.The guy was a huge memory bank of information.
“Thanks.I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this system,” Jagger said.
“It shows.I’d love a more detailed look when you have time,” Rocko said.
“Sure.Anytime.”
“We should get moving on the barn,” Apollo said curtly.“We only have four days before the first animals arrive.”
“Lead the way,” Rocko said.“Thanks again, Jagger.”
***
Apollo
Apollo led the way out and back into the rapidly graying sky.They might get a late season dusting of snow, but that should be the end of it this year.Apollo took a moment to bask in the peace surrounding him.Moments like these are rare, he thought, staring out across the land.
When they returned to the main cabin, Ellen and Hendrix seemed different and lighter somehow.Apollo called it the Rocko effect – the strange ability to lighten a person’s load without even trying.
Was Rocko using some hidden talent to put them all at ease to take advantage of them?To follow through with a devious plan Apollo hadn’t been able to uncover?
Renee and Griffin interrogated Apollo after the team headed out for the day, not fooled for his reason at being found at Rocko’s trailer.They seemed concerned he allowed this phenomenon to cloud his common sense about the stranger.Apollo reassured them nothing would ever impede his ability and dedication to this team.Not a fucking chance.
“What’s wrong?”Rocko asked, breaking Apollo free of his troubling thoughts.
“Nothing.”
“Okay, but you’re growling.You know, you can tell me to mind my own damn business instead of lying.I won’t get offended.”
“Really?If I told you to stay the hell in your own lane, you’d be fine?”
“Yes.If anyone understands the bullshit involved in simply existing in our fucked-up world, it’s me.C’est la vie.I’m only here for two weeks, why would I give a fuck?”
Apollo searched Rocko’s face for any hint that he might be lying but found none.
“You’re a strange one.You intentionally put people at ease around you when you yourself are as raw as an open wound.”
“Huh, not the first time I’ve been called strange, but I’ve never been called a raw wound.Fuck that imagery man.Disgusting,” Rocko said with a shudder before walking toward the half-finished barn.“Coming?”
Apollo was having a hard time figuring out Rocko, which was a first for him.What exactly was this guy’s game?
