Free Still Falling: Book 1: Solstice 31 Saga by Martin Wilsey Page B

counter-clockwise through the doorway, which ran along toward the kitchen side, he saw the roof there had several leaks as well.
    Outside, he could see that the overgrowth had been cut back. Any plant that had managed to grow in between the flagstones in the various inner courtyards had been expertly removed. The area that was once the kitchen garden was now clear of small trees. It wasn't mowed or tilled. It was trampled flat. It looked much better.
    There was a neatly stacked pile of poles against one wall. They were the former saplings and trees with their branches stripped, standing by for future use. The debris that must have been cleared was nowhere to be seen.
    There were gutters at the roof line, guiding the water down large storm drains. Engrossed in the very effective design, he walked directly into a steady drip of water.
    He found the public midden easily. The door hinges were very rusty. The midden was stone with a wooden top that was dried and cracked. There were six keyhole shaped seats to choose from, all with the lids down.
    Opening a lid, he could hear water rushing by far below. Pulling out his multi-tool, he switched on the light and shined it down. Water rushed by three meters below. It must be storm sewers and the rain doing it. But what about dry spells?
    It was a smart setup.
    He had a seat and started to read about beekeeping.

 
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    Foxden
     
    “Barcus clearly did not destroy the Ventura. All the Solstice 31 Incident assumptions are now called into question.”
    --Solstice 31 Incident Investigation Testimony Transcript: Emergency Module Digital Forensics Report. Independent Tech Analysis Team.
    <<<>>>
     
    A few weeks went by, allowing Barcus to manage and direct further cleanup and repairs at The Abbey. At the end of that period of time, the gatehouse, the gate tower, the willow courtyard, the stable yard, the stables and the rooms above were all power washed and clean. Enough firewood had been collected to serve him the entire winter, more than was necessary, really. There were about thirty cords of wood neatly piled in the woodshed that was made for ten times that amount. The majority of the wood was from the trees that had been removed from The Abbey courtyards. Several of the trees remained. Barcus didn't remove any that he thought might help conceal his occupation of The Abbey from potential watchers from above.
    One was an old apple tree that had grown to an impressive size since The Abbey had been abandoned.
    Em had surveyed the surrounding area with BUGs and found several good sources for salvage. So far, she had not found any other books, even though Barcus kept asking her.
    “I think we are ready to stock The Northern Cache. I would like to get it cleaned up, furnished and stocked with some supplies – food, water, clothes, blankets, firewood, and gear,” Barcus said.
    “It would go faster if we all went with the first load. For your safety, I don't ever want to leave you at The Abbey alone for long until it's secure,” Em said.
    “Are you babysitting me?” Barcus feigned insult.
    “I just don't trust you to stay out of trouble,” Em chided.
    Barcus thought of Chen again just then. Dead, frozen, in the mountains.
    “After we are done with that The Northern Cache, I want to go get the STU,” Barcus said.
    Em's avatar seemed genuinely surprised.
    “Why, Barcus? That location represents a risk.”
    “I need him close enough for local comms. I have work for him to do.”
    “Barcus, we would have to fly him here. We could be seen. Where would you hide him? Again, why do you need him? It's a risk.”
    “First off, the shuttle has a small parts fabricator on board, more supplies, the med scanner and more tools. Second, he has massive CPU cycles. I want to use him to crack the encryption for their comms. Plus if we need to run...” Barcus faded off.
    Em was looking thoughtful now.
    “Before the snows fly here, I want to park the STU in the lake by The Northern