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.They used the post driver attachment on the compact track loader to drive some of the logs deep into the ground as anchor points.While they were doing that, Jamal had been finally turned loose with his drone to search north once more.He went out with the plan to establish radio contact with the northern settlement and get their exact location.With more fuel he had more loiter time in the air.He picked up a tail wind and used the thermals to his advantage, cutting back on the engine to glide from time to time to further extend the range.When he got to where he'd picked them up he went into an orbit and wasn't disappointed.A few minutes after the aircraft's arrived it picked up a radio transmission.“We've been expecting you,” a gruff voice said.“Sorry, we had some issues but we're here now,” Jamal said, waving frantically for others to come and listen.A few did, most were too busy building the trading post to be distracted.Jamal explained their mission.He got them up-to-date on the news, then went on to describe the plan to have a meeting.That got the northern group interested.“Hang on a minute kid,” the voice on the other end said.Jamal could hear a bit of jostling and then someone else picked up the radio.“Okay, where are you?”“We've set up a trading post in the valley south of you,” Jamal reported.I'm trying to get a fix on your location now,” he said.“We're on a hill,” the voice replied.There is a screen of hills between us and you,” he said.“This is John by the way, John Duster,” he said then cleared his throat.“It's nice to well, not meet you, but talk to you Mister Duster,” Jamal said.“Call me John.Or Dusty.Now, you said you are in a valley?”“Between the mountains about five, no, six, yeah, six hundred kilometers south of where the drone is orbiting,” Jamal said.“We're setting up a trading post there.Just the basics, some fuel, water, a palisade, and of course a landing strip.”“Okay,” John said.“I think we can get to you,” sounding like he was turning to talk to someone else.“We've got working vehicles you see.I think they have the range.I'm not sure.I don't think we ever measured the miles per gallon, did we?” he asked, obviously pitching the question to someone else.After a moment he returned.“No, and it's through the hills,” he said.Jamal's face fell.“But we can load up with a lot of juice.We've been cultivating it.You said you are trading?”“Yeah.”“That Mitch Chambers guy? I know a couple people here want to shake his hand.Hell, I do.The guy saved a lot of lives with his survival gear.”“I know,” Jamal said nodding.“Now that we've got the trading posts set up I can see if we can get an aircraft out to you.I don't know when.Or what we can carry,” he said.“No, no, you came this far, we can go the rest of the way,” John said.“You can handle the fort right Eric? Earl?” Jamal felt his body rush as he heard muffled affirmatives.“Earl and I are the best out in the bush.I can handle a trip.If my wife doesn't mind.She's pregnant and I'm not sure.okay, yes, she said yes.I'll grab a couple people and we'll head out.”“Now?” Jamal asked, eyes wide.“No, tomorrow.First light.Well, after that.Predators,” John said.“We'll load up tonight,” he said.“Awesome!” Jamal said, grinning.“What do you need? We've got some stuff.Not a whole hell of a lot.I picked up some gold.I don't suppose you need that?” John asked.“Gold?” Jamal asked.“I'm not sure.Honestly I'm not into trade, just flying.I'm a pilot.Everyone's busy building the post,” he said.“Give me a sec,” he said.He got up to rush off then came back and nearly knocked his folding table and chair over in his haste.“Don't go away.”“I'm not going anywhere,” the tart rejoinder came back.Jamal shot off like a jack rabbit for Axel.Axel snorted and waved him on to Brian.Brian stopped what he was doing with the logs and wiped his brow, then came over with the young man.He took a seat and the negotiations began.------*------Paul and Gary's crew recovered Bessy on their return trip.They were fortunate that the wounded Hadrosaur Gary had hit had wandered off to the trees about a hundred meters away.So far it was okay, in the outer edge of the herd, but Paul was pretty sure it's days were numbered and bleak.It was in pain; he was pretty sure about that.He was tempted to put it out of its misery but didn't want to risk his ass to do it.He shook his head.Gary had to chase out a nesting lizard and cursed at the smells and stains all over the interior of the truck.When they lifted her hood to examine the motor they were startled by more lizards.Since they couldn't get the engine running, they swapped her load with another truck that had been running light, shifted the other loads about to free up Drake's rig, then used it to tow Bessy home.------*------Two days later Jamal guided a truck into the mountain pass
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