novelsite Chapter 192 The Martin Team's Failure
Chapter 192 The Martin Team's Failure
Chapter 192 The Martin Team's Failure
"That's a good idea, Tara. This should have been done sooner rather than later."
As soon as Tara finished speaking, Gavin praised her.
"Tomorrow morning, Edward and I are going to his camp near the ravine. Your old camp was a gym, right? So it's in town, isn't it?"
"That's right, boss. My gym is in Oak Valley. They refused to leave with us, so if they're still alive, I bet they're still hiding there!"
Tara responded thoughtfully.
Upon hearing this, Gavin nodded, then raised his hand and fumbled on the map for a moment.
After finally finding the town of Oak Valley, he looked at the layout of the town and then at the street connecting the town to the manor, and then spoke.
"It's only about 75 kilometers away from us. Here's what we'll do, Eugene, you take a team tomorrow and search for it, see if you can find Tara's old friends."
"Tara, you go with Eugene tomorrow, and then pick two more people to fill one car."
"Okay, boss."
Tara immediately nodded, and Eugene followed suit with an awkward smile.
Noticing Eugene's smile, Gavin glanced at him sideways, and Eugene immediately waved his hand at Gavin repeatedly, saying something.
"I don't drink, absolutely not, boss, trust me!"
"That would be best!"
Gavin took a deep breath, and with a sour face, waved his right hand at Eugene.
Eugene could only manage a forced smile.
Ignoring Eugene's forced smile, Gavin turned to Thomas and continued speaking.
"That's enough for the fieldwork. Is there anything else? If not, what about logistics, Thomas? When do you think we should start cultivating the land?"
"Boss, these are the only tasks we need to pay attention to in the field for now. If there were more, we wouldn't be able to finish them all in one day, would we?"
Thomas immediately responded to Gavin.
"As for farming, boss, I think we should start getting busy tomorrow!"
"tomorrow?"
Hearing this, Gavin frowned, turned around, and leaned back on the sofa to ask.
"Thomas, isn't tomorrow a bit early? I remember we usually start planting potatoes around February 20th."
"Of course, I haven't been involved in farming for the past five or six years, so have there been any new rules about farming in recent years?"
"No, boss, it's just that the soil temperature is higher this year."
Faced with Gavin's question, Thomas explained while going to the side to accept the milk tea that Teacher Hela brought him.
After delivering the first cup to Gavin, Thomas carried the tray and served the cups to the others in turn, then returned the empty tray to Hela.
As Hela walked away with the tray, Thomas returned to the sofa, holding his milk tea cup, and continued talking to Gavin.
"Boss, I did the test today. The soil temperature this year is at least 2.5 degrees Celsius higher than in previous years."
"Such temperatures are not a good sign. I worry that we will face at least one locust plague this summer that is larger than in previous years."
"Moreover, we currently have no possibility of controlling locust plagues artificially, so we must try to grow a round of fresh seasonal potatoes and vegetables before the locust plague may break out."
"Therefore, I chose the Fiurita potato variety because Fiurita potatoes can mature in just sixty to seventy days, which is a mere two months."
"In addition, the Fever is also the most common potato variety in central Texas. Its tubers can withstand temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius for a short period of time, so even in the hot summer, it can still yield a good harvest."
"So, with the Feverita potato, we can harvest about once every two months, which means we can harvest at least two times between February and June."
"There are roughly three types of locust plagues in Texas. One is the northward migration of locusts from Mexico. In the past decade, this type of northward-migrating locust plague has often occurred from mid-June to the end of June."
"Secondly, there is the eastward expansion of locusts from New Mexico. This type of locust plague often occurs in mid-August and late August. The difference in timing between northward-migrating locust plagues and eastward-expanding locust plagues is mainly due to the temperature differences between Mexico and New Mexico at different latitudes and longitudes."
"In addition, locust plagues can also occur due to Pacific cyclones. In 2010, just three years ago, Texas experienced a small locust plague caused by a Pacific cyclone that made landfall in Texas from the direction of Hawaii."
"Of course, that's a special case and it's rare in normal circumstances, so we only need to focus on the locust plagues that may occur in June and August."
At this point, Thomas placed his hands on his thighs, a hint of nervousness creeping into his eyes.
Gavin, after a brief moment of thought, began to speak.
"June and August are both even-numbered months, and our potatoes can be harvested about every two months."
"In other words, as long as we plant at the right time, we can harvest in April. And in June and August, even if there is a locust plague, by the time they appear, the potatoes we replant will have already grown to a near maturity."
"In that case, we really should get to farming as soon as possible. Thomas, make sure to arrange the necessary personnel tonight, and have the office staff fully cooperate with the logistics work."
"Whether we need tractors or anything else, the office staff will unconditionally help the logistics and prioritize getting our land planted."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gavin couldn't help but rub his forehead.
Locust plague, what a chilling term.
With only a handful of big and small cats left in the United States, if a locust plague were to occur, they would be left with no choice but to watch helplessly as the locusts wreak havoc.
As for whether raising chickens and ducks can prevent locusts?
Or, to put it another way, could locusts from a locust plague be fried and eaten as food?
Haha, those two points are simply a pipe dream.
Many people may have seen the practice of eating locusts during locust plagues in some novels.
In reality, when a locust plague truly breaks out, the locusts in the plague secrete a unique toxin, making them completely unusable as food!
As for raising chickens and ducks—
Ha ha.
Even the smallest locust plague involves at least tens of billions of locusts!
Even if you raise 100 million ducks, each duck would have to eat at least 100 locusts within just a few days of the locust plague outbreak.
The key issue is that locusts in a locust plague can fly, and chickens and ducks, which can only move on the ground, have no chance of eating them clean.
Moreover, let's not forget that the locusts in the plague are poisonous!
In short, in Texas today, which has been ravaged by the apocalypse, if a locust plague breaks out, humans will have no choice but to hide and eke out a living.
Thinking of this, Gavin couldn't help but rub his hat, and then simply took it off.
"Has Martin and the others not returned yet?"
Gavin was a little agitated; the possibility of a locust plague was making him very anxious.
Faced with Gavin's sudden change of topic, Thomas paused slightly before responding.
"Sir, the Madam's entourage has not yet returned, but it's still early, and we should receive news around six o'clock."
"Hmm, hopefully. Is there anything else? If not, then everyone can go home and do what they need to do, even if it's just playing games. Don't all just sit here like idiots."
Gavin waved to the crowd, and they immediately got up and left the hall.
Seeing everyone leave so suddenly, Edward looked at Gavin in surprise, while Gavin raised his hand and beckoned to Eugene, saying something.
"Eugene, take Edward to a room, and while you're at it, take him to the armory to get his weapons. Then show him around the manor."
"Alright, boss, I'll take care of this seal and make sure he feels like he's back in the military camp~"
Eugene gave Gavin a thumbs up, then led Edward to the armory.
Gavin, looking at the empty hall, took another sip of his milk tea, leaving about a third of it, then placed it on the table and pointed it at the big raven.
The raven cleverly noticed Gavin's movements, so it jumped off Gavin's shoulder, landed on the table, and stuck its head into the cup.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh————
The crow took a few sips of milk tea.
Whoosh!
The large raven suddenly turned its head and looked at Gavin with its bright, sparkling eyes.
Seeing this, Gavin forced a smile and said.
"If you like it, drink more."
"Gaga————"
The large crow responded once, then continued to enjoy its milk tea.
While the crow was busy dealing with milk tea, Horst finally arrived late with a plate of coffee.
"Uh...this...nobody knows..."
Looking at the almost empty hall, Horst muttered something awkwardly.
Gavin then beckoned him to come closer.
Horst nervously approached Gavin and placed the tray on the table. He himself was unsure whether he should sit down, as none of the sofas closest to Gavin were his seats.
Noticing Horst's unease, Gavin pressed his palms together.
"Have a seat, Horst. Thanks for the coffee, but why did you take so long?"
"Uh, boss, I'm using coffee beans."
As Horst answered, he sat down on Eugene's sofa and said uneasily to Gavin.
Upon hearing this, Gavin nodded knowingly. So it was freshly ground coffee; no wonder it took so long.
As he nodded, he picked up a cup of coffee and tasted it. It tasted good, and the sweetness was just right. It seemed that Horst knew that Horst didn't like eating too much sugar.
Nearby, the large crow noticed that there was another drink available, so it moved closer to the coffee cup and sniffed at the rising steam.
Immediately afterwards, the large crow hopped back twice in disgust, quickly dodging the coffee and returning to drinking its warm milk tea.
Seeing this, Horst smiled wryly, picked up a cup of coffee, and slowly took a sip.
After putting down his cup, Gavin greeted Horst with pleasantries.
"How's your illness lately, buddy? Any improvement?"
"Well----"
When Gavin talked about his illness, Horst felt a little embarrassed and his heart was burning.
He pursed his lips and said.
"Boss, my illness is nothing serious. I just happened to read a book the other day that said at least 82 percent of people in the United States have had one or two sexually transmitted diseases. One more won't make a difference."
"Moreover, the medicine that old Bert introduced was very effective, and I didn't even realize I had the disease."
"In short, I think that after a few more weeks of training and once my suspension period is over, I can join the field operations."
"Boss, don't worry, this time I definitely won't let anyone else slip away—I mean, I—"
"I—I might still be scared, but I can't bear to leave our environment, boss, our camp is just too awesome!"
At this point, Horst couldn't help but give a wry smile.
Honestly, he absolutely loves the current environment of the camp.
The number of people in the camp continued to increase, and the number of women in the camp also continued to grow. Horst even thought that he might be able to find a partner in the camp, live a good life together, and even have a child.
However, the prerequisite is that he must first get through his punishment period.
During the days when he was punished by having to clean every day, everyone looked at him strangely. He rarely had the chance to chat with others, let alone pick up girls.
Upon hearing this, Gavin nodded, encouraging Horst's statement and providing the young man, who was gradually being accepted by the apocalypse, with some confidence and emotional support.
Then Gavin took the raven and left the manor alone, going to the river in the middle of the yard.
As he walked onto the small bridge, Bruce the Golden Retriever, along with the other dogs, gathered around him in a lively commotion, circling his legs.
After Gavin had been walking his dogs in the middle of the yard for more than twenty minutes, Steve's voice finally came through his walkie-talkie.
"Boss, this is Steve. I'm approaching the eastern airport of the farm. Can you receive my message?"
"Hoo--Fuck--"
Hearing this voice, Gavin, bathed in the setting sun, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He casually cursed and then picked up the walkie-talkie to respond enthusiastically.
"Of course, Steve, I'm at home. You guys hurry back, it'll be dinner time soon!"
"Ah, dinner—"
Steve responded quietly to Gavin's words, then continued.
"Boss, I hope dinner isn't too lavish, otherwise I'll feel ashamed to eat it, because we've gained nothing from this trip. We only dared to observe from about 800 meters away in Athens for a while, but ultimately didn't dare to enter the city."
"Forget about stores selling radios, I haven't even seen a Walmart in Athens, and I haven't seen many zombies either!"
"Good heavens, I'd rather the streets of Athens be filled with zombies than see just a few scattered zombies wandering aimlessly on the streets of that city like this."
"Most of the hunters in that city have been lured away by the previous congregations, and I dare not gamble on how many more are still lying in ambush inside. It's practically a silent hell!"
At this point, Steve let out a long sigh, his voice even crackling through the walkie-talkie.
Hearing his words, Gavin leaned on the railing of the small bridge and remained silent for a moment before turning on the walkie-talkie to respond.
"Steve, that's why I put you in charge of Athens. I don't want a bunch of reckless brutes rushing into Athens, but guys like you who can all come back safe and sound."
"Athens is certainly very dangerous, so you need to infiltrate it little by little, extremely slowly, starting from the outermost areas of Athens."
"That's a huge job, much bigger than the one we did in Richardgan."
"Take your time, don't rush. Let's go home first and talk about it after dinner."
After speaking, Gavin tucked the walkie-talkie back into his waistband and looked up at the distant sky.
Only two-thirds of the sun remained above the horizon, leaving the setting sun to linger and bid a reluctant farewell to the mountains and rivers.
In the southwestern sky, the great crow pursuing Foxy was still putting in its best effort, continuing its courtship dance that resembled a spinning dove, hoping to attract Foxy's attention.
Gavin rubbed his chin, thinking to himself how envious he was of the crow.
After all, crows don't need to think about so many things.
In the distance, at the entrance to the manor.
Edward couldn't help but show a surprised expression as he watched the crows courting in the sky.
Wow!
From a distance, he called out to Gavin's retreating figure.
"Boss, what's that thing doing? Is it courting?"
"That's right, courtship. Crows are monogamous after all, and their courtship is a very serious affair that can last a long time."
As Gavin answered, he took out a cigarette and tossed one to Edward.
Edward took the cigarette, lit it, stood next to Gavin, and leaned on the railing, exhaling a puff of smoke.
Gavin gazed at the rushing river and asked a question.
"You're all packed? In such a short time?"
"That's enough for now, boss. What's there for us men to pack up? Pick out a few guns, grab some bullets, wash your face, I even took a shower~"
As Edward responded, he pulled a bullet from the belt at his waist and began to play with it in his hand.
Gavin looked at the river and continued speaking.
"Now that you're all packed up, go get some rest. Your eyes are practically bloodshot, buddy. How much sleep have you had these past few days?"
"Hehe, since I got separated from my camp, I've only slept for about six hours in total these past few days, but it's all been deep sleep."
Edward responded to Gavin with a smile.
"In our line of work, rest is a very important lesson. Even if I'm lurking in a river full of leeches, I can fall asleep within two minutes."
"As for my eyes, well, my willpower can overcome many things, but my body doesn't always listen to my will; it gets tired eventually, but that won't affect my condition!"
As he said this, Edward fiddled with the bullet in his left hand, while his right hand tentatively pressed against his revolver.
Ever since his usual Sig Sauer P226 was deformed by Gavin's shot, he also got himself a nice revolver.
He simply pressed the revolver in its holster and spoke.
"Boss, how did you manage that shot? Was there some trick to it, or was it just that you were fast?"
If you have time, could you teach me? I'm so interested! I've never seen a gun that fast before, really!
"Sure, of course, let's wait until you've had a good rest."
Gavin nodded, then turned around and patted Edward on the shoulder.
Then, he shook off Edward and headed toward the manor, saying as he went.
"Let's go home and get ready for dinner. I really hope tonight's dishes will be a pleasant surprise, except for Indian food!"