30 A Holdout in the Northern California Designated Wildcraft Zone
30 A Holdout in the Northern California Designated Wildcraft Zone
An inquisitive drone responsible for protecting a forest ecosystem stumbles upon a surprise deep in the woods.
Holdout. Female, elderly, likely mixed race, average build, unarmed, traversing north-northeast dirt footpath through oak/ pine/ madrone woodlands near northern edge of my newly assigned territory. Permanent human presence poses significant risk to my rewilding efforts here. Approach? Approach.
“Hello —”
“Aaah! What are you doing here?”
Holdout’s heart rate now elevated. Double-checking unarmed. Confirmed unarmed, though she remains roughly 10 times my size. Holdout appears to have been startled by my appearance despite no effort on my part to sneak up on her.
Update requested for improved human interaction. Approved. Installing.
Attempt disarming demeanor. Raise tentacle, wave in friendly manner. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Holdout stands still, crosses arms, glares? Glares. Holdout may be hostile. “I suppose you’re one of those rewilding drones they sent up here to get rid of us.”
“I only wanted to inform you that this region has been designated as a wildcraft zone and is being rewilded for carbon sequestration and food production.”
“And I’m just supposed to pack up and move to the city-state, is that right?”
“My apologies, I am not here to coerce you. Merely to make you aware of the situation.”
“Well, I’m aware. Now go away.”
“Understood.”
Holdout squints at me. Unfolds arms, shoves hands in dress pockets, which are — analyzing — full of pinecones. Holdout turns, continues walking north/northeast.
Question for network: Rangers close?
Yes, six Rangers riding north on Highway 101, 3 miles west, horseback.
Equipped to relocate one person?
Confirmed. Note: Three of six Rangers in the party are known to use excessive force with holdouts.
Analyzing. If holdout remains here, Rangers will eventually force her to leave. Due to holdout’s advanced age, an altercation could easily turn fatal. Best course of action is for me to convince her to leave of her own volition before Rangers find her. Decision: Do not summon until a reasonable effort has been made.
Approaching holdout, this time from a more obvious angle. Holdout sees me, keeps walking. I hover alongside, matching her pace.
“I noticed you’re collecting pinecones. What are you using them for?”
Holdout glances at me. “None of your business. Now shoo.”
“As a wildcraft drone, it actually is my business to know what everything in this designated wildcraft zone can be used for. I’m confused because it’s not the right season for pine nuts so those cones are likely empty.”
“You wouldn’t understand. Now go away.”
“Do you say that because I’m a robot or because you just want me to leave?”
“Both.”
Strategy not working. Network: Help?
Try introducing yourself.
Holdout bends down to pick up another pinecone. Confirmed empty, no seeds. Why? Wait. Opportunity? I zip down to the pinecone, grab it in my tentacles, then hold it ou