Chương 178: Book 3 - Chapter 23 - Population Density

It turned out there weren't that many places to actually put evacuees, even in a mega city as large as Calgary. Nearly every possible square foot was covered with either mega towers, which were already packed full of their own residents and didn't want to take in more, or titanic industrial complexes which weren't fit for human habitation. The best we could find were a series of titanic warehouse complexes, which provided shelter but little else.

"It sounds like the insurance companies are trying to claim that corporate wars fall under the 'force of nature' clauses, and refusing to provide even the most basic living expenses for the people," Sharron explained as I unloaded the last group of evacuees outside the already crowded structure.

"So most of them are going to have to stay here until the fighting's over? That's fucked up," I replied quietly, so the people couldn't hear me.

"We're doing what we can. Zetta is trying to 'Pressure' a few of the companies to release funds, but more than a few of them have samurai backers so chances are that's not going to happen for most people. Angeline, Nora and a couple others have started setting up tents, porta potties and soup lines, trying to make this place livable," Sharron explained.

"What about Barricade? and Hel?"

"Jacob has been hovering around the outskirts of the conflict, ready to swoop in and try to reinforce damaged buildings before they collapse," a voice announced from right behind me. I quickly pivoted, to find Hel standing there, looking exhausted.

"And I've been busy trying to locate more places that we can put people. Unfortunately space is at a premium, at least on the surface." It took a couple seconds for my brain to process what she was saying.

"Oh fuck no, you can't possibly be suggesting what I think you're suggesting," I hissed.

"These people wouldn't last an hour in the undercity. It took me six months, and a damn army, to make even a small section what I would consider 'livable'. The gangs would eat these people alive."

"It's either that or beyond the walls, and with all the commotion the antithesis have become more active the last few days. The family has some security forces, but not enough to secure a compound of that size, and if a single antithesis managed to penetrate the perimeter…" Hel left that last statement hanging. I sighed.

"I get it, we're struggling to provide for their basic needs. Although we'd have the space, we don't have enough samurai volunteers to both setup a location, and hunt the rogue antithesis at the same time. I wish I could pull a few bears back from those garrisons outside, but I don't want to risk losing the city's food, or power supplies. That would make the situation much worse."

"It wouldn't be so bad if the council, or other corps for that matter, did anything to help with the situation. Even a few extra guards would be helpful," Sharron moaned, "but instead the council is completely ignoring the state of the city, concentrating entirely on the conflict, and the other corps have decided to sit back and fortify their own complexes."

"To them charity is an investment. They need to get more out of the act than they put in. Risking their profits by leaving their property undefended? Not worth it," I grumbled as I received a ping, "Just a second." On the far end of the compound a small fight had broken out in front of the newly setup soup kitchen. I didn't know what had caused it, but with a quick command I sent a couple moose charging into the area. They'd break things up real quick. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site?

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"These people have been out of their home for just a couple hours and they're already starting shit," I reported to the other two. Hel shrugged.

"Tensions are high. These are just the evacuees from half a dozen buildings, what are we going to do when the conflict spreads? Where are we going to put everyone?"

"As far as I'm concerned, the gangs are just as much of a threat to these people as the antithesis. We're going to need more security no matter what we do," I said, crossing my arms.

"Isn't there anyone else that could help us?" Right on cue, through the crowd I spotted a flash of purple as the people parted, allowing for a pair of exceptionally well dressed individuals, and their bodyguards to step through. I grimaced as the unfortunately familiar pair flamboyantly strutted towards us..

"Shit. I take it back, we're better on our own."

"And, like a hero of old, I arrive at the eleventh hour to give aid to those in need," Mirage declared as he stepped up to our group. Behind him, a woman I'd only met once before, Charlotte LeFluer, AKA Stalking Shadow, nodded politely towards us. The two of them were dressed in expensive suits, and looked like they'd stepped right out of a board meeting.

"Hero, huh? I expected you to be out there on the front lines, considering how far your nose was up the council's ass earlier," I snapped. Mirage shot me a disappointed look.

"Do you have any idea how delicate the balance between the big five is? If there's even the smallest disruption those ravenous vultures will be at each other's throats, trying to tear off a bigger piece of a pie for themselves. You have no idea how much work it is to keep them from squabbling." He sighed.

"This war will keep them focused on a single, external threat for the time being, but as soon as it's over I have no doubt they'll be fighting over the scraps again. Since Charlotte and I refuse to intervene in the conflict, and we can't throw our support around to keep the council balanced, we thought we'd show our support another way."" Please tell me you have empty buildings we can house these people in," Hel said.

"Unfortunately not, we make very efficent use of our facilities," Charlotte replied in her high class accent, "But we may be able to help with your lack of personnel. We dipped into the emergency funds, and tapped into our out of city contacts, all to scrounge up a couple extra PMCs to help out. Considering they're all mechanized, I doubt they'll make great security staff, but perhaps they can take over from Teddy's garrison units?"

"How do you know about that?" I asked suspiciously.

"Oh, darling, I make it my business to know everything that happens around this city. You never know where the next big deal is going to come from, have to keep on top of things," Charlotte replied with a wink. She flicked open an oversized pair of sunglasses, and slid them on.

"The troops should be arriving in the next hour or so, that should help, yes?"

"Yes?" I replied blankly, before shaking my head and answering properly.

"Yes, thank you."

"Don't I, also, deserve a thank you?" Mirage asked, with a wide smile.

"Thank you, you have been very helpful," I managed through gritted teeth.

"It was no problem. Charlotte and I have also assigned a contingent of our security staff here to keep things under control until your reinforcements arrive," Mirage said, before checking his watch.

"Now if you'll excuse us, we have a meeting with the Helmar board of directors. They still haven't moved their forces, so we want to determine their intentions. With any luck we can convince them to not do anything stupid. Try and keep the city in one piece while we're gone," Mirage swiveled in place, and immediately started walking off, casually waving goodbye over the shoulder of his ridiculous purple suit. Charlotte threw a little wave and "Ta ta!" our way before following him a moment later.

"I really hate that man," I growled, hopefully loud enough for him to hear me as he wandered away.

"You do have to admit though, he came through for us," Sharron muttered, before turning back to Hel and myself.

"So now what? We have the forces, where do we set up?" Hel raised an eyebrow and looked my way, it didn't take a genius to understand she was leaving the final decision to me. I groaned.

"Shit, I guess… the undercity is the better choice. There's a huge area outside of the Terminal that used to be a shanty town, but since it was one of the focal points of the incursion six months ago it never recovered. As long as we choose the right place, and warn people about the weather, it should be fine." Sharron nodded, but Hel just looked confused.

"How bad can the weather be? Isn't it underground?"

"Hel, my friend," I laughed, "let me enlighten you about the realities of living in the undercity."