Questions.

(Knacker Wagon Chronicles - VIII)


Once Baye and Rev got back inside the van, Baye collected his thoughts. Baye had a million questions. He needed to find out if this crew was simply nuts. If these guys were completely irrational he had to escape soon, for it would only be a matter of time before his disposal became a matter of their pleasure. For dignity's sake, he did not want to die near Tweed and Pudgi and have his remains desecrated. He had to learn about the operations of the crew - were they rational at all. He wanted to interrogate Rev about the crew members. With Pudgi in the front seat he didn't want start with Pudgi's oddities.

Baye looked out the windshield. Sarge had started the ash ritual again. Blackened bits, were sprinkled on the site of the possum body with Sarge walking in a slow circle. After a couple revolutions, Sarge paused, unzipped his pants, and unloaded on the pile with a stream of urine. Baye waited for the solemn moment to end. He turned to Rev and asked, "What's up with the pee thing?"
"Genesis, Baye" said Rev in a throaty whisper. "And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap which I have cast betwixt me and thee. This heap be witness that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap unto me, for harm." Baye hesistated to respond, looking perplexed.

Rev continued, "Demarcation. This is our territory. Every time we make a collection we mark our passing. It's a broadcast message to any other knacker crew that wants to score big around here to stay away. We're not exactly on friendly terms with our neighbors - be it other knackers, people, anything really. We would kill any knacker that crosses into our turf and this let's them know how far our borders go."
"Rather brutal isn't it?", asked Baye.
"Not really, there's plenty of resources for us to survive on. Plenty for other knackers on their own turf too. The only reason they would pay us a visit is to raid us, and do us grave harm. So, obviously, we don't want that." Rev grinned slightly.
"Are the other crews as messed up as you guys?"
"Hah. We're alive aren't we? That counts plenty in our favor."
"So when this Vengenace Crew shows up, what, you're gonna knife-fight them, sic the dogs on 'em?"
Rev contemplated Baye's question. "Basically, yes", he said.
"And when they whip out a gun to throw lead in you guys... game over?"

Rev smiled at Baye's naivety. "That's the nuclear option, Baye. We're on work-release. There's rules imposed on us knackers. You think the Justice enforcers would allow us to have such toys in our hands?! We can't have anything that magnifies projectile impact - no guns, no arrows, no crossbows, not even lacrosse sticks. They have eyes, Baye, they watch us all the time. Sarge wants you in the van, not because Vengeance would kill you, no, it's because you might do something stupid to bring Justice on us."

Baye wondered how paranoid Rev was. He thought maybe Rev just provided a clue to some possible mental instability. Rev was certainly sadistic. He was lucid but sometimes countenanced bizarre expressions. With the ice broken, and Rev ready to talk, Baye steered his next question toward the crew.

"Seriously... what's Pudgi gonna do in a fight, bite 'em?"
"Don't underestimate Pudgi; he's worth more alive than dead. Pudgi is our breadwinner. Sarge won't let him fight."
"Well, what about you? Sarge got you in here because you're some sort of pacifist preacher?", charged Baye.
"Hardly. Hamm's the preacher. Ex-preacher. He gave me all his earthly goods to me, consisting of exactly the one good book, and hung up his collar so-to-speak. He's on a spiritual journey now. You know, I enjoy a hot cup of tea and slumbering up next to the fireplace to read - that's how I know what I know." Rev said mischeviously. "No, I'm a scoundrel. I'm a chameleon. I just choose to personify Hamm's old profession." Rev's face tightened. His lips turned inward and his gaze intensified on Baye. "I'm here to knock you senseless if it becomes necessary."