A Good Harvest, Part 1 — Montauk EP05
A medical consultant explains to Ned that he has something Hegemony wants very badly — his organs — and they’re willing to provide him with due compensation.
Welcome to the world of “Montauk.” This serial novella explores this ruined world from a collection of different perspectives ranging from astronauts, to late night comedians — all pieced together by a mysterious radio D.J. on a mission to uncover what really happened to the world.
Ned Abernathy sat at an industrial cardboard table for one, tucked into the corner of his tiny IsoHab unit. The space served as both the work station for his tedious job where he earned his rations, and the place where he consumed the aforementioned calories. Calling it food seemed a touch generous. The blocks of protein paste had become increasingly tacky, not unlike an enormous wad of gum. Ned’s last meal claimed one of his wiggly teeth. He was in no hurry to eat again.
Ned drummed his gnawed fingernails on the moisture-warped surface. He stared down the land line phone sitting before him, daring it to ring. When it finally did, he nearly jumped out of his chair.
“H-hello, this is Ned.” He spoke with a nasal voice, quivering with panic.
A chipper woman answered him; calm, collected, and upbeat like a college campus tour guide. “Good morning Ned, I’m Madison. I’m guessing you know exactly who I represent, and why I’m calling. I can hear it in your voice.”
“My, wait you—”
Madison talked right over him, and talked fast. This call was routine for her. She’d had this conversation hundreds of times. Maybe thousands.
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