Page 7 of Undone
“The four of us were having a disagreement,” I explained. “We stepped out the side door of the building so we wouldn’t draw attention, and when we went back, everyone was gone. It happened fast.”
Vahni kept a bored look on her face. “A disagreement about what?”
“About what we were told by the DRI. Tater—I mean Jacob—and I believed them, but Amber and Rylen were skeptical and wanted to run away. When we found out the busses left without us, we went our separate ways. Jacob and I wanted to find the camp. We wanted to help the DRI look for outliers. We came across a truck with two Army guys—”
“What were their names?”
“Texas Harry and New York Josh.”
If possible, her bored look intensified.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “That’s what we called them. We didn’t talk much. They were on their way to Dugway—”
“How did they hear about the bunker there?”
“I’m not sure,” I lied. “They were weird and secretive. I didn’t trust them, and I wanted to tell them to let me out of the truck, but then it started snowing.”
She didn’t look pleased by my lack of information. I hoped Tater and Linette were faring better. It was easy for me to play dumb, but they were military and would obviously know more than me.
“What happened when you arrived at Dugway?”
“I was so happy to see all of those people, you know? I thought for sure one of them would be willing to help me find the camp, and to get ahold of the DRI, but they were all like Amber and Rylen. Crazy! Saying the DRI wants to wipe out humanity, and that you guys are . . .”
“Are what?”
“Aliens.”
“And how did you react to that?”
I let out a breathy laugh to steel myself for the biggest, most disgusting lie I’d ever told in my life. “I told them humanity deserved whatever it got.” I nearly choked on the words. “I’m more afraid of people than anything else that’s out there. I mean, the fact that you didn’t kill me proves you’re willing to work with reasonable people.” I paused, looking at her nervously. “Are you?” I wet my lips. “Not from Earth?”
I was shaking, having no idea if my lame speech was believable or not. Especially since this lady creature had only one facial expression.
“We are not from Earth.”
I knew the answer before she said it, but the coldness in her voice made the blood drain from my face.
“Wow,” I breathed, looking down at my hands like I wasn’t worthy.
“Does that frighten you?” she asked.
I gave a small shrug and shake of my head. “Kind of. I mean, if you guys were able to make it here to Earth, that means you’re way more advanced than us. I’ve always kind of believed. Growing up near Area 51 and all.”
I never believed.
“And you are willing to help us?”
I looked straight at her. “In any way I can. This is reality now. We have to find a way to work together for the best of everyone who’s left. Maybe we can make things . . . I don’t know . . . better than before.” My eyes welled with moisture, and I prayed she saw it as hope and gratefulness rather than the pain of loss that I felt. I couldn’t imagine things being better than before. So many people were gone.
“Tell me about yourself, Miss Haines. Your family. Your education. Your skills.”
Okay, I could do this. It took me ten minutes to highlight my small town suburbia life. Daughter of a preacher and stay-at-home-mom turned realtor and interior decorator. Eight years of homeschooling, and four of public. College biology classes to become a science teacher.
The woman—thing—watched me with dead eyes as I talked. After a long, hard stare, she gave a stiff dip of her chin.
“I will recommend that you be admitted into Bael’s Primo Town.”Primo Town?“We have need for a school teacher.”
“Wow, okay.” Relief was cool and sweet. “That would be great! Thank you.”
