At Night's End

by Benham, Tara

  “Stay here with her, I’ll be right back. We’ll use a marco polo location system when I’m on my way back.” I gave them a quick wave and headed out towards the direction I thought that Milo and Darcy had gone. “Darcy! Milo!” I yelled as I walked around the trees. I couldn’t really hear much except the rain, so we’d have to be close to each other in order to hear each other. About every five steps I took I would holler out to them again. I walked on for what seemed forever and was about to holler again, when I saw something move from the corner of my eye. I stopped immediately, looking around trying to decide what I had seen move. For minute or so, again the rain was the only movement, I let out a quiet sigh and just as I picked up my foot to start walking again I saw the movement to my right. I slowly turned and squinted through the rain.

  “Caidee!” I jumped at Darcy voice from behind me. I didn’t want to turn around in case there was something there in the woods, but I did. “We could hear you calling for us, but the wind distorted the sound. Also we kept seeing movement and tried to travel around whatever is out there.”

  “I saw something too, it was behind me. I was trying to see what it was when you yelled out. Hopefully your voice frightened whatever it was away. Come one you two we need to get back to the rest of the group, Denver’s hurt we are going to huddle down under the tree we found and wait for her to awake.”

  “Hurt? What happened?” Darcy’s concern was very penetrable even with the rain. Milo wrapped his arm around his shoulder. I don’t know what they spoke about while out there alone, but she didn’t seem to mind the comforting touch. We walked back towards the tree where I had left Denver, Ever and Baxlie as I told them what we knew. Every so often I would holler out to Ever and she would respond so that I would know which way we needed to be heading. It took about twenty minutes to get back to where they were and I was now soaked to the bone since I had given my jacket to Denver. They were able to move her safely under the tree. She must have gotten warmer with my blanket because she had color back in her cheeks.

  “How is she doing?” Darcy’s voice trembled and she went over to kneel beside her.

  “She did wake up for a minute and said her head was hurting and she went back to sleep.” Baxlie stated. “We were unsure whether to let her sleep or try to keep her awake. She may have a concussion, but she was so sleepy we decided to just let her sleep until you all got back.”

  “Well let’s wake her up, get her to answer some questions so we can do a quick evaluation to determine if she’s seriously hurt. Denver,” I shook her shoulder softly, “you need to wake up. We need to do a quick assessment.” She groaned rolled onto her back and covered her eyes with her arm. I moved the flashlight away from her face until she was able to wake up and sit up.

  “Come on, Denver. Sit up against the tree for us.” Darcy spoke calmly, and bent down to help her slide over to the tree. She still had the bump on her head, but appeared to be able to sit up and hold her head up okay. “Denver, are you okay? What happened? How’d you hit your head?”

  “Hit my head? I didn’t hit my head.” My first thought was she had to have a concussion and had lost her memory. I was about to see if the bracelets could alert someone back at the house when she started to talk again. “Someone threw a rock or something and it hit me in my head. I remember talking to Ever and then BAM I was down.”

  “Who would have thrown a rock?”

  “I don’t know, I know that we didn’t” I pointed between me and Baxlie.

  “Well it definitely wasn’t us, you found us so you know we were too far away to be able to throw anything.” Milo stated, he glanced quickly at Darcy and they both blushed. I groaned inwardly and knew we may have a problem on our hands with these two.

  “I was with her, so I didn’t throw it either. Could something have fallen from one of the trees?”

  “Let’s go back to where she fell and see if we can find a rock, or something that could have hit her.” I suggested.

  Ever, Baxlie and I headed back to the spot, while I left Milo and Darcy to watch over Denver. She said other than a headache she felt fine. She had said she wasn’t nauseous or dizzy which were both good signs. We traced our steps back to the place they had been when Denver had fallen. With my flashlight and a lighter Baxlie had in his pocket we searched the ground. We found both a large enough rock and a pine cone. The pine cone was large, but wasn’t heavy enough to have caused the damage to her head.

  “Who would have thrown a rock?” Ever asked again. “I honestly don’t think that Dad or any of the guys would have…oh never mind even if it was added the VR program couldn’t have a rock thrown and us actually felt it. Which means someone has to be in here with us. Someone who got in before the fence was created. Who would be in our property?” She was now talking more to herself than to either of us.

  “Let’s get back to the others and finish this conversation then. I’m starting to think of a few things and don’t want to have to repeat them once we get back to them.”

  Chapter 16

  We trudged back to the tree where we had left them, and Denver was still sitting up. She was eating a nutrition bar I had left with them, and she seemed to be smiling some more. I’m sure she’d rather not be hurt but I think she enjoys being fawned over. She’d probably be all set if Baxlie was over there fawning over her as well, but after he’d made sure she was moved and safe, he didn’t really say much else to her.

  “Hey. We found the rock. We need to have a quick meeting.”

  Everyone gathered around to where Denver was sitting propped up against the base of the tree. The lowest branches were about one to two feet above our head while we were sitting. Darcy sat on one side of Denver and Milo sat beside Darcy. Denver looked up at Baxlie hopeful he’d sit by her but he went and sat beside Milo. I decided to sit by Denver on the other side and Ever sat down beside me. I was still soaked and down a jacket so I was shivering at this point. Ever sat closer and wrapped her arms around me to help warm me up but it was so uncomfortable that we both giggled and she scooted back to her spot. Baxlie stood up and took off his hoodie and handed it to me to put on, sending Denver into a silent rage that ended with her shooting daggers at me with her eyes. She most definitely must be feeling better than she had been if she could be jealous over me freezing because I was being nice to her. I hoped what I was about to say would appease her some.

  “I’ve been thinking. This first test I think is to see how we survive and get along in miserable conditions. Like Denver was saying early. They may not really be doing anything to us in this test except psyching us out. However, I do believe someone may have snuck into the area either before the fence went up or right before it was turned one. I don’t know if they are safe and attacked only out of protection, or if they’re someone we need to have our guards up against. If it wasn’t for this person being in here I would have a different game plan idea, but because someone is here, this is what I think we should do. I think we need to make our way back to our camp and see if we can use the bracelets to let whoever is in the control room know what is going one to see if they know someone is in here with us or not. Suggestions, comments?”

  “I agree” Ever stated.

  “Me too” This time Darcy answered.

  “Yeah, sounds good to me.” Baxlie said.

  Denver just nodded and Milo would agree with anything the group decided because he felt he was the less trained of us. Darcy helped Denver stand up once we were out from underneath the tree. We stood still for a while to see if she was going to be able to walk by herself or if she was going to need help. She seemed okay at first, then made a face like she’d gotten an idea.

  “Baxlie? I feel a bit woozy. Do you think you could give me a piggy back ride?” She faked swooned a little. Baxlie looked uncomfortable, but didn’t feel like having an argument so he scooped her up and we headed back to camp. None of us really talked for the trip, except to warn each other about limps, rock, or stumps to avoid.

  Back at t
he camp, I suggested we tried to build a fire under the shelter to help with making sure that we could get warm, but somewhat dry too. Milo and Darcy volunteered, but I had to ask Milo if he could help Baxlie with figuring out a way to contact the control room. His shoulders slumped but agreed and went to where Baxlie was working. Ever came over by me and handed me a canteen and nutrition bar.

  “Denver’s not the only one who needs to get her temperature up. You’re shivering still. At least the rain seems to have calmed down to just a drizzle now.”

  “I hope we can get in contact with someone. It really bothers me that someone might be in here. Especially if they’re going to be throwing rocks at us.”

  “I know what you mean. I just can’t imagine how or why they would have even gotten in here. They had to have come through a back area. I wish we had a map. We could see what was behind the acreage.”

  “McCaid, come here please.” Milo was waving frantically. I jumped over and jogged over to where they were. “I think we found a way to be able to send a message using our glasses, but I need a password.”

  “Password? To what?” Ever asked

  “To your dad’s computer.” Baxlie said in a matter of fact way.

  “Why would I know the password? I had never used the computer downstairs for anything until we had to download the files last week, even then I’m sure he’s changed the password since then.”

  “I’ve tried a few things, I think I’ve narrowed it down to what the word is, but I don’t remember your mom’s name.”

  I stared at him blankly. Why would he need my mom’s name? I hadn’t spoken her name out loud in years. I wasn’t sure I wanted to, besides he knew my mom too, why didn’t he remember her name. I was struggling with deciding what I should do when Ever answer for me.

  “Her name was Elizabeth.” My eyes darted to hers and she just nodded like she understood why I couldn’t answer him.

  “Okay thank you. Yes, that worked. Okay I’m sending an SOS message to them with a short description of the intruder. You all should be able to see what I’m sending to them on your all’s glasses as well.”

  “SOS. INTRUDER IN TRAINING AREA. NEED ASSISTANCE. DENVER INJURED.”

  They scrolled passed two times and then disappeared. Now all we could do was wait for an answer. We headed over to the shelter where Darcy had been successful with building a fire. I dug into my bag and put on dry shocks and a dry shirt and handed Baxlie back his hoodie. We huddled close to each other and waited. It seemed like an eternity. I was watching outside of the shelter. The rain had finally stopped, but it was starting to get dark now. The moon was coming up, crickets had started singing their songs, and so had the bullfrogs. I was getting sleepy listening to the music that nature created with the glasses flashed on again.

  “INTRUDER ISN’T INTENTIONAL. MAKE WAY TO GATE MCCAIDS TEAM CAME THROUGH QUICKLY AND QUIETLY. RIGHT NOW. BRING ALL THINGS WITH YOU.”

  Our five day trip had not even lasted one, but I don’t think any of us were complaining. We tamped out the fire, collected all of our geared and made a trek back to the door I had come through just hours ago. Darcy, Ever and I were all adept at land navigation, yet Baxlie was the one in the lead. He seemed to have a natural ability with directions or had a great memory. Maybe both. He had really stepped up and I was impressed with what he had been able to do, even for the short time we were out here. Actually I was impressed with all of us. We had each shown strengths, just in different ways. Even whiney Denver was doing well for being injured.

  We made it to the door in good time. Henry was standing there along with Micah and Master Sergeant Long. They were watching out behind us and they ushered each of us inside. Henry touched my shoulder indicating that he wanted me to wait back here with the men while the rest headed in towards the labs.

  “Please take Denver into the den of the basement Ever, there is a nurse waiting there and her father to do a full evaluation.”

  “What about McCaid?” Darcy asked.

  “She’s going to give us some information about the intruder and what all happened. She’ll be in with you all soon.” Master Sergeant Long made it clear that it was not up for debate.

  “McCaid we could see someone on the sensor when we were alerted to look for you all. We didn’t have audio, but I know you were the one that came up with the plan. We could see what was happening. Good thinking. You make a good leader. We are going out to search for the intruder. Please go to the lab and watch the screen. We have walkie talkies to share between us. We need you to be our eyes. You will not take anyone with you, do you understand?”

  “Yes sir.” Just as I was heading out, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see a deep concern on Henry’s face. He pulled me in to a quick hug, and whispered in my ear.

  “I’m so glad you’re safe.” He released me just as quickly and headed out the door with the others.

  I made my way down the long hallway towards the den of the basement. I was starting to get weary as my nerves were settling down and my body was getting warm again. I knew I was close when I could hear the voices of the others. I stopped just short of the door to catch my breath. I slumped against the wall and put my hands on my knees. I took a couple deep breaths, counted to three and opened the door. The nurse was examining Denver. Her dad was sitting beside her, fawning some more. Darcy and Milo were standing against the wall talking with Baxlie and Ever. Dad was nowhere in sight, which didn’t surprise me because he said he would be locked in the lab. However, he might not know what was going on. I headed over to the intercom but was stopped by Ever.

  “Are you okay? What did they want?”

  “I have a job to do, and under strict command, do it alone. I’m sorry. I will try to fill you in later. Right now I’m going to try to contact Dad through the intercom to at least make sure he is aware of the situation.”

  “Dad” I buzzed into his lab. I didn’t want to just go in, I didn’t want to effect his work.

  “McCaid, I thought I asked you not to contact me.”

  “Yes, Dad I know. However, I was wondering if you knew about the situation, and about Denver being hurt.” There was silence for a couple of minutes, and then the door to the left of me opened.

  “Just you.” Came Dad’s voice. I looked at Ever more confused than I had been. No one never kept anyone out of the loop, especially not Ever. I gave a half shrug and a look that promised I would make time to tell her everything. She gave a sad smile and went back over the Baxlie.

  In the lab, Dad was sitting at his desk. He looked a mess, it was hard to believe that he’d been down here for only a day. He had papers spread all over the place, several empty or half-empty coffee mugs, and three computers were turned on. Also, there was a woman sitting at the desk beside him. She was well dressed, looking very tight and strict, with her hair in a bun. I knew I was being rude, but I couldn’t help but stare at her.

  “McCaid, this is Calea Andersen. She’s a part of the research team from the CDC. She just got here about two hours ago. Calea, this is McCaid, my oldest.” It was disconcerting that he hadn’t mentioned that someone was coming to work with him. Also that he was on a first name basis with her. “What was the situation? I did know that Denver was injured I’m the one that called her dad. He was not too upset and after a long discussion about how we run the household, was fine with her staying here as long as he could have her professionally checked out. Did the nurse say anything?”

  “I don’t know Dad. She was still examining her when I came in here to speak to you. There’s an intruder in the training area.”

  “Intruder?” Dad jumped up from where he had been sitting and crossed over to grab both of my shoulders. “Are you all okay? What happened, are they still out there? How in the world did they get in through the fence?” He was speaking more to himself with the last question than to anyone in particular.

  “I’m not hurt, but they threw the rock that hit Denver. We never actually saw anyone, until we alerted the
guys in the command center. Speaking of, I’m supposed to head over there to monitor the screens and keep communication open with them. I can use the intercom to keep you up to date if you wish.” I was about to turn around when he approached again and gave me a big hug. I thought I might break down and cry with the intensity of emotions that were inside that hug. “Dad, really we’re okay. Except I think Ever may have hurt feelings cause she couldn’t come in here with me, and because she’s been banned from the control room as well.”

  “I override the command room call take her with you. In privacy, tell her Miss Andersen is in here and that’s why I didn’t want her to come in too.” He was whispering this in my ear as we continued to hug. I felt a tinge of nervousness that he was not as informal about her name in private as he had been earlier.

  “Love you too, Dad. See you later.” I tried not to let him or Miss Andersen see the worry I was feeling. I made my way back towards the den. The nurse was just finishing her exam and explaining that Denver had a slight concussion, but would be fine with a couple of days rest. I grabbed Ever told her we had to go to the command room per Dad. She nodded and I excused us from the rest of the group. The den had the two hidden doors we just found out about that lead to the training area, the door behind me that led to Dad’s room, a door to my right that lead to the upstairs, and a door behind the bookcase that lead to the command room.

  Ever pulled the correct book, while I distracted the group by telling them that the guys had went out to do a search of the grounds. I told them I had to monitor the screens and would be back later. They didn’t seemed too concerned and went back to talking to each other but their distractions lasted long enough for Ever to have pulled the correct book unnoticed. The command room was directly behind the book case, no long hallway to get there. There was six screens that showed the training area. I searched until I found each of the guys. I then contacted them on the walkie-talkies.