Hi, Janey here! This is what I have written so far in my Sci-Fi Action Thriller book. It's about a 15-year-old girl named Lynn Parker and her alien apocalypse story. Note that this is only the first draft, and I will (probably) make it better when I'm done with the book. Feel free to ask any questions about the book and please follow this thread so you can know when the next chapters are out!

Just note that this book does mention shooting guns, description of blood, and some scary, vivid details of things.
I had to revise some of the sentences and change some of the words, so they were scratch-friendly.

Feedback would be great <3

Please be respectful and nice to other scratchers on this thread!!!

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 1 - Silence Before Dawn

It was nearly dawn as I sat on the windowsill gazing into the city, it was swarming with out-worldly lights and noises. I heard a crash and I jolted off my seat. I closed the window and drew the curtains, covering things I did not want to see or even think about. Everything in the room suddenly went quiet, but it was an uneasy sort of quiet. It was the second day of the invasion, and me and my five-year-old sister were alone. I had to get us somewhere else, away from the “creatures” that had inhabited our city. I crept through the soundless hallways, and into my sister’s bedroom. “Clem,” I said softly, shaking her lightly, “We have to go.” I finished, trying to sound delighted. Clem didn’t say a word, but she stood up and headed toward her dresser. I hurried downstairs to the kitchen, where on the counter was my navy-blue backpack, along with a baseball that I had found a couple days ago. The room was dark, I had closed all the curtains, and turned off all the lights, because I didn’t know what they would do to us if they found us, probably abduct us and put us in futuristic labs for their studies. I went through the items I had packed, trying to clear the bad thoughts I was thinking of. Soon Clem came downstairs, wearing a pastel pink dress with daisies. Her hair was untidy, but her face was refreshed, she had gotten a good sleep. Her outfit didn’t seem to fit in with the dark sky outside; she was like a ray of sunshine in a dark forest. I looked at my own clothes, I was wearing a dark lilac colored shirt, and dark blue jeans, my clothes were much plainer compared to Clem’s. Then I looked into a mirror, my hair was in a thick, long braid, –the way I liked it best. My face was drowsy, having lied in bed all night. I had tried to fall asleep, but grief wouldn’t let me. Then finally, I gave up trying. I prepared an escape plan and packed all the things I thought we might need in the future, but still, as I looked through all the things I had packed, I still wasn’t sure what would come in handy. I truly did not know what to expect. I had packed extra clothes, some food, though I was sure I’d have to find more in the future, a flashlight, some other survival items, and my dad’s pistol. I hoped to never use it in the dark times we were in now. Before, shooting a pistol seemed so exciting. I used to shoot guns with my dad when we went camping, but I had never used his pistol. If only my dad had had it the day of the invasion. I’m not even exactly sure if my dad or mom were still alive. It had happened just yesterday, I remember it distinctly, the shouts, the noises, everyone hurrying to their apartments. Mom told me to take Clem and run to our home to hide. Our house was a mint green farmhouse that was a small distance away from the city. But now, home wasn’t safe, I could see the enemy slowly coming closer to our house. Outside, the skies were still dark, but patches of light could be seen emerging through the thick clouds. I strapped my backpack onto my back and took Clem’s hand. “It’s too dark in here…” Clem cried. I had forgotten how horrified she was of the dark. I comforted her, and she calmed down. But I knew that Clem’s fear would only make the days ahead harder. I told Clem that we had to run into the forest to hide. I thought that it would be best to get away from all the electricity, and tall buildings. I helped Clem put her coat on, and I put mine on too, the morning air was cold.

I talked with Clem in the kitchen for a while until I heard a faint, low, mechanical hum. My head snapped up, just outside the window, a sleek, alien drone was scanning the area. I hurried downstairs to a small basement window, pulling my little sister, who had no idea what was going on. “What’s the matter Lynn?” Clem asked loudly, I hushed her immediately. “We have to run into the forest now, Clem.” I told her, sternly. “What about Mom and Dad?” She replied. “Listen, Clem, it's not safe here anymore, and Mom and Dad would want us to be safe.” I insisted. I thought for a moment, the drones are probably sensitive to movement. From the small window, I could see a way that would lead us into the forest. Right now, a drone was on the other side of the house, but I didn’t know if another of them would come into the house or search the back of the house first. Then, a plan came into my mind. “Stay here Clem.” I said. I ran up the stairs, and back to the kitchen where we had seen the drone. I took hold of the sturdy baseball that I had noticed on the counter earlier and opened the front door slowly and quietly. Then, I threw the baseball as far as I could to make the drones detect the movement. As I had hoped, several of the drones hovered over to the area where the baseball had landed. I raced down the stairs and back to the basement window where Clem was waiting. “C’mon Clem, now’s our chance!”

It'd be great if you gave me some feedback! Thanks for reading! <3

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 2 - Through the Trees

I gave Clem a boost out of the window and we sprinted to the trees. Low-hanging branches clawed at my face like sharp needles, but I didn’t dare slow down. I just clutched Clem’s trembling hand tighter the deeper we got in the forest, while my pulse was thumping loudly. Leaves crunched with every stride, and the noise was bound to be heard from miles away. But we had to keep going, we had to reach the deepest cover of trees we could have, or the invaders wouldn’t be unaware of us any longer. I wasn’t able to see our house anymore. I wanted to keep pushing, but I couldn’t. My lungs felt like I’d run a mile. I took a halt, my heart still was a deafening drum in my chest. I took some deep breaths. Clem collapsed beside me, “Are we safe now Lynn?” She asked, breathing heavily. “I– I think so Clem.” I assured her, but I wasn’t truly sure. Then my heart stopped, and I realized that our shoes had broken leaves, and that left a trail. “What if the trail leads them to us?” I was worried. I snapped a branch from a pine tree and started brushing the ground where the trail was. It worked, but I told myself that I should be more careful next time. Then I looked at Clem, she was so tired, and I felt guilty for it. “Did I push her too hard?” I wondered, my anxiety rising.

For a while we rested, next to a thick, hollow tree. We just sat down and caught our breath, but my heart still beat endlessly, and with every noise my hand instantly thrust to my dad’s pistol. I pulled a granola bar out of my backpack and Clem scooted beside me, she was hungry too. I broke it in half, and handed her the larger part, “Here.” I said softly. Clem took the piece graciously, snuggling up beside where I sat.

Suddenly, through the trees I noticed a whirl of wind blowing in a circle, “it couldn’t be natural wind.” I thought to myself. A familiar noise that sounded a lot like a helicopter sounded. “It’s an Alien ship, and it’s landing!” I realized. My heart jumped, and started beating so loudly that I was sure the invaders would hear it. I darted up, grabbed my backpack, and whisked Clem aside. We hid behind the hollow tree, my hand covering Clem’s mouth. The ship was only through the next set of trees. “How would we escape?” Clem was frozen in terror, and my mind was racing. Me and Clem stood silently, and I could hear someone’s –or something’s steps, and their leader bellowing out orders. The voice was muffled and distant, I couldn’t tell what they were saying. But it probably wasn’t English, or any language I could understand. I started crawling quietly away from the place, from one area of cover to another. Clem did the same, but she didn’t like that dirt and leaves got on her dress. The pounding of my heart made me frantic, and I could tell that Clem didn’t enjoy this either. When we had just taken cover from a huge stone, a sudden shout tore throughout the trees. I suddenly received a boost of adrenaline, and my fists tightened. Before I could even think, my hand lunged to my dad’s pistol. Then, from the trees came a noise of gunfire. Sharp, rapid bursts of bullets mixed with strange, unfamiliar noises that didn’t sound human at all. But then suddenly, every noise in the area stopped. And all I could hear was the pounding of my chest and my frantic breathing.

I took Clem's hand and we started walking slowly, and farther away. As we walked, huge raindrops started to fall, and the ground became thick layers of mud. It squeezed my black boots noisily with every step I took, sapping my energy. It was up to my ankles, and now covering my feet. The air smelled of pine needles. Clem and I came to a stream, but it reminded me of a swamp. Muddy water was gushing down the stream and into a huge, menacing ravine. The sight made my stomach twist. There was no chance of collecting any satisfying water from the stream. The noises from the ship died down from the rain, and stream. I couldn’t hear if the ship had left, or if anyone was approaching the stream. “Lynn, help!” Clem cried. I turned to her; her small body was tumbling down the stream. I heard an eerie metal creak, and my hand flew to the cold pistol in my pocket, but I knew that I had only one choice to make.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 3 - The Darkness Approaches

“Lynn!” Clem cried. “Clem!” I screamed, my hand flung out of my pocket and my dad’s pistol landed on the grass behind me. Clem’s tiny fingers clawed at the thick mud, but it made no difference. Clem was slipping down the stream, and she was headed for a landing at the bottom of the ravine. I grasped a branch from a pine tree and lunged forward, the bark was rough and scratched my palms, but I barely felt the pain. Cold, dirty water splashed on my clothes and boots. “Grab the branch Clem!” I shouted, completely unaware of the noise we were making. Clem sobbing was muffled through the thick mist. Her hand was slick with mud as she tried to take hold of the branch. Terrified, Clem clamped her fingers on the wet pole. “I’ve got you! Don’t let go!” I yelled over the storm. The mud behind my black boots tried to swallow me down into the stream as well. My muscles strained and I pulled with all the physical strength I had. Soon, I hauled her drenched body over the steep riverbank until her knees hit the solid ground. I dropped the branch and violently yanked her to my chest. Clem shivered so harshly that her teeth started chattering. Her whole body was covered in thick mud. She sobbed silently, burying her face in my jacket. We sat there, on the muddy bank, completely exhausted, hugging and crying together. The huge raindrops slammed against us, and we were now both freezing. The forest had turned gray with mist, fog, and mud. SCREEE…CLANG, the eerie noise cut through the roar of the stream. My hand reached for my dad’s pistol behind me. The wet and cold handle burned my freezing fingers. I gripped it tight, my eyes searching the fog for whoever –or whatever was making that noise.

SCREE…CLANG, I heard the noise again. I forced myself up on the wet soil. Holding Clem’s hand and pulling her upward. The rain washed the mud off our clothes, but we were so exhausted. We kept a low profile by hiding behind overgrown bushes and trees, making sure that if the noise was being made by an alien, it might stay unaware of us. We followed a small creek. Through the cold mist and the dark pine trees, I could see a structure. It was a ruined brick house. The faded red bricks were choked by spiky, black vines. The roof had collapsed inward and the windows were shattered, making it look completely abandoned. We crept closer, crouching behind a mossy stump. And then I saw where the noise was coming from. The opening of a massive sewer pipe was in my sight. Covering it was a strong iron storm gate, designed to keep the flood waters back. But it wasn’t locked, it was swinging loose. At that moment a heavy gust of wind caught the gate, swinging it open which created an ear piercing SCREEE… noise. Then, as the wind died down, the gate swung back and hit the opening making a CLANG… noise. Every time the gate swung open, it revealed a pitch black abyss, which seemed to look like it went on forever. But the addition that worried me the most was that it was open. Not locked, and the hinges weren’t rusted. The gate didn’t seem to fit in with the abandoned house.

The clouds were still bellowing out their worst storm they could create, and me and Clem were stuck choosing between a broken house with maybe a bit of shelter, or a nasty, but dry, sewer pipe with an endless black abyss that looked like it was waiting to swallow us. I had had enough of it with the rain and wetness, so I climbed into the opening of the pipe, and finally experienced the calm feeling of not being rained on. It felt like I hadn’t had it in a long time. I looked back at the woods, thankfully, the rain was washing away our tracks, but I was worried that someone would come through them, then find us. I knew that venturing deeper into the pipe was our only chance of survival. Clem refused to climb into the pipe with me. She pulled back, shaking her head and sobbing silently. I pulled her close, promising that I'd hold her hand the entire time. I opened my backpack and pulled my flashlight out. I clicked the flashlight on, which then overwhelmed the blackness, shining light through the pipe. With Clem’s hand in mine, we crouched through the pipe. I kept an eye on both ends of the tube. Everything was quiet, the rain had died down, and where we were headed seemed untouched, and secret. The pipe soon led us to a big room. The Victorian-style bricks had green moss and grime on them. Then, my flashlight went out. I couldn’t see anything. My left hand was holding Clem’s hand, and I had to keep my right hand on the slimy, brick wall. But then suddenly, the darkness broke, I could see a pale light just around the corner. And along with the light, there was a small, faint crackling of some electronic device. Before I could process the sound, a heavy, solid shadow came around the corner, holding a gun. I thrust my dad’s gun from out of my pocket. My hands shook violently. My heart slammed against my ribs. My finger tightened on the cold trigger, and I aimed directly for the stranger’s chest. The trigger was halfway pulled before the light caught the stranger's face. My breath caught in my throat. My hands shook as I lowered the gun, then I stared directly into the eyes of the pistol’s owner.

WHO IS THE PISTOL'S OWNER?!?!?!

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 4 - The Transmission

“Dad?” I said, completely shocked. Clem let go of my hand with a gasp. She didn’t hesitate, she didn’t have any doubt. “Daddy!” Clem cried, as she immediately rushed to him. My dad dropped to his knees on the wet, concrete floor, holding his arms out. Clem buried herself in his green jacket. “Lynn, Clem, How did you even find this place?” He exclaimed. I couldn’t answer, I was too happy to see him. I hurried to him and collided in his arms. It felt so good to be back with him. Like I had found a shining light amidst the darkness. Clem fell into a drowsy, satisfying sleep in my dad’s arms. “I have so much to tell you.” I said, breathless. “I have things to tell as well.” Dad said as he smiled. “C’mon. I’ll take you to a safe spot. ” He took me to the place where I had seen the pale light. A sleeping bag lay on the cold floor, and tables and ledges made of bricks were covered with computers and radio transmitters. I sat down on a wooden chair, while my dad folded Clem into the sleeping bag. “Okay.” He said as he sat down on another wooden chair across from me. “Now, you're probably wondering why all these gadgets are here.” He started. I nodded, urging him to go on. “Well, I’m a member of the HRF. Human Resistance Forces, heard of them?” He asked, I shook my head. “I’m a radio operative. I help communicate with our troops and the HQ base.” “What exactly does the HRF do?” I asked him. “It seems our inhabitation of earth disturbs the invaders. We believe they want the planet.” He stopped for a second, then his words became whispers. I leaned closer to him. “They’ll destroy the human race Lynn. It’s the HRF who will help protect the last of us.” Then he looked down in grief. “Your mother, –well, she didn’t make it…” A tear slid down his cheek, as another went down mine. “The aliens, they have been abducting people. Probably every day someone dies.” He stopped. “I could have been one of them. I almost got caught.” I told him. “There was a stage of gunfire, dad, close to our house, just farther into the forest.” My dad’s eyes lit up. “That was our fourth infantry squad. They were neutralizing an enemy scout party.” He exclaimed. “So that was what the un-human noises were.” I thought. “It was when the aliens were being killed. My dad saved me.”

My dad went on with the HRF and all the positive news. But I knew that there was still bad news that he could tell. I didn’t ask though, because it would ruin the moment. Then I looked at Clem, she had been so brave, caring, and trustful of my decisions. I loved her in that moment more than I could describe. I would give my life for her. One sentence that my dad had told me I knew would stay in my thoughts forever: “Stay unknown Lynn. If the aliens find out about you. They won’t stop searching. Keep the enemy unaware of you.”

My dad had just been telling me about the staff at the HRF HQ and the lead scientist Dr. Peirce when the ground started trembling. Then I started trembling too. “Dad.” I said, interrupting our conversation. He instantly heard the noise and he jumped up. “Chasers.” he whispered. “Shhh…” “What is it?” I asked, whispering. “Huge, insect-like aliens. We gave them the nickname chasers. They can’t see, but –oh boy, they can hear. Even the slightest noise will make them rush to you and jab you in the heart.” The thought of being jabbed in the heart twisted the insides of my stomach. “Clem, get up.” Dad told her. “Lynn, we need to try to get the equipment out. But be cautious. Remember what I told you.” He said sternly. The room became dead quiet, as me and my dad gathered the gadgets and items. I heard a faint tapping on the ground. The sound of an insect-like alien scuttering across the ground. My dad lifted his pointer finger to his mouth, motioning to be quiet. He held Clem who rested across his shoulder. Then, I saw a chaser. The insect-like alien had huge, sharp, sword-like legs. I counted four of them. And for its jaw, huge pincers as a spider would have. The sight made me want to scream. I tiptoed over to a wall with my dad that was a small distance away from the alien. I tried to make my breathing as quiet as I could. But I heard a different noise, a loud crackling noise, followed by a voice in distress. The radio was broadcasting a message from another operative. The message cut out several times. But I managed to make out a few words: “Help… Enemy… Unknown.” Followed by a chilling scream. The insect-like alien scattered across the room and jabbed the radio with its front leg, which bursted the static radio up into sparks. I looked at my dad, he stood there, completely stunned. He’d recognized the voice, the voice of someone he’d assumed was dead.

WHOM DOES THE DAD BELIEVE IS DEAD??!!?!

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 5 - Out of the Dark

The voice startled me. It was my mother, Mia Parker. My dad stood confused and hesitant, and the chaser was merely onto us. The wires on the ground had been stabbed from the alien’s sword-like legs. I pulled out my dad’s pistol, my fingers tightened on the trigger, and I aimed for a shot directly at the creature’s chest. My dad snapped out of his trance and softly lowered my gun. He pulled a finger to his lips, motioning to be silent. I obeyed, thrusting the gun back into the front pocket of my jeans. Then I remembered his words, “I could have blown our cover, even if I had shot it.” I thought. I took in a breath but remembered to keep absolute silence. My dad slowly pointed his pointer finger to a skinny, steel ladder I could see far away. I knew that was our way of escape. But the risks were high, we had to sneak past a chaser. Clem was laying over my dad’s shoulder; I was thankful she was asleep. I could see in my dad’s eyes that he wanted me to sneak over to the next wall of cover. I forced myself to stop trembling, and took slow, silent steps. I held my breath, while scanning the slimy, cement floor for things I could trip on. When I finally reached the wall, I wanted to let out all the air in my lungs and sigh in relief. But I couldn’t, –not yet. The path was clear to the ladder; I charged to it. My dad, who carried his rifle and Clem, followed. The brick wall covered the left side of me. Right when I reached the ladder, a chaser appeared right in front of my nose. I almost screamed, its sharp claw-like fingers stood at its sides. I stared into its viciously blind, shiny black eyes, which reflected light off of puddles of water on the ground. Sharp scales lined its back, each one as sharp as a shard of glass. And lastly, a nasty jaw with deadly fangs as a spider would have, which frightened me the most. I stepped back, nearly bumping into my dad. He motioned to be quiet again. I covered my mouth with my hands; I didn't want the alien to feel the air of my breath. Soon, the chaser walked right past us. Dad handed me Clem, he climbed up the ladder and pushed the sewer manhole, and we could see the sky. We climbed out of the sewers, not knowing where the exit would take us.

Once Dad, Clem, and I were out of the horrid, chaser-infested sewer, I felt a wave of relief. My dad pushed the heavy plate back into its place, making a heavy CLANK noise that I swear the chasers probably heard. “Don’t worry,” My dad assured, “Chasers can’t open doors.” The sky was bright, and a new day was dawning, “Day three.” I thought to myself. I looked around the area, we were in the middle of a huge road. Tall buildings were on each side of us, and I knew we were now in the city. It was dreary, and dead quiet. Everyday I’d spent in the city in the past had a familiar buzzing of activity. Today it looked as if no-one even lived here. Dad planted Clem's feet on the ground, and she had no idea what she had just slept through. “Where are we daddy?” She asked. Suddenly, I spotted an alien drone, the same type that had been around our home the first day. “Dad, it’s a drone.” I said, shocked. “C’mon Clem.” He said, taking her hand. We rushed to a small alleyway, where we thought we had cover. “Dad, that voice from the transmission, was that–” I asked, until my Dad cut off my sentence, “No. It–it can’t be. It’s –impossible.” He again went into thought, I didn’t understand either. Then I demanded the truth. “Dad, what really happened?” He sighed. “I guess you need to know.” He told me the story, “During the invasion, right after we told you girls to run home, a HRF Evacuation helicopter swooped in to save us. I hopped into the chopper first. But you mother,” he stopped, then with a sigh of grief he continued his words in whispers, “She was grabbed last-second by an alien. One the HRF have never seen.” My thoughts trailed back to the message in the sewers. “What if this “enemy unknown” could be the same alien that took mom?” I wondered. “I screamed to the pilot to go back for her, but he wouldn’t lose the clear chance of escape. After a while, I just assumed she was abducted, –and killed. No one has ever survived an alien abduction Lynn. That’s why it's impossible… ” My dad finished, as he looked down sadly. I sat completely lost in thought, until my dad spoke again, “We have to go to the HRF base. This strange information must be explained.”

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 6 - The Night Watch

I held Clem’s warm hand as we made our way toward the HRF base. Dad hadn’t told me where it was located, because he didn’t want any of the drones to pick up any crucial information. When we got to the base I wanted to take part in a mission. I wanted to help people. Save people. As I walked, I noticed something moving behind a shattered window. A drone was just outside a small store. But it was watching something… A person. Dad signaled me to freeze. Out of his pocket he pulled a small, blue pistol. Aiming for the drone, he pulled the trigger and out shot a silent bullet. The drone became helpless; the bullet shocked it and fried its mechanics. It dropped onto the alleyway gravel like a stone. I rushed to the window. Behind the shattered glass was a young man about my age. His hair was messy, and his sleeves were rolled up. The moment our eyes met his shoulders tensed. “Hi, I’m Lynn.” I said softly, holding my hand to him. He didn’t say a word; he just stared at my hand awkwardly. He looked down and rubbed his neck. My dad stepped up beside me. Hunter stared into his eyes directly as well. “Jason Parker. I work for the Human Resistance Forces. Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” My dad assured, smiling. “Resistance?” He asked, I could barely hear him. He relaxed his shoulders. “Sorry. I’m uh, Hunter.” He told my dad. He looked at me, “I’m –Hunter Lance.” He stood up, looking shy. Then he walked out of the broken store. I followed them. My dad patted Hunter on the back, and Hunter looked back at me shyly. “Hello!” Cheered Clem as she saw him, her smile made him smile as well. “We’re headed to the resistance base,” My dad told Hunter, “you should join us.” “I will,” Hunter said quietly, “i-if that okay with you guys.” Dad smiled at him and took hold of Clem’s hand. Hunter walked beside my dad. I caught up with them, while my dad told Hunter about the HRF, and the events of the war.

Soon nightfall was upon us, and the bright, shining moon peeked through the shadowy clouds. Vivid purple and green lights shone on the roads, and more mechanical drones went out for patrol. “Sorry, I should have told you,” started Hunter, “night patrols in the city are brutal.” He finished, looking down at his shoes with his fingers clamped together. “Down here.” Said my dad earnestly, motioning to come. We climbed below a bridge on the levee of a river. It was hidden and seemed like a safe place. Clem was exhausted, she flopped down on the grass. My Dad took off his green jacket and smoothed it out on the ground, creating a bed for Clem. He checked his backpack’s supplies and reloaded his small blue pistol. “We’ll have to make it to the base tomorrow,” he said, ”our supplies are low.” “I’ll take the night watch.” Hunter kindly volunteered. “You sure?” My dad asked, Hunter nodded. Dad threw his rifle to Hunter. Hunter caught it and set it down on his lap. My dad stretched himself onto the grass, “I'm going to get some rest, you two will be okay?” We both nodded. Hunter stared at the water, he looked uneasy, so I sat down beside him. “Let's try this again.” I said, holding my hand out to him once more. He shook it, then I smiled. I sat down beside him. Hunter and I stared at the water together. “Sorry if I was rude earlier.” He said, “No need to apologize.“ I assured, “Everything’s so strange around here now.” “Yeah.” He agreed. “Hope you don’t mind me asking, but why do you say sorry so much?” I asked. “Sorry, It’s just a habit I guess.” He replied. I smiled and laughed a little, I wasn’t sure if he had noticed that he had just done it again. Amidst the quietness of the cold night, Hunter looked around in both directions, with an alert expression. “What is it?” I whispered. Hunter slowly pointed a finger toward a large bush. It was rustling, something was in it. Hunter raised his rifle, his hands shaking, but I lowered his gun and motioned to not make a sound. He looked at me confused. I looked back at Clem and my dad, they were asleep. Me and Hunter sat there silently, not even moving, –not even opening our mouths to breathe. Suddenly, noise stopped, Hunter looked around, nothing was in sight. Hunter and I both let out a sigh, but it left me wondering what –or who, made that noise. “Do you think it could have been an animal?” I whispered. “I don’t think so. Animals don’t normally get close to the levee. There is too much –metal in the city.” Hunter explained. I hugged my arms to brace the cold. “You’re really brave for signing up for the night watch.” I encouraged. “I’m not brave.” He said, then his voice softened a bit, ”I just don’t want anything to happen to you guys. Y-You’re the only real humans I’ve seen in two days.” A groan came from behind us, Clem rolled over in her sleep. “You should get some rest.” Hunter advised. “Oh, I don’t think I can sleep now.” I replied, my voice cracking from fatigue. “You should. Don’t worry about me, I'll be here.” I smiled and crawled to the grass beside Clem. The eerie noise left me clueless the rest of the night, and I had a hard time getting it out of my mind before I finally fell asleep. My eyes slowly closed, but before I fell asleep I caught a glimpse of a tall, shadowy figure. Someone was watching us.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 7 - A Certain Feeling

I saw my mother in the distance, I ran to her breathlessly. “Mom?” I asked. She didn’t answer, she just shook her head, then started laughing. Her smile didn’t match her face. Blue fire crackled all around us, and it seemed to be climbing up an invisible wall, swaying like a field of tall grass. The ground was an uneasy color of green and it blurred underneath my feet. The scene sickened me. I jumped out of sleep, It was all a dream. I looked around, and everyone was awake. As I looked around I noticed there were no puddles of rainwater or dark clouds. The sunny skies relaxed me, but I still held some fear. Someone was out there, and I had the sure feeling that whoever was haunting us, was an enemy. “M-Mr. Jason?” Hunter asked, tapping the shoulder of my dad as he pushed a jacket into his backpack. “Yes?” He replied. “Sorry, I uh, think there's someone watching us.” Hunter gulped. I walked up to my dad, “It feels like someone’s haunting us.” I said. “Well then, let's hurry to the base.” He declared. “But what if they follow us?” I asked. Dad paused for a moment and I feared the future, “Then get your gun reloaded.” He said sternly. I took my dad’s pistol out of my pocket, and twisted it around with my fingers. There had been many times I had pulled it out, but thankfully I never had to fire a bullet. Dad pulled out his blue gadget pistol, “Where are we headed?” Hunter asked. “To the subway station." My dad replied. “C’mon Clem.” I called. “It’s not a long walk, it's pretty close.” My dad assured the group. He pulled his backpack straps over his arms, and gripped his blue pistol tightly. Then we started walking.

The city was silent, and all I could hear was our footsteps. Next to a tall music store, we came across a broken car, its front was smashed, and some mechanical pieces lay on the road. But behind it, was a dirty, black helmet. The letters HRF were printed in bright blue across the front of it. My dad picked it up, and looked down. He seemed to be remembering a soldier from the past, and I guessed the soldier had been killed in a mission. My dad held onto it. While Hunter, Dad and I all took a quiet stop, Clem’s eyes were fixed on the roof. “What is it Clem?” My dad asked, kneeling down to her height. “Someone’s up there.” She replied slowly, still not taking her eyes away. Hunter and I exchanged worried glances. “We better get going.” Dad said. He turned around Clem and took her hand, but Clem kept looking back. Parts of the city had black crevices, and debris and ash from bombs and other disasters lay scattered on the ground. “Mr. Jason!” Hunter called, “Is this it?” He finished, pointing to a dark stairway that led downwards. “Yes. This is it.” My dad confirmed. He let go of Clem’s hand and whisked his backpack to the ground. He pulled out three flashlights and some duct tape. He placed one in my hand and strapped another onto the rifle Hunter acquired. At first, Clem whimpered at the dark, but then dad handed her her very own flashlight and she became rather amused. The four of us descended into the darkness, switching our flashlights on. The scene was desolate, a scraped, dirty subway stood still on its tracks. And the power that used to dwell in the whole underground station was completely burnt out. Clem gasped, “I saw someone again daddy.” She said, as she shone her flashlight in front of her. My dad shone his light on the exact spot where Clem had seen the figure, but no-one was there. I shone my flashlight all around us, but there was no figure of any kind. “It was nothing Clem.” Dad proclaimed. I nodded in agreement, trying to ignore the fact. “What if the aliens want us to believe there's someone watching us? What if they’re trying to trick us?” I wondered. “Clem, you’re probably just imagining things.” I guaranteed, but doubt started to spread in my heart. We wandered through the tunnels of the subway, and the whole place seemed to lighten everyone’s moods. I had never tread the underground tunnels of a subway station, and the thought of a secret Human Resistance Force base excited me. “So, Hunter, what’s your alien apocalypse story?” I asked playfully. “It’s not the kind you’d want to hear right now, sorry.” He answered, I looked down as I tried to hide my disappointment. “You know something I dont…” I said curiously. Hunter muffled a soft, “Yeah.” He nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders. “You can tell Dr. Peirce,” I offered, “Or, my dad, or–” My sentence was cut off. “Lynn, Hunter, this is it.” My dad confirmed. He stood next to a strong, metal door. I knew instantly that this was the entrance to the HRF base.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 8 - The HRF’s New Suspicion

Smiles circled all around the dark tunnel. “So, how do we get in?” I asked, laughing softly. “I have a key…” My dad informed us, lowering his backpack to the ground and searching it. “It’s somewhere…” He assured, rummaging through his items. Suddenly, a tall, crisp silhouette of a man came into view. Rapidly, I whisked my flashlight around and pointed it directly at the stranger's face. He was a broad man with square glasses and sandy-blonde hair. His expression was a proud, dignified look, and both his hands were behind his back, proper-like. “Hello. Who are you?” Clem asked innocently, “Clem!” I whispered, clenching my teeth together. I turned to her and gave her a sharp look. Hunter pointed his gun at the man. “Found it!” Cheered my dad, holding a triangle-shaped piece in the air, then he noticed the man. “Marcello!” My dad marveled. He stood up smiling, then he motioned to Hunter to lower his gun. The man, Marcello, covered his eyes from the light, and I lowered my flashlight. “Jason,” Marcello said coldly with a British accent which seemed to match his appearance, “You’ve been gone for days. Most of the radio operatives blacked out. We couldn’t contact any of you, and we were just about to execute a search and rescue mission with squad A. What happened?” He asked sternly. “My hideout got infiltrated by Chasers.” My dad answered. “I'll explain more when we get inside.” Marcello looked at Hunter, Clem and I, squinting his eyes. Then he raised an eyebrow. “And who are these three?” He asked. “Oh!” My dad chuckled; He pulled Clem and I toward him. “These are my daughters, Clementine, and Lynn.” Then he placed a hand on Hunter’s shoulder who was staring into the eyes of Mr. Marcello, “And this is Hunter Lance.” Mr. Marcello bobbed his head up and down. “Are you sure?” He asked. My dad laughed, and I became puzzled. “What are you talking about? –I'm sure.” My dad confirmed. Marcello shook his head, clearing his thoughts, “Well, there’s just been some talk of, imposters.” He informed us. “What do you mean?” My dad wondered. Marcello sighed, “Dr. Peirce would know more on the subject, you should ask her that question.” My dad nodded. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to hurry to squad A to tell them that operative Parker has finally turned up.” Marcello told us. “Goodbye.” He cheered, then he left us.

My dad gripped the small triangle-shaped key in his hand and placed it perfectly in the center of a small opening in the door. It fit like a puzzle piece. Behind the door I could hear faint noises of locks and security measures unlocking. I turned to Hunter, a small smile swept across his face. The heavy iron door unlocked, and my dad pushed it open. My dad motioned to Hunter to hand him his rifle, assuring that everyone was a friend here. Hunter obeyed silently. Clem ran through the door first, she squealed and was filled with excitement. I told her to be quieter, but she couldn’t stop talking. “Daddy said that there are other little girls here!!” She exclaimed. I followed her through the metal door laughing to myself. Inside, everything was bright, and modern. “Security!” Called a plump woman with an orange and black uniform on. I had been so attracted to the intense and delightful scenery, I barely heard her. Then after she called, “Security!” Once more, she plunged her face in front of mine and I got startled by her firm, and rather enraged expression. “Miss. You have to go through security first so we can make sure you're not an imposter.” Then I realized that I had stepped over the line. I took a couple steps back. Hunter’s shoulders tensed, and I guessed he was nervous. The guards first scanned Clem. They had such a hard time scanning her because she wouldn't stop talking, and asking questions like, “Is this place my home now?” And pointing out things like, “It’s not dark in here!” After the guards got through the frustrating job of scanning Clem, it was my turn. “Metal detectors?” My dad said, puzzled. “Kathleen believes there is a metal chip implanted somewhere in whoever is an imposter.” The woman said, “Sounds bizarre! But hey, the least I can do is make sure that’s not true by checkin’ everyone who comes through.” The plump woman flexed her fingers, motioning me to come closer so she could check me. “Do we have evidence?” My dad asked. “Not really. Just suspicion. It all started when the communications blacked out and we got that ghostly transmission from sector 9.” The woman finished. Then my scanning was over. “Sector 9?!” My dad yelled. “What’s wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost.” The plump woman joked. "The transmission was from sector 9? W–we got the location?” My dad marveled. “Yeah. So?” The woman asked. “I’m sure that's the same–” Then my dad’s voice was interrupted by a loud, booming, alarm.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 9 - Anticipation

Red, flashing lights gleamed around dad. Clem covered her ears, and Hunter looked around rapidly. The woman in the orange and black uniform pulled a walkie-talkie up to her lips and muffled a quick order into the speaker. I managed to catch the word “imposter” but not much else. I knew what she was thinking, “Was my dad an imposter alien?” The woman pulled a thick, stun baton from her belt. “No!” I screamed, running in between the guard and my dad. “I’m not an imposter!” My dad shouted, breathing heavily. “Kathleen also believes the aliens erase your memory of the chip implant. How can I believe you?” The woman said, with a sharpness in her voice that I recognized as fear. “Stop, please!” Hunter yelled, followed by a tiny, “Sorry.” I looked at him anxiously. “I–I trust Mr. Jason! B–Besides, w–we never got captured by the aliens!” He stuttered. “He’s telling the truth! I’ve been with my dad since day two.” I said, trying to convince them, but for some reason, I felt a slight fear as well. Suddenly, several other security guards rushed in, and they told me to move, but I didn’t. “Jason?!” Mr. Marcello exclaimed, as he came into the scene with the biggest expression of disgust and confusion in his face. His words were scattered, mumbled, and his sentences were often barely finished. “Um… I think I should get Dr. Peirce.” He said, taking his exit. While everybody stood in fear of their surroundings, the guards told my dad to stand in an area while Hunter was scanned. Dad stepped out of the scanner and moved, then the alarm stopped. I moved slowly, my heart beating loudly. Hunter passed through, and his scanning was quiet, it didn’t trigger the alarm. Then finally, Dr. Kathleen Peirce came in. “Jason Parker..?” she said with confusion. “Kathy. It’s not a chip.” My dad told her. “Search him.” She ordered, “And try to find anything –metal.” She added. The guards nodded and started searching my dad. He took off his jacket and turned out his pockets. Then I realized he had been carrying a certain, metal item. My mind flashed, the helmet! “It's the helmet! I exclaimed. My dad’s head turned to the helmet connected to his belt by a handy carabiner. He unlatched the black helmet from his belt and handed it to Dr. Peirce. She nodded and pointed my dad to the scanning machine, while she studied the helmet. He stepped under it and everything was quiet, no alarms went off. I took in a sigh of relief. Dr. Kathleen Peirce looked quite embarrassed, Mr. Marcello was wiping his forehead and fixing his hair, and all the guards were placing their stun batons back into their holders. “Sorry. Jason.” Kathleen apologised, then she laughed awkwardly, “This is a strange way to start a reunion…” She whispered. She paused for a minute after that. “Could we talk?” She asked, “About the transmission?” My dad sighed, “Yes. As long as you tell me more about this imposter awareness.” He answered. Kathleen nodded and my dad walked up beside her. “Uh, excuse me?” Hunter interrupted, “Sorry, but I uh, I think I know something about it.” He finished. “Then come with us, Hunter.” My dad encouraged. Hunter looked back at me anxiously, and then at Mr. Marcello and the guards. He squeezed one of his arms and hurried up to Dr. Peirce and my dad. “And Marcello,” started my dad. “Would you make sure my girls are settled in?” He added. Mr. Marcello looked annoyingly at Clem, who was gasping at everything around her, and then at me. He sighed, “Yes Jason, but you must know that if I am needed elsewhere then–” Hunter, dad, and Dr. Peirce had already started walking away.

As I watched them walk away, I was disappointed. I wanted to hear their conversation when they talked about the transmission, but I desperately wanted to know what Hunter had been hiding. “Where are they going?” I asked Mr. Marcello. “Miss Lynn, if you plan on eavesdropping on their conversation I shouldn’t tell you.” He said softly, chuckling to himself, like he had completely read my mind. I sighed. So then, I made up my mind that when Hunter had finished talking with them, I would beg him to tell me everything. I only hoped he would be open enough to me. Then Mr. Marcello interrupted my thinking, “Miss Lynn,” He called, holding out a long, light blue piece of paper, “It’s a map. Of the base. You’ll need it.” He assured me. I gladly took it from his hand. I opened it and searched for some place where Hunter and Dad might have gone with Dr Peirce. Marcello cleared his throat, which let me know that we were going. Swiftly, I folded the map and stuffed it into my pocket. Then Marcello took me and Clem down the hallways of the base and told us where the certain rooms were. But half the time my mind was stuck on the determination of discovering more about these two mysteries. Marcello introduced me and Clem to the Nurse, Felicity Chance who was a sweet, caring woman. Felicity kept calling Clem “Sweetie” and they got along very well. In the end, Felicity took Clem to a place where some other girls her age were, so she could play and socialize.

Next, Mr. Marcello took me to our sleeping quarters, while Clem was being babysat by Felicity. As soon as Mr. Marcello swung the broad door open, I collapsed onto a bed and sunk into the comfy mattress. It felt amazing, sinking into a relaxing bed. After all, I hadn’t laid in a proper one since we left home. I felt rewarded, for years I had climbed into my bed at home and hadn’t realized how special it was to even have one. Then the static of a walkie-talkie caught my ear. “Mr. Marcello.” Called the static voice, which I recognized as my dad’s. I sat up. Mr. Marcello lifted the voice to his ear. After that I didn’t hear much else. “Miss Lynn,” Marcello started, covering the walkie-talkie’s microphone, “I’ll have to leave you now.” He finished. He tilted his head in a motion of goodbye. Then he pulled the handle of the door, turned it, and the door clicked shut, leaving me alone in complete silence.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 10 - Those we Know Aren’t the Ones we Know of

I sat on an empty mattress on a steel rod bed. For once, I could be in silence without the uneasy feeling of a chaser or alien right on my tail. I wondered how Dr. Peirce’s conversation with Hunter and Dad was right now. They could in fact be making very important points or even plans without me now. Then I remembered the map. I placed a hand in my pocket and pulled out the large piece of blue paper. I unfolded it and scanned the map. My finger traced the locations, Scientist’s lab, Barracks, Medical Bay, Command deck, Communications, Nursery, and then I stopped at the Situation Room. To me, it sounded like a room where people would talk about important events. I felt, and was almost sure, that that was the room where they were talking. I received an urge to go listen to their conversation, but then my stomach told me otherwise. I was practically starving, for the past few days I had only had snacks and other small rations, so I decided to head to the Food Court on my way.

Map in hand, I walked through the hallways of the barracks and sleeping quarters and soon found my way to the Food Court. I spotted a clock on a wall and checked the time. It was about noon, just in time for lunch. I looked around, sturdy gray tables were set out and civilians and resistance fighters were seated at them. The whole place was filled with talking and delicious smells caught my nose. “Lynn!” Shouted a familiar voice. Just then, Clem came rushing to me. She squeezed my legs and started telling me everything she had done while I had been away. I tilted my head up and noticed some other young girls that looked to be about Clem's age seated beside Felicity. I laughed and told Clem she could tell me the rest later. I pushed her softly back toward her table and she sat down with the other little girls. I looked around at all the people in the noisy room. They were laughing, and talking so lively, it almost felt unreal, but I knew that we still weren't safe. The new imposter theory that probably was true, worried me. So many people were hiding things from me, and that made me distraught. I stepped up to the counter and grabbed a quick meal. A neat, ham sandwich that made my mouth water. I carried my plate to a small table that was empty and sat down in a chair. I sunk my teeth into the sandwich, my stomach was then grateful, but my mind was still racing endlessly. I kept glancing down at the map laid on the table as I ate. Then my mind flashed to Hunter. He had been so agitated since we first stepped into the base. Then I realized I was sitting here, munching away when Hunter was probably spilling his secrets out to my dad and Dr. Peirce. And that was something I absolutely could not miss. I had to find out what that boy was hiding. Then, I remembered a part of our conversation we had that night Hunter took the night watch. He said that there was too much –metal in the city. “Could he have been referring to an imposter chip?” I asked myself, but I knew that there was only one person who could confirm that, Hunter. My patience was growing short. I took a final glance at Clem right before I left the Food Court. She looked so happy, and I wished I could be as care-free as her. I stood up and tucked my chair back into its original place. I grasped the map and folded it neatly. Trying to not cause attention, I slipped out of the Food Court quietly. After a bit of walking, I turned around a corner and opened my map. The Situation Room was adjacent to the Communications Room. I had to find some discreet way to make it there without Mr. Marcello or anyone that believed I shouldn’t be listening, finding me. As I stared down at the map, I turned around another corner and to my surprise, I bumped right into a tall person, we knocked each other over. “Oh, Sorry!” The person exclaimed, the voice belonged to Hunter Lance. Quickly after tumbling onto him, I jumped up and hid the map behind my back. “Oh! Uh, hi hunter!” I called awkwardly, trying to hide my earnest wish to eavesdrop. “Oh, hi Lynn.” He replied slowly, rising from the ground, “They said I could go, but –I think I’ve gotten myself pretty deep into this.” He confessed, looking into my eyes. “I want to know what they are saying as much as you do.” He finished, with a soft laugh at the end of his sentence. He then walked over to the side of me and peered at the map. I smiled, “Yes. That’s actually why I’m heading over there.” I told him. “Could you tell me what you know?” I asked, no longer hiding the light blue paper, “I felt like you kept trying to give me hints that night you took the night watch.” I explained, with a playful look on my face. “Yeah, I wanted to tell you earlier, sorry.” “So, are we doing this?” I asked. “Yeah.” He replied softly. “I’ll tell you what I know on the way.” He added. “You talked in the Situation Room, right?” I guessed. “How’d you know?” He smiled. “Clever guess.” I confirmed. We started walking together. “I wasn’t alone the whole time you know,” He explained, “the first couple days I was with my friend, Spencer Gray.” I looked up at him, listening closely. “Well, –he wasn’t exactly himself.” He added. “He was an imposter. Like Dr. Peirce suspected.” I took a deep breath, “the theory is true?” I asked. He nodded. Then he warned me, “Lynn. Those we know, might not be the ones we truly know of.”

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 11 - Shoved into the Dark

“What do you mean Hunter?” I said. I knew what he meant, but I didn’t want to believe it. Could I ever trust anyone again? Hunter’s face became pale, “The metal chip theory was true Lynn…” He whispered. “But I–I’m not the right person to tell you how it works.” he stammered. I bit my lip in fear, then tried to direct the conversation elsewhere, “What about the transmission? Did they talk about that at all?” I asked. Hunter relaxed his shoulders. Then I could see gratefulness in his eyes. “They didn’t say anything about it while I was with them, maybe that’s what they’re talking about right now.” He told me, “Though I did hear Dr. Peirce say that the imposters and the transmission from sector 9 might be connected.” He added. I thought for a minute, and tried to piece everything together, but my mind was stuck. “We barely know anything Hunter, so let's hurry.” I suggested.

Hunter, who had been to the situation room before, guided me down the fastest route. But I knew that when we got there, we couldn’t just barge into Dr. Pierce and Dad’s conversation, we had to find a place where we could hear them, –but they couldn’t see us. “Lynn.” Hunter quietly called, “This is it, but w–we can’t just walk in–” “I know.” I said, interrupting his sentence. Hunter rubbed the back of his neck and then placed a hand on his chin. I pulled the light blue map from my back pocket and opened it. On the map, I noticed a small passageway we could follow, it led to the boundary of the base, and it was marked as the Ventilation Room. My eyes widened, if we made it there, we could listen to their conversation through the vents. “Hunter, if we follow this passage, then we’ll reach the Ventilation Room.” I told Hunter, looking up from the map. But as my eyes met the hall, I only saw the one thing Clem feared the most, darkness. Why have I witnessed its domination so much? Before I could process the thought, Hunter abruptly shoved me into the darkness. “Hey! Why are you–” I yelled, “Shhh…” He hushed, holding a finger to his lips. His hands were trembling, then he arched his eyebrows with worry. I looked at him puzzled and almost asked him why he was so nervous. But then I turned around. A humanoid figure stood some feet away from us, looking around and holding a weapon. At first, I assumed it was someone who worked at the HRF, but then I saw its black armor and fluorescent green mask. To me, it looked like some strange type of armor made of alien tech. Nothing about it made me think it was made by a human. Could this be a totally new species of alien? I froze in place, trying to be as quiet as possible. Even if the humanoid alien could see through that glossy green, fluorescent glass, I wasn’t giving it the chance to hear me. I wondered for a second, why can’t it see me? Then I understood, Hunter had pushed me into the darkness so we could hide. Thankfully, his quick-thinking saved me. If I had stood despairing at the sight of the darkness, I probably would already be dead. As Hunter and I stood motionlessly, all I could hear was the faintest noise of our breathing. My mind raced with questions I couldn’t answer. If that is an alien, how did it get here? Do they know where the base is? How did they find it? When will it leave? I just stood there, my eyes wide open, and my hands covering my mouth, waiting for it to leave. Until the quietness stopped suddenly. A bullet was fired directly at the armored, humanoid alien. The alien took one quick glance at where the bullet was fired and instantly vanished. “What?” I whispered under my breath. I turned around to Hunter, who had his eyes shut tightly. “Hunter.” I whispered, tugging on his arm, “I think it’s gone…” Hunter opened his eyes slowly and became puzzled. “What? W–Where’d that thing go?” He said, looking around. “It just vanished…” I told him. Hunter looked at me then sighed, “I–I’m sorry for pushing you earlier.” He muttered. He didn't need to apologize, although I had been quite startled by it. “No need to apologize," I assured, “You saved my life!” I smiled at him, and Hunter grinned, but I could tell that he was trying to be modest.

Footsteps bounded to the place where the alien had been. It was a group of soldiers. “What?” Gasped one, “It–It was just here!” The group began searching for anything that could have been left behind by the alien. “Didn’t you hit it?” Asked another. “I don’t know.” Answered another. None of the soldiers had a clue of what just happened. But I knew what happened, Should I step out and tell them? Slowly, I started pacing toward them, but then Hunter grabbed my arm. “We’re not supposed to be here Lynn.” He warned, I glanced at him for a second, “We need to tell them.” I urged. Hunter took a deep breath and together we walked out of the dark. A man that looked to be the leader of the group whisked around and pointed his gun right at us. Before I could even think, I gasped and I threw my arms up in the air. He tipped his head up, signaling the other men. They surrounded me and Hunter. “Name?” Called the man to Hunter. Hunter froze. “Name?” The man called once again, louder than before. I elbowed Hunter. His eyes lit up, “H–Hunter Lance.” He managed. The armed man turned to me. “Lynn Parker.” I said quickly, before the man even asked for my name. I said it almost so fast that I could not even understand myself. “Parker? I know a Jason Parker. Are you two related?” He said, with a slight ring of humor in his voice. Just then, the Situation Room’s door burst open. My dad came running out, followed by Mr. Marcello and Dr. Peirce. “Lynn! Hunter!” My dad shouted, “what just happened? We heard a gunshot!” “Is everything all right Stan?” Asked Mr. Marcello, staring at Hunter and I with confusion. “I think so.” The officer, Stan replied, while lowering his gun. I let my arms drop down, then drove the conversation in a different direction, which rushed to conclusion, “That alien, I think it teleported.”

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 12 - Secrets to Reveal

Stan thought for a moment. He rubbed his chin and pressed his lips together. He turned to his troops and sighed. “Head to the Main Hangar, I’ll be there soon.” He commanded. Once they were out of sight the conversation continued. “What exactly was she referring to Stan?” Asked Mr. Marcello, who was quite unaware of the situation. I opened my mouth to answer for Stan, but he answered first. “There was a new species of alien standing right about here.” He explained, pointing to the exact spot we’d seen it. “What did it look like?” Asked Dr. Peirce, sounding more engaged. Mr. Stan Hill went on, “Shockingly, it was in a human form.” “An imposter?” My dad guessed. “I don’t think so. It was wearing strange, black armor and had this menacing, green mask.” Stan assured. Marcello didn’t seem too persuaded by that sentence. “How can you be sure it wasn’t just an imposter in a mask?” He said, running his hands through his hair. It could have been, but for some reason I was sure it wasn’t. I spoke up, “It disappeared. Instantly. It looked around for a bit then it just –vanished.” Everyone paused. “So, you assumed that it used teleportation. Why?” Dr. Peirce wondered. “Well,” I started, “There is no way that anybody can come in without going through security, right?” Dr. Kathleen bobbed her head up and down in agreement. Everyone else just listened. “It could have just teleported to a random location and ended up here, if that makes sense.” I added. Dr. Peirce placed her hand on her chin. “Yes… Yes. That makes sense.” She agreed. “And it vanished?” “Yes.” I confirmed. Kathleen lifted a finger in the air. “I need to get back to my lab and write this down.” Kathleen told us. “We’ll have a meeting at dinner. Don’t forget.” Marcello called. Kathleen nodded and walked away. “Whew. This day has been pretty intense.” My dad laughed. “It’s good to have you back.” Stan told him. They shook hands and patted each other on their backs. Stan then shook Hunter’s hand and mine. “Smart thing, jumping into pitch black so the alien couldn’t see you two.” Stan encouraged me. I could feel a joke was coming on, and sure enough, one came. “I tried to do that once, but I forgot that humans don’t have night vision, and got lost!” he joked. My dad chuckled, and patted him on the back once more. Hunter laughed too, and it was nice to hear him laugh. I smiled, “and how did you find your way again?” I asked, playing along with the joke. “I opened my eyes finally!” He exclaimed, with a broad smile on his face. That made everyone laugh even more heartily than before. It was nice to have a happy moment to forget about the problems for once. “Anyways, I'm going back to the barracks to get some rest before the meeting tonight.” My dad said, “Lynn, Hunter, you guys can just hang around wherever you want.” I smiled at that. I wanted to explore the whole place. But I especially wanted to see the Scientist Lab. I watched my dad walk down the hall and leave us. Stan clapped his hands together, “Well, I’ve got to get back to those troops. I work at Mission Control most of the time though. You should come and check it out some time. I’d love to show you how everything works!” He cheered. “Oh, and keep your eyes out for any more of those green–masked monsters.” He added, squinting his eyes playfully. “I will.” I replied. He headed down the same direction that his troops did before, and was soon out of sight. I turned to Hunter, “We never got to hear their conversation.” I laughed. “Oh, yeah. I forgot that was what we were doing before that alien showed up.” He confessed. “I guess we’ll find out tonight at the meeting.” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “Will I see you at dinner?” I asked. “Yeah.” He assured me. I waved and then we parted ways. My mind was filled with thoughts and questions the whole time I wandered around the hallways. I pulled my map out and searched its locations for the Scientist's Lab. My finger traced the paper and soon landed upon my destination. The Scientist's Lab was adjacent to Mission Control and the Barracks. I decided that I’d pay my dad and Stan in the Mission Control Room a visit before heading to the Scientist's Lab to talk to Dr. Peirce. Kathleen Peirce had sounded very intrigued about the “new” alien species. After wandering around the base and thinking endlessly, I finally reached our room. I opened the door slowly and quietly to not wake my dad if he had fallen asleep. I stepped into the room and saw my dad. He was laying on his back on the bottom of a bunk bed. His eyes were open, but he looked discouraged. “Lynn.” He said as I came in, sounding happy but I could tell it was fake. He sat up. “So, do you like the base?” He asked. “Yes. Although, I haven’t really explored that much.” I admitted. I looked into his eyes, and knew who he was thinking about, mom. “I wish mom could have known about this place.” I said longingly. “She did.” Dad told me bluntly. My eyes widened and I sat down on the bed beside him, listening closely. “I didn’t believe her. What she said about the aliens. I completely ignored it. I was so sure that it was –unreal.” He confessed. “She knew? For how long?” I asked. “For a long time. She was a scientist at the HRF. A good friend of Dr. Peirce too.” He told me. “But, it pains me too much to talk about it. I need to rest right now.” I nodded. I started toward the door, and took one look at my dad before shutting the door. I knew from that moment that there were still so many more things I didn’t know. Once I got to the Scientist's Lab, I hoped some of those mysteries would be revealed.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 13 - Familiar Habits and an Unknown Secret

I started down the hall toward Mission Control. Thoughts swarmed in my head, how did she know? Were their others that knew? If I only knew the exact timespan of her knowledge of the alien invasion, then some of my questions would be answered. How old was I when she knew? I’m fifteen, but I don’t recall any hints from the past years. Did I never have the curiosity l have now? With a sharp turn around a corner, I met Felicity. She looked quite happy and her sleeves were rolled up. A drowsy, sleeping Clem lay in her arms. I grinned. Felicity laughed. “She had so much fun she tired herself out!” She said smiling, “I’m taking her to your room.” I nodded. I looked at Clem and stroked her sandy-blonde hair, but then I noticed strange veins surging in a star-like form on Felicity’s arm. It looked exceedingly painful. I took in a breath, still staring at her arm. “Are you okay?” I asked. She saw where I was looking, and hesitated to speak. “Oh! Yes, Yes –I’m fine.” She managed. “I’d better get Clem to your room now. Nice chatting with you.” She cheered, then she hurried past me. I knew it immediately, she was hiding something. Something strange, something horrid. The thought chilled me every time the sight delved into my memory. I kept walking and thinking, but I just couldn’t make sense of it.

Soon I came to the Mission Control doors. They were strong and bulky. I pushed them open, and walked in. Several workers were stationed at computers, and there was a thick, 3D globe in the middle of the room. Stan noticed me come in. Hunter was with him. “Hey Lynn! I was just showing Hunter how we run the factory around here.” He told me. I nodded approvingly. I turned, and Hunter waved silently to me. I hurried to him. “This place is so cool.” He exclaimed. I smiled, “It reminds me of a space museum.” I laughed. Hunter looked up at the globe. “I hope the other people around the world are okay.” He sighed. “I thought the aliens were just here.” I confessed. “No. Stan says they’re throughout the United States.” Hunter warned, pointing to our continent on the globe. “And everywhere else?” I asked, gaining worry. “No one knows.” Hunter confirmed. “Stan told me that all their communications completely blacked out.” I gulped, “We can’t communicate with anyone?” I questioned. “Yes.” Hunter’s words were frightening, but I needed to keep listening. He spoke softly, “Stan says that’s probably our next step, to reconnect with the world so we can work together.” That sounded like a good plan to me. “At least we can be safe here for a bit.” I said, although I couldn’t help but doubt. The alien we’d seen carved into my mind. I knew it could only get in a couple ways. It couldn’t have gotten in without teleporting or some really foolish person letting them in. “I’m looking forward to sleeping on those nice mattresses in the barracks.” Hunter laughed, which lightened my mood. “Hey,” I said, bumping his shoulder, “You haven’t said sorry once in this conversation.” Hunter’s face turned bright red. “Oh!” He stammered, “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to act completely fine when the rest of the world is in danger.” The room became louder. I groaned, “Hunter, that’s not what I meant! You don’t have to be sorry for finally relaxing a bit.” “Right, sorry.” He blurted out automatically. His hands flew to his mouth. “Sorry, I–I meant that I’m sorry for saying sorry –again.” He added. I couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s okay Hunter.” I managed between laughs. Seeing his familiar, anxious habits made the world feel real again. Even with a huge alien threat hanging over our heads. “Don’t sweat it kid. Around here, we’re just glad to hear anyone talking at all.” Called Stan from across the room, who had apparently heard the fuss. Hunter gave Stan a weak, apologetic smile and mouthed the word “sorry” to him. He turned back to me, lowering his voice so the workers in the room couldn’t hear him. He bent down to my ear, “I just… Get nervous when it’s too quiet.” He whispered, his tone sounded irritated. I smiled. His hands jittered, and I could tell he was embarrassed. I wanted to whisper sorry back into his ear, but I felt that would trigger it again. Instead, I reached up to ruffle his brown hair. “Hey!” Hunter shrieked, immediately reaching up and flattening his hair down again. His jitteriness was gone. I started heading toward the door. I flexed my fingers motioning for Hunter to follow. He fixed the last part of his hair, and hurried to me.

We walked out of the Mission Control room, and watched the heavy door swing shut. “Lynn,” Hunter laughed, “I’ve seen you do that to Clem, and now me? It’s fine, I don’t mind it, but you should never, ever, think about doing that to Mr. Marcello.” I gave a roar of laughter. “He’d probably kill me.” I said between laughs. “The first time I saw him I knew he was a perfectionist.” Hunter added. “Is that why you stared into his eyes? Were you trying to ground down his character?” I joked. Hunter's smile faded. “No, It’s a way I can tell if someone’s –real.” He answered. I wanted to ask him how, but instead I just nodded. “You were right. We have a plan, we just need to focus on the next step.” I replied. My mind flashed to Felicity, her unsettling, surging veins and her earnest hurry to leave me. If Stan’s next step was reconnecting the world, my next step was to find out what she was hiding. After a short pause of awkward quietness, Hunter lifted his arm and checked his watch. The silver face read the time 4:12. “It’s almost time for the meeting at dinner. I–I’m going to go see if I can help with anything.” Hunter told me. “I’m sorry for rambling so much back there.” He apologized. “You didn’t ramble Hunter. See you later.” I confirmed. I watched his figure slip away down the hall. I laid out the things I needed to find out in my head. One, Find out what Felicity is hiding. Two, find more about my mother’s past. Three, find out how to identify imposters. And four, help reconnect the world.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 14 - The Vital Distraction

I stood still in the hall for a moment, but then remembered that I wanted to visit Dr. Peirce in the Scientist’s Lab. I took a quick look at my map and then stepped down the hall. I was completely alone with my thoughts.

Memories as a ten year–old flooded back into my mind. I remember my mother sitting quietly at the table in our mint-green farmhouse late at night, with the dimness of a small lamp shining over her scattered papers. Every night she spent hours scribbling down notes and sketching out diagrams of space. I had always assumed she was just filling out original paperwork or doing her complicated studies as a normal scientist. When I asked, she would simply stroke my hair, smile, and say she was mapping out space. I never suspected she could have been mapping out some chart of space that would help navigate or guess where the aliens would come from. Those star–filled nights where she would stare into the sky with a faraway look, did she feel an unavoidable threat would come crashing down on us? Those times where she would stare into my eyes, did she feel as if she couldn’t save me from what was coming? I felt a sting of grief, wishing I would have paid closer attention.

Lost deep in thought, I nearly bumped into Mr. Marcello. He took a step back to avoid the collision. He stood up perfectly straight with his hands neatly placed behind his back. Not a single wrinkle was in his suit and his tie was adjusted properly. His blonde hair was parted with ultimate precision, and not one single strand of hair was out of place. Remembering Hunter’s joke about never ruffling Marcello’s hair, I pursed my lips together and tried to keep a straight face. I forced myself not to laugh, which trapped a bubble in my throat. Mr. Marcello grinned, and dimples formed on his cheeks. Which altered his perfect appearance just for a second. He gave a crisp sigh, “Miss Lynn, I hope you are not wandering in designated areas, you must know that all civilians must stay in the common areas.” I nodded, my lips still stuck together. I opened my mouth to speak, “I’m just heading to the lab to talk with Dr. Peirce.” I stated. “Very well. Don’t touch anything expensive.” Marcello warned. He tilted his head down which said “goodbye” without words. He passed my shoulder and started walking down the hall. I smiled, then started laughing softly to myself. “Oh, and Lynn,” Macello added, turning around to face me, I stood up straight and stopped my laughing, “be at the situation room by 5:50, dinner time. Unless you want to miss the meeting.” I nodded. I couldn’t possibly miss that meeting, it was the only informational thing I had been invited to, and I was undoubtedly sure that I would find answers there. I didn’t dare open my mouth, or a giggle would surely come out. Mr. Marcello turned back around and stepped down the hall again, leaving me with my thoughts.

Soon, I came to the broad steel doors of the Scientist’s Lab. I turned the handle which was freezing cold. I stepped in and slowly closed the door behind me, trying to not make a sound. Dr. Peirce was scribbling down notes on a desk while sitting in a dark blue office chair. She tapped her pen against the rough table and dropped it. She lifted a mug to her lips, taking a sip of her warm coffee. I stood still, wondering if she’d ever notice me. I held my arms to brace the cold. There were huge incubators, several computers sitting brightly on desks, and small bottles of chemistry and scientific samples. There were five other scientists in the room as well. I only wished I could have seen my mom here. “Ah, Lynn!” Cheered Kathleen Peirce. She turned around in her chair. She wore a green turtleneck sweater and a white lab coat. Her skin was dark and her deep brown hair was in an untidy bun. Dr. Peirce sat up from her chair with a gray clipboard under her shoulder and a hand clutched to the handle of her cup of coffee. “I had a feeling you’d come.” She said, I smiled, and then she took another sip of her coffee. She noticed my arms wrapped around myself. “Are you cold?” She asked, lowering her cup from her mouth. I nodded. “It’s like an igloo in here.” I said. “That’s one of the reasons I drink so much coffee.” Kathleen admitted. “You remind me of your mother.” Kathleen told me. My eyes lit up, I turned to face her, my coldness wearing off. I was eager to learn more about my mother’s time here. “She was very intelligent, like yourself. She’d always try to find the solution in things. It's disappointing she can’t be here with us now…” She told me, sighing at the end of her last sentence. An idea popped into my head. “Dr. Peirce,” I started, “Do you have anything that can help me understand the past?” I asked. “What do you mean Lynn?” “I just wanted to know how this all began.” I confessed. Kathleen Peirce squinted her eyes and thought for a moment. She mumbled something, like she was talking to herself and then she motioned for me to follow her. I walked behind her to another desk, and she pulled the handle of a drawer and revealed a small, black book. She seized it, and turned around toward me. Her eyes were set on the black book, then she sighed, “This was your mother’s journal. She’d want you to have it.” Kathleen declared, she placed the book in my hands. I gasped. “Thank you…” I whispered. “Your mother had a brilliant mind.” Kathleen said. “Tell me if you find anything informational in there that we could use.” I nodded. “You can explore now, just don’t–” I already knew the last part of her sentence, “–touch anything expensive. I know. Mr. Marcello already told me.” I laughed. Kathleen let out a chuckle as well, “Of course he did.” She returned to her desk and I was thrilled with excitement. A rush of warmness went through me. In my hands was my mother’s thoughts, knowledge, and history. I was ready to dive into her journal and discover everything about the HRF and the Aliens. I brushed the cover and found a quiet corner where I could open it. Just as I sat down, a clock started ringing furiously. I rubbed my eyes and stared up at the digital clock. It was 6:00. Mr. Marcello’s stern, clear voice rang in my head, “be at the situation room by 5:50, dinner time. Unless you want to miss the meeting.” I darted to the exit, my heart pounding with guilt.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 15 - Three Days Till Deployment

I bursted through the Situation Room’s doors. Everyone in the room looked right at me, and a rush of embarrassment ran through me. Dr. Peirce and Mr. Marcello were standing next to a digital map on the wall, where small red dots were flashing brightly. I didn’t know what they indicated. Marcello looked disappointed, he glared up at a silver clock perched on the wall. It was 6:05, fifteen minutes past the deadline. Dr. Peirce barely paused, she just acknowledged my arrival and continued with her presentation. Everyone turned to face her. My grip on my mother’s black journal tightened and I swiftly took a seat beside Hunter. I sank low in my seat. Hunter leaned over to me immediately, his shoulder brushing mine. “Where were you?” He said in a hushed voice, his eyes still fixed on what was in front of him so Mr. Marcello wouldn’t suspect our whispering. “You missed the first part.” I bit my lip and laid my mother’s journal on my lap, “I lost track of time. What’d I miss?” I asked under my breath. Hunter sighed, “dinner.” I rolled my eyes. “The important stuff, Hunter.” Hunter unlocked his eyes from the scene in front of him and set a smile on his face, “You don’t think dinner is important?” He said with a chuckle. I was trying to focus and find out what was going on, and he was keeping me from it. I clenched my teeth, “Hunter! Don’t make me get into trouble.” I tried to whisper. I nudged him with my elbow. “Okay, okay, sorry. They haven’t talked about much. But Lynn, all the radio operatives are–” “What?” I turned directly to face him, knowing he was about to share something important. “They’re all gone.” I faced the digital map, “Those little red dots are where the radio operative hideouts used to be.” Hunter whispered. “Chasers got them, supposedly.” He added. Without the radio operative hideouts, we would have no connection to anyone, and no knowledge of what was in the areas. The map was divided into sectors, the HRF base being in sector 3. Sector 9 caught my eye, could mom really be out there? Hunter interrupted my thinking, “But, there’s more.” He warned, “I’m listening.” I assured him. “The chasers didn’t accidentally stumble onto the hideouts, it was like they knew.” My mind flashed back to the insect-like creatures who hunt entirely by sound. They were extremely horrifying, I couldn’t imagine being killed by one of them. “How? How did they know?” I asked. Hunter gulped, “That’s what Dr. Peirce asked. She didn’t openly blame Mr. Marcello for the infiltrations, but she reminded us that the Head Communications Officer was the only one with the data, meaning he could have informed the locations to the aliens, –somehow.” I thought for a moment, would he really? I looked at Mr. Marcello, he looked for once, worried and nervous. His fists were tightened so hard that his knuckles were turning white. “He wouldn’t do that, would he?” I said, turning to Hunter. “He wouldn’t dare. But, I–It’s just a theory, that's all.” Hunter leaned back into his chair. Nothing was “just a theory” around here.

I turned my head to the map, and listened to the presentation. Officer Stan Hill spoke up, “We can’t deploy recon teams or scout squads without taking a risk. We could send some out to establish new operative hideouts so we’ll be better off and safer when we send out our strike teams.” “Yes, that sounds good to me. But where do we send them?” Mr. Marcello agreed. The bright red dots on the screen vanished, and Dr. Peirce tapped a location in Sector 6. “This is in the middle of sector 9 and the base,” She explained, “this should give us a good advantage. Let’s just hope the same devastation does not happen again.” She finished, with a short glance at Mr. Marcello. “The only question is who will go as the radio operative?” Stan asked, the answer was obvious, because everyone instantly turned to my dad. He was the only radio operative who had survived the chaser infiltration. He sighed, “yes, I’ll go.” Everyone smiled, but then there was silence in the room. My heart leapt, I wanted to go with him. I lunged my hand in the air, “I’ll go as well!” I volunteered. Hunter was just about to raise his hand as well until my dad refused my proposal. “No Lynn.” My dad said firmly. “But I want to help!” I pleaded, “No. You’re fifteen, and you’ve never even fired a bullet with your own pistol. Every time you pull that gun out you hesitate and freeze up. Hesitation means death out there Lynn. You’re not ready.” I slouched in my chair with embarrassment and wanted to disappear. “Excuse me Jason,” Mr. Marcello interrupted, “Miss Parker does have the legal rights to try. But she can’t set a foot out of this base until she proves she can handle a weapon. Officer Stan, put her and the Lance boy in the morning training rotation.” I wanted to jump for joy, but I knew that this wouldn’t exactly be a walk in the park. I had just signed up for the most dangerous thing I could have signed up for in my life. I smiled ever so slightly at Mr. Marcello. Mr. Marcello winked, and every doubt I ever had about him flooded away. Hunter's face flushed red, and he rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous look in his face. My dad couldn’t argue. “I’ll get a team ready. It’ll be three days until we launch the mission.” Stan declared.

The topic changed, and I listened to Dr. Peirce’s presentation. Sector 9 on the digital map turned a soft yellow. “We traced Mia Parker’s transmission.” Dr. Peirce said, “It came straight from Sector 9.” Stan Hill stood up and walked over to the map. He pointed at Sector 9. “Sector 9 is where an extremely dangerous, high security building is. In summary, it's an Alien Lab. Humans aren’t supposed to be able to live out there.” My heart leapt, how was it my mom was still alive out there? Or was she even alive anymore? The chilling scream played over in my head and started to haunt me. My heart pounded. Across the table, my dad mouthed “are you okay?” I nodded, closing my eyes, but I was lying. I wasn't at all okay. I wanted to wake up from this horrible nightmare and hug my mom at least one more time. “We have no present plans for any mission to Sector 9” Kathleen Peirce stated. A hot anger started to swirl in me. I would do everything I could to get my mom back. Even if it meant risking my own life.

The Enemy is Unaware

Chapter 16 - Two Stages Revealed

Marcello looked quite offended by Kathleen’s sentence. “We have to go sometime though. Are you forgetting Mia?” He scoffed. Dr. Peirce hesitated, then sighed, “I don’t think we should risk it. It could be a trap.” She explained. I could tell everyone in the room wanted the same thing as Mr. Marcello, but Dr. Peirce was right, it could be a huge trap. I frowned, but acknowledged her comment. With all this talk about imposters, she could be a fake. I didn’t want to believe that. Before an argument could come on, Dr. Peirce advised that we should move onto the next topic: Imposters.

Hunter sunk down in his chair. I listened closely. Dr. Peirce lowered her eyes to a piece of paper attached to her clipboard. “Now, with no present specimen to study, we can’t be one-hundred percent sure that this is all true. But according to Hunter Lance, who we believe to have witnessed some sort of proof, we may just have a bit of a lead.” Dr. Peirce informed. I leaned forward in my chair, and the room went quiet. Everybody was listening. “We can’t explain how, but the victims develop some sort of infection.” My mind flashed to Felicity and her infection on her wrist. “The infection that Spencer Gray developed was on his wrist.” I inhaled a long gasp, does Felicity have the same problem as Spencer? Dr. Peirce continued, "According to Hunter, his veins looked swollen and sickly around that part.” My heart thudded, I knew this was bad. The image Dr. peirce was explaining was exactly like the one I had seen on Felicity's arm earlier today. Felicity spends her hours in the nursery with the little children, and sometimes she helps in the Medical Bay. Should I say something? “But that’s only stage one.” Kathleen Peirce informed, “Hunter told us he woke up the next day, rolled over in bed and looked at his friend Spencer, the next thing Spencer did was blink sideways. Hunter remarked that he just was blinking occasionally like that. It's similar to a reptile’s membrane, but instead it’s not really a membrane, it’s the actual eyelid.” I covered my mouth in terror. That seemed to sober everyone in the room. Beside me, Hunter was squeezing his fists so hard and his head was down, touching his lap. He’s traumatized by it. I probably would be too if I’d seen my friend blink sideways first thing in the morning. Marcello noticed him so insecure, “You can go Hunter.” He told him. Hunter got up gratefully, but he kept his head down and covered his face until he walked out the door. Dr. Peirce drew in a breath and I did as well. “We don’t know how it works, but it’s probably some complex genetic mutation.” She finished. No one said a word. “That's all I have to say.” Kathleen took a seat and looked flustered as anyone would if they just announced that humans could blink sideways. “Any comments or questions?” Marcello asked. No one spoke up. No one wanted to know any more about it. Should I turn in Felicity? Should I talk to someone about it before I address it to the whole team? Maybe tell someone in secret, Marcello, Dr. Peirce, or my dad. “Okay.” Marcello said in the awkward silence that filled the room. Stan stood up, “Looks like that wraps us up for the night.” He said. “Oh, and if anyone finds someone with the same infection be sure to turn them in so we can test them.” He added. With that, everyone exited the room. No words were spoken on the way out, except some “goodnights” Marcello and Stan. I picked up my mother’s journal from my lap and stood up. Marcello and Stan were seeing everyone out. I just followed my dad silently, keeping my thoughts to myself. “Hey,” Stan called to me, “Be there at training tomorrow.” He said with a grin. I was surprised to see anyone smiling after what Dr. Peirce had revealed. “Oliver Hayes will be there to train you at 5:15.” Another direct time. I was the queen of being late. I just nodded back to him.

The door to our sleeping quarters swung open silently. The room was dark until my dad flipped a switch and the room became illuminated with a warm, faint light. I glanced at Clem who was sleeping lazily on a bed. I placed my mother’s journal on a small desk, anticipating the time when I should read it, but I’m too tired at the moment. I pulled off my dirty black boots and set them under the bunk bed. I climbed up into the top bunk of a bunk bed and slid into the covers. Then my dad switches the light off and everything goes black. The sheets were warm, the mattresses more comfy than anything I had slept on in the past few days, but I felt overly uncomfortable. Thoughts, fears, and questions swarmed in my head like a hoard of bees. That last comment Stan made made me question if I should even turn Felicity in. “If anyone finds someone with the same infection be sure to turn them in so we can test them.” I couldn’t imagine being a test specimen. Might as well be the end to that person’s life if they couldn’t reverse it. But there was one important question I needed to know the answer for. How, and why does it start? Just wondering about things doesn't help that much. The room was dead quiet and a fear overcame me. Things were rushing through my head and I feared at any moment a chaser would come bursting into the room. So this is what Hunter feels like every night. I told myself to go to sleep and shut my eyes tight, trying to block out every fear I had. Finally, I fell into a dreamless sleep.

I awoke early in the morning to a knock on the door. Our room was still faintly dark, but cracks of light shone through the gap under the door. I could see a set of shoes though it as well. I rubbed my eyes and glanced at a clock. It was 5:05. I carefully climbed out of bed and made sure it didn’t toss back and forth so my dad wouldn’t wake, but when my feet reached the cold concrete ground, I noticed he wasn’t in his bed at all. I slipped on my boots, and wanted to change my clothes, but I remembered I was in an alien resistance bunker. I glanced at the journal on the small desk and wanted to pour into the sacred pages of my mother’s journal, but I knew I would have to wait. “Lynn?” called a voice. It was Hunter. Today we would get to training for missions in the future. I opened the door quietly. Hunter stood in the hall, silent. I stepped out of our room. Hunter looked down at his feet and seemed to be at a loss for words. Finally, after I waited, he turned to me. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Dark circles were under his eyes. He hadn’t slept at all.

Omg, I don't really know what to say… soo peak

-Cherrypaw_EA- wrote:

Omg, I don't really know what to say… soo peak

Thank you! How many chapters have you read? I'm just about to post chapter 16.

EvelynnJoy wrote:

Hey Eve. Oh, Great now you can read chapter 16… You should wait till book club! (But read it if you're dying, I don't mind)