Them and Us by Paul Schueller - HTML preview

Chapter 5

The next morning Sam woke up early, dreading the thought of a meeting with Joe. He had no idea what it was going to be about but his experience with Joe in the interview process hadn’t been pleasant. His only thought was that it might be final instructions before his wilderness test.

Sam was early for the meeting but Joe was already there, just sitting calmly with his hands folded across each other on the top of the table. Sam took a seat across from him without speaking. The room was a little dirtier and uglier version of the interview room in the city where they had first met.

Joe didn’t say a word and just stared back at Sam. Finally out of impatience more than being uncomfortable Sam blurted out. “You could really use to improve your interpersonal skills. I’m out of here.” And then started to get up from the table.

Joe finally spoke. “Sit down young man. Us need to have a very important conversation. You’re going to need to listen very carefully. Do you know who I am?”

“I see you following Dr. Canard all over the place so, his lacky? Or maybe manservant?”

“You can’t provoke me and you’re going to have to learn to respect me. I’ll be your boss when you return from your wilderness test.”

“Kevins my boss and why should that change?”

“Kevin was your boss, now you just need to concentrate on passing the test. The seven days alone, for some people it makes them cry for their mommy. You need to do better than that.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You best be since there is a lot riding on it for you and your family.”

Joe finally had Sam’s attention. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“To be painfully straightforward, it means us own you. Us know your mom is pregnant. Things could go very well or very poorly for you and your family. You help us with some special projects and your parents will get the credits they need for that brother of yours.”

Sam stood up abruptly sending his chair crashing into the wall behind him. “You can’t do that!”

“Yes us can. You see if you run, like most of you Neanderthal types, your parents will end up with an abortion and in prison. Now get your shit together and get out there and come back with your field certification. Us have big plans for you.”

“What plans and why are you telling me this now?”

“It’s quite obvious that us don’t want you thinking about running when you’re out there. Us can cover the why when you get back.” With that Joe got up and walked out and Sam slumped in his chair looking as distraught as he felt.