Them and Us by Paul Schueller - HTML preview

Chapter 6

Sam wandered around with the interaction with Joe playing in his head. It was now a few hours past sunrise and Sam had made his way to the hill where he and Kevin routinely met. He was checking his backpack and provisions when Kevin walked up from behind him.

Kevin was cheerful, as usual and started the conversation. “Good morning. The big day is here.

How do you feel?”

Sam turned quickly and glared at Kevin without saying a word.

Kevin continued. “Wow. Little nervous today?”

“That’s not it. You know why I’m mad. Met with Joe this morning.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You must know that you’re not going to be my boss when I get back.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit. I’m out of here. Sam turned and headed out away from Kevin into the vast wilderness, skipping the final planned debrief.”

“No wait.” Kevin said but he did not follow and Sam did not turn around.

For hours Sam walked directly west. The sun beating progressively harder on the back of his neck. Sam continued walking hour after hour, only stopping for an occasional sip of water. As the day passed the sun turned into his face. He continued on. The frustration he felt towards Joe, Kevin and his parents was slowly released through each jarring step. After walking for most of the day Sam heard a buzzing noise behind him and turned around to see a basketball size drone hovering 10 feet above and behind him.

Kevin voice came from the drone without an introduction or explanation. “Us have only a minute. You’re about 15 miles out. Quite a distance you covered. Is that fueled by your misplaced anger?”

“You must have some idea of what’s going on.” Sam declared.

“I don’t but I sure as hell will try to find out. What can you tell me about this conversation with Joe?”

“Nothing I can’t tell you anything…or they’ll…”

“They’ll what?”

Sam could tell from the confusion and concern in Kevin’s voice that he really didn’t know anything about what Joe said and he continued with a softer tone “Nothing. Never mind. Please don’t look into it. You have to let it go.”

“You’re not making any sense.”

“Promise me you won’t do anything until I get back and us can talk.” Sam pleaded.

“Yeah, I promise. For now.” As Kevin finished his sentence the drone peeled away and Sam was left alone in the wilderness to set up camp and manage his thoughts and nerves on his first night alone.