The Extinction Series | Book 6 | Primordial Earth 6

by Higgins, Baileigh

  “Paul?” Seth prompted.

  “I don’t… I’m no good at speeches. Even in school, I struggled to learn, and Brittany was always there to help me with my homework or argue with the teachers when they gave me a hard time. She… I… the world is poorer without her.”

  “Rogue? Would you like to say something?” Seth asked.

  Rogue opened her mouth, but couldn’t speak. A ball of ice was lodged in her throat, and it refused to budge. Finally, she shook her head. Unable to look at Brittany’s last resting place any longer, she walked toward the river’s edge. With her arms wrapped around her middle, she stared at the water while the group concluded the ceremony.

  David volunteered to pray. “Brittany and her mom were Catholic. The same as my family. I know she would want this.”

  “Of course,” Seth said in a subdued tone. “Go ahead.”

  David’s voice rose above the clearing:

  We beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy mercy, to have pity on the soul of Thy handmaid; do Thou, Who hast freed her from the perils of this mortal life, restore to her the portion of everlasting salvation. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

  The words echoed through Rogue’s mind, and the sense of loss intensified. The prayer carried with it a sense of finality. The proverbial nail in the coffin. It was done.

  Seth appeared at her side moments later, and she turned toward him without making a sound. He wrapped her in his arms, and she soaked up his comforting warmth. At last, she pulled away. “I guess it’s time to go.”

  He nodded. “Are you okay?”

  “No, but I will be.”

  Rogue walked toward the pile of supplies stacked on the beach. They’d gathered everything they could salvage from the wreckage earlier and stuffed it into empty bags and containers. There was no sense in leaving valuable items behind to rot.

  Bear took no prisoners, loading up until he resembled a pack donkey. Jessica had fashioned a crude travois, enabling her to drag a fair amount of food and bottled water. The rest took as much as they could carry, including Rogue. She shrugged her backpack onto her shoulders, along with a roll of extra blankets and a satchel of tools.

  “Don’t overdo it,” Seth cautioned.

  “I’m good, thanks,” Rogue said, determined to do her share.

  She spotted Tony standing off to the side, staring at the wreckage of the Water Lily. She walked over. “I’m sorry about your boat.”

  “She was all I had,” he said, his expression stark.

  “I know.”

  He sighed. “Rest in peace, Water Lily. You served me well.”

  Rogue shook her head. So much loss. What was the point of it all?

  “Is everyone ready?” Jessica asked.

  A series of nods went around the group.

  “Follow me, folks. It’s a long hike, and we’ll need to hustle if we want to make it before nightfall.”

  “Don’t worry, Jessica,” Seth said. “We’ll keep up.”

  And keep up they did despite the punishing pace Jessica set right from the start. They left the river behind and struck out into the forest just as the sun rose above the treetops. Moving in a north-eastern direction, they cut through the trees toward the town of Kalama.

  It wasn’t easy pushing through the dense undergrowth, and Tony’s machete came into play many times. It was hot and humid, the air stifling. Every bloodsucker within a hundred miles came to feast on their blood, and they scratched themselves raw. Thankfully, they encountered nothing dangerous, though there was plenty of life all around them.

  A couple of brief five-minute breaks were the only respite they got during the long hours, and it was a relief when they broke out onto an open plain.

  Jessica stopped and eyed the position of the sun. “We’ve made good time. Another couple of hours should do the trick.”

  “We’ll make it before sunset then?” Seth said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

  “If our luck holds,” Jessica said. She glanced at the open field stretched out in front of them. “We can rest here in the shade for twenty minutes. We won’t get the chance again, so make the most of it.”

  Rogue dropped her bags to the ground and sat down with her back against a tree. Her shoulders ached, and her calves burned. Her t-shirt clung to her skin, and she was too tired to do anything but close her eyes.

  A light touch on her shoulder caused her to start. It was Seth, and he held out a bottle of water. “Here. You need to stay hydrated.”

  “Thank you,” she said, aware of her dry mouth and cracked lips. With deep swigs, she emptied the bottle and handed it back with a smile.

  Seth rummaged in his bag and removed a couple of apples and a packet of oatmeal biscuits. “Hungry?”

  Rogue pulled up her nose at the biscuits but crunched into the juicy apple with eager bites. The sweet juices flooded her mouth and eased the cramp in her stomach. After swallowing the core, she sat back and closed her eyes.

  It proved to be a mistake.

  Images of Brittany flashed before her eyes, and she opened her eyes again. The ache in her chest returned full-force, and her vision dimmed as tears threatened to flow.

  “Are you thinking about her?” Seth asked.

  Rogue nodded. “It won’t stop. The pictures, I mean.”

  “It will get better in time,” Seth said.

  “I know, but it hurts, Seth. It hurts more than I can bear,” she said in a low whisper. She glanced at David and Paul, recognizing her own grief in their morose expressions and distant stares. “It must be even worse for them. They’ve known her forever. Much longer than me.”

  “Grief is grief,” Seth said. “It’s not the kind of thing you can quantify.”

  “No. I suppose not.”

  “Don’t rush it. Let it in and allow yourself time to process the pain,” he advised. “It’s the only way to get through it.”

  “I’ll try,” Rogue said, flinching when Brittany’s empty eyes flashed to the forefront.

  Jessica clapped her hands. “Time to go, folks.”

  Groans rose all around as the group got to their feet and shouldered their burdens.

  Rogue bit her lower lip as the straps of her pack chafed at the already tender skin on her shoulders. She’d probably have blisters by the time they reached their destination. The discomfort had a welcoming side-effect, however. It distracted her from her grief and allowed her to focus on the present.

  The miles passed slowly as they trudged across the plain. After an hour, Jessica pointed at the horizon and grinned. “Look, it’s Kalama.”

  Rogue squinted into the distance and spotted the vague outline of a few buildings. It didn’t look like much, and she felt a faint twinge of disappointment. “What’s Kalama like?”

  “What’s it like?” Jessica repeated. “There’s not much to it, really. It’s small, and the Shift cut it in half. We didn’t see any signs of survivors, either. They either fled to a bigger city or died out.”

  “That’s depressing,” Rogue said. “Why did you pick this as your base?”

  “We chose Kalama for two reasons: Its proximity to the Columbia River, and the lack of human life. It prevents complications,” Jessica explained.

  “Complications?”

  “We’re not invading anyone’s space, and there aren’t any hostiles for us to deal with,” Jessica said.

  “Do you meet a lot of hostile people?” Rogue asked.

  “No, most are willing to talk and trade,” Jessica said. “But I’ve come across a few groups that aren’t very welcoming. We try to avoid those.”

  Rogue digested that information while they walked. The world was a lot bigger than she’d ever dreamed it could be, but people remained people. Some were good, and some weren’t. Most couldn’t be trusted, and many were downright dangerous. I wonder what my future holds.

  After Brittany’s sudden and brutal death, she no longer believed herself invincible and her blind faith in a rosy future was gone. In its place was a more realistic view of th
e world, and the realization that things didn’t always work out the way a person wanted them to.

  Chapter 11 - Imogen

  Imogen stared out of the window. It was getting late. Soon, the sun would set and night would come. In the morning, they’d leave in the Cessna-152 and fly home. Home. The word didn’t feel right. It felt strange. She didn’t belong in Vancouver anymore, but there was nowhere else to go.

  “Are you hungry?” Casey asked from her seat at the table.

  “Not really,” Imogen said.

  “Why do you keep staring at the gate? Are you afraid the Spinosaurus will come back?” Casey asked.

  “A little,” Imogen admitted, but another part of her hoped her missing friends would return. She had this fantasy that they’d walk through the gates, safe and sound. She knew it was stupid, but couldn’t help it. Hope was all she had left. Come morning, even that would fade, squashed by their return to the city.

  The sky turned orange as the sun began its descent. Streaks of purple, yellow, and mauve colored the clouds. Squawks rose from the distant forest, and a flock of flyers burst from the canopy. They circled in place for a few seconds before winging off.

  “I made coffee,” Casey coaxed.

  “Thanks,” Imogen said, not budging from her spot.

  “Come on; sit down. You can’t stand there all day.”

  Imogen sighed. “Fine, I’m coming.”

  She turned around but paused when movement caught the corner of her eye. “What’s that?”

  “What’s what? Do you see something?” Casey asked. She jumped up and hurried over, joining Imogen at the window.

  “I don’t know. There’s something out there.” Imogen said, squinting.

  “Use your binoculars,” Casey prompted.

  “Good idea.” Imogen snatched up the binoculars lying forgotten on the side table and raised them to her eyes. She focused on the gate and gasped when she saw several figures unlatching the chain. They walked through, stopping to close up again before proceeding down the track. “It’s people!”

  “People? You mean like Jessica, Lee, and Barry?” Casey asked.

  “I’m not sure. There’s… seven of them.”

  “Seven?” Casey repeated. She grabbed her gun and checked the load. “They might not be friendly. Or they might be scavengers.”

  “Maybe,” Imogen said, but one figure had drawn her full attention. That walk. I know that walk. “It’s Jessica!”

  “Are you sure?” Casey asked.

  “I’m sure.” Imogen dropped the binoculars and raced to the front door. She yanked it open and rushed outside.

  “Wait,” Casey cried. “You could be wrong.”

  Imogen ignored her. She knew she was right. Her headlong flight took her straight toward the group, and her feet fairly flew over the ground. “Jessica!”

  “Imogen,” came the answering cry.

  Jessica broke free from the group and rushed toward her. They met halfway and hugged for several long moments. Finally, Imogen pulled back and studied her friend from head to toe. Jessica looked like she always had: Tanned, toned, and healthy.

  “For someone who just came back from the dead, you look great,” Imogen exclaimed. “What happened? How did you get here, and who are all these people?”

  “It’s a long story, and I’d rather be under a roof when I tell it,” Jessica said with a laugh. “It’s getting dark out here, and I don’t want to push our luck.”

  “Of course. Forgive my manners,” Imogen said. “Let’s go inside.”

  She led the way to the living quarters and stepped aside to let everyone through the door. As Jessica and the six strangers filed past, she noticed one strange fact. Both Lee and Barry were missing. What’s going on? What happened out there?

  “Oh, my God, Jessica. It really is you,” Casey cried.

  Jessica embraced Casey with a laugh. “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “Same here, Jess. I thought you were a goner, for sure,” Casey said.

  “It was close,” Jessica admitted. “I almost didn’t make it. In fact, I wouldn’t have made it without my new friends.” She introduced them all, going down the line until she’d named each one: Rogue, Seth, Paul, David, Tony, and Bear.

  They were a striking-looking bunch, tough and armed with handmade weapons. Their clothes were rough, threadbare, and torn in places. Their expressions were guarded, and Imogen got the idea she and Casey were being evaluated. It made her nervous, and she found herself babbling.

  “Come inside, please. Make yourselves at home,” she said, herding them through the door and barring it against the night and its creatures. “You can put your things in the dining room. We hardly ever use it, and your stuff will be safe, I promise.”

  The group obeyed, their movements sluggish. Groans of relief sounded as they dumped their gear on the floor, and she guessed they were exhausted.

  “Long day?” she asked.

  “The worst,” Jessica answered. “It’s a long hike from the river.”

  “The river?” Imogen asked, before raising a hand. “Never mind. We can talk later. Let’s get you settled in first.”

  “Thanks,” Jessica said, dragging one tired hand across her eyes.

  Imogen hustled the group toward the kitchen. “Grab a seat at the table, please. Coffee anyone?”

  “I’d love some coffee,” the only other woman in the group besides Jessica said.

  She was short and petite, dark-haired and pale. There was blood-spatter on her shirt, and she carried her spear like she knew how to use it. But she smiled with genuine warmth, and Imogen found herself drawn to her. “Rogue, right?”

  “That’s me,” Rogue said, taking a seat.

  “I think we could all use a cup,” Jessica said, dropping into a chair with a sigh.

  “Coming right up,” Imogen said.

  She passed out mugs of coffee and put a fresh pot on to boil. Next, she placed containers of sugar and creamer on the table along with teaspoons. A bowl of cookies and another with fruit completed the selection. “Help yourselves, guys.”

  “Thanks again, Imogen,” Jessica said. “It sure feels good to be back.”

  “It sounds like you had a rough time,” Imogen said.

  “You could say that,” Jessica said, taking a big sip of coffee.

  “What happened to Lee and Barry?” Imogen asked, allowing her curiosity full reign at last.

  “I could ask the same about Ralph and Allen,” Jessica said. “Something happened while I was gone, right?”

  “Yes, something did,” Imogen said, exchanging a look with Casey.

  “Let’s hear your story first,” Casey suggested. “You’ve been missing for days, and we couldn’t find any signs of you anywhere.”

  “We looked every day,” Imogen added, “but, it was like you’d vanished.”

  “Not quite,” Jessica said. “We crashed.”

  “Where?” Casey asked.

  “Portland.”

  “What in God’s name were you doing in Portland?” Casey asked. “That wasn’t part of your flight plan.”

  “No, it wasn’t,” Jessica said. “It’s my fault. I pushed Barry to go further. I wanted to see more, and I convinced him to do it.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t mean for anything bad to happen,” Imogen said.

  “Wait until you hear the rest,” Jessica said.

  She told Imogen and Casey about everything that had happened: The plane crash, the rescue party, the raptors, Prime City, the outbreak of the Red Flux, the mission to Vancouver, and finally, the attack by the Spinosaurus.

  Silence fell across the table when she finished, and a flurry of mixed emotions whirled through Imogen’s mind. The news was both good and bad, and she didn’t know what to focus on first: Barry’s death, Lee being stuck in a distant city, or the Spinosaurus’ death.

  “Barry’s dead?” Casey said, her shoulders drooping. The news had hit her hard, which wasn’t surprising. They’d been good friends and fellow
pilots with a lot in common.

  “I’m sorry, Casey. There was nothing I could do,” Jessica said.

  “At least Lee is still alive,” Casey said, with a sad shake of her head. “He’s really okay?”

  “He will be once his leg heals,” Jessica confirmed.

  “I’m glad he’s safe,” Imogen said, her expression darkening. “But I’m even happier that damn monster is dead.”

  “The Spinosaurus?” Jessica asked with a frown.

  “It has to be the same one,” Imogen said, looking at Casey.

  “It sounds like it,” Casey agreed.

  “What are you guys talking about?” Jessica asked.

  “Was it missing an eye?” Imogen said.

  “It was,” Rogue confirmed, speaking for the first time. “I saw the injury myself.”

  “That’s thanks to my shotgun blast,” Imogen said with grim pleasure.

  “Did it… is that why Ralph and Allen aren’t here?” Jessica said, her manner hesitant.

  “Brace yourself. It’s not a pretty story,” Imogen warned. She filled the group in on the attack, relating exactly what happened. Afterward, she said, “It’s a blessing that the creature is dead. I don’t think it would’ve stopped until we were all dead.”

  “But, what do we do now?” Jessica said. “I’d hoped we could fly to Vancouver.”

  “Not a chance. Two people can go. No more,” Casey said.

  Jessica sagged into her chair. “What a mess.”

  “Nothing has changed,” Seth said, leaning forward in his chair.

  All eyes turned to him, and Imogen studied him with interest. His take-charge attitude singled him out as the leader, and the way he gravitated toward Rogue meant they were a couple.

  “Everything has changed,” Jessica disagreed. “We can’t fly to Vancouver, which means you can’t petition the government for help with supplies.”

  “We don’t need to fly. We can continue on foot,” Seth said.