Genus: Evolving

The last day of the drive felt months long. Neither Tim nor Loni wanted to talk any more about seeing a globster firsthand. They both sat in an awkward silence; they would simply agree to switch drivers, eat, or stop for a pit stop.

But they were finally close to their destination. They reached Alaska at day break; Loni was driving and Tim watched as the Alaskan coastline came into view. He watched the icebergs off in the distance, the view unimpeded from their height on the winding roads.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Loni asked, finally breaking the silence.

“I get why there were cruises out here now,” Tim replied. “Did you plan on coming here?”

“My goal was always to work for NexGen, and hopefully at one of their marine research facilities.” Loni replied, “I’ve always wanted to be like dad.”

“I meant,” Tim was uncomfortable moving the conversation along now, “To vacation here.”

“Oh,” Loni was noticeably embarrassed. “I, uh, thought maybe it would be a great vacation after college graduation.”

“But?”

“But I couldn’t afford it,” Loni answered simply.

“But there’s always time, I suppose,” she chuckled, but the sadness in her voice was obvious.

“Always time,” Tim agreed.

He quickly changed the subject, “Do you think we’ll find dad?”

“Maybe, but lots of people have died…” Loni replied. She didn’t want to finish the thought.

“Let’s hope for the best,” Tim said.

Loni agreed, silently nodding.

“Question; how are we going to get to this offshore lab by car?” Tim asked after a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence.

“We’ll have to get a plane,” Loni said. “Neither of us can fly…”

“Cool, glad we have a plan.”

“That or a boat that neither of us can sail,” Loni added.

“Even cooler,” Tim added.

Something caught Tim’s eye, “Pull in here.”

Loni pulled into the military checkpoint, “I’ll go check it out. You, stay here.”

“Yeah right, you stay here,” Tim insisted. “You had my back last time, let me do it this time.”

Loni appreciated his efforts. She wanted to argue, but she relented, “Ok, but look for boat keys, and come right back. If you aren’t back in five minutes, I’m coming in.”

Tim nodded excitedly, taking up his ax once more. “Prepared this time,” he said proudly.

Tim hurried into the checkpoint. A radio signal was broadcasting on repeat – using electricity. Tim looked to see if anyone was around, maybe more people were drawn to the checkpoint, but he didn’t see anyone.

When the radio broadcast stopped, Tim realized he could hear another vehicle engine, one around the back of the building. Sure enough, there was an ambulance parked with the engine still running – he could see the exhaust coming out the tailpipe.

But no one.

“Hello?” Tim called. The ax was at the ready, his palms were sweating, and he could feel his heart beating in his face. “I know someone is here. Just come out.”

Something clattered. He swung the ax toward the sound. The ax landed in the wall next to him, splitting the wood of the wall and lodging itself tightly.

Shit, Tim thought. Then he felt a gun muzzle in his back. Double shit.

“Damn, kid,” someone behind him said. “That swing was lethal. Just need to act a little less impulsive.”

“I don’t want any trouble,” Tim said quickly.

“Swinging that ax says otherwise,” the unknown guy behind him said.

“I’m sorry. I was scared…”

Scared… Tim hated that word.

The door Tim entered through opened again, and Loni stepped in.

“Have you found the keys yet?”

She saw Tim with his hands up, and the ax stuck in the wall, and an armed military-looking guy behind him. She drew her firearm and changed her stance to accommodate her weapon.

“Let my brother go,” Loni commanded.

“Are you really going to try to shoot over your little brother?” the unknown man asked. “Are you that good of a shot?”

She fired.

The shot barely missed his shoulder, and he was impressed.

“I’m not asking again,” Loni said.

He let go of Tim, “That was a nice shot.”

“Thought I wanted to be a cop,” Loni replied, keeping her weapon on him while Tim came over to her fast. “Find that boat key, please,” she calmly said to Tim.

“Could we maybe start over, and just talk?” the guy asked.

“I’m listening,” Loni replied.

He probably could shoot faster than her, but he was very impressed by this gal. He enjoyed when women didn’t fit the stereotype of not knowing how to use a firearm; forget being a good shot.

Loni also figured he was probably a faster shot than she, but he was at least humoring her enough to put his weapon down. She was almost taken aback by how handsome he was, but mostly she was focused on her brother’s safety first, and the stupid ax in the wall second.

“I’m sorry for surprising the two of you,” he started, “I’ve been looking for civilians for weeks now, and only found aggressive ones.”

“Why are you looking for them?”

“In hopes of getting them to safety, but I don’t think I’d have any luck with that even if I found any friendlies.”

Loni put the gun down, she wanted to get to the boat and get out. He wasn’t threatening anymore, he was wearing a military uniform, and he made no aggressive moves.

“What brings you this far north? Not exactly a typical place to look for survivors.”

Very fair question, he admitted to himself. “I’m trying to get to a research facility that’s in the Open Ocean, off the coast here. I’m looking for a boat and some answers.”

“Are you looking for NexGen?” Tim interrupted. He quickly told Loni he found the keys.

“We’re looking for that same facility. We know someone who worked there. Well, maybe work there,” she answered, appreciating and reciprocating his honesty.

“Am I able to hitch a ride?”

“Looks like it,” Loni smiled. “Tim’s the one with the ax, I’m Loni.”

Soldier-boy reached up and pulled the ax out of the wall with one hand, handing it to Loni.

“Let’s get out of here.” He strolled to the door, “The name’s Michael.”