Refugee Camp 13

[Enigma]

A few saw the incoming meteor, triggering alarms. But for most of us, all we heard was ancient civil defense sirens coming to life as the emergency broadcast interrupted radio and tv shows at precisely noon, Eastern time, Monday April 26, 2010. Before we could even panic, we blacked out - all of humanity, around the world.

We awoke five years later, roused from suspended animation aboard the massive alien star ships of the Monocken, standing alone inside a white room.


__________________________________________________ _______
"We are the Monocken," said the calm, strangely accented voice that did not seem to come from anywhere. "Please do not be alarmed, you are unharmed. There has been a terrible accident to your world."

The wall showed an asteroid, tumbling in space.

"This planetoid was nudged out of it's orbit by one of our explorer ships on the edge of your star system before we realized this system was inhabited. When we realized that the asteroid was going to hit your world, we tried to stop it but it was too late."

Images flashed of ships chasing the asteroid, the impact, widespread destruction - but absent of any people.

"While we could not stop the asteroid, we could rescue humanity. All of you."

The voice paused, then said, "You will need some time to contemplate what we have told you. We will return shortly."


__________________________________________________ _______

After an hour, the voice spoke again.

"Five Earth years have passed for you in suspended animation while the we debated what to do with Humanity until your race can be returned to Earth. After consulting with your leaders, it was decided to bring humanity to a nearby planet similar to your own whose inhabitants had destroyed themselves may years before in war. This is Rsa, your new home."

A world appeared on the wall, blue with streaks of cloud and unfamiliar continents of brown/green.

"To help you survive in this new world, you have been given specialized medical implants to help keep your bodies healthy and our doctors have repaired any medical problems you may have had. In one hour, you will be send to the planet's surface to a camp where you can start rebuilding your life."

Three white buildings appeared, surrounded by squares of white tents with a small building in the middle of each square. At the edge of the camp can be seen a line of poles, somehow suggesting a fence.

"These camps are temporary while you are provided with the means to build yourselves new homes. To that end, you will receive a communications device."

The picture changed to a floating smart phone.

"This will allow you to communicate with anyone on the planet and allow you to access a library of educational materials."

"In the camps, the fabrication units will be restricted to essentials only during construction. To help compensate you for your lost personal possessions, we shall provide you with replicas of almost anything that was commercially available on Earth, to a total limit of 90 kilograms or 200 pounds. This will be sent down to your camp with you. "

The wall turned into a catalog, showing laptops, tools, portable musical instruments, blankets, clothes....

"Please tell us what items you require."

[Enigma]

A comm unit buzzed. The pair of short, stocky Dvergar engineers crawled out from under the bulldozer they were working on and the slightly taller of the two picked it up.


"Busy! What need?" he demanded. Hie'ra the Monocken Camp Manager was staring back at him from the tiny screen.

"We've got the word from the ships, Twadu. The first humans will be arriving shortly, so I need you, Twide and the utility transport at the tele pad."
"You bringing 'Joce'?"

The Monocken paused, then nodded. "Protocol. And Dela."
"Dela!"
"Dela?!" Twide grinned, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Be gentle you two. The humans been in hybernation for five years and just brought out of it today, so try not to panic them when they arrive"
"Ok boss," Twadu nodded, disconnecting. He gave Twide a look and shook his head.

"Boss he say no scare human, he come right away."
"You think Humans know yet?" Twide spat.
"No," Twadu snorted. "Nobody know anything when they come down, just what Monocken tell them."

[bluemoon]

Melissa awoke, squinting her eyes against the brightness shining into her room. 'Morning.' She thought, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The persistant headache she suffered with was barely noticeabe this morning and she hoped that was a good sign of the day to come. Her body a bit stiff, she tried to sit up, reaching behind her for a pillow. Her hand contacted with a solid object and she abruptly opened her eyes wide, finding herself laying on the floor in a room of brilliant white. She looked down at herself, seeing the familiar yellow cotton pajamas.

Before she had a chance to question her surroundings further, a strangely accented voice filled the room. The walls lit up with a slide show, depicting images of Earth falling ruin to an asteroid which crashed into the planet. Mel vaguely remembered the sounds of sirens before she had fallen asleep...her grandparents telling her to rest, everything would be fine.

Just as quickly as it began, the voice stopped and the room became quiet again. Mel rose, finding strength in her legs that had not been there before. Her illness had left her bed-ridden for several months now and she had only been able to take short walks through the house--each day a little shorter. 'I'm dreaming.' She thought, pinching her arm. She put her hands on the walls and pushed, her bare feet finding little traction on the smooth floor.

"Hello?" She shouted. She turned around in circles before sitting back down with her back against the wall. A short time passed before she heard the voice again. She had been staring blankly at the wall in front of her, her mind racing through the possibilities of her situation. Once again images began to be played on the walls. This time the scenes before her were alien. She closed her eyes tightly and put her hands over her ears.

"Shut up! This is not real." She yelled at the room. "I'm dreaming...not real...not real!" She rocked against the wall, her knees pulled tight to her chest. 'This is Hell.' She thought. 'I died and this is my Hell.'

For several minutes she refused to open her eyes. When she did, catalog pictures of life's necessities and luxuries were flashing before her. She had hoped it would all be gone and her bed would be beneath her. Deciding to play along, she watched the pictures and pointed to the items that interested her. 'A silly game.' She thought, but there was nothing else to occupy her.

Loving the outdoors, she first picked out camping gear, a sleeping bag, lighter, duct tape and basic tools. Remembering her attire, she chose several pairs of pants, shorts and tops, hiking boots and a baseball cap. She also picked out basic grooming needs--a brush, deodorant and toothbrush. Seeing a delicate sapphire ring, she quickly pointed to it.

"That!" She exclaimed, finding the game entertaining, but foolish. The ring reminded her of one she had been given on her sixteenth birthday by her grandmother. She had sold it for crack a year later, hoping for a quick high. Finally tiring, she closed her eyes again and leaned her head against the wall. Despite the thinness of her pajamas, she was quite warm and comfortable.

"This is a foolish dream. I'm ready to wake up now." She mused. Starting to drift to sleep, she heard strange noises in her room. Forcing her eyes open again, she saw all the items she had chosen scattered around her. She reached out, touching them, to ensure they were real. She slipped the ring on her finger before seeing a flash of light in front of her eyes. She found herself sitting on a smooth pad, with her new belongings, on the planet she had seen on the wall. She stood up slowly, taking in the strangeness of her new surroundings. She tugged on her short pajama bottoms absently, trying to cover herself. The tank top style pajama shirt barely covered her. Crossing her arms in front of her, she watched others moving about--some looked human, the others beyond her experience to describe.

[Enigma]

The tallest two creatures were the Monocken manager and his assistant, who was a head taller but slim and sleek like a shaved lion to his boss' shaved grizzly bear. A small round orb hovered over the assistant's shoulder almost menacingly.

"Welcome human to Refugee Camp 13," Hie'ra boomed, resplendent in his blue jacket and kilt.

"Ïdndë'tén hëyta ëtgën erhen nythíngath oten earwë?" Dela asked, the points of her elfin ears drooping slightly. She turned and glared at the Dvergar engineers, waving them towards the girl. "Twide, Twadu - ëtgen érhen híngstó ffoén hëtén adpen."

The two engineers sighed as the trundled forward, friendly smiles fixed on their faces as they stepped foward.

"Do not mind them," Hie'ra boomed. "They just want to help. I'm Hie'ra, the camp manager until you people get yourselves sorted out. I imagine you have many many questions."

[bluemoon]

Mel stared at the creatures in front of her. She blinked her eyes a few times, finding it hard to believe what she was seeing. When one of them spoke, she was shocked to hear him speaking English. The taller one beside him spoke a language she couldn't understand, seeming to be frustrated at two smaller figures standing to her side.

The short figures began moving in her direction and she took a few steps backwards, putting her hands out in front of her to ward them off.

"No! You stay away!" She demanded fearfully--the smiles on their faces making her more afraid. The bear-like creature began speaking to her again, trying to be reassuring. Mel closed her eyes, trying to make the madness disappear. 'Maybe I am dreaming...or it could be a hallucination.' She thought. She'd had waking nightmares before when the medication that had been prescribed for her had hallucinogenic side effects. She almost hoped this was the case again.

Hearing the approaching creatures, Mel stepped back again, keeping her eyes squeezed tightly shut. Encountering a piece of her equipment, she lost her balance and fell backwards. Hitting her head on the base of the pad, she lay flat on her back, dazed and confused.

[Enigma]

"Well," Dela replied with a scowl as the human knocked itself out, "that went well."

The two Dvergar engineers scuttled forward to collect the girl in their strong arms.

"Infirmary, quickly!" Hie'ra told them.
"Injuring humans is not part of our job description," Joce scowled down at his superior. The tiny translator orb hovering over his shoulder seem to find the conversation particularly noteworthy....

"Dela," Hie'ra asked, turning to the supply clerk, "Could you please see to the arrivals while I check to see how the human is? You to, Joce!"

"Hrmmph," the assistant manager grumbled, turning back to the transport pad.

[bluemoon]

Mel felt herself being lifted up by the two small creatures. She let her body go limp as they carried her. Her eyes slightly open, she watched as she was carried into one of the white buildings and placed on a cot. Nothing about this place made sense, and Mel finally came to the realization that it must be real. She could not have dreamed this up.

Her head aching, she put her hands to her forehead and rubbed her temples. She saw the new sapphire ring on her finger. 'Real.' She thought. It was hard to believe Earth was destroyed and these strange beings were now her keepers. A new thought entered her mind. 'What if they really want to enslave us? Or perform experiments?' She shook her head, trying to make the frightening thoughts go away. With little else to do, she lay there waiting for someone to come to her.

[Enigma]

Hie'ra eyed the readouts at the monitoring station worriedly.

"Why couldn't they send down a human doctor first?" he grumbled, giving the console a thump.
"Is shock," Twide said in English, shrugging. "Hu-mans no aliens, hu-man scared."
"Yes, of course," Hie'ra said hopefully. "It's just shock. She was woken up and told about her world, then sent down here. I remember there were a few Dvergar who went into shock. How did they fare?"

"They pretty bad," Twadu replied as Twide shook his head. "They no recover."
"You are not helping!" the camp manager growled. "Maybe when more of her kind are sent down, she'll adjust."

[Maple]

So strange, waking up in such a mysterious place, and wearing unfamiliar clothing. Jonathan stood still in the center of his cell for awhile, slowly gathering his wits about him. Struggling to access his memories from the night before felt like jiggling the wrong key in a lock. After a few moments he gave up and occupied himself by knocking on the blank white walls, calling out "Hello?"

So strange, the voice that responded; though Jonathan soon realized it was not a response. It was more like someone speaking over an intercom. Startled, Jonathan froze in place and listened intently.

He was quite certain he was not dreaming, nor hallucinating. He felt alive, awake, and well. That only made the announcement, and the accompanying footage, more troubling.

Jonathan frowned, paced for a few minutes, then leaned against a wall and slid to the floor.

I remember now. It was the day after Tara and Michael's wedding. I was driving through the desert on my way home. I saw that thing falling from the sky... could it be true?

Jonathan soon gave up on contemplation. The whole thing seemed too enormous for him to wrap his head around, too unreal. So he didn't bother trying. By the time the voice spoke again, he had almost drifted back to sleep.

Snapping to attention, Jonathan poured over the images displayed on the opposite wall and listened closely to the instructions. He felt bewildered. Lost personal possessions? My computer, my textbooks, my Star Wars figurines? What good would these things do me now? Better to stick with the essentials.

"Be prepared," Jonathan murmured out loud for his own amusement, uncertain if anyone could hear him. He figured he would need a backpack, first of all. He quickly got the hang of using the catalog and located a rugged canvas backpack. He then selected a practical set of clothes - cotton shirt, sun hat, cargo pants, leather hiking boots. Then all the little necessities: a tarp, a headlamp, matches, first aid kit... and most important of all, a good Swiss army knife. After choosing these items he paused to think, then decided to request a notebook and mechanical pencil as well.

"Well, that's it, I guess..."

Jonathan peered in all directions. Be prepared. Prepared for what?

[Enigma]

There was a sudden snap and a whiff of ozone, then a new human appeared on the teleport pad. Dela nudged the taller Joce and nodded towards Jonathan.

"Hmph. Right," the slender Monocken grumbled as a breeze toyed with the edge of his bureaucrat kilt. The tiny orb over his shoulder began translating for him. "Greetings Human. This is Refugee Camp 13. We regret the damage to your world. Please collect your personal belongings and come here for assignment."

Dela winced, her pointed ears twitching at Joce's flat delivery. Hie'ra was so much better at this than his "assistant", but the Vaeter was under no illusion as to what Joce's actual job was. She wondered briefly if the camp manager knew?

This second human seemed to ask for practical things too, as if he was expecting to stay for some time in the wild. Were the humans used to disasters then? She eyed the backpack - was he going to leave the camp to explore? He hadn't anything she could see he could use to hunt. The ancients war had wiped out most predators on this world, the small ones who survived were no threat but some of the animals left behind by the Dvergar and her own people would attack if cornered.

"Lëasëpë, come from tele pad," Dela managed, waving the human towards them. She needed another session with the teaching machines. "Argóshípca many waiting."

[Maple]

Jonathan wasn't used to disasters, but he'd been preparing for one his whole life. Emergency preparedness was not only required training for Eagle Scout certification, it was central to his Mormon upbringing. The Cole family taught their many children to stockpile emergency supplies just in case they lived to see the apocalypse. Was this indeed the End of Days? Have the wicked been consumed by fire? Jonathan hadn't been to church in almost 2 years, but now he couldn't help but wonder if he should have searched the catalog for a copy of the Holy Bible... just in case.

But the creatures that greeted him when he materialized on the teleport pad didn't resemble anything described in the Book of Revelations. Jonathan stared dumbly at the aliens, and it took him a moment to actually register what they were saying. When he did, he couldn't think of any response, so he bent to gather his new belongings and load them into his backpack, which he then slung over his shoulder as he rose.

He still stared transfixed at the aliens as he stepped off the teleport pad, but as he walked slowly toward them he forced himself to briefly examine his surroundings, hoping to spot something familiar - perhaps something to suggest he was still on Earth, and this was all some elaborate practical joke.

[Enigma]

A new thought entered her mind. 'What if they really want to enslave us? Or perform experiments?' She shook her head, trying to make the frightening thoughts go away. With little else to do, she lay there waiting for someone to come to her.
"Boss!" Twide said, pointing to the monitor. "She ok, she scared."
"Oh. What?" Hie'ra demanded, turning to take a look for himself. "How is being scared ok?"
"Scared smart," shrugged Twide. Behind him, Twadu grinned.
"Right, enough of this," the camp manager said. Pulling out his smartphone, he dialed the ship."
"This is Hie'ra, manager for Refugee Camp 13. I need a human doctor, pronto!"


He still stared transfixed at the aliens as he stepped off the teleport pad, but as he walked slowly toward them he forced himself to briefly examine his surroundings, hoping to spot something familiar - perhaps something to suggest he was still on Earth, and this was all some elaborate practical joke.

Behind Jonathan, there was another snap and two figures were standing on the pad, looking around dazedly. A man in a dark trench coat and a scrunched hat, with a wheeled trunk beside him and a woman wearing surgical scrubs and a winter coat, unzipped. Next to her were boxes, a backpack, duffle bag and a rolled up sleeping bag.


"Lëasëpë, come from tele pad," the Vaeter Supply Clerk called out, waving at them to join them.

Joce scowled at Jonathan then glanced at Dela.
"Phone," he said. The Vaeter woman rolled her eyes then pulled one of the smart phones from the box at her feet. She pointed it at Jonathan and pressed a few buttons. The smart phone chirped and Dela passed it to Jocy, who handed it to the human as the two others behind him started moving their gear from the telepad.

Dela sighed and went to help the doctor move the boxes.

"This yours," Joce said, handing the smart phone to Jonathan. "This identifies you for services and allows you to access information. You understand? What is name?"

[Maple]

Jonathan frowned back at the alien who scowled at him. He was still too awestruck to say anything, examining the phone in silence until he finally heard a question he could answer with confidence.

"J-Jonathan," he said. His voice crackled. He hadn't used it much lately. "Jonathan Cole."

It was only then that he turned to see the newly arrived humans, and his shoulders sank with relief. But although he was comforted by their presence, he still felt uneasy, even awkward around them. It was like running into an old acquaintance at the supermarket. What are you supposed to say? As usual, Jonathan defaulted to saying nothing at all.

[bluemoon]

Mel heard the aliens discussing her condition by her bed. They seemed to be arguing. Opening her eyes, she watched them closely. Their appearance and manner of speaking strange, especially that of the smaller creatures.

When the taller one called for a doctor, Mel pushed herself up on her elbows.

"No... no doctors. I'm fine...really." She said, hoping to convince them. She pulled back the sheet and swung her bare legs over the side.

"I need my clothes. Please." She added. She stared openly at the beings. 'Do I appear as odd to them as they do to me?' She wondered.

[Enigma]

"Jo-nat-han Cole," sighed Joce. He really wished Hie'ra was here to handle this. His job was to observe, not interact.

"Occupation?" he asked, ignoring the two new arrivals behind Jonathan or Dela struggling to clear the boxes off the pad. The man in the trenchcoat turned to help.

Technically, the girl was first, so she should get the first tent. But she was back in the infirmary. Might as well give him the first tent.


"Clothes?" Hie'ra blinked at Mel, then at the two engineers. Twide held up the girl's bag and waddled forward to give it to her. Even with her sitting down, the alien engineer was shorter than the girl.

"You are sure you are okay?" Hie'ra asked. It didn't look good for the first human to faint on arrival. Worriedly he wondered how long it would take for the ship above to expedite a doctor?

[Maple]

Jonathan nodded absently as the creature repeated his name, eyes still lingering on the new arrivals. He snapped back to attention when asked another question.

"Undergrad," he answered, then cleared his throat. "A university student. I haven't... hadn't... declared a major."

He suddenly felt a jolt of panic, though he couldn't figure out why it waited until this moment to strike. Something had been simmering inside him, undetected, like a teapot forgotten on the stove. Whatever the reason, his fears had finally boiled over, and words began pouring from Jonathan's mouth.

"Will you be reuniting me with my family? You said you rescued everyone, right? What about my classmates and teachers? I don't know those people over there. What are you doing with us?"

From a distance, Jonathan still appeared calm; he wasn't shouting or gesturing wildly. But the look on his face and the quiver in his voice told a different story. He stood there, eyes darting desperately from person to person, waiting for answers.

[bluemoon]

Mel watched as one of the little creatures waddled over bringing her the bag containing clothes. She reached down out for it, being careful not to touch his hand when she took it. She forced herself to smile at him.

"Thanks." she said, immediately opening the bag and removing some clothes.

When asked if she was really okay, she looked up from rummaging and met the eyes of the taller alien.

"Yeah, I'm sure...if you call being in a strange place surrounded by strange aliens okay..." She hadn't meant to sound so sarcastic, but the whole situation was still very unnerving to her.

Grabbing a pair of socks, she quickly slipped them over her feet. She looked at the group still standing around her. Putting her hands on the bottom edge of her pajama top, she sighed heavily. "If you're going to just stand there, the least you could do is turn your backs while I change." She said, proceeding to pull the top over her head.

[Enigma]

In the infirmary, the three aliens glanced at each other then left the patient ward to give Mel some privacy.


Back at the teleport pad, the two newcomers were also given phones and asked for their names. The guy in the trenchcoat was Jack Kneppy, Reporter and Doctor Karen O'Dell. When she received her smart phone she asked, "so is this like a tricorder from star...?"

"A what?" Joce demanded, the little translation ball over his shoulder squeaked.
"A device that can scan a human body to determine any problems."
"I told you primatives, barely reach your moon?" Dela scowled. "Will get you sensor pack for phone later."

"Do you have any keyboards?" Jack asked. "I'm not sure I can work with this tiny screen."
Dela shrugged. Definitely needed the trainer tonight.

"Please play attention," buzzed Joce's translation ball irritably. "I am assigning you to quarters. You will be in the first tent, you will be in second, and you will be in third." He pointed to Jonathan, Jack and the doctor in that order.

"Our first arrival is in the infirmary," he added, addressing Karen, "so we may need you there. Our supply clerk will help you move your supplies to your tent."

[Maple]

Jonathan stared dumbfounded for a moment, then his eyes narrowed and he took a step toward Joce.

"No," he said, trying his best to sound firm. "YOU pay attention. I'm not budging until I get some answers." He glanced at Jack and Karen, as though silently requesting back-up. Surely those two weren't happy with the situation either. Unless they were in on the joke...

[Enigma]

Joce frowned coldly at the belligerent human as the orb translated. Behind him, the one in the trench coat pulled out a notepad from his pockets and posed a pen over the paper, waiting.

"We are processing your people as quickly as we are able," Joce rumbled. "There was no time to discover who you were, your family or your classmates during the rescue. If they were collected by the same ship, they will arrive at this camp. If they do not, you can use the comm we give you to search for them. As to what will become of you, you will work to build yourself new homes and train for new jobs. I can only hope they return you soon to your planet."

"So," scowled Joce, "What are your questions you must have answers to right now?"

[bluemoon]

After dressing into blue jeans and a yellow top, Mel grabbed her bag and left the medical area. Walking out the door, she saw the creatures gathered around the pod where she had first arrived. A tall, thin man with black hair was arguing with them. Behind him stood two other people. 'New arrivals?' She wondered. She walked closer, trying to hear what was being said. It seemed the man was looking for somebody.

She cleared her throat to get their attention. "Excuse me...creature people..where do I go now?" She asked, standing with one hand on her hip, assuming a pose of impatience.

[Higurashi]

Nicholas awoke to a giant white room. A screen appeared in front of him and began detailing the destruction of Earth. Right from the start Nick decided that he must be high or asleep, or possibly even both. He didn't remember any of this happening. When a list of items came along and the voice told him to choose, he decided to be practical regardless of it being a dream. He picked out some useful traveling clothes, a pack of cards to amuse himself, a roll of high strength Nylon cord, a shake recharge flashlight, a multi tool knife/shovel/axe combo, and a wide brimmed hat. After he chose, all of the items appeared in front of him in a convenient backpack. He picked up the backpack. When he did, he was suddenly somewhere else, with a couple of his own kind and a few other small, alien looking things. He looked around, wondering what he shoulde do.

[Maple]

Jonathan put his hands on his hips and cocked his head, peering all around. He found it difficult to maintain eye contact with the alien, it was so strange to look upon.

"Return? I thought you said our planet was... destroyed? And what do you mean by new jobs? What's wrong with our old jobs?" He sounded more bewildered than angry, and his voice cracked a little here and there. "And... what do you mean by they? Who ARE you?"

[Enigma]

She cleared her throat to get their attention. "Excuse me...creature people..where do I go now?" She asked, standing with one hand on her hip, assuming a pose of impatience.
Joce glanced back at Mel and rolled his eyes, then beckoned her over to stand with the other arrivals.

There was a flash from the telepad and another human was standing there, looking shocked. With a scowl, Joce beckoned to him too.

"Is mess," the alien muttered, his upper lip curling in disgust.


"Return? I thought you said our planet was... destroyed? And what do you mean by new jobs? What's wrong with our old jobs?" He sounded more bewildered than angry, and his voice cracked a little here and there. "And... what do you mean by they? Who ARE you?"

Joce pulled himself upright haughtily. "Do you not listen?" he demanded as Dela rolled her eyes.

"Monocken," the elf-like supply clerk said flatly, scowling up at Joce, who only said "Hrmp."

"What you do?" she asked, turning back to Jonathan.

[Maple]

Jonathan sighed and looked at the ground, shifting his weight from foot to foot. There were so many angry thoughts roiling in his head, but he didn't see the use. He felt certain there was nothing to be gained from arguing with this creature, so he bit his lip and answered the question.

"Like I said. I'm a college student. I also worked at a summer camp, teaching outdoor skills... tying knots, building campfires, stuff like that."

Then, having utterly failed in his attempts at interrogation, Jonathan merely fell silent and peered over his shoulder at the new arrivals. More strangers. He regarded them blankly and went back to studying his surroundings.

[Tan]

When Tanis awoke she was disoriented. Last she remembered she had just bedded down under the stars with her last class. She felt a growing anger, sadness and sense of suspicion as she watched the info vid. These creatures basically destroyed her world and she couldn't help but dislike them.

To Tanis it still remained open weather it was on purpose or accidental as they claimed. Still, she felt she had to play it cool... it was far too soon to tip her emotional hand this early. Even though she suspected they may have already read her body language if not her mind.

These creatures could tell her anything they wanted after the fact. She did not trust them. They could have had an alternate reason for moving the entire human population off of Earth as they took whatever-it-was they needed from it.

She thought carefully as the images of items passed by. She chose only those items for immediate survival. Tanis was already formulating a plan of action, a list of priorities aimed at deriving information without these beings knowing.

[Enigma]

"Like I said. I'm a college student. I also worked at a summer camp, teaching outdoor skills... tying knots, building campfires, stuff like that."

Joce looked up at Jonathan blankly, then glanced down at Dela who smiled thinly.

"You learn new skills," Joce said, the translation orb speaking rapidly. "Put gear in tent," he pointed. "When hear horn, come here, ok?"

Calling Mel over, he asked for her name and skills, then handed her another smart phone and put her in another tent. And then turned to the doctor....


Each tent was a tall white square with a pyramid roof draped over a pole frame. The flap had no ties or zipper, it just a slit in the fabric and the woven material had a slight slick feel to it. Inside the tent, there was a bed, somewhere between a twin and an queen in width. It already made up with white sheets, two pillows and green blankets. Next to it sat a small desk with a lamp, two folding chairs and a waste basket. The floor was a blue-gray material, slightly spongy in feel. There were poles in each corner that met to form the overhead frame with a larger lamp hanging down from the apex.

On the edge of the desk sat a small remote with a three sliders - one for the overhead light, one for temperature control and the last for making the walls and then the ceiling of the tent transparent from the inside, but staying white on the outside.

A button shaped like a lock on top made the fabric of the tent stiffened, the flap yielding only slightly to pressure on it. Your smart phone clicks too when you press the button. Glancing at it, you find another lock icon there. Your smart phone can lock and unlock your tent.

[Maple]

Jonathan's head hung low as he marched to his tent, thumbs hooked to the straps of his backpack. If there was one thing he'd always been good at, it was following orders. Questioning authority was a new concept for him, and he still needed a lot of practice.

But for the time being, he saw no harm in obedience. All he had to do was remember his motto: Be prepared. After entering the tent and having a look about, he slung his backpack onto the desk and sorted through its contents. First he changed into the outfit he'd selected, including the hiking boots and the goofy-looking hat. He was surprised that everything fit perfectly. Then he pocketed the Swiss army knife.

Alone again, and wearing comfortable clothes, Jonathan felt more at ease than he had since waking. Then he realized he had nothing to do.

So he got in bed, but as soon as he laid down he realized he didn't feel tired, and he didn't feel like thinking. He was restless. He stood up and walked out of the tent, hoping to do some exploring while he waited for the horn to sound.

[Tan]

Being teleported without warning was a momentary shock, one that only reinforced her dislike of the aliens. It only took a moment to realize what had to be done. Looking about curiously she stepped off the pad, noticing the fence around the compound. "Hmph... penned in like cattle..." She thought to herself. "... are we food then? Is that why they're filling us with that dreadful story about Earth, keep us docile until dinner time?" Making a mental note to investigate the fence later, Tanis slung one strap of her backpack over her shoulder. After taking in the scene a moment she turned to the aliens. "So, am I assigned a tent or can I pick one?" She hoped she had a choice.

[bluemoon]

Mel went into the tent that was assigned to her. She was finding that white just didn't agree with her. It was way too bland and boring. She put her things down on the edge of the bed and began exploring the room. It had been a while since she had felt healthy enough to be walking, let alone exploring. Finding a sliding control mechanism, she pressed the button and turned the overhead lights on and then off. The second slider controlled temperature and the third caused the tent to disappear.

Mel pushed against the tent sides. She couldn't walk through them, but she could see everything around her. It was a cool effect and she laid down on her bed and watched the others go about their business. Mostly, she watched the aliens. She wanted to know exactly what was up with this whole charade. Pulling her smart phone from her pocket, she began idly pushing buttons. She heard a clicking noise and glanced up--wondering what she had done. "E.T. phone home." She said softly with a laugh.

[Tan]

Tanis waited long enough for an answer, and when none was forthcoming she mumbled as she walked off to choose a tent near a semi-isolated section of fence. After dropping off her back pack, she forwent messing with tent controls and proceeded to her first order of business, checking how secure the fence really was.

On her way out of her tent she grabbed a handful of grass and casually walked along the fence until she was certain no one was looking. She then threw the grass at the fence, making sure some went over and outside the enclosure and some made contact with the fence itself. This first test was to determine if there was any sort of force field, or electrifying element that prevented any living matter to pass through or over to the other side.

[Maple]

Upon emerging from his tent, Jonathan wandered the camp for a little while and eventually noticed the woman studying the fence. He watched her from a distance for a moment, then he approached her, casually meandering along the way to avoid drawing attention. He paused several feet away, observing without comment as the woman tossed her handful of grass at the fence. He felt comforted to know he was not alone in his curiosity, but for now he maintained silence and distance, not wishing to interfere.

[Tan]

There was no effect. It appeared that the tall fence was intended to keep what was outside the compound outside the compound. As she thought about this she noticed the man watching her. Casually breaking from her study she walked over to him. He had to have seen her toss the grass at the fence.

Once she was in front of him she nodded and smiled in a friendly manner. "Hey, how's it goin'? I'm Tanis." She held her hand out.

[Enigma]

There was no effect. It appeared that the tall fence was intended to keep what was outside the compound outside the compound.

The fence stands a touch under ten feet and as noticed, isn't electrified. It's made from green synthetic planks of some kind of extruded plastic, giving anything trying to climb it on the outside a smooth hard surface that isn't good for gripping. On the inside, there are square railings spaced a few feet appart held up by leaning posts obviously to brace the fence from impact from the outside.

On both sides of the fence can be found a resilient cork-screw shaped moss, very curly and tickles bare toes. It's trying to cover the bare ground left around the tents but so far has only reached the outer ring.

To the north and south can be seen a massive forest of curiously shaped trees with "L" shaped limbs growing out of them, like saguaro cactus and covered in small leaves. To the east is a grass-covered plain with a pond and the suggestion of a stream. Sometimes the grass rustles but it's not clear if it's the wind or something moving through the tall grass.

But to the west is a city. The towers that remain standing are pitted and look like they might collapse at any moment, while on the edge nearest the camp can be seen a number of box-like structures not unlike warehouses, about four stories tall. These, unlike the towers look to be in good condition.

[Shifty]

Martin handled waking up in the white room the way he always handled unexpected things. He sat donw, crosse legged, and waited. Before long the voice tole him everything. Earth was gone. They had saved humanity. He was to be a refugee. A refugee. He thought. Even with his military training, he couldn't quite handle it. He broek down, but not so much as to blur his thinking. When they gave him a choice of items, he chose them quickly and without hesitation. He thought about getting some history books, but why bother? He wouldn't be able to use them any time soon. He got most of his favorite things, including his old marine cap. As soon as he had it all, he was somewhere else. There were tents all around, but He stood still, waited for someone to tell him what was going on.

[Maple]

Jonathan felt mildly startled when the woman turned to him, but relief washed over him when she introduced herself. He took the hand and shook it firmly, offering a sheepish smile. "Jonathan. I'm... not having the best day ever, to tell you the truth..." His voice trailed off as relief segued into discomfort. It was his first time speaking to another human being in years, and he was troubled by the realization that he could not think of anything more to say. The whole situation was too strange for words.

[Tan]

Tanis crossed her arms, as if slightly chilled, and looked toward the aliens. "I know... none of us are." She wanted to get right to the point. One of the elements of survival is using a buddy system. Knowing that the fence was not electrified allowed her to proceed with planning the next stage of her study beyond the compound. "So, how much of their story do you believe?"

[Maple]

Jonathan sighed and paused to think. He'd been grappling with that question privately for - how long? hours? had it been that long? He wasn't even sure how long he'd been awake. In any case, faced with the question now he suddenly realized the answer.

"None of it," he said, and shrugged. "You?"

[Tan]

She laughed slightly, somewhat sarcastically. "A little less than that. You feel adventurous?"

Tan was not certain if she would transit the fence in the day or at night. Night would give them the cover of darkness, but then she knew nothing about the wildlife on this world, if indeed it was a different world. For all she knew they could be standing in the only place humans existed in Earth and the aliens were even now stripping it of all it's natural resources. She concluded that day time was safer for the moment, they just had to be more careful to not be spotted. Night would be reserved for her astronomical portion of her plan.

[Maple]

Jonathan grinned slightly, burrowing his hands in his pockets and rocking on his heels. "What did you have in mind?" he asked with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He peered over at the fence and then glanced toward camp, shoulders tensing warily.

[Enigma]

There were tents all around, but He stood still, waited for someone to tell him what was going on.

Joce sighed as yet another human appeared and there was still no sign of Hie'ra the Camp Manager, even though the human female he had taken to the infirmary had returned already.

His eyes narrowed as he took in this latest arrival. He had a soldierly bearing - but looked older. All soldiers were to go to Camp 1 - why was he here? And yet - he looked lost. Out of place. Joce began to breathe again.

"You!" he called out, pointing to Martin with one catlike claw, partially extended. "Here stand!"

Dela sighed as she dug out another smart phone and scanned the human's implant for its signature before handing the activated phone to him.

"You I put in Tent 7. What you do on Earth?" Joce asked, eying him narrowly.

Dela sighed and looked around bored, catching sight of the two shrunken forms of the engineers, Twide and Twadu, opening the gate that led towards the ancient city of the Diótith Nësóth and disappearing outside.

"Yoën!" she scowled after them, "Áccbé ybën órnha lástbá, oúyën wótén!"

Turning back, she blinked at Martin and Joce.
"Órrysa," she replied, shrugging her left shoulder. She really needed to spend some time in the trainer later.