Reluctant Interview

By Pen4Nik

Disclaimer: "Tremors" is not owned by me, but by Stampede Entertainment, Universal Studios, and their affiliates. No copyright infringement is intended. But I would love for Stampede to use this plot for a Tremors 6 Script! LOL

Once back on Chang's roof Jodi could sense the tension in the air. Something had happened out there, something she wasn't entirely sure she should ask about. "You guys okay?"

"I am, but she's not. She dislocated her wrist. We were paid a visit by our local friend and a new one. We got lucky, we survived."

"Oh that looks bad Casey!" Jodi retrieved ice from inside the freezer. "Here, put your hand in the bag."

"That's a good idea. Listen Burt, do you mind helping me?" Casey winced as she plunged the swelling wrist into the cold bag. "Pull our samples and my phone out of the bag?"

"Gotcha covered!"

Casey gave a mocking smile. "Isn't he just the sweetest thing?" She then rolled her eyes for effect. She had to laugh. It faded at the sight of Burt's annoyed look. "He really can't take a joke, can he?"

"No." Jodi and Jack both smiled. Jodi then elaborated on the answer. "We've learned to live with it."

"Can we focus please?" He frowned at Casey. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get you hurt."

"It's okay Burt, we were both out there remember? And truth be told, I should be the one being blamed. Not you."

"Why's that?"

"I was the one who suggested going out there in the first place. If I remember correctly you weren't too thrilled to do it."

"True, but I would never forgive myself if I got someone killed. I wouldn't be able to live with that guilt." He rubbed his head and then jammed the cap back on his head. Emotions had just gotten the better of him. He shoved his sunglasses back on his face to hide his sadness. He strode away from the group. He put his foot up on the ridge of the roof and stared out above the town. He stared at the water tower for a moment, thinking to himself. Heather had left over ten years ago, and he had been hanging onto a marriage that would never get put back together. He shook his head in frustration. What a waste of time! He should have signed those papers long ago. He wouldn't be dealing with the sense of loss while dealing with a new animal. His mind was torn in two at the moment. Concentration wasn't there, and that could get Casey killed. He blinked. He should be more concerned for himself, not her. He exasperatedly shook his head again. No, that would be cruel. His intentions were in the right place - protect the women. That's what he was taught, even his military training told him that. But he feared there was more to his reasons than just mere protection. He slyly took a quick look behind him and noticed the perplexed look on Casey's face, as well as Jodi's. He glanced at his watch, fifteen hundred hours. "Damn." He muttered. It was going to be a long day. He rejoined the group. "I hate to say it, but I think it would be wise to camp out up here for the night."

"I concur. No sense in trying to get back to your homes. Walking across the street could get us all killed." Burt's head whipped to look at Casey head on, surprised at her choice of words. She rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. "What? What did I do wrong now?"

"No, it's just that most people don't talk like me." He scratched at his mustache. "It's a little weird hearing a woman talk that way."

"Hello? Earth to Gummer? Remember who my dad is? I'm a Marine Brat? A girl who knows how to throw a grenade correctly? I fired my first M-16 at the ripe old age of ten, and before that I converted a cap-loader to actually fire a bullet! I killed my first deer at eight, bear at eleven, and I've even taken down a bison. I'd say my life isn't the life of a normal girl, wouldn't you say?"

Burt opened his mouth to speak, but his wrist watch and everyone else's beeped, alerting them to Blanco's presence. "Everybody quiet. Not a sound, no movement!"

Jodi whispered. "Duh Burt!" The store briefly shook, and then everyone went back to their task at hand. Jack was busy trying to fill the generator's tank, Jodi and Mindy were helping Casey run samples, and Burt did what he always did. Silently stood guard watching the dirt and his laptop. He finally spoke up.

"I don't get it. If they have blood, wouldn't they show up on the screen just like El Blanco?"

Casey frowned. She was no where near giving him an answer, when she saw the skin in the dish move when Burt walked by. "Burt, do that again?"

"What?"

"Walk by me again." He did, and the skin rippled again. "Give me that watch." She yanked on his wrist, holding him to his spot. She placed the watch next to the dish. The skin vibrated, and the watch remained silent. "You have got to be kidding me!" She groaned and covered her face with her hands.

"What? Spit it out!"

"They have stealth capability. Watch! The flesh is still warm, so it's still reacting. Look. The mutation can hide its signature, like a stealth fighter jet!"

"Great. So what you are saying is that we have no way of tracking them? No way of knowing where they are?"

"I didn't say that. It's just going to be harder, and - well - less high tech." She thought for a moment. "Well, maybe not. I think I have an idea."