It's Sunday October 15th 2000,
I'm Samantha Simmons and have just gotten home from what my parents thought was a field trip with our Sheriff Valenti of Rowell Sheriff's station. In fact on my transcripts it now reads that I've volunteered to become part of the junior troopers division 121 of Roswell New Mexico. Along with all my friends we went to Arizona and that's when my life took a turn that well. It was a turn that's all I can say. Have you ever been in a situation like taking a test or at some meeting and your mind wanders? Like you think about play time or nap time during your SAT's. For that one moment you see your life at this corner. Then instead of passing it and discovering the unknown you want to go back to the comfortable Styrofoam world. Well that's the only way to explain this weekend, now bring on the care bears and Styrofoam.
Thursday October 12th,
We see Sam sitting at the library she's going over homework alone. Kyle who's looking for some books one particular Buddha and Me spots Sam he walks over and sits across from her with a huge grin.
"Hard at work?"
Sam smiles she knows Kyle's there to bother her but she has to focus on her paper and then fight an alien race.
"Yeah I'll have no other time this weekend to finish this."
"Right, right big weekend ahead of us."
Sam smiles and puts her pencil down.
"You nervous Buddha boy?"
Kyle shrugs, "Buddha teaches us to keep sight of this danger in death,
do meritorious deeds that bring bliss."
Sam nods and tries to ponder what Kyle is saying
"So you're saying you don't feel what we're doing is wrong?"
Kyle put his book down gently.
"I'm saying I'll do meritorious deeds with you."
Sam smiled and nodded, "good okay then."
"Besides I can't let you have all the adventure can I?"
Just as Sam was about to get back to her writing and Kyle had cracked open his book Michael Guerin walked into the library searching for something he couldn't quite name. He saw Sam and no longer cared what his reasons were for walking into the library other than finding her.
"Sam."
Sam looked up she had one more paragraph left to write and couldn't find enough concluding evidence.
"Hey Michael."
"Can I talk to you for a sec?"
Sam smiled at Kyle who nodded as she got up to talk to Michael in the Reference stacks.
"What's up?"
Michael walked sternly like a soldier pacing at arms length from Sam.
"I was just wondering what's going on."
Sam looked down and stopped she grabbed a loose book that was left on the shelf.
"Wuthering Heights."
Michael nodded.
"What I mean is what's happening between us?"
Sam shook her head and ran her fingers along the soft binding.
"Nothing at the moment."
Michael nodded.
"Can we go somewhere and I don't know talk?"
Sam looked up at Michael.
"You want to talk?"
Michael nodded.
"Sure we can go to my house I guess. But I have to make an appearance just to keep my parents happy. We should probably keep it short though we have to meet at 6 tomorrow morning."
Michael nodded and followed Sam back to get her stuff Kyle looked up as Michael stood in the corner of the room waiting for Sam.
"Leaving so soon?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah some last minute preparations I guess nothing big though."
"Oh yeah right, see you tomorrow?"
Sam nodded, "yup bright and early."
Sam walked ahead of Michael slightly as they let the warm night air float about their face.
"My bike's this way."
Sam nodded.
"Look Michael I know that things are confusing and I do want to talk but I'm not sure we'll have anything to talk about. I mean things are always going to be complicated and confusing."
"I know but I need to understand some things before tomorrow."
Sam nodded in understanding and got onto Michael's bike while putting on a helmet. When the two reached Sam's house they sat there with the engine turned off and in silence went down to her basement to talk. As they reached the last step they noticed they weren't alone the entire B team had gathered in Sam's basement. John stood up right away.
"You're late."
Sam looked about first at Sandie's shock in John's behavior then to Lucas.
"I'm late for what?"
"I thought we were going to meet tonight to go over things one last time?"
Sam shrugged. "I don't remember saying anything."
John stepped closer to Sam, "Well I was the one that suggested it."
Michael looked John in the eyes it took the two boys a minute to get over their own egos before Lucas spoke up. And when he did he stood as well.
"I don't remember it either, but you told me to come. Look John I think we'll be fine tomorrow and obviously so does Sam so let's go and get some rest."
Michael waited for John to take his eyes away. When he finally did first to look at Sam and then to Sandie who's gaze must have been burning a whole in his shirt.
"Fine let's go I'm tired anyway."
With that the trio left through the storm doors to Sam's backyard and finally Michael and Sam were left alone.
"That was awkward."
Sam nodded silently John's behavior came with a jolt and put her mind at odds end. Memories were over taking her.
Sam sat down and so did Michael the two just talked of how they felt and what they were remembering. Sam mainly listened and nodded. She felt more and more at ease with Michael.
Friday October 13th ,
Soon the sun came up and Michael lifted his head and looked at Sam's watch. It was a quarter to six they had talked all night.
"I guess I should go get my stuff we have to meet in fifteen minutes."
Sam nodded and watched Michael go. She felt helpless, for the first time in her life she hadn't talked but more than a few sentences. When the doors closed she shook off the heavy feel that was weighing down on her. Sam needed air and needed to get her bag from her room. When she came out to greet the day Lucas and Sandie were packing the car while John was right in front of her house.
"I saw him leave this morning long night?"
Sam tilted her head and then smiled slightly.
"It's going to be a long weekend can we at least pretend we're civil."
John followed Sam across the street.
"I'm civil who said I'm not civil?"
Sam stopped half way in the empty street.
"What is your problem really, I talked with Michael we had things to discuss."
"Well you get to spend some more precious time with your long lost love."
Sam looked on in confusion as John pulled out the list of whose driving with whom. Sam saw her name was with Lucas and Michael. She looked back to John who was staring at her.
"Why are you behaving this way, we discussed why we couldn't work out, am I to be by myself for the rest of my life would that please you?"
John looked down confused slightly, "I just don't want the past to repeat itself."
"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
Sam couldn't keep eyes with John and looked to Sandie and Lucas who were still arranging the luggage.
"Look what you may or may not remember it's not exactly 100%"
John nodded, "I know what I know Sam, and I'll do what I can to stop it from happening again."
Sam stepped closer to John, "We are not the same people and if I want to pursue a relationship I can with whomever I choose."
"And whom will you choose this time Macaria?"
Sam stopped short she stared into John's eyes an shook her head. "If this is jealousy you have no right."
"We'll continue this later."
Sam shook her head again.
"The hell we will."
She looked away from John and went to place her bag next to everyone else's. The car ride to the Sheriff's station was silent only Lucas and Sandie's incessant banter was heard. Everyone was at the Sheriff's station as the last car pulled up Liz and Maria were huddled together the air was slightly chilled compared to the sun that beginning to shine. Sam smiled at everyone and then looked to Max for help. Max looked up at Tess and Lucas the two nodded and luggage was switched around in the cars. Then they all drove to Metachem and watched Tess and Lucas at work getting the trucks.
In an hour they were on the road to Copper Summit Arizona. Lucas, Michael and Sam in one truck. While Sandie, Tess and John were in the other. The Jetta, jeep and Sheriff's ranger were also taken.
Lucas looked at Sam who struggled to keep her eyes open.
"You can sleep if you want I'm fine here."
Sam smiled and nodded at Lucas, Michael who was next to him looked behind to make sure Sam was okay. With a slight smile Sam was out cold for an hour till she felt the truck ease to a final stop. As Sam woke up she saw Michael talking to Max outside the truck. Now in the front seats were Liz and Maria smiling at her while as she regained her consciousness.
"I'm guessing you didn't get any sleep, jeeze you worry too much."
Sam nodded to Maria who had a amused look about her. As the three girls climbed out of the truck there were four pairs of eyes watching their every move. Sam smiled as she saw what new paint job they had done to the trucks. There were giant elephants and a tent with the words Worlds Greatest Circus painted on the side. Sam laughed and looked over to everyone who were also in great amusement at the truck's new decor.
"Oh that's great no-one will notice that at all."
The three girls laughed and went over to talk to Kyle and Alex who were cracking random jokes. Soon Max and Michael came over to the group and looked about.
"Well where are they?"
The question was pointed to Alex who had finalized all the planning.
"They should be here shortly."
With those words a car with two people approached them. Out came Courtney and man who looked in his forties. They approached Max and Sam who stood next to each other and they bowed.
"No need for formalities is everything ready?"
Courtney nodded.
"The ceremony is to take place tomorrow evening after the funeral."
Sam nodded.
The media coverage on Congress woman Whittaker was soon coming to a halt. The Skins had covered up her death using a fake car crash. Liz who kept up minor appearances and phone calls at the Congresswoman's' office had found a letter one week after her death about the Friendship League. With the help of Courtney they had managed to keep her career afloat and her death a secret. A week before the harvest Courtney discontinued contact with the League upon no response they terminated her membership. Or as we like to call it fabricated her death.
"Good."
Sam shook off her thoughts and focused on Max's words.
"I guess we'll settle in then maybe check out Copper Summit."
Courtney shook her head.
"I wouldn't do that quite yet."
"She's right Max the element of surprise is what we need."
"Fine."
With that Courtney and the man left. The gang near famished found some dive at the side of the road to have a mediocre meal. Sam avoided Michael while Liz and Max took stolen glances at one another.
Soon they couldn't waste anymore time as the night lulled them. They separated one group heading to the Inn the other to sleep in the trucks. As Sandie and Sam headed to one truck and Lucas and John to the other the girls looked at each other and smiled.
"This is really happening isn't it?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah it is."
"I wish we could be sleeping in nice hotel beds and not these sleeping bags."
Sam smiled and nodded as they zipped themselves in.
"I dun know we may have gotten the better end of the deal after all."
Meanwhile at the motor Inn Liz and Maria were silently talking.
"And then there's the whole baby thing I mean I don't know what's going to happen."
"Uh huh."
"It's like what if nothing ever goes back to the way it was, or used to be."
(silence)
"Maria?"
Liz smiled Maria was asleep, and she was still wired. Trying to unwind Liz grabbed a light coat Liz and went outside. She started for a walk exploring the small desert area that surrounded the Inn. On her way she passed Michael and Max's room. The room was filled with only one silent snoring as Max sat up thinking about the day to come. A light moved from the window and Max turned to see Liz walk by. Excited Max hopped out of bed and out into the night to catch up with Liz.
"Liz."
Liz turned around to meet Max who was in a white tee-shirt and jeans.
"Max, hey I was just..."
"Yeah I mean we probably shouldn't be walking out alone, it could be dangerous."
Liz smiled and nodded.
"I know I'm sorry."
Max smiled and nodded too.
"I just needed to clear my head that's all."
Max took a deep breath in and looked to the clear night sky.
"I think after this, the SAT's look pretty easy don't you?"
Liz smiled and nodded.
"Yeah I'm taking mine in three weeks and I'm already nervous."
Max looked into Liz's eyes and nodded. He tilted his head slightly and got lost in her eyes.
"Max?"
"Yeah?"
"I should prolly get to bed I mean tomorrow is going to be crazy right?"
"I don't want you to put yourself at danger for us."
Liz nodded and began walking towards a bench that was next to a vending machine.
"It's not just you anymore I mean look what's happened so far this year."
She sat down and Max followed.
"It's not just four or the seven of us it's so much more."
"I know but I don't want you to get caught up in all of this, it's dangerous."
Liz nodded Max touched her hand she didn't take it away but she didn't feel any power jolt or pain.
Liz got up slowly and smiled at Max.
"I should be heading to bed. Look Max we all have a part to play in this and well us humans can be just that, human. Besides you guys need lookouts."
Max nodded as Liz headed for her room she opened the door peaked out before going in and smiled.
"Goodnight Max."
"Goodnight Liz."
Saturday October 14th,
We see Liz, Maria, Alex and the Sheriff at Whittaker's funeral no-one suspects anything as they all keep their eyes on the guy Sam said mattered. But he wasn't a guy really he was a small kid about fourteen or fifteen a little younger than them. He stood in the corner watching the procession. From time to time Liz could feel his gaze on her, when she looked he wasn't looking back. By the time Liz got close enough to see the congress woman half the congregation were itching like crazy. After Liz said a few words she looked back to see Nicholas the kid they were keeping an eye on was gone.
A half an hour earlier.
The B squad and Pod squad along with Courtney were outside of a basement in a small barn. Courtney looked around and then brushed away some hay to reveal a latch. Inside was a secret room below the barn where the entire race of skins' husks were near full growth. Slowly Courtney directed as they all detached and rewired the allied husks then slowly using their powers they moved them into the trucks while Lucas and Tess kept them hidden. A half an hour later they had all the husks safely inside of trucks.
At the Funeral Liz decided to call Sam and tell her about Nicholas' disappearance.
"Sam?"
"Yeah I'm here"
"He's gone he may suspect something."
"Got it, get out of there now."
Liz nodded to the others and they crept out of the back of the procession without being noticed they ran as fast as they could to the Sheriff's ranger and began to speed away to the meeting place.
"Sheriff I can help them maybe I should stay?"
Maria looked to Liz and then the Sheriff.
"Liz, no we should just follow the plan."
Liz nodded and sat back as they drove on.
Back on the trucks.
"Michael that was Liz Nicholas may be on to us we have to hurry."
As they got off the trucks Courtney and the other skins drove them away leaving the cleanup to the B team and Pod Squad. Lucas sensing something was wrong came running to Sam and with a glance he knew what was to come.
They all went down the stairs Max leading the way with Michael and John. Lucas was with Tess they were gaining momentum to use whatever skills they had acquired to tackle the skins. Kyle was watching the cars inside of Max's jeep, he watched as what seemed like the entire town made their way to the barn. From behind the barn came Sandie racing to the Jeep where Kyle waited.
"Kyle we need to get these cars in back now."
Kyle nodded and peeled out to the back where Sandie just came from as she hopped in the jetta and followed. Inside the rest of the gang were in front of the remaining skins.
"Well let's do this."
Everyone nodded at Sam and raised their hands. The glass cases that held the husks began to break and fizz as they deactivated every husk. Sharp cries were heard outside in the barn as all the skins fell to their knees in pain. When the dust cleared no husk was left un ruined. And from the back of the long corridor stood Nicholas he didn't look to be in much pain. Sam and Max raised their hands and a shield was instantly up Nicholas tilted his head as Tess and Lucas locked minds and worked to keep Nicholas from using his powers.
"Concentrate on his spinal cortex."
Tess nodded and Nicholas titled his head.
"You think you can stop me."
Sam kept her mouth shut Michael, Isabel and John both raised there hands and concentrated on blasting Nicholas. A large bright light flashed and he was gone there was nothing more than ash everywhere. Sam and Max lowered their shields and went up the latch way where the entire town of Skins were still on the ground in pain. Tess looked to the others who nodded.
"Concentrate on puncturing their lower back where the tail bone should be."
They all nodded at Sam and concentrated their power. When the dust cleared again there was nothing a dead town with no occupants. Sam looked down the road there was no-one left and it was their fault.
Sam looked up as the sky was clear and blue.
"That was too easy."
"I know."
She turned to look at Michael who nodded. They all walked to the back where Sandie and Kyle were waiting they piled into the cars and met at the side of a rest stop. The two trucks were there as well as the Sheriff's Ranger.
They all sat there silently on top of the cars thinking and pondering the day. Courtney and the others were already in their new husks. They looked more at ease.
"We can't thank you enough."
She looked at Michael when she said this and then back to Max and then Sam.
"We're going to stick close by, so when, and if you need us we'll be here."
Sam nodded and smiled.
"If there's anything you need to know you may be able to find it in Copper Summit everything was kept on record by Nicholas there has to be something that can help you."
Max nodded and they all watched as Courtney and the others drove away the opposite direction of Copper Summit.
"I hope we don't ever need their help."
Max smiled at Isabel and nodded.
"Yeah but if we do I'm glad at least we can call upon them."
"Well Maxwell I say we go back and look around, see if we can find out something more about this friendship league."
Max nodded and looked to Sam. Sam looked to the others who nodded as well.
"Okay then works for me."
They spent hours searching and found only Nicholas's journal. Spent and tired they found a local diner that was empty and put Michael to work in the grill. Hungry and tired Michael moaned on his way to the back. Sam got up to go help him.
The two worked their way around the kitchen to find hamburger rolls and everything they needed.
"So, I don't expect we're going to have to do this all the time."
Michael nodded and smiled as the grill hissed when he put the meat on the hot surface.
"I hope not."
"How do you feel?"
Michael stopped and looked at Sam.
"Safer."
He looked around for the spatula to flip the burgers with as Sam prepared all of the buns for everyone. She found the frozen fries and heated the oil.
They cooked in silence.
When everyone was both full and ready to rest completely they made their way to the hotel. Where Sam and Sandie stayed with Maria and Liz while Lucas and John stayed with Alex and Kyle.
Liz and Sam found themselves talking alone late at night after everyone was asleep.
"So he touched you?"
"Yeah and nothing happened."
"No power surge no pain?"
Liz smiled and shook her head. Sam smiled with her and they hugged.
"So it's final then your power is there and now we'll just work on it getting stronger." Liz smiled and the two talked of nothing for a little while until they fell asleep.
I told you my life took a turn and well it did. Although my relationship or lack their of with Michael isn't defined yet, Liz is fully ready. So this is pretty big. And like Michael said he feels safer and so do I with the threat of the skins gone. Now maybe for the time being we can be semi quasi normal and worry and fret of stupid high school stuff like who kissed who. Not that we weren't already being total freaks about that anyway. Yet I'm still left with the question that I had asked earlier. What happens when we kill the skins, do they go back to where they came from or do they die? And if they go back then will we still have to deal with Kivar? I guess for now the answer is no. So we bought ourselves some time. Who knows that could be the end of it. Then again like Maria said this is Roswell.
I'm Samantha Simmons and have just gotten home from what my parents thought was a field trip with our Sheriff Valenti of Rowell Sheriff's station. In fact on my transcripts it now reads that I've volunteered to become part of the junior troopers division 121 of Roswell New Mexico. Along with all my friends we went to Arizona and that's when my life took a turn that well. It was a turn that's all I can say. Have you ever been in a situation like taking a test or at some meeting and your mind wanders? Like you think about play time or nap time during your SAT's. For that one moment you see your life at this corner. Then instead of passing it and discovering the unknown you want to go back to the comfortable Styrofoam world. Well that's the only way to explain this weekend, now bring on the care bears and Styrofoam.
Thursday October 12th,
We see Sam sitting at the library she's going over homework alone. Kyle who's looking for some books one particular Buddha and Me spots Sam he walks over and sits across from her with a huge grin.
"Hard at work?"
Sam smiles she knows Kyle's there to bother her but she has to focus on her paper and then fight an alien race.
"Yeah I'll have no other time this weekend to finish this."
"Right, right big weekend ahead of us."
Sam smiles and puts her pencil down.
"You nervous Buddha boy?"
Kyle shrugs, "Buddha teaches us to keep sight of this danger in death,
do meritorious deeds that bring bliss."
Sam nods and tries to ponder what Kyle is saying
"So you're saying you don't feel what we're doing is wrong?"
Kyle put his book down gently.
"I'm saying I'll do meritorious deeds with you."
Sam smiled and nodded, "good okay then."
"Besides I can't let you have all the adventure can I?"
Just as Sam was about to get back to her writing and Kyle had cracked open his book Michael Guerin walked into the library searching for something he couldn't quite name. He saw Sam and no longer cared what his reasons were for walking into the library other than finding her.
"Sam."
Sam looked up she had one more paragraph left to write and couldn't find enough concluding evidence.
"Hey Michael."
"Can I talk to you for a sec?"
Sam smiled at Kyle who nodded as she got up to talk to Michael in the Reference stacks.
"What's up?"
Michael walked sternly like a soldier pacing at arms length from Sam.
"I was just wondering what's going on."
Sam looked down and stopped she grabbed a loose book that was left on the shelf.
"Wuthering Heights."
Michael nodded.
"What I mean is what's happening between us?"
Sam shook her head and ran her fingers along the soft binding.
"Nothing at the moment."
Michael nodded.
"Can we go somewhere and I don't know talk?"
Sam looked up at Michael.
"You want to talk?"
Michael nodded.
"Sure we can go to my house I guess. But I have to make an appearance just to keep my parents happy. We should probably keep it short though we have to meet at 6 tomorrow morning."
Michael nodded and followed Sam back to get her stuff Kyle looked up as Michael stood in the corner of the room waiting for Sam.
"Leaving so soon?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah some last minute preparations I guess nothing big though."
"Oh yeah right, see you tomorrow?"
Sam nodded, "yup bright and early."
Sam walked ahead of Michael slightly as they let the warm night air float about their face.
"My bike's this way."
Sam nodded.
"Look Michael I know that things are confusing and I do want to talk but I'm not sure we'll have anything to talk about. I mean things are always going to be complicated and confusing."
"I know but I need to understand some things before tomorrow."
Sam nodded in understanding and got onto Michael's bike while putting on a helmet. When the two reached Sam's house they sat there with the engine turned off and in silence went down to her basement to talk. As they reached the last step they noticed they weren't alone the entire B team had gathered in Sam's basement. John stood up right away.
"You're late."
Sam looked about first at Sandie's shock in John's behavior then to Lucas.
"I'm late for what?"
"I thought we were going to meet tonight to go over things one last time?"
Sam shrugged. "I don't remember saying anything."
John stepped closer to Sam, "Well I was the one that suggested it."
Michael looked John in the eyes it took the two boys a minute to get over their own egos before Lucas spoke up. And when he did he stood as well.
"I don't remember it either, but you told me to come. Look John I think we'll be fine tomorrow and obviously so does Sam so let's go and get some rest."
Michael waited for John to take his eyes away. When he finally did first to look at Sam and then to Sandie who's gaze must have been burning a whole in his shirt.
"Fine let's go I'm tired anyway."
With that the trio left through the storm doors to Sam's backyard and finally Michael and Sam were left alone.
"That was awkward."
Sam nodded silently John's behavior came with a jolt and put her mind at odds end. Memories were over taking her.
Sam sat down and so did Michael the two just talked of how they felt and what they were remembering. Sam mainly listened and nodded. She felt more and more at ease with Michael.
Friday October 13th ,
Soon the sun came up and Michael lifted his head and looked at Sam's watch. It was a quarter to six they had talked all night.
"I guess I should go get my stuff we have to meet in fifteen minutes."
Sam nodded and watched Michael go. She felt helpless, for the first time in her life she hadn't talked but more than a few sentences. When the doors closed she shook off the heavy feel that was weighing down on her. Sam needed air and needed to get her bag from her room. When she came out to greet the day Lucas and Sandie were packing the car while John was right in front of her house.
"I saw him leave this morning long night?"
Sam tilted her head and then smiled slightly.
"It's going to be a long weekend can we at least pretend we're civil."
John followed Sam across the street.
"I'm civil who said I'm not civil?"
Sam stopped half way in the empty street.
"What is your problem really, I talked with Michael we had things to discuss."
"Well you get to spend some more precious time with your long lost love."
Sam looked on in confusion as John pulled out the list of whose driving with whom. Sam saw her name was with Lucas and Michael. She looked back to John who was staring at her.
"Why are you behaving this way, we discussed why we couldn't work out, am I to be by myself for the rest of my life would that please you?"
John looked down confused slightly, "I just don't want the past to repeat itself."
"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
Sam couldn't keep eyes with John and looked to Sandie and Lucas who were still arranging the luggage.
"Look what you may or may not remember it's not exactly 100%"
John nodded, "I know what I know Sam, and I'll do what I can to stop it from happening again."
Sam stepped closer to John, "We are not the same people and if I want to pursue a relationship I can with whomever I choose."
"And whom will you choose this time Macaria?"
Sam stopped short she stared into John's eyes an shook her head. "If this is jealousy you have no right."
"We'll continue this later."
Sam shook her head again.
"The hell we will."
She looked away from John and went to place her bag next to everyone else's. The car ride to the Sheriff's station was silent only Lucas and Sandie's incessant banter was heard. Everyone was at the Sheriff's station as the last car pulled up Liz and Maria were huddled together the air was slightly chilled compared to the sun that beginning to shine. Sam smiled at everyone and then looked to Max for help. Max looked up at Tess and Lucas the two nodded and luggage was switched around in the cars. Then they all drove to Metachem and watched Tess and Lucas at work getting the trucks.
In an hour they were on the road to Copper Summit Arizona. Lucas, Michael and Sam in one truck. While Sandie, Tess and John were in the other. The Jetta, jeep and Sheriff's ranger were also taken.
Lucas looked at Sam who struggled to keep her eyes open.
"You can sleep if you want I'm fine here."
Sam smiled and nodded at Lucas, Michael who was next to him looked behind to make sure Sam was okay. With a slight smile Sam was out cold for an hour till she felt the truck ease to a final stop. As Sam woke up she saw Michael talking to Max outside the truck. Now in the front seats were Liz and Maria smiling at her while as she regained her consciousness.
"I'm guessing you didn't get any sleep, jeeze you worry too much."
Sam nodded to Maria who had a amused look about her. As the three girls climbed out of the truck there were four pairs of eyes watching their every move. Sam smiled as she saw what new paint job they had done to the trucks. There were giant elephants and a tent with the words Worlds Greatest Circus painted on the side. Sam laughed and looked over to everyone who were also in great amusement at the truck's new decor.
"Oh that's great no-one will notice that at all."
The three girls laughed and went over to talk to Kyle and Alex who were cracking random jokes. Soon Max and Michael came over to the group and looked about.
"Well where are they?"
The question was pointed to Alex who had finalized all the planning.
"They should be here shortly."
With those words a car with two people approached them. Out came Courtney and man who looked in his forties. They approached Max and Sam who stood next to each other and they bowed.
"No need for formalities is everything ready?"
Courtney nodded.
"The ceremony is to take place tomorrow evening after the funeral."
Sam nodded.
The media coverage on Congress woman Whittaker was soon coming to a halt. The Skins had covered up her death using a fake car crash. Liz who kept up minor appearances and phone calls at the Congresswoman's' office had found a letter one week after her death about the Friendship League. With the help of Courtney they had managed to keep her career afloat and her death a secret. A week before the harvest Courtney discontinued contact with the League upon no response they terminated her membership. Or as we like to call it fabricated her death.
"Good."
Sam shook off her thoughts and focused on Max's words.
"I guess we'll settle in then maybe check out Copper Summit."
Courtney shook her head.
"I wouldn't do that quite yet."
"She's right Max the element of surprise is what we need."
"Fine."
With that Courtney and the man left. The gang near famished found some dive at the side of the road to have a mediocre meal. Sam avoided Michael while Liz and Max took stolen glances at one another.
Soon they couldn't waste anymore time as the night lulled them. They separated one group heading to the Inn the other to sleep in the trucks. As Sandie and Sam headed to one truck and Lucas and John to the other the girls looked at each other and smiled.
"This is really happening isn't it?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah it is."
"I wish we could be sleeping in nice hotel beds and not these sleeping bags."
Sam smiled and nodded as they zipped themselves in.
"I dun know we may have gotten the better end of the deal after all."
Meanwhile at the motor Inn Liz and Maria were silently talking.
"And then there's the whole baby thing I mean I don't know what's going to happen."
"Uh huh."
"It's like what if nothing ever goes back to the way it was, or used to be."
(silence)
"Maria?"
Liz smiled Maria was asleep, and she was still wired. Trying to unwind Liz grabbed a light coat Liz and went outside. She started for a walk exploring the small desert area that surrounded the Inn. On her way she passed Michael and Max's room. The room was filled with only one silent snoring as Max sat up thinking about the day to come. A light moved from the window and Max turned to see Liz walk by. Excited Max hopped out of bed and out into the night to catch up with Liz.
"Liz."
Liz turned around to meet Max who was in a white tee-shirt and jeans.
"Max, hey I was just..."
"Yeah I mean we probably shouldn't be walking out alone, it could be dangerous."
Liz smiled and nodded.
"I know I'm sorry."
Max smiled and nodded too.
"I just needed to clear my head that's all."
Max took a deep breath in and looked to the clear night sky.
"I think after this, the SAT's look pretty easy don't you?"
Liz smiled and nodded.
"Yeah I'm taking mine in three weeks and I'm already nervous."
Max looked into Liz's eyes and nodded. He tilted his head slightly and got lost in her eyes.
"Max?"
"Yeah?"
"I should prolly get to bed I mean tomorrow is going to be crazy right?"
"I don't want you to put yourself at danger for us."
Liz nodded and began walking towards a bench that was next to a vending machine.
"It's not just you anymore I mean look what's happened so far this year."
She sat down and Max followed.
"It's not just four or the seven of us it's so much more."
"I know but I don't want you to get caught up in all of this, it's dangerous."
Liz nodded Max touched her hand she didn't take it away but she didn't feel any power jolt or pain.
Liz got up slowly and smiled at Max.
"I should be heading to bed. Look Max we all have a part to play in this and well us humans can be just that, human. Besides you guys need lookouts."
Max nodded as Liz headed for her room she opened the door peaked out before going in and smiled.
"Goodnight Max."
"Goodnight Liz."
Saturday October 14th,
We see Liz, Maria, Alex and the Sheriff at Whittaker's funeral no-one suspects anything as they all keep their eyes on the guy Sam said mattered. But he wasn't a guy really he was a small kid about fourteen or fifteen a little younger than them. He stood in the corner watching the procession. From time to time Liz could feel his gaze on her, when she looked he wasn't looking back. By the time Liz got close enough to see the congress woman half the congregation were itching like crazy. After Liz said a few words she looked back to see Nicholas the kid they were keeping an eye on was gone.
A half an hour earlier.
The B squad and Pod squad along with Courtney were outside of a basement in a small barn. Courtney looked around and then brushed away some hay to reveal a latch. Inside was a secret room below the barn where the entire race of skins' husks were near full growth. Slowly Courtney directed as they all detached and rewired the allied husks then slowly using their powers they moved them into the trucks while Lucas and Tess kept them hidden. A half an hour later they had all the husks safely inside of trucks.
At the Funeral Liz decided to call Sam and tell her about Nicholas' disappearance.
"Sam?"
"Yeah I'm here"
"He's gone he may suspect something."
"Got it, get out of there now."
Liz nodded to the others and they crept out of the back of the procession without being noticed they ran as fast as they could to the Sheriff's ranger and began to speed away to the meeting place.
"Sheriff I can help them maybe I should stay?"
Maria looked to Liz and then the Sheriff.
"Liz, no we should just follow the plan."
Liz nodded and sat back as they drove on.
Back on the trucks.
"Michael that was Liz Nicholas may be on to us we have to hurry."
As they got off the trucks Courtney and the other skins drove them away leaving the cleanup to the B team and Pod Squad. Lucas sensing something was wrong came running to Sam and with a glance he knew what was to come.
They all went down the stairs Max leading the way with Michael and John. Lucas was with Tess they were gaining momentum to use whatever skills they had acquired to tackle the skins. Kyle was watching the cars inside of Max's jeep, he watched as what seemed like the entire town made their way to the barn. From behind the barn came Sandie racing to the Jeep where Kyle waited.
"Kyle we need to get these cars in back now."
Kyle nodded and peeled out to the back where Sandie just came from as she hopped in the jetta and followed. Inside the rest of the gang were in front of the remaining skins.
"Well let's do this."
Everyone nodded at Sam and raised their hands. The glass cases that held the husks began to break and fizz as they deactivated every husk. Sharp cries were heard outside in the barn as all the skins fell to their knees in pain. When the dust cleared no husk was left un ruined. And from the back of the long corridor stood Nicholas he didn't look to be in much pain. Sam and Max raised their hands and a shield was instantly up Nicholas tilted his head as Tess and Lucas locked minds and worked to keep Nicholas from using his powers.
"Concentrate on his spinal cortex."
Tess nodded and Nicholas titled his head.
"You think you can stop me."
Sam kept her mouth shut Michael, Isabel and John both raised there hands and concentrated on blasting Nicholas. A large bright light flashed and he was gone there was nothing more than ash everywhere. Sam and Max lowered their shields and went up the latch way where the entire town of Skins were still on the ground in pain. Tess looked to the others who nodded.
"Concentrate on puncturing their lower back where the tail bone should be."
They all nodded at Sam and concentrated their power. When the dust cleared again there was nothing a dead town with no occupants. Sam looked down the road there was no-one left and it was their fault.
Sam looked up as the sky was clear and blue.
"That was too easy."
"I know."
She turned to look at Michael who nodded. They all walked to the back where Sandie and Kyle were waiting they piled into the cars and met at the side of a rest stop. The two trucks were there as well as the Sheriff's Ranger.
They all sat there silently on top of the cars thinking and pondering the day. Courtney and the others were already in their new husks. They looked more at ease.
"We can't thank you enough."
She looked at Michael when she said this and then back to Max and then Sam.
"We're going to stick close by, so when, and if you need us we'll be here."
Sam nodded and smiled.
"If there's anything you need to know you may be able to find it in Copper Summit everything was kept on record by Nicholas there has to be something that can help you."
Max nodded and they all watched as Courtney and the others drove away the opposite direction of Copper Summit.
"I hope we don't ever need their help."
Max smiled at Isabel and nodded.
"Yeah but if we do I'm glad at least we can call upon them."
"Well Maxwell I say we go back and look around, see if we can find out something more about this friendship league."
Max nodded and looked to Sam. Sam looked to the others who nodded as well.
"Okay then works for me."
They spent hours searching and found only Nicholas's journal. Spent and tired they found a local diner that was empty and put Michael to work in the grill. Hungry and tired Michael moaned on his way to the back. Sam got up to go help him.
The two worked their way around the kitchen to find hamburger rolls and everything they needed.
"So, I don't expect we're going to have to do this all the time."
Michael nodded and smiled as the grill hissed when he put the meat on the hot surface.
"I hope not."
"How do you feel?"
Michael stopped and looked at Sam.
"Safer."
He looked around for the spatula to flip the burgers with as Sam prepared all of the buns for everyone. She found the frozen fries and heated the oil.
They cooked in silence.
When everyone was both full and ready to rest completely they made their way to the hotel. Where Sam and Sandie stayed with Maria and Liz while Lucas and John stayed with Alex and Kyle.
Liz and Sam found themselves talking alone late at night after everyone was asleep.
"So he touched you?"
"Yeah and nothing happened."
"No power surge no pain?"
Liz smiled and shook her head. Sam smiled with her and they hugged.
"So it's final then your power is there and now we'll just work on it getting stronger." Liz smiled and the two talked of nothing for a little while until they fell asleep.
I told you my life took a turn and well it did. Although my relationship or lack their of with Michael isn't defined yet, Liz is fully ready. So this is pretty big. And like Michael said he feels safer and so do I with the threat of the skins gone. Now maybe for the time being we can be semi quasi normal and worry and fret of stupid high school stuff like who kissed who. Not that we weren't already being total freaks about that anyway. Yet I'm still left with the question that I had asked earlier. What happens when we kill the skins, do they go back to where they came from or do they die? And if they go back then will we still have to deal with Kivar? I guess for now the answer is no. So we bought ourselves some time. Who knows that could be the end of it. Then again like Maria said this is Roswell.
