America?
Why was I going to America?
I was so distracted with my thoughts that I didn't notice Darren pull out cuffs until he dangled them in front of my face.
Looking away from the restraints I asked, "Why?" Surely they knew by now I wasn't going to attack them? Well, I suppose it was better to be prepared.
Completely ignoring my question Darren lifted my wrist and securely fastened the restraints. He helped me to my feet and directed me out the door.
I had to hide my excitement, I was finally getting out of this room. Goodbye white walls, goodbye mirror, goodbye bed, goodbye small room. It was time that I started to see Earth with my own eyes and not on a T.V screen.
Once we left my room we were greeted with two men in the usual black uniform and gun strapped around their shoulders. They tailed us as we made our way through the corridors. We went up stairs and I could feel nervous energy bubbling within me, starting at my toes.
I was going to get outside, breath fresh air. When I crashed into the sea along the coast of Ireland I wasn't paying attention to the fresh unfiltered air. But now? All I could think about was taking that first breath outside. The smells, wind in my hair and the sun on my face. I craved to feel the elements on my face, to dig my feet into the soil and feel connected to the earth's core.
I was always surrounded by nature back home, everyone was. Our culture was dedicated to the natural environment of our home. Yes we used it's resources to advance our technology but it was always vital to us to maintain a balanced between the two. We held pride over the natural beauty of our world and put extreme measures into ensuring that it stayed just that.
When we reached ground level I started to hear a pulsating sound, which became louder as we neared the door Darren was leading me to now. When we reached the door I knew this was it. With a push I was finally outside.
Steal metal coloured clouds consumed the sky in all directions, rain belted down from above staining my clothes and hair with it's presence. A smell so fragile penetrated my nose, clean and crisp with the earthy fragrance entwined with the sounds of animals. There were birds and insects to be heard. Chirps and rustling beyond the strong beats of the machine in front of me. This machine, I saw in a documentary allowed the researchers to hover in the air and video the animals below. I think it was called a "Helicopter" and we were darting towards it.
I could now see where I was kept for the 14 days I was here. The building we just came out of was surrounded by forest, with a tarmac road splitting through it and a clearing where the helicopter stood ready to take off.
I wanted to stop, take in more of my surroundings but the two soldiers behind me and Darren's firm grip on my shoulder prevented me to do so. I was forced to duck when we neared the helicopter.
Darren lifted me up into the helicopter and bent over to strap me in with some kind of leather. At first I thought it was another precaution to keep me from escaping but then Darren and the two guards strapped themselves into their seats as well. Must be a safety thing then.
My attention was quickly diverted as the helicopter started jerking upwards. Quickly squeezing my eyes and focusing on my breathing I tried to not think of how my pod had felt exactly like this before I crashed.
Breathing I tried to calm myself. Its okay, this machine is suppose to do this. Forcing my eyes open to pay attention to my surroundings. An attempt to remind myself that I was in a very different scenario and wasn't trapped in my pod anymore. I turned my head to the window, focusing on anything else. I held my breath as we started to move upwards.
Once the trees became small dots I diverted my gaze to the humans in the helicopter with me. They were talking amongst themselves, clearly a heated argument between Darren and one of the guards. They were talking too fast and quiet for me to understand but I did pick up a few words.
". . . have to listen. . . American government"
"Yes, but. . . landed here"
". . .orders. okay?"
They didn't seem too pleased about me transferring to America. I bet they wanted to keep the alien-me and see what they could learn from me. There must be higher powers then. I should probably be nervous about meeting the people in charge but I was getting kind of curious.
Curious about Earth. Curious about the humans. Curious about my abductors. What can I say, i'm still a child.
I was able to enjoy my first ever ride in a helicopter once i had forgotten about the cuffs on my wrist. It was amazing really. The earth below was like a complex organ, a heart almost. Large settlements called 'cities' were the organ and smaller roads led into and out of the city. Everything was interlinked and connected, buzzing with life and humans. Although at this distance above the ground the humans just looked like blurred dots. Tall and small buildings were sectioned across the city, and we flew past two yellow cranes.
We were moving towards the sea, past harbours and factories. The water didn't look very appealing. It was a grey, murky kind of colour and honestly looked polluted. I felt a dull ache in my chest, my people were suppose to guide this civilisation. We were going to help nourish this world, show them how to respect it. Another thing that didn't happen.
Very quickly I was forming a distaste to flying, it made me think, and when I think I reminisce.
I focused on counting the number of small scratches on the cuffs I was wearing and imaging on how they got there for the rest of the flight, in an attempt to distract myself.
We landed on a large ship anchored just off the coast of the city. It wasn't anything like the ships or boats I saw in my documentary's. This one had huge run ways, perhaps for planes? There was enough planes parked around to make one think so. It was grey, and bigger than many of the buildings we flew past. To put it simply, it was outstanding.
I loved how the humans were buzzing around, working and fixing things. Like an organised chaos.
Darren pointed me towards an entrance when the helicopter stopped, my body guards obviously still tailing us. Inwardly rolling my eyes I walked towards the door.
We entered and I again was amazed by the sheer size of this ship. When we got to the main control centre Darren left our small group to go look for someone. When he came back, it was evident that he was pissed.
He was accompanied by someone else, a black man wearing a funny looking eye patch on his eye. He had a single brown eye which what he lacked in numbers made up for severity with the glare he gave me. He gave me an uncanny feeling. I don't think I'll like this man.
"That'll be all men." He said. "The child is in safe hands now." His gaze moved to Darren as he placed is hands behind his back.
"With all due respect sir. Kyon was in safe hands back at the institute, where she crashed in our waters, sir." Darren grumbled, his scowl unwavering.
"Is that so, Staff Sargent? If I didn't know any better i'd say your letting your pride get the better of your job. Hmm?"
"No, Sir"
"Furry is fine, now if that's everything best be on your way, we set sail in the hour."
"Yes Fury, we'll be on our way then. Wouldn't wanna get stuck on this ship." Darren grumbled, and turned to the exit. The other two following.
Not even a goodbye? It's not like Darren was the first human I ever saw, whom also didn't teach me english or anything. Rude. I inwardly groaned at his lack of decent manners.
A cough from behind me interrupted my thoughts. Turning I saw 'Fury' watching me.
"Shall we take these off?" He said while dangling keys above me.
Finally, these humans decided to do something productive. I lifted my hands and he quickly took the cuffs off. Rubbing my wrists I looked up to Fury.
He stuck out his hand, and nimbly I took his. Wasn't this a form of greeting?
"Nick Fury" He said as he shook my hand.
Feeling better that he was at least making an effort I replied "Kyon"
" So Kyon, i've heard that you don't speak much English? I plan to change that. We can't have our guest unable to communicate, can we? Follow me."
He placed a hand lightly on my back directing me towards the centre of the room which was busting with commotion. There were humans everywhere, some sitting in front of much larger, skinner T.V's than the one back in my room, some talking through headsets and others conversing amongst themselves. If I could sum up the atmosphere of this room it would be 'energetic'.
"Agent Hills!" Fury suddenly shouted, tearing me away from observing the room.
A woman dressed in tight black leathers and short dark brown hair walked towards us. She gave off a don't-mess-with-me-vibe. I hadn't noticed until now, but every human on this ship bore the same symbol on their clothing. It was black and reminded me of an eagle I saw in a documentary. Hmmm, I wonder if this was the supposed 'S.H.E.I.L.D' trade mark.
"Agent Hills, this is Kyon, our most recent inter-galactic visitor, who I would say would be staying with us for the foreseeable future." Fury stated, nodding in my direction.
"Yes, I am aware. I was there when you debriefed the team." 'Agent Hills' rolled her eyes and I could make out hidden smile brewing on her lips.
Turning towards me, kneeling she held out her hand. "Agent Hills, welcome on bored Kyon."
"T-Thank you" I stuttered, maintaining my poor speaking persona.
Seeming pleased with our greeting, Agent Hills stood up to address Fury.
"I suppose you want me to show the kid around?" she jabbed.
"Well, since your offering. I do have a very important phone call to make."
"Are you bringing in Romanoff? You do realise she's in Russia at the minute undercover?"
Romanoff? Who's she?
"Yes, I was the one who sent her there." Fury declared, lowering his voice that I could barely hear what he said next. "Plus, I need her to help me bring in someone."
"You don't mean . . ." Agent Hills whispered, her voice and face betraying her, expressing doubt.
"Yeah, we're bringing in the big guy." Fury confirmed, his gruff voice somewhat softer.
"God help us . . . Well then, I'll show Kyon around-ah, good luck with that." She belted, turning around to me.
"Kyon, it's time to see your new home." She said directing me towards the door.
Home. A living area, or a base maybe but a home? My home was destroyed. I don't think I'll ever have a home again.
I don't think I'll ever find my home.