“This isn’t your fault. Guess I finally need to earn my place.”
“If you want, I’ll head to this lake by myself and bring back all kinds of samples. Water. Dirt. Maybe I’ll even find the meteor.”
She blew out a breath. “While I appreciate the offer, I’ll be joining you on this journey.”
“I’m confused. You made it clear you’d prefer to stay behind.”
“Only because I’ve gotten used to being insulated and am feeling a touch of panic at the thought of leaving my safe bubble. But Aries has a point. You won’t necessarily know what to look for. I do. He’s also right that if there is something there that’s toxic to the aliens, then the faster we find it, the quicker we can hopefully put an end to the attacks.”
“Isn’t that lake water dangerous for humans, too?”
“Yes, which means we couldn’t blanket an area, but an individual with a squirt bottle, heck, even a water gun, could spray a target and let the water do its work, assuming it works on contact and quickly enough.”
“Didn’t you say that might not work with the omega-3 stuff because it might not penetrate past the skin?”
“Omega-3 isn’t acidic by nature. Natron is, meaning it is much more feasible for a chemical attack. Even better, it can likely be mass-produced, unlike the harvesting required for the omega.”
“Guess that means we’re going on an adventure then.”
“We are.”
The two of them alone for at least the next few days.
It excited her more than expected.
CHAPTER 11
How didone prepare to go on a trip into the unknown? Grayson didn’t have the slightest clue but ended up hitting the training room hoping for inspiration. After all, he’d been told to bring weapons. What, though?
He stared at the wall and might have remained frozen with indecision if Aquarius hadn’t shown up and asked, “Need a hand?”
“Fuck yeah. I know you guys said there’s no sign of those aliens where we’re going, but what if there are?”
“Then you kill it.”
“No shit, Sherlock,” he muttered, which made the other man laugh.
“As you already know, they’re not that hard to take down. The real issue is the fact they come back. Since you can’t exactly tote around a flame thrower, if you do kill an alien, I’d recommend tossing some lighter fluid and setting it on fire.”
“And where would I find that? You got some kind of supply room?”
“Nah. Tower will handle it. When you hit your room, you’ll find a bag ready to go with whatever you need.”
“Handy. I hate packing.”
“Now, as to weapons, I don’t think you’re ready for a sword yet, but definitely a machete or a long dagger.” Aquarius pulled a sheath with a hilt projecting from it, handed it to Grayson, and then eyed the firearms before choosing a revolver. “Not great for long range, however, you can’t exactly walk around with a shotgun or a rifle in Arusha without getting noticed.”
“How long before we get there?”
“It’s a few hours’ drive from here to the airport. Travel time will be around twelve or so hours, which includes a stop to refuel. Once in Arusha, there will be a rental you can use to reach the lake.”
“What about testing equipment for Leila? Or are we just collecting samples and bringing them back?”
“Bringing back. Most of her stuff needs electricity, so the rental will be packed with the basics. Sterile jars. Swabs. Safety gear.”
“Sounds good. Now, about getting back, is it really as simple as wishing for it?” Grayson couldn’t help but sound skeptical.
“Beaming is the easiest part of this mission. Make sure you have a hold of Leila and anything she collects before you concentrate on coming home. You’ll feel a tingling in the tattoo on your back, followed by intense cold and darkness. Don’t worry; it won’t hurt you or Leila. Once it ends, you’ll find yourself in the Portal Room. Any more questions?” Aquarius tilted his head.
