Planetary Solar Power Plant, Nevada Dessert
Davis
ran for his life. He was stuck in the middle of the desert, but any place was better than staying here. A cling on the metal grate behind him causes his heart to beat even harder.
I'm not going to make it.
His mind screams for his legs to run faster. He'd never seen anything like it, except in maybe in the movies. His co-workers were torn to shreds with no effort on the creature's part.
He can see the company vehicles just up ahead; he may just make it after all. He comes to a halt, nearly tripping over his own feet. A group of oriental soldiers walk into view, blocking his only chance of escape.
He turns expecting to see the creature, but it isn't there. Gun fire erupts as he runs in the opposite direction of the soldiers. His breathing is beginning to labor, but he isn't willing to give up just yet.
As he rounds a corner, a hand comes across his throat. His feet slide from under him and he goes down hard. His hands go to his neck, the pain is intense. The creature stands over him, glaring into his eyes. Without another thought, Davis' head is ripped from his body.
Seven minutes later, the Nevada desert is lit up against the dark, starless night.
——
The
flight from D.C. was uneventful. The in-flight movie was
Red Dawn
, ironic considering the country they were about to step off into. They arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow. Their liaison is already waiting for them. She is dressed in civilian clothes. Spencer sees her first and she looks somewhat familiar.
"Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly?" she asks them.
"Yes, that's us. I'm George and this is my wife Carol," Spencer says. He didn't care for the names, but that is what the cover required. As long as it kept them alive, he'd go along with it.
"As soon as you pass through customs, I have a car waiting to take you to your hotel," Maykov says.
"Thank you, miss—"
She had already turned and was walking off toward the exit before he could say another word.
