Collected (Selected Book 1) Page 2

  "You may arrange your own transportation, although we can provide transportation if you like. Many people enjoy the door to door service."

  "Do you have enough drivers for everyone?"

  "Of course," she replied. "Would you like us to pick you up?"

  I thought for a moment. I knew I could drive myself, but I realized I would be nervous, and I didn't know how nervous. "Yes," I said finally.

  "Very good, Ms. Fletcher. Just a moment." Then I could hear the tapping of computer keys. What was interesting was that I heard no other voices in the background, people similar to Marla having similar conversations with other, worried people just like me.

  Then Marla spoke again. "Do you know when you would like your appointment?"

  "The sooner the better," I said. "Tomorrow?"

  She laughed. "I can do that, if you're serious."

  I thought about it. "What am I supposed to wear?"

  "Whatever you like," she replied. "You will be furnished with everything you need during your stay. You don't need to bring a thing."

  "Toothbrush?"

  "Covered."

  "Saline for my contacts?"

  "All handled. We're a full service testing center."

  She continued to speak in a cheerful, friendly fashion, and I was sure it was intentional, an attempt to put me at ease. I was glad I called instead of doing this over the computer.

  "You can really do it tomorrow?"

  "I can, if that's what you prefer. Will we collect you from home?"

  "Could you get me at work?"

  "Of course."

  I thought about it. "Will my boss be angry?"

  "I cannot speak about your particular situation," Marla replied. "But your boss is obligated to give you the time whenever you request it. It is rare there is a problem."

  "Tomorrow then," I said. "From work."

  Marla collected those details from me. "If you must make a change, you should call us back no later than noon tomorrow. But I discourage you from making a change."

  "Why is that?"

  "Because they'll make you wear a tracking anklet until you arrive for testing. We dispatch a small team to find you and apply the anklet. And Ms. Fletcher, you do not want to be difficult to find if that happens."

  "Oh. I guess I knew that." I'd even seen people with the anklets. "I won't be any trouble."

  "Of course you won't. There's no need, after all."

  "I'll be in work clothes. Should I bring a change?"

  "There is no need. Everything you require will be provided during your stay with us. Everyone changes clothes upon arrival, and we return your belongings when you leave."

  I knew that, too, I guess.

  "Do you have other questions?"

  I paused. I knew the answers to my questions, but I had to ask them anyway.

  "Will it hurt?"

  "Oh, no. Sapphire. May I call you Sapphire? That's such a lovely name. I was one of the first tested, four years ago. I'm sure by now you know all about it, but it really is nothing. I was scared. I was really scared. I didn't know what to expect, after all. But in the end, you know? It was fun. You'll be fine, Sapphire. There's nothing scary at all except whatever you concoct in your own imagination."

  "Am I going to wish I had studied?"

  She laughed. "It's not that kind of test, but you know that."

  Her tone was cheerful and soothing, and I felt a little better. We both paused for a moment, and then I said, "I guess that's all. You're being very kind."

  "You have one more question, Sapphire."

  I paused. "How do you know that?"

  "Because everyone asks me."

  "Have you met one?"

  "Not during testing," she said. "But since I got this job? Yes. A few times."

  "What are they like?"

  "They're people. They're just people. A little intense. I haven't met any of the Beepees-" The original aliens, given their stature, were referred to as BPs -- basketball players. Humans couldn't pronounce the name they called themselves, after all. "But I met a Catseye."

  "A Catseye?"

  "Yeah. They look human, too, sort of, and are shorter than the BPs. But they have eyes that look like a cat's." She laughed. "She told me the name of her race, but I couldn't have made that noise if my life depended on it."

  "You said you met a few?"

  "No. I've met the same Catseye a few times. She runs the center here."

  "Are you in Minnesota somewhere?"

  "Buffalo, New York, actually," she replied. "I'm afraid I won't be on hand to welcome you tomorrow. But you'll be fine, Sapphire. I promise."

  "You're being very kind, Marla. Thank you. I guess I don't have any other questions."

  "Very good. Let me verify everything. You are Sapphire Rydel Fletcher." She read off my address and social security number. I verified everything. She verified the number on my letter. And then she verified my place of employment. "One last detail. Do you prefer a man or woman driver?"

  "Does it matter?"

  "It matters to some."

  "A woman," I said. "If that's not a problem."

  "It's not. Your driver's name is Kerry. She will arrive between one and one thirty. Do you have any further questions?"

  "No, Marla. Thank you."

  * * * *

  Sleep was elusive. I rose early, my stomach in knots. But I managed to eat a light breakfast and prepare for a half-day of work.

  When I arrived at work, there was a note waiting for me. "See Forest." Forest was my boss. I made my way to his office, standing in the doorway and knocking against the doorframe. He looked up from his desk, saw me standing there, and smiled.

  "Come in, Sapphire." He gestured to a waiting chair.

  I took my seat and said, "I'm sorry for the short notice, but-"

  He held up his hand. "I already know. It's fine, Sapphire. I understand a desire to get it over with."

  Forest wouldn't be tested. He was in his fifties, and the aliens were only testing those of us under thirty-five. I didn't say anything.

  "I just wanted to let you know we know you'll be gone for a few days and not to worry about a thing."

  "Thanks, Forest."

  I was nervous though, and I thought perhaps he could tell. He reached across the desk and took my hand. Forest wasn't what I would consider a nurturing person, and the times we had touched in the past had been limited. But he took my hand in both of his, and it was oddly comforting.

  "You'll be fine. It's just a little medical exam, right?"

  "I guess," I said. "I wish I knew why they did this. And if it's a medical exam, why aren't they testing anyone older? Do you suppose this is part of the birth control process?"

  "I don't think so," he replied. "And I've heard there's no probing."

  Ah, one of the jokes, about being probed by the aliens. I laughed nervously.

  "You'll be fine, Sapphire," he repeated.

  "Thanks, Forest."

  * * * *

  "Ms. Fletcher, there's a driver here for you."

  My heart immediately began pounding in my chest, but then I said, "I'll be right out, Jennifer."

  I hung up the phone, shut down my computer, and then sat in the chair for a minute, trying to control my breathing.

  I wasn't embarrassed to admit I was afraid.

  Word had gotten around. Everyone knew it was my day for testing. I stood up and turned around, and Kate was standing in the doorway to my cube. "It's easy," she said. "I was scared, too, but it's nothing." But when she opened her arms, I stepped into them and accepted the hug.

  After that, I felt like a condemned prisoner taking her final walk. My coworkers lined the hall, some of them offering a kind word as I passed them, heading for the entrance.

  I didn't know what to expect. Waiting for me was a woman of perhaps thirty years old. She was of moderate height with blond hair and blue eyes -- a typical girl of Minnesota. I approached, coming to a stop a step or two in front of her.

  "Sa
pphire Fletcher?" she asked. I nodded. She held out a hand, and I glanced down to see her holding identification. It was much like police identification in all the television shows, a little folder with a badge on one side and an identification card in the other. "You should read that."

  So I took it from her. She was listed as an officer with The Bureau of Extraterrestrial Affairs. The emblem matched the now well-known emblem that had come into existence since the aliens' arrival. It listed her name, identification number, and the name of her supervisor. The photo matched the woman before me. I handed the case back to her.

  "That could be fake," I said. "How would I know?"

  "You can call-"

  "I'll just trust you," I said.

  "Very good," she said. "Do you have identification?"

  I fished through my purse and withdrew my driver's license. I offered it to her. She took it then lifted a computer tablet from a pouch at her belt. She compared the identification to information on the tablet then compared both of them to me. Finally she returned the license. "Thank you, Ms. Fletcher. It's a twenty-five minute drive. Do you need to visit the facilities?"

  "I'm fine," I said.

  "This way, then," she said with a gesture.

  I followed her to a nondescript, black car waiting at the curb. "Where would you like to sit?"

  "I have a choice?"

  "Some people like to sit in back. Some sit up front. Some are quiet. Some want to talk. You should sit wherever you'll be most comfortable."

  "The front, then, if you truly don't mind."

  "Not at all." She led the way to the passenger door and then opened and held the door for me. "Buckle up, please."

  I was all buckled by the time she climbed in on her side. She did her own buckle then turned to me. "You are perfectly safe. The testing is harmless. But some people don't believe us, and they grow increasingly nervous as we drive away."

  "I'm fine," I said.

  "Still, I must tell you this. This vehicle is not man made. The aliens made it."

  I looked around the car in surprise. That hadn't been obvious.

  "The doors are locked and won't open until we arrive. The windows are not glass. They aren't necessarily indestructible, but they are darned near so. The car drives automatically. If you incapacitate me, the car will still deliver you to the testing center. But I dare say you will not enjoy the welcome you receive."

  "Does that happen?"

  "Not to me, but yes. It's unfortunate."

  "You have nothing to fear from me, Officer."

  "Call me Kerry. If you have questions, I can answer them, or we can talk during the drive, if you like."

  I nodded. "Whatever you want." Then I turned to look out the window. Kerry paused, but then the car began to roll forward.

  I didn't say a word for the first half of the drive. I recognized the roads, of course. This was my town. There were actually four testing centers throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, but I didn't know which one she was taking me to. In the end, I realized we were heading towards Eden Prairie in the southwest section of the metropolitan area. I decided it didn't matter.

  As we grew closer, I grew increasingly nervous. And when I reached out my hand, I found Kerry's waiting for me.

  "There's nothing to fear," she said gently.

  "I know."

  But still I held her hand.

  "You're unlikely to meet one." She meant one of the aliens.

  "I know."

  I didn't say another word for some time. Kerry held my hand, clasping it in both of hers. And I wondered if that was the entire reason for her to be here beside me, as the car didn't seem to require any attention from her.

  We pulled off the highway, and it was only another minute before we approached the testing center. I'd driven past it before, but I'd never taken this road, this road that dipped underground. The car slowed and then came to a stop in a well-lit area. There was no one else in sight.

  I looked over at Kerry then used my free hand to brush away a tear.

  "I know it's frightening," she said gently. "But there's nothing to fear."

  "I know." I looked down at our clasped hands. "Thank you." I paused. "How many hold your hand."

  "Most."

  "Guys, too?"

  "I never drive men. Just women." She offered a smile and squeezed my hand. "We may sit here for another minute or two, if you want. There are tissues there." She gestured with her nose.

  "Will you be the one driving me home tomorrow?"

  "Probably not. But you won't be afraid then, will you?"

  "I hope not."

  She smiled again then slowly relaxed her grip on my hand, and I used it as a signal to withdraw.

  She gave me a moment to clean up, and then her door opened. She walked around the car and then stood by as the door opened. I stepped out, and she offered her arm. I stared at it for a moment before taking it.

  She turned, and together we walked to the waiting door.

  * * * *

  Inside was a waiting room, but the only person waiting was a receptionist. Kerry walked me to the desk, and the young woman looked up at me. But I turned to Kerry. "Why are there only women?"

  "Women for the women and men for the men," she explained.

  "Oh."

  "Where is everyone else?"

  "We don't believe in making you wait. We're very efficient." Then we turned to the receptionist. "This is Sapphire Fletcher."

  "Hello, Ms. Fletcher. I need to verify your information."

  She asked me a variety of questions. For some, she prompted for the information she wanted. For others she stated a piece of information and asked me to verify the accuracy. Twice she was mistaken, and I corrected her. When she nodded for the second but tapped no keys on her keyboard, I cocked my head.

  "Were you testing me?"

  She smiled. "Yes."

  "How many people just blindly agree to whatever you ask?"

  "Some. We just want to make sure you are who you say you are."

  "Why would I fake being who I say I am?"

  "The real Sapphire Fletcher could have paid you."

  "Oh."

  "It's really quite unnecessary," she continued. "The tests are harmless, but no one ever believes us." She smiled. "I've been tested three times."

  "Why? Did they get it wrong the first time?"

  "No. I enjoyed it that much I asked them to do it again. It's a perk of the job."

  My eyes widened. "Seriously?"

  "Uh huh. All right. On the wall to the right is an optical scanner. I need you to look into it."

  Kerry was still standing by my side, and she guided me into place. I stared into the device. There was a click, and then the receptionist said, "Thank you." Kerry led me back into place before her.

  "Are you wearing a watch or any bracelets?"

  I held up my wrists and jangled my bracelets.

  "Please remove them." She put a simple wicker basket on the counter between us. I eyed it carefully. "You'll get everything back when you're done."

  I nodded and then removed the jewelry, placing each piece into the basket. She moved it to the side and then directed, "Please hold out your right wrist." I did so and tried not to flinch when she snapped a bracelet into place around it. It then tightened until it was just sufficiently snug to stay in place. I looked at it and saw a display with my name and date of birth.

  I sighed.

  "That's just to keep track of you," the woman explained. Then she gestured to the left, and I saw a door slowly open. "The next room is a changing room. You will find a bin for your things and a change of clothes. You should remove everything you're wearing, including any other jewelry, and place it in the bin." She nudged the basket. "Take this with you as well. Then dress in the clothes provided. When done, you should be wearing nothing you brought with you. Everything will be safe."

  "I'm wearing contacts."

  "They come out."

  "I'm blind without them."

&n
bsp; "We'll take good care of you, Ms. Fletcher. The contacts come out. Everything you require is waiting for you."

  I nodded nervously. "Fine."

  I picked up the basket with my bracelets. Kerry led me to the door, but before I stepped through, I turned to her.

  "You'll be fine," she said again. "I know it's strange."

  Spontaneously, I threw my arms around her, wanting the human contact. She wrapped her own in place, holding me for a moment, but then she relaxed and gently pushed me away.

  "I'm sorry," I whispered.

  She smiled. "That's my third hug this week. Go on now."

  I nodded and backed through the doorway, holding her gaze until the door closed between us.

  * * * *

  I looked around. The room was white and readily lit, although I couldn't tell you from where. It was almost as if the ceiling and walls glowed. Perhaps they did.

  There was a table against the wall on one side with a set of clothing waiting for me. A simple bench provided a place to sit as I changed, and there was a drawer sticking out of the wall. In one corner was a sink, and I saw a contact lens case waiting for me along with a bottle of saline.

  It wasn't my brand, but I wasn't going to be picky. Saline was saline, yes?

  A disembodied voice spoke. "Remove all clothing and place them in the drawer." The voice continued to speak, giving very explicit directions. Finally it said, "Do you understand?"

  "Yes."

  I crossed the room, sat on the bench, and slowly undressed, folding everything and setting them on the table. I removed the remainder of my jewelry and set it to join the bracelets.

  I was expecting a hospital gown. Instead I found undies, a bra, and clothing that resembled a nurse's pair of scrubs. Beside everything was a soft pair of slippers.

  Everything was in my size. The shirt had my name etched over my left breast and across the back.

  I wondered how they had arranged that.

  I moved my clothing into the waiting drawer and added the basket of jewelry. Then I moved to the sink, popped out my contacts, and stowed them in the container.

  I wasn't entirely blind without them. However, I was deeply nearsighted, and everything further than about eighteen inches in front of my eyes was a blur. I carefully made my way to the waiting drawer and added the contact lens case. Then I pressed the front of the drawer, and it withdrew into the wall.