The Reign of the Death-Defying Scientist

Coming Clean

Today is September 20th, less than three months away from the imminent outburst. I completely burned out from the theoretical planning and there was really nothing more to think about. I got pretty buff from the gym and frankly, I got so sick of it that I no longer intend to continue it. At least I got results and I secretly hope Amanda notices them as well. But now, it’s time to act. At some point after the summer vacation I got cold feet about this whole preparation; maybe it won’t happen this time and I am making a huge fuss about it. However, a big earthquake happened in early September and while such things are normal, the feeling was too familiar though. I remember it had happened before as well and must be a very possible result of them emerging from the ground or burrowing in to it, depending of where they case from. There is still a possibility that nothing will happen in December, but such an event only put me back on track to take measures. Money were still an issue, until it dawned on me one day: I can take a loan from a bank. Banks love giving them out and a person that run away with their money will be the least of their worries after December. Should the Xenos actually appear, I see no risk in this. The only risk in this is the scenario that such an event does not occur, in which I will be more than happy to pay out the debt slowly but surely. I will be able to buy everything necessary and set up in Castaic in time. The thing is, I need the consultation of everyone I have “recruited” so far. Even Richard will question me on what I am about to do. There is no getting away this time; I have to tell them. Besides, Amanda is still holding some grudge for keeping her in the dark that other time and she’s the last person I want against me. So, one weekend I gather them up to my house for drinks and wait patiently and anxiously. Amanda is the first to arrive and just by looking at me, understands something is up but doesn’t speak. Alexander as soon as he sits down asks me if I’m alright and even Richard could tell I had something to say. Is it really getting to me that much? Am I really making it that obvious?

I brace myself.

“So, I have to be honest with you”, I proclaim. “There is something that I have to tell you and I beg of you to listen to the whole story before saying anything”

After everyone nodded in agreement, I take a deep breath and start to break down everything, trying to explain everything as simple as I could. I tell them about Xenos, my life and how I died. I describe how I expect the scenario to play out, the plan so far, the locations, the preparations, the loan and everything related. True to their word, despite their frowns and serious faces, everyone kept quiet until I finished. Their reaction were actually expected: Alexander had “one of the best laughs”, as he described it, Rick suggested I visit therapy or let him coach me in the gym harder, so I would wake up and Amanda was simply fuming, yet silently. I could feel her harsh judgement without her saying a single word.

“I am being honest and I am really trying hard to look out for everyone the best way I can” I claimed in vain.

“Yeah, right” Richard scoffed.

“You can’t really expect us to believe such a thing without proof” Alex added.

Amanda was still angry at me, staring intensely at me and agreeing on all previous statements

“I have no proof apart from that earthquake that happened a while back. Apart from that, I really counted on your belief towards me. You know I wouldn’t start taking such stuff on faith and you also are also aware of how logical I am. It is still a possibility but I am sure it happened. I know what I saw and I know that I returned back in time. I am sorry I ask for your faith with no proof, but I really want you to stick this out with me.”

And now that I have made my last attempt to persuade them, I am at the mercy of their opinion.