Having kept to herself during the ride for the most of the time, with the occasional checkup by Cutter, Daina thought about the development of the situation. It was true what they had been talking about from time to time, that their vehicle was becoming more of a target the more time they spent on it. What worried Daina the most was how to get on with her life now that she was free. She was hunted and she couldn't really trust anyone aside from the other Emergents in the same situation as her. So when they crossed into Utah, she knew that she had to bring the question up, and moved up to the others.
"When we dump the bus, is it wise to stick together, or should we split up again? Finding a vehicle for the 11 of us will definitely be difficult, and the crowd may be suspicious.." she said. Then it dawned upon her. Even if most of them could pretend not to be Emergents, Daina's talon feet, and Simon's horns and tusks were near impossible to hide. They would definitely not be able to pretend to be normal, because of their physical appearance. “Not that me and Simon won’t be suspicious anyway..”
She sighed. She was scared, like the others, and she still didn’t know what use her talons were, aside from the strong grip they provided her with. Her wound was still trying to heal, but it was slow and still hurt, and she had noticed lumps on her back. And now, she couldn’t even be guaranteed food, or some relative safety. Perhaps it had been better to stay at Nellis.
Cutter spoke up with a dry voice. “I believe that we should stick together. Daina and Simon can’t publically display themselves without being noticed, and if we ever get into a situation where we had to pretend to be normal, they would be the first ones taken out. “She paused then looked at Daina with a spark in her eye. “We could use that to our advantage. Depending on how the town looks, and if we have to take the resort of stealing another bus, they could act as an distraction, until we get what we want, and then we’d come after them.”
“A distraction!?” Daina was surprised to have even heard what she heard. To be a distraction would put her at risk, and perhaps even force her to death if unlucky! And here she had thought all the time that they were allies.
“I refuse to be a target” Simon joined her with his deep voice. “We just got out from prison and I don’t have any plans on going back any time soon.”
“Oh, no. Me neither. Nu-huh.” Daina said, frustrated and confused by the thought of being captured again. Only a few seconds earlier she had let the thought pass her that staying at Nellis was a Good idea. Now she felt the complete opposite.