Intelligence Kills

Chapter 5

Five-

When I first arrived on the surface, it had been 12:30 am in Alithera. On the surface, it was only 6:30 pm. At first, I didn't really think of the time difference. But as Athena and I rapidly sped away from the diner, I realized we were six hours ahead of the surface. At least the part of the surface we were under.

I didn't know the reasoning behind the time difference. All it meant to me was that in Alithera, it was now 3:00 am. On the surface, it was 9:00 pm. I was still stuck on Alitheran time I was exhausted both phsyically and mentally. The only reason I was still awake was because I wanted to stand guard. But as Athens pulled into a lot, the fight against sleep faded. All I was hoping for was a bed.

The place (Athena called it a motel) was old and worn down. It was about two stories high with old wooden beams holding up the ceiling. A huge fireplace crackled and popped in the corner, throwing flickering shadows across the white walls.

"It's like a cottage," Athena said dreamily. She notice my confused look. "Cottages are sort of cute little homes. Like those endearing places you see in pictures or hear of in stories."

"Okay," I said. I would have said more but I was too tired and a short older woman was waddling her way towards us.

"Welcome, my name is Marge. Can I get you a room?"

Athena shook Marge's hand. "Yes, please. Preferably on the ground floor would nice."

Marge nodded. "Okay. Why don't you wait here sweetheart and I'll get Annie to help you to your room. You got tons of baggage, dear?"

"No ma'am," I said. She turned her gaze to me. It was obvious she was wondering why two teenagers were traveling together. I would have thought she was blind if she wasn't taking in our bloodstained dirty clothes.

"Where are you kids from," she asked cautiously.

"We're step siblings. Our, well, my father is abusive. I'm keeping her as far away from him as possible," I blurted. Marge's eyes narrowed.

"Boy, I know when someone lies to me. Why don't you tell me the truth?"

Athena and I kept our mouths shut. Marge watched us for a few minutes before walking slowly down the hall. She returned minutes later with a tall blonde girl. I assumed the girl was Annie. Athena groaned and leaned close to whisper in my ear.

"Does Grandmother Marge not realize that Annie looks like a total skank," she hissed. At this point, I wasn't going to argue with Athena. She was right.

Although Annie was pretty, she was barely clothed. At least, she seemed to be scarcely covered by Alitheran standards. I didn't know if the small amount of clothing was normal for American citizens.

She wore a really tight and short skirt that didn't even reach mid thigh. her shirt was white and thin, showing off the colors of her undergarments. It was too low cut, allowing the top of her breasts to show. She wore black combat boots. Her face looked plastic from all the special treatment she applied to it. Even her smile radiated fake.

"Hi, I'm Annie. Let me just get the price ringed up and then get you settled," she said. We followed her to the counter by the fire. It was hard not to watch her ass. Yes, I was a decently raised Alotheran but I was also a teenage boy.

"Rung," Athena muttered. I smiled. Her need for correct crammed usage was charming in her own way.

Annie fiddled with a book and a calculator for a few minutes. Then she handed us the bill. "You have room two just down the hall on the right. Second door. The room is one hundred for one night and breakfast is free at seven."