Green Table

THREE

The Jeep had no barriers as it glided across the rocky terrain. The road seemed non existent, yet they were able to go over each and every rock in the path. Sage brush lined the path, and burned tree stumps weaved between the brushes. Renae was glad Ricky came along. He made her feel comfortable with his goofy personality, and how easily he broke the tension Phineas emanated. Tom made her feel weary, he flipped his personality like a switch. Playing overtly kind to fill an agenda. What was he trying to play at exactly? He was overtly charming to her, but short and hardened with Ricky. It made it feel as though he was sucking up to her, trying to make her feel comfortable so she wouldn't try sticking her nose in things that didn't pertain to her. But what were they hiding?

Pushing aside those thoughts she focused on Ricky. He was fastened in the middle hump of the back seats. Twisting towards the passenger seat and leaning forward facing Renae, blocking Tom out of the conversation. Making her feel relieved she didn't need to talk to Phineas. Knowing this was a good time to press for information about the job. "So Ricky tell me about what your focus is for the EIA is?" This seemed to make him happy as a smile curled up on his face.
"I'm the data analyst, you give me data to input and I'll run the numbers. Simple as that." He beamed. Although it was far from simple, his work involved math and lots of patience. Over her years at MIT she saw many analyst switch majors due to the sheer difficulties of the work. "You must be very intelligent then." She boosted him up, wanting to make good groundings with the people around her. "I guess you could say that." He said whilst shrugging and smiling.

"Although my talents haven't been utilized to their full potential." He gave a side eye to Phineas, "Tommy boy over here thinks that I'm here to record his data." At that he gave an eye roll, in turn causing a scowl from Phineas. "Isn't your job data analytics?" Tom seethed as he spoke. "My job is to do the analytics of what types of artifacts are coming in, and give percentages as well as giving you predictions on what you'll find next." Deciding to break the tension Renae spoke out, attempting poorly to make a joke. "I'm sure Dr. Phineas would do his own data if he knew how." At that both Ricky and herself got a good laugh at the expense of the driver. "I think you and I will be close friends." Ricky chuckled. She became relieved that he was someone she would be working closely with him.

"What does Joy do?" She asked, "Joy is the coder for the future setup of the company." That was vague she thought. "I suppose you both have a permanent place in the company in the aftermath huh?" She hadn't thought much about her future place here, after doing what they needed from her. But she doubted they would need her afterwards. "We do, but so do you." Phineas spoke out, "If you want it that is." "I suppose we will see how things go while I am here." she shrugged, it was a safe answer. She wouldn't commit to anything just yet.

The hour drive to Cliff Palace went by in seconds after Ricky and herself got going. Joking at Phineas' expense. She felt confident in her new friend choice. Ricky seemed trust worthy, and like he would have her back. It was only her first day maybe her and Phineas would grow to be great friends. He could be a great guy outside of work for all she knew. And she didn't want to judge him so harshly.

The Jeep halted to a stop, all around them was flat land covered in charred stumps and sagebrush. "I thought the dwellings were in cliff sides?" Renae questioned, from what she could tell there were no dips in the land. It was all flat desolate land.

"You would be correct, we will need to hike down into the canyon." Phineas replied.

She hesitated to rebuttal his reply, there was just no way this flat land had any deep canyons in it. Ricky laughed at the expressions she was making. He was all too familiar with what she was feeling.
"Well you don't need to tease." Renae pouted. "I'm sorry, but the faces you are making are quite comical." Ricky chuckled.