Unknown Tribe: Mason

Sneak Peek

Chapter 1. Corrin

I was one of the few anthropologists chosen to find the new tribe. This tribe had been there for centuries and yet we are just learning about them. They were hidden in plain sight. Up in the mountains of Colorado. They have their own town and they had blended in with the rest of us. Only they do not allow outsiders to stay amongst them. We never would have thought anything of it if we hadn't stumbled upon them. Dr. Rowden stopped for gas on their tribal lands. He asked what their tribe name was and was left with more questions than answers. They will not allow him back.

I was chosen among a few others of notable standings in our community, to go in and study them. To say I was surprised is an understatement in our male dominating field. I happily packed my bags and didn't ask too many questions. I want to see this tribe through fresh eyes. I come to them without any preconceived notions. There are four of us crammed with equipment in the SUV we rented for the rough terrain. They all look at me as though I am inferior, but I do not let it bother me.

The road is long and windy but the view is spectacular. Large pines line the mountains surrounding us and waterfalls spill down the wide rocky outcroppings. The only thing that detracts from the beauty is the steep drop-off on the side of the road with no guardrails. I'm putting my life in the hands of the man driving and I have never been one to give a man that kind of control. It grates against every nerve in my body. I must keep taking deep breaths not to tell him to slow down.

I have been in this car for a few hours and I'm not sure how much more I can take. The man sharing the backseat with me keeps dozing off and I find his snoring disturbing. I guess it's better than him staring at me with his mouth hanging open. I know I am a little unconventional to what they are used to. I have long blonde hair and light blue eyes. I usually wear my hair up in a tight bun but today it's French braded in a tight knit. My niece says I look like her Barbie doll but I have far more curves than that. I usually down play my looks because it's difficult for others to take me serious when I look sexy. I even wear large black framed glasses that are completely unneeded. I decided not to wear them for this adventure, which could be why the ape next to me keeps staring.

We turn off the main road and are now traveling up a large mountain. The car shakes waking the man next to me. I look over to see him staring at me again with his mouth open, again. I roll my eyes and look outside my window as we climb higher. My ears pop when I yawn and I feel slightly dizzy. All normal when climbing in altitude. I just wish I had brought some chewing gum. It helps from keeping your ears from popping so dramatically.

"We're almost there." The driver says. I should say Dr. Scott, he is one of the leading experts in my field, but I try not to humanize the men who didn't want me on this voyage. To me they are just typical men who think a woman can't do this job. It's not like it's the first time nor will it be the last. That doesn't mean it doesn't affect me. It does. So, he is the driver to me, nothing more. Dr. Fields is the leering buffoon next to me and the front passenger is Dr. Wilson. They are all capable of studying the new tribe, though, I think they will find that I am just as capable.

The SUV comes to a screeching halt around the bend. There is a vehicle blocking our way. It's a large, red Tahoe and the man who climbs out of the vehicle is equally large. His long black hair hangs loosely down his back. His dark eyes seem to see right through you as he makes eye contact. A shiver races through me at the knowledge I see within those depths.

Dr. Scott steps out of the vehicle and we all follow his lead. The other men, because they do not want to be out done. Me I step out so I can hear what is being said.

"I told the last guy who came here. You're not welcome here." He says clearly. Language is obviously not going to be an obstacle. I do speak many languages but when dealing with a lost tribe it can be very different from any I have heard. I wonder how long they have spoken our language. I add it to the list of many questions to ask.