The Pack by LM. Preston Read Free Book Online Page A

what there was to see there.
    In her stupor, she heard various passengers whispering abouthow dangerous it was to travel and that the Elite Security Force members were being hunted down like animals, many of them killed. Rather than worrying about it, she let their whispers lull her to sleep.
    The loudspeaker woke Shamira from her nap. “Ladies and gentleman, we’re landing on Earth in just thirty minutes. We thank you for flying with us on Space AirJet. Please remain in your seats until we land in DC,” said the voice on the loudspeaker.
    â€œDad, did I sleep the whole time?” Shamira asked, batting her eyes several times to cure their dryness. She never slept that deeply, but then she hadn’t been on a spaceship recently either.
    â€œYes, you did. Oh, Shamira, you need to be prepared for the slight gravity change when we get to Earth. It’ll feel a little heavier when you walk. It usually takes a good two weeks to get used to it, so take it easy and don’t try to run. Oh, also, your surgery is scheduled for today. We’ll make it in just enough time for you to get checked into the hospital and put under.”
    â€œGreat.” She had very little excitement in her voice, and she figured her dad could tell she was a bit reluctant. She didn’t care if he knew she didn’t want to be here. He gently patted her hand.
    The craft started to descend, and she felt the change in pressure, which was more enhanced than when she flew on Mars. They landed smoothly at the Earth Space Pad.

Chapter 7
    She instantly felt what her dad had warned her about, a very heavy pressure weighing down on her, like her clothes were made of lead. Wiggling in her seat to adjust to the change, she stretched out while she tried to fight against the pull of gravity.
    â€œLadies and gentleman, please take the injection from the vial administered by the robotic arm in the seat in front of you. It will speed up the adjustment to Earth’s gravity pull,” the voice on the speaker said cheerfully.
    â€œShamira, it’s okay. The doctor told us this won’t affect your surgery, so go ahead,” her dad reassured her.
    â€œFine. Will it hurt?” she asked then straightened her arm. Before her father could answer her, the metal robotic hand held her heavy arm in place, and then she felt a suction of her skin just under her shoulder. She felt tingling when the medicine sank in. Almost instantly, she wiggled her arms and noticed the effect.
    â€œBetter?” her dad asked.
    â€œYep. Just like home,” Shamira added.
    Her dad pulled her up beside him and again dragged her forward. She was really starting to get ticked off with his manhandling. He had never treated her like this before, like some kind of helpless ragdoll.
Why is he acting like I’m so helpless all the sudden?
She pulled back from him and jerked her arm away. “Dad, stop it! Stop treating me like I can’t find my way, okay? You’re ticking me off,” Shamira said. She stood straight and wouldn’t budge, and her dad didn’t try to pull her anymore.
    â€œI’m sorry, pumpkin. I’m just worried because I know this is all new to you. Just keep up with me, okay? The Earth Security Force has a car waiting for us at the gate. Just follow closely. It’s not much safer for us here than on Mars right now, so let’s go,” he said and walked toward the exit. She followed him and felt the press of others around them while they ran through the Space Pad. She focused on the scent of her father and the path before her. Earth smells were rather overwhelming to her. The odors were so different it started tosmell acidic instead of pleasant, and she started to feel dizzy from the onslaught of foreign scents. When they arrived at the vehicle, her dad grabbed her hand and pulled her inside its warmth.
    â€œThis place has so many smells. It’s giving me a headache,” Shamira said. She placed