The Return by Jennifer Torres Read Free Book Online Page B

it.”
    The officers were looking around almost as if they were keeping an eye out for someone in particular. But after a few minutes, they walked off down the corridor.
    â€œOkay, now!” Rusty instructed.
    They walked into the crowd and across to the shuttle entry point. Rusty flashed a series of cards across a scanner for each member of the group, and they were able to board the vessel.
    About thirty others came aboard and after everyone had a seat, an automated message began to broadcast over the speakers.
    â€œWelcome aboard the
Shepherd 2
transport to Nomad, please stay in your seat, and enjoy the journey.”
    Looking over at Luke, Max, and Emily, Tim took a deep breath. He couldn’t believe they made it onboard. So far, so good.
    â€œTim?”
    He kept facing forward. Pretending not to hear that someone had just called his name—and it wasn’t someone in his group.
    â€œTim?” the voice called again. “Hey is that you, what are you doing here?”

Chapter 12
Heading Home
    Tim knew he had to look back and see who it was because it would make more of a scene if he didn’t. Turning to look over his shoulder, he saw it was a guy from school he knew named Danny.
    â€œHey man, how are you?” Tim managed to say.
    â€œI almost didn’t recognize you in that oversized coat you have on,” Danny said with a laugh. “I’m heading into the city to visit my dad; he’s been working on a long-term project and can’t leave, so they said I could visit him. What about you? Why are you going?”
    Tim could feel the eyes of his friends and Rusty upon him. They hadn’t been recognized yet and couldn’t say a thing to help him.
    â€œSame thing,” he finally managed to say. “I’m going to try and take a nap now, okay? I’m really beat.”
    â€œYeah, man, no problem,” Danny said. “Maybe we can hang out later in the city.”
    Tim nodded and then, crossing his arms on his chest, he closed his eyes. There was no way he would be able to fall asleep, but he could definitely fake it.
    All the stress of the last few days must have taken its toll because surprisingly, Tim did fall asleep. He woke just in time to see that the
Shepherd 2
was about to dock in Nomad.
    The underwater, domed city was beautiful. From above he saw dozens of amazingly tall buildings and lightning-fast trains speeding through transportation tubes. The city was a hub of activity. As they docked, Rusty looked at each of them and nodded.
    The group exited the shuttle together.
    â€œSee you, Tim!” Danny called out.
    Tim waved and kept walking.
    â€œWe’re not there yet,” Rusty said. “Follow me and stay together.”
    People were everywhere, most were in white lab coats; researchers, scientists, doctors.
    This place was like nothing he had ever seen before: buildings, housing, shops, restaurants, even a huge park in the middle with trees and grass. All surrounded by a sparkling dome and hundreds of miles of sea.
    Rusty led them down a path between two large buildings and then down a steep staircase to a door. He punched in a code and it opened. When they all got inside, Tim realized it was an elevator. The door closed and they began to descend rapidly.
    â€œUgh, my stomach,” Emily groaned.
    Luke reached out, putting his arm around her for comfort.
    When they finally came to a stop, it felt like they had traveled a great distance under the city.
    The doors opened and a man with white hair stood before them.
    â€œLet’s go,” he instructed. “Quickly please. Your fellow traveler is already aboard.”
    The man led them through a hallway and down another staircase to a room with glass windows, providing an amazing view of the sea and the huge ship that was docked there.
    â€œThere she is,” Rusty said. “That’s your ride home.”
    The group made its way through the glass chamber leading to the ship