“THAT WAS EASY,” SAID Aubriot.
But Cherry didn’t think their testing was anywhere near over yet. The puzzle in the cage had been identical to human intelligence tests. It made sense that they would be able to pass it with few difficulties, even with the threat of danger literally hanging over their heads.
No. The testing had only just begun.
What was coming next? Cherry stood up and brushed the sandy dirt from her knees. The environment the aliens were creating in her mind felt incredibly realistic. She was sweating in the hot, dry heat, and her mouth and eyes were gritty from dust in the air.
The wasteland seemed to stretch forever into the distance, though logically it could not. Were they expected to start walking?
“Whoa,” said Kes.
Cherry felt it too. A vibration was coming up th
