Andie was exhausted. They had spent the morning digging for camas roots to make cakes. At this higher elevation, the ground was frozen in spots, half-frozen in others, which made it a chore. Still, they had managed to pull out more than the eight bushels with their long, hooked knives. They were quite an efficient tool. Andie couldn't help but wonder how efficient they might be as a weapon.
By late afternoon her knuckles ached from pounding the roots into meal with large stones. She and her roommates had shaped the meal into cakes until it became almost mechanical. By mid-afternoon the cakes were drying in the sun. Felicia came by and gave her approval. Ingrid and Andie's two younger roommates went back to the cabin to clean up. She held Andie back to talk.
"You're a good worker," said Felicia.
"All four of us worked hard."
"Not really. The girls think this is just fun. Ingrid--I'm surprised she lasted all day. But you have the seriousness of purpose that we like."
"Thank you."
She invited Andie to sit on the ground atop a blanket of dried leaves. Facing one another, Felicia asked, "Why are you here?"
"You mean, on this earth, or at this retreat?"
Felicia smiled. "I like the way you think. At this retreat."
Andie sensed she was being quizzed. She wanted to give the right answers; "I'm here to learn more about your group."
"What have you found out so far?"
She checked her battered hands. "That getting back to the source can cause blisters."
"What else?"
Andie turned more serious. "That whatever it takes, it's worth it."
"How do you know that?"
"I have good instincts."
"Congratulations, Kira. You've taken the first step: learning to trust your instincts."
"What's the next step?"
"That is something that will come to you in the normal course. After you have focused your energy."
"How do I focus?"
"Through meditation and reflection."
"What do I reflect on?"
She was staring into Andie's eyes, but it was more of a warm gaze than a cold glare. "Let me tell you something about us. We are not about comets or the passing of the millennium or other such things that have driven the hundreds of ufology groups that have come and gone in recent times. We don't believe that a spaceship is going to come down to earth and take us all to the next level beyond human. By changing our own level of vibration, we strive for a connection with a higher source, which requires an emotional disconnection from the negative energy that keeps us on the wrong life paths."
"Where does that negative energy come from?"
"Frankly, the usual source is the traditional family. A controlling parent, a manipulative spouse. But for each individual it's different. You must analyze and reflect on the sources of negative energy in your own life."
It sounded as though Felicia were fishing for something about Andie's past. She had her phony background memorized, but the more she talked, the higher the risk of eventually being caught in inconsistencies. Andie answered vaguely, "That sounds like a very insightful way of thinking."
"Yes. But I assure you, it is utterly impossible to identify the true source of negative energy in your life if you return to your same old environment."
"That's logical. One has to step back in order to be objective."
"That's exactly the opportunity I'm offering you." "I don't understand."
"The retreat ends tomorrow morning. Most of the new-corners will return home. They will never evolve beyond their present selves. But you are different, Kira."
"How so?"
"We'd like you stay with us. Come back to the farm and continue your journey."
"What about the others?"
"Don't worry about the others. You have been chosen, not them."
"I don't know what to say."
She squeezed her hand. "Say yes."
Andie hesitated, not wanting to appear overeager. "Okay. I accept."
"Of course you do." Her tone was matter-of-fact, as if yes were the only acceptable answer.
"Thank you, Felicia."
"Don't thank me. Thank Steve."
"I'm not sure I know how."
"You will learn," she said in the same flat tone. "That I can promise you."
Chapter Fifty-Two.
The bus returned to Yakima early Sunday morning. Of the six newcomers, Andie and one of the men, the aspiring lounge musician, were the only ones invited back to the farm. The others were dropped at the parking lot where they had left their cars on Friday.
The bus would leave for the farm in fifteen minutes, just a short break to give everyone time to use the bathroom after the three-hour ride back to the city. Andie knew she had to make a phone call before they reached the farm. Her supervisors hadn't authorized an undercover assignment beyond the weekend. She considered just going to the pay phone and calling, but she didn't want the others to get suspicious. She pulled Felicia aside to be up-front with her in an undercover way.
"I have to call my mother," said Andie. "I told her I was going away just for the weekend. If she doesn't hear from me, she'll worry."
"Why call her?"
"Like I said, she'll be worried. Heck, who knows? She might even call the police and report me missing."