and they were not too far, in a universe size respect, from the Hive at Mr Shasta.
All that mining in the area, earthquake faults, lava tubes and other underground connections could explain a path of travel for the ALIENS! to find them alone on the trail and use them as guinea pigs. Probably are whipping up an attack on the whole human race as I type this.
The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)