Mothership (Invasion Survivor Book 4)

by Hayley Lawson

  “We all owe our lives to AJ,” Paige agreed.

  “And vice versa,” Dave replied, and Paige couldn't argue with that.

  “Hey, how's your mom doing, anyway,” Dave asked.

  Paige shook her head. “That's a whole other ball of wax.” She still had no clue how to deal with that little problem.

  “What happened?” Dave prompted.

  “She's in a lockup,” Paige answered, simply.

  Dave's eyebrows rose. “Excuse me? Why?”

  “That's a really long story, and…” She started to brush him off, but the look on his face stopped her. “Okay. So, we needed a radio to contact Brooke, so she busted into the pilot's cabin, and the guards locked her up. She got to talk with Brooke, though, so it's a win.”

  Sort of.

  “Okaaay,” Dave replied slowly as if trying to process what she said. “And why did she need to talk to Brooke?”

  “Remember those alien guys that kidnapped us?” Paige asked, and Dave nodded.

  “Well, one of them, Dillon—who dated my mom when they were teenagers, by the way—tortured me so he could learn the location of Avignon, my mom’s home planet.”

  Dave stopped when she finished speaking. “Holy hell!” he exclaimed.

  “I know,” Paige replied. “And I don't know how much Brooke told you, but I'm half-alien,” she dropped that in for good measure.

  “So, I've heard,” Dave replied with a half-smile.

  She was glad he wouldn’t treat her any differently because she was a mixed race.

  “Wow,” he continued walking, and Paige followed close by. “You really had some fun times while I was away,” he joked.

  “The best,” Paige replied in the same manner.

  “Hey, I have a radio in my spaceship,” Dave said after a short pause.

  His ship. That sounded so weird.

  “That's good to know just in case of some future emergency,” Paige replied. “Still, it’s too late for my mom. Besides, she told me we needed a long-range radio, and the mothership was the safest bet.”

  “You’re probably right,” Dave agreed. “So, do you have any plans for busting her out?”

  “Still working on it,” Paige replied honestly.

  She hoped she would find inspiration while being away or while cooking in the kitchen, but she found something even better.

  Dave.

  “Count me in,” he said without a thought.

  “Thanks,” Paige replied with a smile.

  Once they stopped to call for the elevator, Paige couldn't stop looking at him.

  “What?” he asked, acting self-conscious suddenly.

  “It's really good to have you back, School-Boy,” Paige confessed.

  Dave grinned. “I know, Night-Girl. The team is finally back together.”

  Amen to that.

  Chapter Fourteen

  This is so boring! Francis complained.

  Not to me, AJ replied calmly.

  Please, let me play candy crush for a bit.

  You are addicted, man.

  Please, Francis pleaded.

  No.

  If you don't let me, I will take over and play it anyway, he threatened.

  What?

  AJ saw Francis the Magnificent on his Kindle. Did you do that before? he accused, outraged.

  Do what? Francis played dumb.

  Take over my body, so you could play that stupid game!

  No, Francis replied too quickly in a high-pitched voice.

  You little liar.

  You know what, never mind. Forget I asked, Francis rushed to say.

  AJ was dumbfounded for a while. Unbelievable...

  AJ listened to people’s stories in the Green common room for a while, trying to forget about Francis’ betrayal. When he was able to pay attention and ignore Francis, the stories moved him. The resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit impressed and fascinated him.

  They had all been through so much. Above all, that was the clear message of the day. One had to fight like hell to be where they were, even as low as they were in the hierarchy. Still, to hear so many confessions first hand was a humbling and amazing experience.

  All of them had something else in common. They had all lost so much, and not just material possessions. They all lost people they loved; family members, friends, neighbors.

  Hell, even stupid mailmen.

  Yet life goes on, Francis chimed in.

  Isn't that the truth? Life goes on no matter what.

  That’s because you’re a resilient lot. We chose your planet for a reason, you know.

  Not helping, Francis.

  Sorry, but it’s true. Plus, each of you may have lost a lot, but you gained something as well, Francis said, trying to cheer him up.

  Yeah? Like what? AJ asked.

  Knowledge of how far you are willing to go to stay alive.

  True, AJ allowed.

  And on a more personal note, you got me, Francis deadpanned.

  Was that a joke? AJ replied in the same manner.

  No.

  Really, you should be a stand-up comedian. You would kill it.

  Not with your face I wouldn't, Francis retorted.

  Oh, here's another one. Applause for the first alien stand-up comedian.

  Oh, you know you love me. I know you do. I'm in your head, remember?

  As if AJ could ever forget. I plead the fifth and a case of temporary insanity on that one.

  Francis grunted in return, and AJ couldn't help but smile. All the joking around with Francis was fine and dandy, but he was worried.

  What is taking her so long? Did she get caught? he wondered. That was a big possibility.

  Unfortunately, there was no stopping Paige from doing something once she made up her mind.

  Don't worry so much, AJ, Francis said. Paige is the toughest, luckiest girl we know. She will be just fine.

  AJ couldn't argue with that even though he wanted to. The elevator finally opened, and AJ sighed with relief. Finally.

  Yes, finally. I’m starving, Francis said, and AJ wanted to roll his eyes.

  Still, AJ stayed in place. He didn’t want to act like a desperate fool, waiting for her by the door.

  Maybe I should go stand closer, just to help her with all the food.

  AJ, Francis said his name condescendingly, so he didn't move.

  Tilley and Peter came out once the door opened, and Peter had a cat in his arms.

  “Hello,” Tilley said politely to everyone present, clearly not expecting to see that many people around.

  Rosalie looked at AJ with a slight frown, and he understood why.

  Despite Tilley being just a girl, she was in red, and people in Green didn't react well to that.

  Some were wary, and the others were annoyed. Tilley quickly picked up on that.

  I need to defuse this before it escalates, AJ thought to himself.

  Excellent idea, Francis agreed.

  “Everything is cool,” AJ said, standing. He moved between the people to stand by Tilley. “This is Tilley, and she’s a friend of mine. Paige’s, too.”

  Tilley sent him a grateful look. Unfortunately, his words weren't enough, and some people still looked at her with mistrust.

  Should I mention she's the president's daughter?

  The same president that didn't stop the invasion and left them on Earth to fend for themselves? Francis provided, helpful as ever.

  Point well taken, AJ thought. Please, hurry Paige. We need a distraction.

  “Hello,” Peter said as he walked forward. “My name is Peter, and this is Smokey. The only space cat.” He chuckled at his own joke.

  “Oh, I remember this cat,” Sofia said, standing and walking toward them. “He’s from the Genesis, right?”

  Peter nodded, letting Sofia pet Smokey. On cue, Smokey purred, and that put a smile on everyone's faces. Crisis averted.

  “I never believed I would see one again,” a woman exclaimed in delight. “Can I pet him?”
<
br />   Peter beamed. “Of course, Smokey loves it.”

  Once Peter and Smokey became the center of attention, Tilley and AJ moved slightly to the side and out of sight.

  “I have some wonderful news,” Tilley blurted out. By the look on her face, AJ figured she wanted to say that for quite some time.

  I love wonderful news, Francis mimicked, but AJ ignored him and focused on Tilley.

  “Do share,” AJ replied, matching her levels of excitement.

  “My dad reached out. He’s already on Mars.” She beamed.

  “That’s great, Tilley. That’s wonderful news.” AJ was genuinely happy for her.

  “Tilley?” Peter called out for her, breaking their conversation.

  “Yes?” Tilley replied, still in high spirits.

  “Can Smokey stay here for a while,” he asked while making a sweet, innocent expression.

  “Sure,” Tilley replied instantly, and Peter smiled, returning his attention to the people he entertained.

  “Did you have any trouble?” AJ asked.

  Tilley shrugged. “It was fine as long as he was with me.”

  So, that's a yes. AJ was afraid of that. “Thanks for watching him,” AJ said, smiling.

  Peter was in the process of demonstrating how Smokey could walk on two legs.

  “No problem,” Tilley replied. “He's fun to hang out with.”

  While they chatted, the elevator doors opened again, and AJ's eyes bulged in surprise. Someone he hadn’t expected to see came through the door with Paige in tow. No way.

  Oh, look, Francis said, delighted. It’s your arch-nemesis.

  Shut up.

  This place just turned out to be more interesting than ever.

  Dave is not my enemy, AJ practically growled back, irritated.

  “Who’s hungry?” Paige called out, lifting the boxes of food she carried higher, and people cheered.

  The food distribution went incredibly fast.

  Go grab us a couple of those burgers, Francis urged. They look delicious, and you impersonating a statue in the corner will leave us empty-handed.

  AJ didn't want to move. He still stared at Dave, trying to process his sudden arrival.

  Why is he wearing red? And why is he here in the first place? We just contacted Brooke. Is it possible she got here that quickly?

  Calm this brain of yours. It's giving me motion sickness, Francis complained.

  A scream of genuine happiness echoed through the room. “Dave!” Peter shouted as he spotted his brother. In the next moment, he was in Dave's arms and both siblings cried.

  AJ had to look away. It felt like an invasion of privacy by witnessing their reunion. It was too emotional, and he felt like tearing up himself.

  Such a Kodak moment, Francis fake sniffled. That is the saying, isn’t it? Kodak moment?

  The even bigger surprise was the fact that no one made a fuss about the Red Coat in their space. Family trumped everything.

  AJ decided to give them a couple more moments in private before saying hello.

  Paige stayed close to the siblings, beaming with happiness. It had been a while since AJ saw her that happy.

  I'm won’t take that personally, he told himself firmly.

  Maybe you should, Francis jabbed.

  Once Paige spotted AJ, she smiled and walked over to stand by him.

  “Look what I found,” she joked, pointing at Dave.

  “So, I see. And Brooke?” AJ asked.

  Paige shook her head. “No. Just Dave,” she replied, and that surprised him.

  Dave was there alone.

  How did he get here then? Is he cured now? Must be. He looks okay...

  Francis groaned. Please don't start again.

  “Hey, man.” Dave finally turned to greet him, snapping him from his thoughts.

  “Hey,” AJ replied. They shook hands and gave one another the typical male half-hug even though Peter still hung from Dave’s shoulders.

  That little boy was ecstatic he had his big brother back, and AJ was glad.

  Someone here deserves a happy ending.

  “Nice to have you back,” AJ added.

  “Yeah, from what I've heard, you will need a little backup. Shame you were having such a great time without me,” Dave joked, and AJ couldn't help but chuckle.

  Paige probably filled him in on our adventures, AJ guessed. “That's certainly one way of looking at things.”

  A part of AJ was bummed Brooke hadn’t returned as well. He wasn't completely sure, but he suspected he made a complete ass out of himself the first time he saw Brooke at the military base.

  In his defense, he was still in transition, under the influence of the virus, and he mistook Brooke for Paige. So, he may have confessed his undying love to her.

  “Oh, and I have a message for you from Brooke,” Dave said to him as if just remembering.

  “For me?” AJ was surprised to hear that.

  Dave grabbed him in a flash and smacked a big fat kiss on his lips.

  AJ could hear Paige giggling close by.

  Once Dave let him go, he continued. “She just told me to do that, but she didn't say why.”

  Yup, AJ thought. He’d definitely made an ass out of himself back then.

  “So, how's Brooke, anyway? What’s she up to?” AJ asked nonchalantly, trying to smooth over the whole kissing thing.

  Dave smiled in return. “Oh, you know. She's always kicking ass, saving the world, and having fun while doing it.”

  * * *

  “Isn't this fun?” Brooke yelled to Brexton over the gun blasts.

  She hid behind a great boulder as her enemies tried to kill her, and Brexton was close by.

  He made a face at her description of current events. “This is not my definition of fun, love,” he yelled.

  Brexton shot back at the enemy. Guessing what he had in mind next, Brooke joined in and provided him cover.

  In a move that looked choreographed, Brexton ran as she covered him.

  “Move that sweet ass of yours,” he added, squatting next to her. Brooke scooted over to make room for him. The next round of fire aimed their way was particularly brutal.

  Brexton panted and frowned, but deep down, Brooke knew he enjoyed battle as much as she did. They were Space Cadets for a reason. They wanted to serve the greater good, but no one said they couldn't have some fun while doing it.

  Brooke beamed at Brexton, and he rolled his eyes.

  “There's nothing fun in Yericos trackers shooting at you.” He was adamant, but then a smile crept across his face. “However, shooting back is what counts.”

  They joined forces and returned fire.

  “I love it when we're so evenly matched,” Brooke announced, and Brexton looked at her, chuckling. “There’s a dozen of them and only two of us.”

  Brooke grinned. “Precisely.”

  She made sure Willow and her father stayed in her craft while she looked for Brexton in the colonies. Like always, he was in deep trouble. Of course, Brooke was more than happy to join the party.

  Maybe even take lead.

  It's show time! she thought to herself. “Cover me,” she instructed.

  “Why are you even here?” Brexton asked, preparing to do what she asked.

  Brooke shook her head. “Shoot first, talk later.”

  With that, she jumped out of her hiding place and charged, guns blazing.

  “Crazy girl!” she could hear Brexton yell after her before he followed her.

  Yericos trackers were one of their biggest enemies. They came from all over the galaxies and were assassins whose sole purpose was to find and kill Space Cadets. They offered their services to the highest bidders, and since Cadets had plenty of enemies, they were never short on work.

  Brooke hated them with passion.

  Yericos wore bulky suits with matching helmets, so you could never tell at first glance what species of being was underneath. It made them difficult to kill, but not impossible.

  There was one sa
fe bet though.

  Brooke shot at them with her favorite gun, choosing vulnerable spots and making her way forward. When she came into range, she pulled a laser sword from her boot and swung at the closest opponent.

  He lost his head quickly. One point to the home team, she cheered.

  Two more followed suit.

  “Off with their heads!” Brooke could hear Brexton yell.

  She taught him that. He found it hilarious there was a queen who had that as her catchphrase, and he adopted it wholeheartedly.

  She didn't have the heart to tell him it was a fictional character.

  “Die!” one of the remaining foes growled at her. She repositioned herself, waiting for him to attack.

  Sometimes she loved getting up close and personal with them.

  Yericos wore gloves with sharp claws, so Brooke had to be careful while sparring with them.

  The more sadistic ones in the bunch would get them dipped in all types of drugs or poisons, so you could never be too careful.

  In a predictable move, he came at her from the side, trying to scratch her exposed face, but Brooke ducked down and shifted her balance. She quickly delivered a kick from behind.

  Bad move, dude.

  While he stumbled, the remaining two came at her, and Brooke grabbed her gun again. She shot them in the legs, immobilizing them.

  Their suits were tough, but her gun could inflict damage in certain areas, especially at close range.

  At any rate, she only needed them out of her way long enough so she could deal with the other one first.

  He regained his balance and grabbed their trademark weapon from his fallen comrade.

  It looked like a bow, but there were no arrows required. Its string wasn’t made of rope but was woven out of the strongest metal in the known universe. It was so sharp Brexton swore he saw it cut men in half.

  The Yericos soldier came at her with his weapon, but Brooke managed to block his blow with the handle of her own weapon. Still, she was losing ground fast. Sparks flew around them from the friction.

  Oh, crap, she thought to herself.

  “I hate impasses,” she grunted and kicked him between the legs.

  It was a cheap blow, but she figured beggars can't be choosers. They broke apart.

  “You will die here today, Cadet,” he said ominously, twirling his bow.

  Like I haven't heard that before, she thought.