Striker

by Charmaine Ross

  Striker caught her in his arms. She curled into him, seeking the comfort, warmth and protection he offered, but the Thai girl's words jarred her mind.

  As long as we can go home.

  Earth.

  Striker wasn’t human. He was similar, but he was also too different to blend in. Too foreign. Too tall. Too muscular. Too alien. If she found a way back to Earth, if that was at all possible at all now, Striker could never be with her.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Although she sought the comfort of his arms, her body was stiff and unrelenting. He knew it was from one of the woman’s words – as long as we can go home. But now he didn’t know if that was even possible.

  Something had changed the fabric between dimensions. He couldn’t quite grasp how it happened, but the Callisteans seemed to understand what had happened. The upshot was, they were stranded far away from anything in a galaxy that had seen years of Reptile invasion and there was something about human females that is needed to come into this universe.

  “Come. We have need of your help,” the Callisteans spoke into their minds. Striker was mildly surprised to realize the Callisteans still had their vines wrapped around their wrists.

  “No,” he said. Couldn’t they see Vivien was exhausted? And he also wanted time with her. Alone. Physically. No more of this mind connection games. He wanted to make love to her with his physical body until they fell asleep, replete and exhausted.

  A sharp intake of Vivien’s breath made him also realize she’d heard his thoughts. His blood heated when he realised she wanted the same thing. Very much. Although something was clearly worrying her, but that could be myriad things given their situation - her physical reaction to him was as intense as his to hers.

  He wanted her all to himself without others connecting their inner thoughts. He just wanted her to feel; to be; and he was going to be the one to take her there. A lick of desire stroked their connection, but if he was aware of it, so were the Callisteans.

  “We need her help. She is the only one,” the Callisteans said.

  She squeezed his arms. “It’s okay. I want to help them.”

  “They can wait,” he said. It was unreasonable, but she came first. Whatever it was they wanted, another day wasn’t going to make a lick of difference.

  “On the contrary. Although we survive in these forms, we cannot protect our planet now that the energy net surrounding it has been disabled. We need our original bodies to access our technology,” the Callisteans said

  In the back of his mind, he noted it was truly amazing that he was used to hundreds of voices speaking as one. A frown line formed between Vivien’s delicate brows, brows he wanted to trace with his tongue, he recognised the determined look that accompanied it. Tired as she was, she was also going to ignore her body.

  He sighed. “Vivien. You should rest.”

  She pressed her slender hand on his chest. He wrapped his hand on the back of hers, holding it there. “I want to help. I think if I sleep now, it might be for a week.” She offered a tight smile. He wasn’t happy, but he understood.

  He peered at the Callistean. “She will help, but if it harms her, then I will stop whatever it is you want her to do.”

  “That’s OK, Striker. They helped me – us – remember?”

  He did, and he appreciated it, but he still wanted to keep her safe.

  “I’m also a captain in the SAS. You can’t have forgotten that, have you, soldier?” She softened her words with a smirk that did nothing to hide the determination if her eyes. And also the promise. They’d spend time together, but after her duty. He understood, but he still didn’t have to like it.

  “Lead the way, Callistean.”

  “What about everyone here?”

  Striker turned to his men. “Reed. Arix. Tend to the women and find somewhere comfortable for them to rest.”

  “We’ll take them to the Starlight,” Arix said.

  “We’re going on a spaceship?” the blonde asked, her pain momentarily forgotten. Striker noted she looked more excited than most. Some of the women looked like they were going to vomit.

  Arix regarded the vine encrusted walls and Reptiles. “I think it would be for the best. It’s better to use our medical equipment on board as human and Hexonian physiology are similar, and we can make space in one of the general meetings rooms for them all, as opposed to staying here.”

  “Ladies, I can vouch for these people. If they’re anything like Commander Striker, you’ll be in safe hands,” Vivien said.

  Commander Striker sounded so formal. He hadn’t yet warmed the command chair, but a warmth caressed him as she’d said the words. Instead of sounding like it wasn’t him, it sounded – right. Maybe Jo’Aquin did know something he hadn’t seen in himself before. He made it a point to remember when they spoke next. And they would need to. He had to know about these latest developments, and just how pivotal the human females were. He had to know there was a larger threat than just the Reptiles.

  “What do you need me to do?” Vivien asked the Callistean.

  The humanoid-shaped vines eased to the ground until one formed by the door. It gestured for them to follow. Striker organised some of his crew to come with them, and the others to look after the females and watch the Reptiles.

  Striker was pleased to note Vivien held his hand as they followed the Callistean as it rippled through the tangle of vines until they approached a solid door. The Callistean paused at a darkened screen on the wall, which leapt to life after a few seconds. The door lifted into the ceiling, and he was able to see just how thick it was as it was raised. It looked to be reinforced.

  Vivien sent him a quizzical glance. “What do you think this is all about?”

  “Not sure, but whatever is inside must be precious to them,” he replied.

  He had to admit, although the Callisteans seemed honourable and had saved their lives, he had to wonder what was so important, it couldn't wait for Vivien to recover. A lick of unease passed through him as they entered a vast cavernous space beyond the door.

  He double-checked his security detail. Four of their best were with them. They seemed cautious and ready for anything, should it be required.

  Although Vivien was also concerned, she walked with the confidence of the soldier she was. It calmed him, knowing they could all hold their own.

  They passed though the huge space. He couldn’t see much inside it was so dark. He barely made out what looked like stacks upon stacks of silver metal, projectile-shaped capsules. There had to be thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of them bleeding away into absolute darkness.

  The Callistean led them to a smaller room which lit brightly as they stepped inside. It plunged thin vine-tentacles into small holes located on a console. Lights blinked to life over every surface. A central cylinder situated inside the surrounding console glowed. Colours of swirling light blue pulsed with an unearthly, soothing glow.

  A vine reached for Vivien, and as he went to stop it, it also wrapped around his wrist at the same time. “Calm, Hexonian. We will not harm you. We merely need to utilize the Earthian’s multi-dimensional body for a moment.”

  “What’s this all about!?” Striker demanded.

  “You will soon see,” the Callistean said.

  The glow from the tube lit the room and blinded him. Vivien gasped. He tugged the vine but it held him fast. He roared, reaching for Vivien.

  “Striker. It’s okay. I know what they’re doing. I’m fine. In fact… this is amazing,” Vivien said in his mind and out loud. “Listen.”

  He stilled, and as he did, the roar of Callistean voices grew loud and rushed past, as though he stood on the side of a busy street. He felt thousands upon thousands of voices pass, energy and excitement pouring from them.

  “I can’t believe this.” Vivien chuckled weakly. “I know I keep saying this, but it's true. No one could even think this stuff up. It’s so amazing.”

  “Never tell me I can’t believe anything. Not when you�
��re around,” he said.

  She turned, bright eyes to his, and together they stood to the side as eager entities rushed through the connection. He threaded his fingers through hers until all had finally passed.

  As the glowing inside the cylinder faded, the vines tumbled to the ground, lax and limp.

  “Commander?” Alastor, his head of security, spoke.

  Striker held his hand, palm side towards him. “Just wait.”

  If the Callisteans were doing what he thought they were doing, then their technology was truly amazing and they were witnessing a miracle.

  A screen on one side of the room he hadn’t noticed slid open. From the brightness, a tall, slender blue figure emerged. This was the version of Callistean he knew. Transformed. Or was that – renewed?

  Vivien’s grip became tight. He squeezed her hand gently. “It’s okay.”

  “How do you know that?” she whispered.

  “The Callisteans are a peaceful race, and obviously very, very good at technology,” he said.

  The Callistean bowed its head in a graceful movement. He locked aged eyes to Vivien. A smile curved thick, wrinkled skin around his mouth. “It is good to see you with my original eyes, My Lady.”

  “This is what they really look like,” he told her, sensing her shock.

  Her eyes swung from him, back to the Callistean. “Then… you’re not a tree creature?”

  The gurgle that came from the Callistean was their version of a chuckle. “It would have been right to think of us as tree creatures, but this is our original form.”

  “But...why?”

  Although he’d already had this conversation, Vivien still didn’t know who the original species of this planet really were. He kept silent and allowed the Callistean to explain.

  The Callistean approached slowly, moving on stiff limbs. He closed his eyes for a moment, “It is good to be back in my body. I need to work my muscles, but I digress. We moved our consciousness into the fauna of our world to avoid the mind-enslavement the Reptiles brought with them. It was the only way we could survive.” He paused, with graceful slowness. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am lead scientist Hemy Farseeker, of the First Teir, in the department of Scientific Discovery and Conservation for the entirety of the survival of the Callistean race.”

  “I have heard of you,” Striker said. Hemy was the lead scientist on many of the best Callistean inventions the species was known for. “You are well-renowned throughout our Hexonian culture.”

  “Then I am very pleased to meet you in my original form, Commander,” Hemy said, tilting his head in greeting.

  “May I just call you Hemy?’ Vivien offered.

  Hemy’s wide mouth curved again, humour jumping to his expressive golden eyes. “That would be acceptable, My Lady.”

  “And don’t call me My Lady. Please, just Vivien.”

  “But you are Our Lady. Our Saviour. You should be titled with respect,” Hemy said.

  Vivien shook her head. “I was just in the right place at the wrong time, or the wrong place at the right time. Really, it was merely circumstance I was able to help you, and I’m not even too sure how I was able to do that.”

  Hemy lifted a long, triple jointed finger. “The human mind-body connection is quite unique. Your functionality is not just contained to your physical body. Your awareness extends far out from your body. It links rarefied atoms that move at a very high speeds, so fast you can't see them move with your physical eyes, connecting to the denser atoms of your body. We needed to use that as a bridge, to bring back our lighter atoms back into our heavier bodies. You, in particular, are stronger than the other humans brought in for that purpose.”

  Striker pursed his lips, trying to make sense of Hemy’s words. A tinkling sounded from the console, and Hemy wandered to the controls. “It seems as though everyone is linking back to their original forms as we speak. They are eager to return after so long.”

  “I can understand that,” Striker said.

  Hemy faced Vivien and bowed low. “Lady, you have saved our race. Through you, we will awaken as individual consciousness once again. But please excuse me, there are many final adjustments I need to make.”

  Finally, this would be over and he’d have Vivien to himself. There were many things that needed to be said. That she needed to hear.

  “Do you need help?” Vivien asked.

  Striker drew in a sharp breath. What was she doing? She was going to run herself into the ground. Maybe that was her plan all along. If he didn’t intervene, he was sure she wouldn’t stop until she dropped.

  Hemy regarded her for a moment. “Help would be appreciated, but not necessary.”

  Vivien smiled, and despite her pale face, Striker lost himself for the moment in the brightness. “I have just the – people, and I use the term loosely – to do the job.”

  She closed her eyes, and soon the sound of shuffling feet in ill-fitting heavy-soled boots sounded in the corridors, drawing closer. Striker tensed as Reptiles filled the corridor, fighting against the urge to battle them.

  Vivien opened her eyes and focused on Hemy. “They need to make amends. Tell me what you want them to do.”

  The Callistean inclined his head once more. “If I may ask you to accompany me to the cryopods, we will start.”

  This was going to stop. Now.

  Striker held her hand. “Vivien. If I may?”

  She linked up at him, pale face determined. “I can do this, Striker.”

  “I know you can, but you also need to rest.”

  He was tempted to order Arix to sedate her so she could. She was clearly fighting to remain on her feet, let alone help assimilate thousands of Callisteans back into their bodies. The console pinged multiple times.

  Hemy gracefully gestured to the open door. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m needed at the cryopods.”

  “Go on ahead and help your fellow species.” Striker politely gestured for the Callistean to take his leave.

  The Callistean nodded gratefully. “My Lady. Commander. I am forever grateful for your help. My Lady, the Commander is correct. I do sense you should rest. Your energy is quite low. I would be delighted to spend some time with you once everyone has integrated back into their physical forms.” He inclined his head and quickly walked out of the room.

  She went to follow, but he didn’t let her go. Her eyes widened, and she spread her feet apart, an unconscious movement to ready herself for battle. “I will do this, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “Take the Reptiles with you. I want to speak with Vivien in private,” Striker said to the guards while pinning his entire attention on her. Her gaze heated with indignation, but the effect was minimized by her tired, pale complexion.

  The guards started to round up the Reptiles, but they didn’t budge. She smirked up at Striker. “They’ll only listen to me.”

  “Then they all will listen to what I want to say to you, even if you’d be more comfortable I spoke to you in private,” Striker said.

  She narrowed her eyes at him. His gaze didn’t waver. “I’m just about dead on my feet, and I don’t have the energy to argue. Let me pass.”

  “Not until you hear what I have to say.” If she didn’t listen now, while she was emotionally open, she’d close up tighter than a druin shell of the Great Oceans.

  She crossed her arms over her chest. Her face was etched with lines of fatigue, yet she pressed her lips together, sending him her best military staredown. Gods, she was magnificent. He didn’t blink, instead tracing her jaw with his knuckle.

  “You’ve given enough, Vivien.”

  Her expression faltered, and her arms loosened from their tight grip around her chest. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  He kept his palm on her jaw, tracing the line of her cheek with his thumb. “Tell the Reptiles to go with the guards. Tell them to do exactly as they’re told.”

  “I will not tell them to do anything at all.” Despite her words, she unintentionally tilted her face
into his palm. It was only a minute move, but one that told him multitudes.

  He leaned and whispered close in her ear, “Then they will witness me kissing you.” He brushed his cheek against the shell of her ear. “If you don’t tell them to go, they won’t be able to help where they’re needed the most. Let them make amends and help the people they’ve enslaved for so long.”

  Her mouth worked wordlessly, but he saw the moment she changed her mind. She closed her eyes, and the Reptiles shuffled from the room with the guard detail and they were left alone.

  He wanted nothing more than their non-physical lovemaking to be physical. A taste in his mind, although completely mind-blowing, wasn’t enough, and he suspected Vivien needed that also. Although they were both soldiers, Vivien was also a woman and had been denied for so long. What she needed now was tenderness. To be cherished.

  To be loved.

  Something he desperately wanted to give her, but there was only one way for her to agree, and that was if she didn’t have a choice. She was too ingrained in a military force to deny superiors. And too emotionally lost to make the decision for herself.

  Her eyes filled with liquid before she quickly, angrily blinked them away. “While we’re alone, at least I can say this to you. I’m going to help in whatever capacity I can, and you can go back to your life and command your crew. You have a life and I have a life, and they’re totally different, and that’s all there is to it. So you can just go away and let me pass before we both make fools out of ourselves.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  His features firmed into serious lines. Standing before her was the commander, and damned if a thrill didn’t pulse low in her abdomen. She was a soldier. She fought. That was what she knew, and when his long fingers curled around her bicep from her hand in a possessive move she felt altogether too right, her first response was to tug away.

  It only made him firm his grip. She glared up at him, knowing the more she fought, the more he’d dig his heels in. That was what those in command did. It was what she’d do, and she shouldn’t expect anything less from him. He’d proven himself nothing but tenacious since the moment they’d met.