Equinox

by L. J. Higgins

  “But why kill you?” I asked. “Why not just leave you alone on your planet?”

  “This really is much more multifaceted than even we realised at the time,” Tyson said. “You see, that’s where I come in. The Solians aren’t the only alien race to have visited Earth. And where they use to be sanctioned and hidden years ago, they were becoming more brazen and visible. People wanted the truth to come out about the fact there are extra-terrestrials and space craft from other planets, other galaxies, and some countries had even started releasing documents proving their existence.”

  “For some reason, your government didn’t want this to happen, so they developed a task force to make it stop,” Markus added.

  “So, where do you fit in?” I asked Tyson.

  “I was part of the team that came up with the idea of staging an invasion. An invasion where the aliens were made out to be the bad guys, and our government stopped them. It’d create fear, which is the primary way the government runs, and it’d also send a message to the rest of the alien races. Don’t invade us or make yourself known,” Tyson said.

  “But Tyson didn’t mean to invite real aliens. He’d meant for them to have a pretend spaceship be shot down by your military,” Cleo said. “But when Skywatchers were formed a year before the ‘invasion’, they decided to invite real aliens.”

  “Unfortunately, they didn’t realise they didn’t know about all of our technologies,” Markus said. “So, where they thought they could easily kill us and bring down our ships…”

  “They couldn’t,” I said. “So, then Skywatchers turned into an alien hunting organisation instead.”

  “Imagine if people found out the government had killed hundreds of innocent beings to deceive them,” Tyson said.

  “So, when did you decide to leave them and help the Solians?” I asked.

  “When I realised what they planned. I’d worked with Solians before. I’d learned about their planet. I couldn’t believe I was behind the idea that was about to kill hundreds of them. So I did everything in my power to help them.”

  “And that’s why they wanted me? Because they knew you couldn’t directly attack Skywatchers while they had me?” I asked.

  “I think so,” he said. “And I wanted more than anything to save you from Skywatchers, but they weren’t exactly going to let me walk in and take you back. I really am sorry.”

  “Me, too,” I said.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Our group stopped at a metal door, and Tyson turned with a smile across his lips. “You ready?”

  “Yes,” I said.

  “This is what I’ve been working on for the past two-and-a-half years,” he said.

  The door slid open with the push of a button, and a room the size of six football fields opened up in front of us. The ceiling hung above us at least ten stories high, the glow of the fluorescent lighting bouncing off the silver, making the two gigantic aircraft beneath it look small in comparison.

  My mouth dropped open at the sight of them, and I wandered into the room a buzz with people rushing about, the sparks of welding, the groan of machines, and the hum of electricity.

  “Magnificent, aren’t they?” Tyson, asked looking for my reaction.

  They were awe-inspiring and terrifying at the same time. Memories of running through the streets Christmas Eve, the night of the invasion, came flooding into my mind. Thunderous explosions, and the earth shaking beneath my feet as I ran, trying to find my way home. Trying to find my brother. They’d been frightening, and the next day, when they no longer hovered in the skies, Ricko had told me the one thing he knew would break me. Tyson was dead. Looking into Tyson’s eyes, the same ice blue as mine, helped ground me.

  “Did you even try to find me the night of the invasion?” I asked him.

  His excitement turned to sadness. “I knew the invasion was coming, but I didn’t know when it would be, or I’d never have let you out of my sight. Then when it happened, I did everything I could to save the Solians who made it to Earth. There were military and shots being fired everywhere. I didn’t have time to think. Reece was running towards me when a gunman appeared behind him, and without a thought, I knocked him out of the way, and instead, took the hit myself.”

  He undid the top three buttons of his shirt and showed me a long scar running down the left side of his chest. “I woke up days later, and it was too late. Skywatchers already had you.”

  Swallowing hard, I pushed away the resentment building up in my chest and throat, squeezing so tight I might pass out or worse… cry. I’d cried enough for a lifetime.

  “The spacecraft are pretty amazing,” I said, holding my voice steady. “How many people can fit on one?”

  “Every Solian we have living here, plus enough room for extras if they arrive in time. We’re working on the final repairs and stocking them for the month-long journey back to Terra Sol. It’s been a lot of work, but they’re finally going to be safe.”

  “How do you get them out of here?” asked Natalie, her eyes wide.

  “The ceiling retracts. But it’ll only do it once, so when we’re ready, we’ll open it up and launch them one at a time,” Cleo said. “I really am sorry for what Skywatchers have done to you,” she added, reaching out and squeezing my shoulder.

  Her pity was the last thing I needed, but I gave her a polite smile and turned away.

  Tyson guided us around the room, explaining each work station and introducing me to people as they worked. Each time, he’d proudly tell them I was his sister, and their eyes would light up before they either gave me a greeting hug or hand shake. I wanted to ask if they knew what I truly was just like Cleo and Markus. But I was enjoying the moment and seeing my brother beam as he introduced me, so I kept my mouth shut. His pride made me feel fifteen all over again.

  After he’d walked us around the entirety of the room, we’d lost Cleo and Markus to people who had needed a hand or had questions.

  “You two must be starving. Want to grab something to eat?” he offered.

  “That’d be great,” I said.

  “My stomach’s practically eating itself.” Natalie rubbed her stomach.

  Tyson led us out of the airship carrier, and we followed him down a hallway, past doorways and other people going about their business, each one making the effort to say hi or nod in Tyson’s direction. I kept my eyes trained down and offered small smiles as each one approached. It felt as though I had ‘Solian Murderer’ written across my forehead, and if one of them decided to read it, my secret would be out.

  “Does everyone know?” I blurted out.

  Tyson slowed and walked beside me. “Know what?”

  “What we are? Or were at least?”

  “She means does everyone know we were hunters?” Natalie said.

  I shot her a glare, and she shrugged her shoulders mouthing ‘what?’

  “The people who need to know do. But no, we didn’t make an announcement, if that’s what you mean. Is that why you’re walking through here like you crapped yourself and someone might find out?” he asked.

  “Geez, Tyson.”

  “What? Did you turn into a prude without a sense of humour over the past few years?”

  “No. I just. I don’t know. Maybe I thought you grew up over the past two-and-a-half years or so.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you,” he said. “Is she always like this?” he directed his question towards Natalie.

  “Usually worse,” she replied.

  “Great. Now all we need is…” I began.

  “How was your tour?” Reece asked as he appeared from a hallway beside us.

  “Great timing.” I rolled my eyes.

  “What’s her problem now?” Reece asked.

  “I think she crapped herself,” Tyson said with a smirk.

  I punched him in the arm.

  “Gross, Ky. I thought you had better bowel control than that,” Reece laughed.

  “Look at you two, thinking you’re hilarious. Maybe I’ll go back t
o eating alone in my room if it’s going to be like this,” I said.

  “Like what?” Tyson asked.

  “You two ganging up on me.”

  “Oh, poor little Kylah. Are the big boys being mean to you?” Tyson mocked.

  “It’s okay, Ky, I’ll stick up for you,” Natalie said, punching them both hard in the arm.

  They both moaned, rubbing at their biceps.

  “If you’re done beating us up, here’s the dining hall,” Tyson said as we stepped into a wide room filled with chattering people, the scrape of chairs, and the clink of cutlery on plates. A kitchen and serving bench sat along the back wall, and people lined up to receive their lunch.

  “Tyson, can I have a quick chat?” Cleo appeared from across the room, tucking her cropped blonde hair behind her ear.

  “Of course. Reece, why don’t you take these two to grab some lunch,” Tyson said. “I’ll join you guys in a moment.”

  Cleo touched Tyson’s arm, and he leant in closer as Reece ushered me away towards a pile of plates.

  “So, is it Earth food or alien food?” asked Natalie.

  “We’re Solians,” Reece scolded her. “And here we eat Earth food. Our food is very similar to what you have here anyway.”

  “Sorry, old habits die hard,” she said.

  “Well, they better die fast. Everyone here is pretty friendly, but if they hear the A word, they’ll take offence,” he said.

  “Got it,” she replied, turning to me and widening her eyes.

  Reece picked up three plates and handed one to each of us as we lined up behind him. Deciding the excitement had wiped out most of my appetite, I settled for a small piece of quiche and a handful of salad before following Reece to a long table and sitting beside him. Natalie sat on his other side a bit closer than I would’ve liked her to.

  “Where did you get off to when we got here, anyway?” she asked as she dug into her lunch.

  “Just a few things I had to fix up since I’d been away. Nothing exciting.”

  “This whole place is exciting. If only Commander Kane knew how many of you were really here,” she exclaimed.

  “But he doesn’t. And he never will,” Reece said.

  “Of course,” she replied. “I’m just saying.”

  “Well, maybe you need to start thinking about what you’re about to say before you let it pass your lips,” I said.

  She looked taken aback from my snappiness, but Reece shot me a small smirk which made it worth it. Soon, Tyson joined us with his own plate of food, sitting across from Reece.

  “Sorry about that,” he said.

  “Cleo seems nice. And she’s very pretty,” I said.

  Tyson blushed at my words and bit his bottom lip. “She’s been an integral part of this project.”

  “How many humans are here exactly?” Natalie asked, changing the conversation.

  Ignoring her, Reece turned to me. “Not hungry?”

  “This is too much excitement for a girl who spent years on her own most of the time. I’m looking forward to some form of solitude. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Natalie saving me and you bringing me here, but it’s a lot to take in,” I replied.

  “You have all of the time in the world to catch up with Tyson, and Natalie seems to have a million questions. Why don’t I take you to your room, so you can have a rest?” he suggested.

  “That sounds amazing.” My eyes grew heavy at the thought.

  “Do you mind if Reece takes me to wherever I’m sleeping?” I said to Tyson, cutting off his conversation mid-sentence.

  “I can take you if you like,” he offered.

  “It’s fine. You’re obviously really busy and in high demand. Have your lunch and come find me when you have a moment,” I said.

  “I asked Cleo to organise you a room next to mine and across from Reece’s. Natalie, yours will be beside Reece’s directly across from Ky’s. It’s not much, though,” he said.

  “As long as there’s a bed, and I can have a shower at some point, I’ll be happy,” I said.

  Reece and I rose from the table.

  “I might follow your brother around for a bit, if that’s okay?” Natalie said.

  “My pleasure,” Tyson said.

  Tyson rose from his seat and walked around to pull me into a hug. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you back,” he whispered into my ear.

  “Me, too,” I replied.

  “I’ll come find you once Ky’s settled in,” Reece said.

  “Thank you, my friend,” Tyson said, and they shook hands.

  As we left the dining hall, I turned back once to see my brother watching after me, Natalie still talking his ear off. I almost felt bad leaving him alone with her. All I’d wanted for these past few years was to be with him, and now that I had him, all I wanted to do was get away. There was just so much to absorb, so much to take in.

  “I almost feel bad leaving him with her,” Reece said.

  “I’m sure he can handle himself. Pay back for the last few years,” I said.

  “Do you think you’ll ever forgive him?” he asked as we continued down a hallway.

  “I already have. But he doesn’t need to know, yet.”

  Reece smiled and shook his head. We walked through the maze until we came to a hallway labelled A, and he walked me to a metal door with fourteen printed on it.

  “This will be your room,” he said. “Tyson’s room twelve, and I’m thirteen across the hall. Natalie will be fifteen.”

  “How do you even find your way around here? It’s like a labyrinth,” I said.

  “You’ll work it out,” he said.

  “Then you guys will be gone.”

  He looked to his feet. “Do you want to take a look at your room, or just stand out here in the hallway?”

  “Guide the way,” I said.

  Reece pulled a key from his pocket and twisted it in the lock until it clicked. He handed it to me before opening the door. “This is yours.”

  Inside, the room was no more than a few strides across, but the high metal ceiling made it feel less claustrophobic. A double bed sat in the middle of the room, white sheets and blanket tucked in tight, and a wooden bedside table sat beside it with a simple white lamp perched on top.

  “If you need the bathroom or a shower, it’s further down the hall. You won’t miss it. Unfortunately, we share all of those facilities with the people in our cluster,” Reece said.

  “Cluster?” I asked.

  “Right. We’re cluster A. Makes it easier to account for everyone if there’s an emergency. Tyson asked Cleo to muster you up some clothes, so hopefully you’ll have something new to wear by dinner,” he said.

  I rubbed at my temples.

  “I’m just overloading your brain, aren’t I?” he asked.

  “A little bit. Hopefully, a sleep will help. If I can sleep.”

  “I can get you something to help you have any issues,” he offered.

  “I’ll be fine. I want to be able to wake up if someone sneaks in to stab me for pay back in the middle of the night,” I said.

  “Ky…”

  “What? It could happen.”

  “Do you want me to stay with you?” he asked.

  I looked to the bed, fresh and clean… and lonely. A part of me I’d long forgotten wanted to say yes. Wanted him to hold me so I could fall asleep like a child safe in their loved one’s arms. But he was leaving, and who would help me sleep then?

  “I’m sure I’ll manage on my own,” I replied.

  “On the wall next to the door is a buzzer. If you need me dial AR2. That’ll buzz me.” He held up a small device clipped onto his belt.

  “Thanks, but now I just want some sleep.”

  He opened in the door but hovered in the doorway. “I’m really glad you’re here, Ky.”

  I climbed into the bed under the sheets. “Me, too.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  My eyes shot open at the sound of the click of a lock, and I sat up to watch the do
or begin to open. Instinctively reaching for my rifle across my back, I quickly realised it was a figment of my imagination. I had no weapons, and my only way of communicating with Reece was beside the opening door.

  “Kylah?” Tyson’s voice put me at ease.

  I released a breath. “You scared the crap outta me.”

  “Sorry,” he said, closing the door behind him as he entered. “I wanted to come and check you were still alive. You slept through dinner.”

  “What time is it?” I asked.

  “Eight o’clock. You have another half hour if you want to grab something to eat.”

  “I’ll be fine. I can’t remember the last time I had so much sleep. Good sleep I should say.”

  “You obviously needed it. Natalie told me what it was like for you in the cells at Skywatchers. I’m so sorry they got to you before I could.”

  I shrugged. “I’m here now.”

  “So, you’re not still angry?” he asked, coming to sit beside me on the bed.

  “I didn’t say that… but no. I’m not angry. More angry at myself than anything.”

  “Why?”

  “If you’d seen the things I’d done you’d be angry, too.” I looked to my lap.

  “Ky, you can’t…”

  “Save your breath. I’ve heard it all from Reece, and it isn’t going to change the way I feel about what I’ve done. I was blinded by grief. Grief that wasn’t even real.”

  “But you’re here now.”

  “I am. And now I have no idea what happens next.”

  “What do you want to happen?” he asked.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’d never entertained any kind of life outside of Skywatchers and hunting. One thing I’d like is to find out who you really are.”

  “You know me better than anyone,” he said.

  “Do I? I had no idea you were working for Skywatchers. I only worked it out on the night of the invasion because I went through your office and found paperwork.”

  “It was top secret. Even if you’d asked, I couldn’t have told you.”

  “But if I had known you weren’t working for them anymore, things would’ve been so different. I’d be so different.”