by M. D. Neu
“I guess bad humor runs in the family.” Jerry’s expression lightened toward Brad, and he stuck out his hand to shake.
Brad pulled him in for a hug. Jerry’s body stiffened for a moment, then relaxed.
As Brad left, the locked clicked, securing the door. Todd focused on where his brother had just stood, his thoughts bouncing around his head like a ball in a pinball machine.
“Todd?” Jerry said.
Todd faced Jerry and they headed back to the living room in silence. Picking up the remote, Jerry unmuted the TV and flipped through the channels. There were no special reports.
“Thank you for doing this, for believing him.” Todd snuggled closer to Jerry on the couch, resting his head on his shoulder.
Putting down the remote, Jerry moved his shoulder, so Todd sat up, “Come on, so what’s the plan…Toddy?” His eyes narrowed. “I mean, really. What’re we supposed to do? Hole up in the house and wait for…what? Assuming this isn’t a big joke on the two of us.”
“It’s hard.” Todd straightened up. “You don’t know him, but Brad isn’t lying or making this up. I suggest we do what he advised. I filled up my car, so I don’t need gas. How’s your car?”
“Come on,” Jerry scowled. “You work for a high-tech company in human resources. You don’t have a PhD in lying-ology. I mean, it’s unbelievable. Honey, I love you, and I’m happy he apologized, but it can’t be real.”
Todd didn’t want to push Jerry too hard. His aggravation would blow over. “We don’t need to go to Costco—we have most of the things we’d need already. I’ll drive to the store and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies.” He glanced over at Jerry. “We needed to do that anyway with Dan coming. I’ll go to the bank and get cash.”
Jerry shook his head.
“None of this is gonna hurt us. If nothing happens, then at the very least my brother and I made up. And that makes everything else worth it.”
“Fine.” Jerry crossed his arms. “But this better not be some mean trick. You know, scare the fags. Especially after that drag queen remark. I’ve never even worn makeup.”
Todd raked his teeth over his lower lip, catching bits of his goatee. “Dan hasn’t called yet. My guess is we’ll get a call tomorrow to pick him up. Is there anything else from the store I should get?”
“No.” Jerry let out a sigh. “Well, taking Monday off could be a good idea. We’ll get to spend more time with Dan.” He raised an eyebrow at Todd. “I’ll go get gas for my car. I’ll take care of the bank, so we still have money to pay our bills. You can go to the store. I’m only doing this to make you happy.” He headed to the study.
“Thank you.”
Emerging with keys in hand, Jerry said, “When I get back, I’m going to finish the backyard, and you have some plants to water.”
“I’ll take care of the plants.” Todd stopped Jerry before he got to the door. “What if this is real? Why now? What do they want? Could they be friendly? If it was something bad, wouldn’t they attack us already? What do we do if they attack?”
“I’ve got no idea.” Jerry’s penetrating blue eyes bore into Todd. “And right now I can’t consider what this means. I was planning on calling Mom tonight anyway, since Dan will be here, and we’ll end up being busy with him.” He gave Todd a peck on the cheek and was out the door, heading to his car, before Todd could question him further.
Todd stood alone in the living room and scanned the space, suddenly feeling vulnerable. With the front windows open, he heard Jerry’s car start and pull away. The TV was still going. The conversation had shifted toward the stock market and business news. “Well, if it was the end of the world, they wouldn’t be talking about the market now would they?”
Bianca walked from the study to behind the entertainment system, heading off to a cubby she liked to hide in and take naps. He frowned. Would this be like the movies, where the aliens came to conquer and enslave people? Would they be dead in three days? Or would they come to help? What would they be like? More importantly, would the government be able to keep people from going nuts?
Checking his watch, noting the time was 2:14 p.m., Todd sighed. “Well, in forty-eight hours, I’ll get to find out. Isn’t that right, Miss Kitty?” He glanced to where Bianca was hiding behind the TV console. So what if he sounded crazy? Lots of people talked to their pets, even if they weren’t right there.
It’s not like they talk back.
Locking the front door, Todd inhaled the smell of fresh cut grass then headed to his Jeep.
“Hey Todd, how’s it going?”
After jumping out of his skin, Todd turned to see Steve, his neighbor, with his daughter nestled in his arms.
I never remember her name. Amy? Sandra?
He shook his head.
It doesn’t matter.
He smiled and waved. “I’m good, Steve. How’re you?” He tried his best to slow his breathing, and he wiped the sweat from his brow.
Steve let out a laugh as he shifted the baby from one arm to the other, “Oh we’re good. Sorry to startle you. We’re heading to the park to enjoy this sun.”
Todd glanced up at the sky. “No worries. I was in another place.” He focused his attention back on Steve. “Yep, it’s a terrific day. It’s why we live here, right?”
Steve mimicked Todd, checking out the sky. “You got that right.” He lowered his eyes back to Todd. “Hey, you hear about the earthquake up at Mt. Hamilton?”
“Earthquake? No, why?”
“Yep. Didn’t feel a thing here, but I guess it messed up the observatory’s lens. They had to close the whole place for repairs,” Steve said.
“I didn’t hear that. When did it happen?”
“Couple days ago, I guess. I couldn’t find anything on the USGS site, or on the news, but who knows? Technology, right?” Steve chuckled. “Well, I’ve got to get going. Sophie can only stand being held like this for so long. Say hi to Jerry for me.” He shifted his daughter as he put her into the stroller.
“Take care, Steve. Bye, Sophie.” He waved as Steve and his daughter walked down the street.
Earthquake, my ass. They needed justification to close the observatory.
He frowned as he listened to Steve hum “The Farmer in the Dell” as he pushed his daughter, unaware of what was coming.
Todd took in the neighborhood, watching the people going about their business: Mowing lawns, working on cars, playing with their kids, and for a second, he thought he should warn them. But what if Brad was wrong or going crazy? There could have been an earthquake. It’s possible. He rubbed his goatee. After getting into the car, he turned on the radio to distract himself from his thoughts. “Hungry Eyes” filled the car. Soon, he was tapping his thumbs to the beat.
Six: Shopping
TODD DRUMMED HIS fingers on the wheel as he drove to the store. Todd forced himself to sing along with the radio, ignoring the people who were out and about in the neighborhood. Are there normally this many people out on Saturday? He gave up on the song. The only beat he heard was the thumping of his heart.
At the corner, he noticed the Tamale Lady. She came to the neighborhood every few days with an old pushcart and red-lid cooler. He had always wanted to try one of her tamales but kept putting it off. It seemed trivial, but he had put off too many things too often in life already.
“There might not be any more tomorrows,” Todd muttered. He went to reach for his wallet but stopped. It was just out of his reach. He pulled over to the side of the road, gave his horn a quick honk to get the woman’s attention, and then leaned over to pick up his wallet.
Turning down the radio as she approached, he waited. She smiled as she hauled her cart over to him.
How different her life must be.
She sold food to the neighborhood while he worked in a comfortable office with a view of the mountains. He couldn’t imagine having to work in a hot kitchen only to then pound the pavement for half the day under the blazing sun.
“How much?” His face r
elaxed as he watched her.
“Two dollars,” she replied with a heavy Mexican accent.
“What kinds do you have?” He raised his voice as if to make his English more understandable and pointed at the tamales.
She thought for a moment and said, “Pork, beef, and cheese.” The upbeat tone of her voice was friendly. She had deep-brown eyes with perfect eyebrows and shoulder-length brown hair. Her toothy, white smile contrasted with the deep olive tones of her skin.
She’s kind of pretty for her age.
“Two pork and two cheese, please.” He took a ten out, handed it to her, and he accepted the food. She went to give him change, but he stopped her with a wave of his hand. “Nope, that’s for you. Thank you.”
“Gracias,” she answered with her big bright grin. “Have a nice day.” She started to push her cart back to the sidewalk.
As he rolled up his window, he heard her call out again, “Tamales.”
Well, something for supper.
He got to the intersection preparing to turn left. Before he turned, two military trucks passed, heading in the direction of the observatory.
“What the hell?” he said, his heart skipping a beat.
He was surprised by the vacant spaces in the parking lot of the supermarket. The whole shopping complex seemed almost deserted. No one was honking or stopping suddenly when someone else backed out of a parking space. There weren’t even shopping carts scattered around the lot.
It was a Saturday afternoon, and there were hardly any shoppers. Where was the person from the deli out barbecuing chicken and steaks? Or the groups of Girl Scouts selling cookies. No one was in the drive-through at the coffee place. Something wasn’t right.
Shouldn’t it be busier?
He checked the clock on the dashboard. His palms started to sweat and his heart sank. “No.” He shook the thought from his mind. He needed to stop his mental torment. He thought of Jerry and tried to channel his husband’s strength and composure.
Where are you when I need you?
He huffed.
Why can’t I be more like him?
Todd nabbed a cart from an empty parking spot and put his empty shopping bags in it. Moving toward the store, he passed a woman who had her son in tow. He smiled at her and the little boy. The mother seemed distracted with her cell phone at her ear while digging in her purse, trying to find what Todd assumed were her keys, while her son played with a stuffed toy. The little boy beamed and waved at him.
“Hi!” he said, holding up his purple dragon. “I’m Roger, and this is Rufus.”
“Hello.” Todd caught the woman’s eyes.
Should I warn her? Would she think I’m insane? Probably. This whole thing is nuts. But what if it’s real?
She shifted and nodded at Todd as she pulled out her keys.
“Don’t bother the man, Roger.” She moved them over to her car.
“Bye!” Roger called out.
“Bye.” Todd waved at the little boy. The boy had big, bright green eyes and dark hair with a tiny curl that fell on his forehead. Cute kid.
Todd made a mental list of all the things he wanted. Generally, he would go to the store needing a gallon of milk and end up coming home with four or five bags filled with different groceries they couldn’t live without. He walked over to bins full of fresh, bright vegetables, glistening with dew from the sprinkler system. There is so much here. He didn’t want to overdo. He filled his cart with broccoli caps, red potatoes, onions, apples, and strawberries.
While gazing at the bananas, it struck him this might be his last trip to the supermarket. If the aliens invaded, they would destroy the food distribution centers, water supplies, and the larger cities, including San Jose. That would be strategic planning on their part.
How easy would it be for them to wipe us out? They’re in space. How do you fight back against that?
Trying to relax, he held onto the bag of bananas with shaking hands. “Okay, cool it! Relax,” he whispered.
You know it might not even be real. You’re here to get what you need for Dan’s visit. Look at all the people here in the store. Relax.
He focused on the bananas and his breathing, forcing his hands to stop trembling. Nothing else was there. Just Todd, the bananas, and his breathing. The bananas faded, replaced by images of every alien disaster movie he had ever seen.
What hope would they have against an advanced alien race? None, and he knew it. Sweat poured from his forehead, and his heart banged in his chest. He focused on the bananas, but the other images filled his head. In and Out. He struggled to force himself to breathe. He wished his husband was here.
“Honey, are you okay?” a soft female voice asked. “You’re as white as a ghost. Do you want me to call for some help?”
The voice pulled Todd back. He snapped out of it and saw an older woman and man examining him with worried expressions.
“No, I’m fine… I’m just a little lightheaded. Thank you.” He grinned at them. “Just a headache.” Their eyebrows grew closer together and their lips stretched thin with worry. He wanted to scream at them “Run! Get what you can! Leave! Go to the mountains! Hide!” Tell them everything Brad had told him. But to what end?
The woman turned toward her husband and then back at Todd. “Are you sure, dearie?” Her husband watched Todd as she spoke.
“Do you want water or something?” the older man asked. The kindness on his face helped to soothe the worry in his mind.
Finally, Todd forced himself to relax. His heart slowed its pace. “No, I’m good. Just a sudden sharp pain; it’ll pass.”
“If you say so, dearie,” the older woman said, then reached out and patted his hand on the cart.
Relaxing his face, he wiped at his forehead. “Thank you, both.”
Watching them walk off, he waved. “Yes, thank you,” he whispered to himself. “You almost had a big lump of a man crying on the floor in the fetal position.” He dropped the bananas into his cart. He didn’t want to fall to pieces, at least not here in public. If the aliens were here to invade or attack, they would have already done so. Wouldn’t they?
Todd finished his shopping. But before leaving, he remembered he needed ice.
He paid and got everything safely loaded into his car. He sat in the driver’s seat, taking several deep breaths to calm down. He pushed away the thoughts of what would happen if there was an attack. Not being able to get to family or friends, probably separated from each other and dying alone. Enough. He took another deep breath. He didn’t want to be a mess when he got home. It was embarrassing enough having the elderly couple see him fall apart.
Starting back home, he passed several more military trucks heading in the direction of the observatory. “What the hell?” he mumbled as they passed.
The two from earlier. But this isn’t normal. This isn’t right. God, Brad’s right. It’s happening. What are we gonna do?
When he got home and pulled into the driveway, he saw Jerry’s car. The tension in his shoulders unwound immediately.
Thank Christ.
Jerry was home. His rock, his center was there. The man he had chosen to share the rest of his life with. Jerry wouldn’t let him freak out. Jerry would keep him safe through this.
What would I do without him?
Seven: Confrontation
MIRTOFF TAPPED HER fingers on the desk. She was heading to the Rádo to give Gahumed news on her human relocation plan that she would not be happy to hear.
Gahumed’s plan would cause a war with the humans and that was something none of them wanted.
She inhaled. Gahumed had no problem suggesting taking advantage of a lesser species like she wanted to do before. Mirtoff could not allow that. Not with the humans of Earth; thank J’Veesa, all but Vi-Kamu and Gahumed agreed with her. Still, it wasn’t going to make this task any less difficult, considering their history. Vi-Kamu didn’t require a personal visit from her, but out of respect, Mirtoff was forcing herself to go and see Gahumed in person.
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Mirtoff peered out the window. Seeing the Rádo with its heavy armaments and fighters coming and going from the three launch bays was magnificent. This ship, like the other military vessels, was ready at all times to ensure the safety of the civilian population and protect the fleet.
The Rádo was also the headquarters for the Nentraee Military. It was a modified Kĩ-Class Battle Cruiser that housed the General Command Offices. Should there ever be a conflict, this was where the generals and commanders would get their orders. It held seven-thousand military personnel and housed their special fleet of stealth ten-person actionships, the most deadly military craft they had.
I hope to never need them.
Mirtoff passed several uniformed personnel performing system checks and running drills. It was good to see as she made her way to General Gahumed’s office. She didn’t come to the Rádo very often, and when she did, it was mostly for inspections and morale.
Reaching the command offices, she approached the young female at the reception station.
“Madam Speaker, welcome to the Rádo.” The female officer stood and bowed.
“Thank you.”
“You honor us with your presence. I’ll let the general know you’re here.” The officer returned to her seat and started tapping on her terminal.
Mirtoff examined the reception area; unlike the civilian ships, this place had a claustrophobic feel. It was built for function, nothing more. She remembered when the ship was under construction at the Candra Shipyards. They barely had the drives working prior to the evacuation. It took five additional years to complete, but the end result was worth it.
“Madam Speaker. You can go in.” The officer bowed again.
Mirtoff bowed in return and proceeded into the general’s office.
The office wasn’t nearly as formal and polished as hers or the vice speaker’s, but it was bigger.
Probably needed to be this large for Gahumed’s girth. Or perhaps her ego.
Various monitors mounted on the walls ran status reports for ship-to-fleet control. This one office could manage the majority of the task force. The monitors displayed only the Nentraee Government Seal. The design comprised of seven gold patterns, each a symbol for one of the clans.