by Tara Ellis
TWENTY FIVE
It’s been six months since we started this damn war. I turned seventeen last week, on March 13th. No one celebrated it. I’m sure Mom and Jake were thinking about me, but I was out here trying to do my job with the Shiners. A job that I’m feeling utterly useless at.
I sense movement to my right and confirm that it’s one of our men moving up the perimeter. They’re my protection. The goal, always the goal, is to get me close enough to take control of the Shiners and thwart the skirmish before it even begins. The Shiners always outnumber the Mudameere ten to one and we know that if we can contain them the rest will easily collapse.
A piece of hair slowly falls forward, and I angrily tug it back behind my ear. I’ve taken to wearing it in the only braided combination I could come up with to manage it all. After a whole lot of experimenting, I now weave two solid plaits that wrap around either side, above my ears, and meet in the back. I then twist those together into a thick rope that hangs down past my waist. The distribution of weight makes it tolerable and normally keeps it out of my way. But today, random tendrils are constantly annoying me, and it’s driving me crazy.
I reach out absently for Baxter, trying to clear my thoughts at the same time. I need to concentrate. I always need to concentrate. It’s gotten to the point where that’s all I think about and focus on. So much is riding on my work being successful, that everything else in my life has fallen into the background. Day after day, it’s more strategic planning, travel, fighting, and failure.
The days, weeks, and months have blurred together. The miles we’ve traveled, and the land we’ve seen, have all merged into one bleary landscape. We’re still in beautiful country, somewhere in Colorado. But it’s almost as if I don’t see in color anymore. I just have to concentrate. Don’t think about the blood, or the bodies, or the screams that haunt me at night and remind me of how I let them die.
The first mission we went on was like a bad movie trailer. It wasn’t that long after Grandma Mubarak arrived, and we were all ready to get out here and make a difference. We got a transmission that a Mudameere cell leader was seen on the move, not too far away. An attack at a nearby town that had fortified itself was imminent, and our mission was to intercept and stop it. Our primary goal, however, was to control the Shiners before a shot was even fired, and capture the cell leader for interrogation. Ultimately, we want to climb up their chain of command until we can get a good location for the professor.
It didn’t go as planned. At first, it seemed promising. We got to within a click of their camp and hid a few miles outside of the town when I started to pick up on the Shiners. Encouraged, I followed the ‘signal’ until we were a few hundred feet away. There was an attachment of fifty soldiers with us and once we were all in place, I started to creep forward, hoping to be able to gain control before they even knew we were there. I’ve gotten good at blocking my presence from them, but I have a difficult time maintaining that while I reach out to grasp at them. That was my fatal mistake on the first mission.
I grasped too soon, exposed myself, and gave our location away to them. There were a lot more than we thought, and that was why I sensed them so soon. There were nearly three dozen Shiners and at least five Mudameere. When that first gunshot exploded, I panicked briefly. Any advantage I might have still had was lost. The fight was on.
I think we all must have hesitated at first. Well, maybe not Seth. But these people, now Shiners, never asked for their fate, and they could be one of the many family members or friends we left behind. We didn’t want to kill them. However, once the soldiers around us began falling, our new uniforms spattered with their blood, any hesitation was gone. We’ve been living and training with these men and women for months. They are our new friends and family.
After that first battle, while it certainly hasn’t gotten easy, we know that it’s necessary. We try to take prisoners whenever possible. It breaks my heart to watch Missy earnestly search through them all, always looking for her dad.
Although I’ve been a disappointment in my lack of success with taking control from a safe enough distance, my other skills almost make up for it. It seems my self-doubt about being a good enough soldier was misplaced. I’m a regular killing machine. No one is as fast, agile, strong, or as accurate as I am. Including the Shiners.
Baxter’s back goes rigid under my hand, drawing my focus once again to the task at hand. The scouts spotted a large company of Shiners the day before, setting up to ambush a small settlement.
You see, this is my problem. I spend so much time inside my own head, that I have a hard time getting out of it. That’s when I miss things.
The birds have gone silent and I can hear the slight rustling of the cedar boughs in the wind. Spring has finally arrived here in the mountains, and we’re all thankful that the warmer, sweet smelling air has replaced the winter chill.
I strain to hear anything else, such as a far-off whispered conversation or clanking of gear. While the Shiners are eerily quiet, the Mudameere are much more human-like in their approach.
There! Someone didn’t turn their radio down. I clearly heard the squelch, although it was much too far away for any of my team members to notice.
I slowly raise my left hand, signaling to Chris that I hear something. He’s located behind me, with the rest of our friends in various locations to either side. We all have our own unique abilities and contributions to the team, and each mission is carefully planned to capitalize on them.
Although Seth excels in almost every area, he doesn’t care enough to be a leader. Chris, on the other hand, quickly proved himself as a natural commander. Within four months or so, he was the one being given orders from headquarters to then assign to the rest of us. I’m in no shape to do the job and agreed with Zane on his decision.
Missy, from her perch up in a nearby tree, motions to confirm that she has eyes on someone in the direction I’m now indicating. That’s good enough for me.
Closing my eyes, I visualize my ‘bubble’ slowly expanding, reaching out to the Shiners that I hope are in my reach. Maybe … there … yes! Gasping, I hold on tightly to Baxter with both hands and grit my teeth in a grimace as I attack them. I can feel their consciousness squirm under the mental assault, but I’m too strong. Encouraged now, my scowl turns into a maniacal grin as I push forward. I totally envelop their minds, and they no longer stand a chance against me.
“Go!” I yell, not caring anymore who hears me.
There’s a flurry of activity around me as the forest floor erupts with camouflaged soldiers. I stand and move forward with them, not needing the physical contact with Baxter to keep my hold.
I’m the first to emerge into their temporary camp, and I immediately take out two Mudameere that make the mistake of raising their weapons. The other three, confused at the behavior of the Shiners, didn’t even have a chance to pick up their rifles.
“Hold your fire!” I bark, and Chris quickly repeats the order so that everyone is sure to comply.
In the middle of the encampment, nearly two dozen Shiners have gathered, their firearms dropped and forgotten at their feet. Their faces blank, eyes dull, they turn toward me in unison and silently wait for me to direct them.
I’ve finally done it.
TWENTY SIX
“Oh my God, Alex, doesn’t it feel like heaven to be in a real bed again?” Missy is spread out on her small but precious bed in our barracks. It’s been nearly two months since we were here last and it really does feel great to be back.
Smiling at her, I’m amazed that she still looks the same after all we’ve been through. “I’m more excited about eating some real food tonight or taking a shower. Do you have any idea how gross it is to have this much hair and not wash it for weeks?”
“Alex!” she exclaims, jumping off the bed and looking at me with mock horror. “What’s wrong with you? You sound like such a girl!”
Laughing now, I push her down onto the treasured mattress and then go back to unra
veling my braids. It feels good to laugh. I haven’t done it in a long time. But our recent victory and the reception we received when we arrived here today has certainly lightened my mood. A huge hurdle has been passed and I’m hopeful now. Maybe that’s what I lost because the one thing I’ve learned recently is that for people to overcome the odds and keep going, they need hope.
“Did you see Zane’s face when we marched those Shiners through the gate?” Missy asks, taking up a spot behind me to help with my unruly hair. “I mean, I know he got word a couple of days ago that we were on our way, but I don’t think he was mentally prepared to see it.”
“I don’t think anyone could be prepared,” I agree. “Only a handful of us here at the base even know what I can do with them in the lab. But to actually see it working the way we hoped it would, to have them walking alongside us instead of trying to kill us after all this time. It’s enough to make you think that maybe we really can make a difference.”
“How’s your head?” she asks, brushing now at the tangled mess.
“Still hurts. But it’s a lot better than it was.” After three days of having to keep total control over the Shiners, I was starting to get really worn down. It’ll take several more days of me working with them on Level Zero before their connection with the hive mind is totally severed. Chris arranged for armed guards to watch carefully over them while I slept, but even so, I didn’t get more than a couple of hours of sleep a day. Good thing I don’t need that much.
“Okay, that’s as good as it’s going to get. Let’s hurry up and go take showers before they start serving the feast!” Throwing the brush down for emphases, Missy grabs my upper arm and pulls me to my feet, steering me toward the door.
I appreciate her attempt at acting like our friendship hasn’t changed at all. But while I would love to pretend like we’re still in high school, we aren’t. Things have changed. After all we’ve been through. The running, fighting, and killing, I don’t know if we can ever go back to how it was. We aren’t kids anymore. The one constant through all of this has been my love for my little brother. I had to pry him and Mom off of me when we got here this afternoon, and the only thing that calmed him down was his being able to take Baxter with him. Zane then shared his big plans for a celebration and dinner later tonight. I know that it’s necessary and will be a huge encouragement for the whole base, but I’m not too excited about it. I don’t enjoy crowds, and I really don’t like to be the center of attention. I usually say or do something stupid.
We pass Kyle and Nate on our way to the bathroom, and they immediately turn on us, chasing us and snapping their wet towels at our legs. Apparently, Missy isn’t the only one trying to recapture the way things used to be.
I let them have their fun, but briefly. “Where are the rest of the guys?” I ask, after easily disarming them.
“I dunno,” Kyle mumbles. “Ouch!’ he hollers when my new weapon, now tightly twisted, finds its mark. Might as well join the crowd and have some fun.
“What? You can dish it out, but not take it?” I mock, striking him a second time on the thigh.
“Ouch!” he yells again, trying to dodge out of the way, but failing. “Okay, okay. Chris and Benuk are still in the showers and I have no idea where Seth went. Probably looking for one of the hot nurses.” I smack him again because, well … because I can.
Nate is laughing loudly at his friend’s squeals of pain, and I turn on him too. “Now wait,” he implores, hands out in defense as he walks backward. “I don’t think I ever actually hit you.” I manage to land one good snap to his departing rear-end, and Missy and I laugh as the two of them run away.
Feeling better than I have in a very long time, my mood only improves after standing under solar-warmed water for nearly half-an-hour. We’re normally rationed to five-minute showers, but were allotted unlimited access today, and I am totally taking advantage of it!
Missy and I are on our way back to our room, wrapped up in several big towels, when Chris and Benuk meet us in the hallway. “Change of plans,” Chris announces, grinning at our attire.
“What do you mean?” I don’t like the sound of it. I still don’t like surprises.
“Senator Zane has called an emergency meeting,” Benuk explains, his expression much more serious than Chris. “The rumor is that our friend Seth has told him something that has gotten everyone quite excited.”
My mood immediately darkening, I yank one of the towels from my head, releasing a waterfall of thick hair that reaches my thighs. “What the hell is he up to now?” I demand, turning to Chris.
“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger!” he tells me, backing up a step. “All I know is that Seth left with Zane right after we got here and now he’s called us all in. We’ve got ten minutes.”
Slamming the door to our room open, I throw the damp towel on my bed and grab a comb. I start yanking it through my hair but quickly give up. Going to one of the small locker-like closets, I pull out an old pair of khakis and pull them on, barely aware of Missy moving around in the room behind me.
Seth. Just when I think I might have him figured out, he has to go and do something unexpected. I rub at my temples, trying to keep a surging headache at bay. He’s never said anything more to me about that night out on the wrestling mat. I’ve come to the conclusion that it was just a ploy on his part to prove he could manipulate me. I catch him watching me sometimes, but he’s never said or done anything to make me think otherwise, so I’ve kept my distance from him. Well, I’ve kept my distance from everyone, really. I have to.
Missy and I finish getting ready and then make it to the meeting room just in time. I take a moment to look around at the familiar space. Funny how much I’ve missed it. Mom, Cindy, and Lisa are all in their normal seats at the far end near Zane. Benuk, Chris, Kyle, and Nate are seated opposite me, Missy and Jake. Jim and Dr. Paul have also joined us, as well as Generals James and Costas. Standing behind Zane, leaning up against the wall next to the ever-present whiteboard, is Seth. It’s hard to read his expression, as he has the same typical bored appearance as always.
“I’m not going to waste anyone’s time, as we have a party to get to,” Zane begins, looking around at all of us in turn. “I’ve got some incredible news that should make tonight’s celebration even greater.”
Intrigued now, I sit straighter in my chair. Looking back at Seth, I see that he’s staring at me now, a small grin on his ruggedly handsome face. I note that he chose not to shave the thin beard he started growing out in the field. His twentieth birthday was the same month as mine, but the facial hair makes him look older.
“Seth knew one of the Mudameere that you captured,” Zane continues, and rushes on before anyone can interrupt him. “He’s been talking with him for the past three days, on your journey back, and gaining his trust while working to convince him that he’s been playing for the wrong team. I’ll keep this simple. He’s told us where the professor is.”
This causes the room to erupt into chaos and everyone starts shouting questions and accusations. Except for me. Leaning back further in the cushioned seat, I rest my clenched fists in my lap and continue to hold Seth’s gaze. It seems we have a bit of a stare-off going on, and I’m not about to lose.
As Zane tries to bring some order to the meeting, Kyle’s voice rises above the rest. “I knew you couldn’t be trusted!”
This accusation causes Seth to look away and I smile briefly in triumph as he yells back at Kyle. “Excuse me?”
“Well, why the hell didn’t you say anything to us?” Kyle demands.
Stepping away from the wall, Seth turns his full attention to Kyle and I almost feel sorry for my friend. “Of all the people to question my loyalty! How many times have I saved your ass, you ungrateful, little-” Benuk very wisely stands up, effectively putting his large mass in between the two.
I have to admit that Seth has a valid point. The correct answer to his question would be twice. Two separate times that Seth clearly saved Kyle’s butt from ge
tting killed, and even earned him a bullet in his calf once. It turned out to be a pretty superficial wound and Seth’s Nephume blood helped him to heal quickly from it. He’s more than proved himself time and again these past six months and even I’m surprised by the quick assumptions of more than one person in this room. Kyle isn’t the only one questioning him.
“That’s enough!” Zane barks. We’ve all been in the military long enough now that the training kicks in, and all three men follow the direct order immediately and sit back down.
“It’s obvious to me that Seth did the right thing,” he explains. “He knew that this man wouldn’t talk or listen to him if the other Mudameere or any of you knew about it. He’s extremely paranoid and for good reason. Fortunately, none of the other men knew Seth and so he was able to control the situation. And it worked. This guy and Seth were childhood friends and he’s been misled in much the same way that Seth was. He now believes that we are the correct side to fight for and he’s divulged some extremely helpful information, including which facility the professor was last seen at. We believe that even if he has been moved since then, we’ll be able to find him.”
As this information and all of its implications sink in, there’s a moment of silence. I battle with my own conflicting emotions of betrayal over being left out of this by Seth, but joy at the possibility of finding Professor Hassan.
I can see the rest of my team begin to smile and relax as they accept the explanation and grasp the enormity of yet another victory in such a short span of time. But I’m not so quick to join in. Instead, I gather up the mass of wet hair caught behind me and lift it over my shoulder, trying to shift the weight. Staring down into its dark, inky swirls, I envision myself falling into it and escaping from having to think about anything for just a while. Rubbing again at the headache pounding in my temples, I wish I could simply accept the news and be happy about it, but nothing in this life is easy anymore. It all comes with a price.