by Nick Braker
Magnus’ shoulders dropped. He motioned her to the side, stepping away from the other three. Ruth followed, holding her hand out behind her to the others. She didn’t want them to follow.
“You’re really going to do this?” Magnus whispered.
“Orders.”
“I thought we had something together. Where’s the trust?” he asked.
“We do, damn it, so don’t make this hard,” Ruth said. “I do trust you, but I can see you’re still hurt and I know you well enough to know you put your heart ahead of your brains.”
Magnus half rolled his eyes. “Miguel is heading south to his hideout.”
“Threat is neutralized for now,” Ruth said. “You need to heal... on several levels.”
Ruth leaned in and kissed him gently on his cheek. “You know I love you, but I have to do this.”
“Do wha-” He felt cold metal on his wrist and a quick metallic clicking sound.
Handcuffs?
“You’re coming in with me,” Ruth said, gazing into his eyes. “You can come along kicking and screaming or we can hold hands like young lovers vacationing in Managua.”
“Son of a-”
“Hey, boss man,” Li Xin said. “Watch the fucking language. You know damn well how we feel about cursing.”
Ruth tapped Magnus’ right ear.
“Magnus, get back to HQ,” Alexandria said. “That is an order.”
He stared at Li Xin. “Yes, fucking, Ma’am.”
Li Xin laughed. “The boss lady always gets what she wants.”
Kron - Katerra’s Chambers
Wednesday, October 14, 1987 - 05:20am
Katerra
The containment field slowly lowered Katerra to the floor. The mapping process finished, returning Katerra to her own body.
“Reversal of neural projection complete,” the computer said. “Tracking system, nominal. Bio-scan readings, abnormal. Power systems, full and stable. Containment field, powered down. Neural Projection System, conduit is closed and link disengaged between subjects. Awaiting your command.”
Katerra knelt, unsure if she could stand. Her breath came in quick, short bursts and her heart pounded hard as she put her hand down to steady herself. Her hands had claws. Katerra’s eyes narrowed.
What?
She had transformed into Ryikoda, her mating form. The change normally happened when a female chose to procreate with a male. Satirra had changed, at least once, during a mission to Earth. At the time, Katerra had ordered Satirra to keep the information to herself while Katerra wiped the logs. Katerra had options that no one else would understand or accept. If she had to use those options, it would require secrecy. Satirra had changed to Ryikoda while on Earth, which was an impossibility according to the science behind the neural projection system. The Omarii had been modified and trained to assess and neutralize threats to the people of Kron and their training included quick thinking and adaptation. Previously, Kron had to react after the fact to threats from other species before she stole the TLA system from the Aliri. Now, they could anticipate attacks. Earth had been one of the planets the system had warned Kron about. Humans it seemed were very volatile creatures and the system indicated an attack within the next two years.
I mated with that... human. Why?
“Computer,” she whispered. She swallowed, struggling to speak. “Clarify abnormal.”
“Subject: Omarii, Katerra. Bio-scans reveal elevated levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.”
She swallowed again, trying to get her normal voice back. “Computer,” she said, just above a whisper. “How does this continue to happen? The human species is not like Kron. Humanoid, like a thousand other races, does not indicate similarity and certainly not genetic compatibility.”
“Data from the TLA system indicates 24 strand DNA in humans and 23 strand DNA in Kron. Their physiological systems should have no effect upon your neural responses, yet each Omarii returns compromised to various degrees. If data did not exist regarding humans and Kron genetic structure, a conclusion that both species are identical would be a possibility.”
“Supposition?” Katerra breathed.
“Since genetic differences are critical to preventing physical acceptance of a mental host, it is more likely the data is in error.”
The edges of Katerra’s lips curled slightly. Alestron had tricked her. Somehow the Aliri had determined that Kron was intercepting the data from their probes. They had fed her bad intelligence on Earth. If they were trying to keep human information a secret, then there must be a reason behind it. What was it?
I promise you, Alestron, you will lose. Winning a battle does not mean you will win the war. I will destroy your race and ensure no living being will ever remember you or your people.
Chapter 5
TESS
Earth - Washington, D.C.
Thursday, October 15, 1987 - 01:00am
Magnus
Magnus woke.
What time is it?
His body ached and he felt tired. How much time had passed since returning to D.C.? His last memories were the plane ride back to the states with Ruth, getting orders from Tom to report to WSO’s special hospital, and Alexandria telling him he was confined to this bed until healed. Ruth had stayed with him several hours last night. It seemed everyone had orders for him that conflicted with his thoughts about what he should be doing.
Ruth had looked exhausted and, after he promised her he wouldn’t try to leave, she had left to get some sleep. Not only did they want him to recuperate, but they also informed him it was time for his new upgrades. The doctors surgically implanted the upgraded EP devices Grep had mentioned. They removed his old device from one ear and surgically installed two new devices.
I’m foggy. Must be the anesthesia.
Magnus checked the clock on the nightstand next to his bed. It was just past one in the morning.
His first implant surgery had gone well but this time Magnus had a headache which meant the anesthesia must be wearing off. Magnus found himself in bed in a plush, upscale room. It looked like a hotel room, but it certainly wasn’t one since the bed had the rails and the typical white sheets and pillows found in hospitals. Behind him, a large panel held various monitoring devices, oxygen line hookups, and a few other connections he didn’t recognize. His room was quiet except for a soft, regular blip coming from his heart monitor. The half-moon’s light was bright tonight and showed clearly through the crystal-clear sky and his room’s window. The moon was set against the blackness of space, hanging motionless in the air. The effect amplified the quiet of his room.
Magnus lifted both hands to feel the backs of his ears. Behind each ear, he felt a patch of gauze and some tape holding them in place. Unlike the other agents who would get their EPs implanted, he would heal quickly with his alien augmentation. His injuries from the explosion in Nicaragua were on the mend and he anticipated another day would do it.
Magnus couldn’t sleep. The Aliri augmentation had given him the ability to stay awake for up to 22 hours each day. He functioned perfectly fine on a few hours of sleep.
Miguel, AKA the Omarii bitch from hell, weighed heavily on his mind and sitting around doing nothing about it wasn’t going to last long. He rolled over to one side, facing the window, replaying the events in Managua. The Omarii had set a trap for Magnus and team indicating the Kron knew who they were.
Shit. What team? Everyone I know is getting killed.
The Kron wanted him dead. Magnus had stopped them twice now and they certainly weren’t the type to give up.
Wait... why hadn’t they just projected themselves into one of us?
Grep, for example, would be a great reconnaissance tool. He had access to ultra-sensitive computer systems and knowledge they could use very effectively against anyone in WSO. Had they? The Kron had gone to a lot of trouble to kill them in the building explosion when it would have been easier to mentally take one of them over. Were they immune? Was it something the Aliri d
id during the augmentation? There is no way the Kron would avoid it unless they simply couldn’t.
Magnus heard a noise coming from his bathroom. He turned off the heart monitor and pulled off the leads, slipping his legs off the bed. He stood and then paused, grabbing hold of it. Magnus felt a moment of dizziness, but it cleared. Steadying himself, he started toward the door, trying to move quietly.
It opened. A woman, wearing only a hospital gown, stood within the doorway, even her feet were bare.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” the woman said. “I was certain no one was in this room and I wanted another pillow. Since I was already in the restroom, I ducked in here to steal one.”
Magnus stared at her. Was she telling the truth? Was this one of the Kron? He took in every detail he could. She had long black hair tied up in a bun in the back. Two small white gauze patches and tape were stuck just behind each ear. Her hospital gown was sheer and the light from the restroom behind her allowed her silhouette to come through the thin material. Magnus swallowed. Her breasts were large and, as his eyes moved down her body, he could see her perfect hourglass design through the material.
“Well,” he said, “you can have one of mine.”
Magnus pulled his eyes up. One of her hands went to her forehead and she leaned against the door frame trying to steady herself. He rushed toward her, grabbing hold of her arms.
“Whoa,” she said, staggering. “The anesthesia must still be working.”
“I got ya.”
“The dizziness is fading some. Thank you. I’m sorry, I almost forgot to introduce myself.”
She smiled at him, her dark brown eyes sparkling. He still held her, but he shifted his hands up to her shoulders, keeping her steady.
“May I take a seat?” she asked.
“Over here,” Magnus said.
He led her to a recliner between his bed and window. She sat down.
“I think you still forgot to introduce yourself,” Magnus continued, returning her smile.
“I thought I already did,” she said.
“Nope. I still don’t know your name.”
“I’m agent Jackson. Rhea Jackson. You are Magnus Carson, agent extraordinaire.” She giggled. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” Rhea said, “the anesthesia is still working.” She giggled some more and buried her face in her hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be,” Magnus said. “I understand, but I have to ask, how do you know me?”
“Don’t be silly. Everyone at the agency knows who you are,” she giggled even more. “Oh, my god, I can’t seem to stop.”
I need to divert her attention.
“Rhea,” Magnus said. “How many assignments have you been on?”
“Eight,” she said, “since this all began. Long hours, long travel, weeks at a time.”
He sat down on the arm of the chair, keeping her supported.
“Yeah, I know the feeling,” he said.
“You are cuter in person.” Rhea reached her hand up to cover his, but quickly returned it to her lap. She kept her eyes on him, smiling like a school girl meeting a boy for the first time. She took a deep breath. “Anyway. I’m back in the states now and getting the surgery, too.” Rhea’s eyes drooped, then refocused again on Magnus.
I can’t pass up this opportunity to flirt.
“You know,” Magnus said, “since you are under the influence of anesthesia, you can’t sign any power of attorney, wills, drive a car, etc.... In fact, you should be in bed. Someone could take advantage of you in your current state, perhaps get you to sign away your life savings or you might fall in love with the first cute guy you meet. It could happen, I’m just saying.”
She snickered. “It’s good that you’re here to keep me safe. Would you lead me to my bed?” She paused, taking another deep breath and then continued. “I’m still dizzy. It feels like the earth is moving... around me.”
Damn, this conversation sounds so cheesy, but boy is it working. Can she be any more endearing than the openness the anesthesia is causing?
“I would be happy to help. Here, take my hand.”
Magnus stood to her left with his right arm around her shoulders. He kept hold of her left hand with his. They walked into the bathroom, heading toward her room which adjoined it. The bathroom contained all the usual amenities, but this one had a walk-in shower. Rhea smoothly disengaged from him, disrobed, stepped into the shower and turned the water on.
“I need something to clear my head. You?” she asked.
Magnus quickly lost the hospital gown and joined her in the shower. She had her back to him when he pulled her into him by the waist. Magnus kissed her on the neck, holding her close. She was quite open about her body and her sexuality. In hindsight, her mannerisms were clear; when she touched his hand, the constant eye contact and the comments she made to him that were veiled sexual innuendos. She knew who he was and planned this from the beginning.
It’s good to have a reputation.
She reciprocated his advances, turning to face him. She pushed herself hard against him and then she kissed him deeply, her breasts and stomach flat up against him. Rhea put her arms on his shoulders and pushed downward, guiding him to the floor of the shower. He complied, sitting Indian style and she straddled him. The water had warmed up and rained down on them, adding to the sensual effect. She ran her fingers through his hair and once again pulled him in for a kiss. She was the experienced type and had played him well.
I can’t believe I fell for those cheesy lines. Too easy. I’ll blame the anesthesia.
Magnus was willing to let her have the lead for a bit longer, but it was not his style. He planned to lay her down on the floor of the shower when he felt her arms circle behind his head, pulling him closer to her. When she did, he entered her. The pleasure made him lose track momentarily and he felt her hand on his jaw. It was not a natural place to put her hand. Magnus’ body automatically stiffened as he felt her wrench his head around. Her arms were around his head and she had grabbed his jaw tightly, trying to get leverage on him. His reflexes and strength barely kept his neck from getting snapped. Magnus tried to pull her arm off his jaw, but she was already hitting him in the head behind his right ear. The two blows lanced through him so strongly he nearly passed out. The blows were expertly placed over his surgical incision. He pulled back to hit her. She put both thumbs into his eye sockets. Magnus reacted, grabbing her wrists and yanking them downward. Pain stabbed through his eyes now. He couldn’t open them. She had blinded him. Rhea still straddled him which brought his attention to her legs. She squeezed his ribcage and Magnus screamed out from the sudden jolt of fresh pain. Her legs were incredibly strong and the pressure she exerted also made it hard to breathe. He would have to get her off him or several ribs were going to break, giving her a decided advantage. He jabbed several shots to her head, but she had buried her face into his neck, biting him. He couldn’t land a solid shot as she used her arms for protection.
“Just die,” she yelled into his ear.
Magnus grabbed her by her butt cheeks, lifting her up as hard as he could while laying back as fast as he could. She went forward, ramming her head into the shower wall. She took a nasty hit to the top of her head. It stunned her. Her viselike grip around his ribs released. Magnus shifted his weight, twisting the two of them around. He got on top of her. Rhea was alert again. She started punching while trying to get her legs locked around him from behind. He pounded his fists into her face getting in three good blows.
Magnus screamed. Rhea had her left hand closed around his testicles. The pain in his ribcage paled in comparison to the crushing affect she had on his anatomy. He had to break the hold or this was over.
“This is more my style,” she said. “Debilitating, isn’t it?”
Magnus grabbed her left wrist with his right hand, holding it in place. In the same motion, he brought his strength and weight down on her forearm. Her elbow was on the shower floor when his left palm hit her arm. It snapped cleanly above the
wrist. She screamed. He pushed off getting his back to the wall of the shower away from her. He covered himself with both hands, still struggling with the crushing pain she had caused. Magnus was hunched over, still unable to see. He opened and closed his eyes several times trying to get a sense of her position. It didn’t help but he did hear her get up.
“That was a stupid move,” she managed to say through clenched teeth.
He was vulnerable. Whatever was coming next, he couldn’t see to stop it. The bathroom door opened. “Maybe,” he said, “but we have company.”
Rhea spun around. Tom slammed her in the head with the butt of his gun.
Earth - Washington, D.C.
Thursday, October 15, 1987 - 07:00am
Tess
Tess opened her eyes, finding herself shackled by her wrists and ankles. She lay on the floor of a small room with a bright light overhead. A chair at her feet was pushed under a metal table with another chair on the other side of it. She rolled over getting on her elbows and knees. She leaned back on her heels. The chains rattled loudly in the small room. Tess squinted, trying to get her eyes accustomed to the light. She put one elbow on the chair and the other on the table, leveraging herself into the seat. They had captured her and her ruse as Rhea was done.
She looked at herself in the mirror along the wall in front of her. It covered the upper half from end to end. They were watching her. A door to the room was on the right-side wall, near the mirror. It was closed and likely locked. It didn’t matter, the chains held her in place. She wasn’t going anywhere.
Well, I might as well have a little fun.
Tess estimated the eye level of the person behind the mirror and fixated on that point, staring. Peripherally Tess noticed her arm had a cast on it.
Ah, that’s right. The bastard broke my arm. How the hell did he have enough strength to do that?
They must have given her pain medication because she could only feel a gnawing throbbing inside the cast. That would have to wait as she heard a woman’s voice arguing with a male voice. It was faint and it sounded like it was coming from behind the mirror. The male voice she recognized as Magnus, but the female voice was unfamiliar to her. They were shouting at each other, but she couldn’t understand what they were saying.