Saven Deliverance

by Siobhan Davis

  “If it worked, if it brought the Amaretti to their knees, then I’ll do it. This is bigger than me.”

  “Why you?” Jarod pipes up. “Why does it always have to be you?”

  I half-expect Logan to kiss Jarod when he voices that opinion.

  My gaze skims over my friends. “I made a promise to myself when this all kicked off—that I wouldn’t sit on the sideline, that I wouldn’t be a silent bystander, that I would fight for everything I believed in, and I still abide by that commitment. I want the future I deserve, the future the stars deserve, and if it means that I have to show my true self in front of the universe, then I will do it. For me. For all of us. For peace. For humanity’s sake.”

  I glance out the window, the world looking serene and peaceful despite the chaos that rages like wildfire. “For the friends we’ve lost along the way. I won’t ever stop fighting because then their deaths will have been for nothing.” I turn and face Jarod. “That’s why I’ll do it. If it has to be me.”

  Logan kisses my forehead, winding his arms around me as the weight of my words settle in the room.

  “Logan! Sadie! You need to come back! Now!” Haydn doesn’t need to be in the room for us to sense the frantic nature of his statement.

  “What’s wrong? What’s happened now?” Logan asks. I sense, and share, his utter resignation.

  “It’s Dali and Win. They’re gone, Logan. I think she’s decided to take matters into her own hands.”

  CHAPTER 18

  “What do you know?” Logan asks the minute we touch down in the compound. It’s late and the place is like a ghost town. Our footsteps are the only sound echoing in the empty corridors as Haydn ushers us toward the control room.

  “I was heading to bed when Luc came looking for me. He was monitoring the grounds when he picked up movement at the far gate. By the time he figured out who it was, it was too late. Win incapacitated the sentries, and they stole a Humvee and took off.”

  Haydn pushes into the bright control room which is a hive of activity unlike the rest of the facility.

  Luc stands up at his workstation, gesturing us forward with a frantic wave of his hands. As we approach, he moves sideways, motioning for Logan to sit down. “She sent you a private message.”

  I hunch over the back of Logan’s chair as he taps in a couple of numbers and the screen activates.

  Dali’s sober face greets us as Win paces the floor behind her. “Logan, don’t get mad, I have to try to reason with him—there are too many lives at stake.” Win cusses in the background, and it’s obvious he wasn’t happy with this plan, but there was no way he was letting her go it alone. “I’ll try to get my father to surrender, but, if I fail, I know how you can defeat him. I’ve spent the last few hours detailing a strategy for getting onto the mother ship and deactivating the server which controls all the other ships and the military drones. Then you astral possess my father and send out a comm instructing everyone to down arms and surrender. It will work, although I can’t guarantee it will work without some fighting, but it’s the best I could come up with.”

  “I don’t understand why we can’t propose that plan and help implement it,” Win interjects. “Why do you have to do this?” he implores.

  Shades of yellow and gold flit underneath the surface of Dali’s skin. “Because I want him to do the right thing, Win, and I need to give him the opportunity to do that.”

  “Dali.” Win pulls her up out of her seat, gently cupping her face. A pink blush creeps over his skin, only visible to my eyes. “And I love you for that. Well, for much more than that, but your compassion blinds you to the facts. Your father doesn’t think or feel the same way you do, and you know it. He will not give up without a fight. This is basically a suicide mission.”

  She removes his hands. “Maybe, but I can’t bear it if more innocent lives are lost because I was too selfish to try. I’m doing this, but you don’t have to come. I’ll go alone.”

  He shakes his head, a muscle clenching in his jaw. “I’m not letting you go up there on your own.” He reaches out, snatching her hand, linking his fingers in hers. “We’re in this together.” And then he kisses her, long and hard, seemingly blasé that the comm is still recording. Or maybe, he’s forgotten about it.

  Dali breaks away, her face a vibrant pink mask as she returns to the screen. “We are doing this. Wish me luck and if it doesn’t work, activate the backup plan. I sent you everything you need to infiltrate the mother ship. I hope you can understand. Don’t come after us. We’ll see you all soon.”

  With that parting note, the screen dies, and we all stare at one another.

  “Extract the plan and project it, please,” Logan asks, looking between Luc and Jarod.

  Jarod slips into a chair, his fingers tapping effortlessly off the keyboard. “Done.”

  Vin summons a digital screen, and we watch as Dali’s plan unloads. We spend the better part of an hour reviewing it, making notes, and discussing the viability of same. It’s a solid idea, and it might work, but there’s considerable risk.

  We call it a night shortly after that, agreeing to pick it up in the morning. We are all way too exhausted to make any concrete decisions now.

  Logan and I walk silently to our room hand in hand. I barely have enough energy to clean my teeth and get changed for bed, and I’m out for the count the second my head hits the pillow.

  An ear-splitting alarm wakes me a couple of hours later, and I rub my sleep-laden eyes as Logan shifts in the bed alongside me. “All active personnel report to Hangar One immediately,” a booming voice rings out. “Code Red. I repeat, Code Red.”

  “Crap.” I attempt to smother a yawn. “This can’t be good.”

  “No. Let’s go.” Logan slides out of the bed, stretching his arms above his head. I shake the last slivers of sleep and get up, a lot less enthusiastically than usual. We get dressed in record time, and then we head to the hangar.

  Absolute bedlam reigns supreme. Instructions bellow out over loudspeakers as armed Saven guards and rebel soldiers race toward ships. Vin approaches, waving us forward, and we follow him into a small side room. “The Amaretti have opened fire on Philadelphia. Our ground units are fighting back, but they need back up, and fast.”

  Dali’s intervention seems to have had the opposite effect, and she’ll be devastated at this latest turn of events.

  Haydn bursts into the room, breathless and all wound up. “The ships will take too long to get there. I’m rounding up a contingent of our most skilled men, and we’ll teleport there and do our best to hold them off. Get your ships in the air now, Vin. It’s chaos out there.”

  “I want to go,” I tell Logan. “I can help.” I know he’s unhappy, but he can’t deny I’m needed.

  Haydn and Logan strap a multitude of various weapons to their bodies, and I take a gun and a knife purely to pacify Logan. Memories of combat training on Torc are prevalent in my mind, helping to quell any nerves. I know how to defend myself in more ways than one.

  Logan opens his arms, and I go to him, squeezing my eyes shut as we teleport to Philadelphia. Haydn was in previous contact with the Saven officer in charge of operations in that area, and we teleport to meet him at the tourist observation deck as it has the best vantage point over the city.

  The officer bows at Logan as Haydn takes his arm, pulling him off to one side. I lean on the glass pane, pressing my nose to the window as I survey the horror outside. A multitude of different shaped and sized buildings are bathed in an eerie orange glow underneath a layer of darkness. In the distance, the river that cuts through the center of the city is barely visible. Small pockets of shrubbery are dotted here and there, breaking up the concrete monotony. But it’s the large alien ship hovering in the sky like the Angel of Death that captures and holds my attention. Sweeping slowly across the landscape, it secretes rays of fiery devastation in all directions. A little farther out, I spot more ships of mass destruction creeping across the skyline like rampaging monsters. Plumes o
f smoke and flames shoot up into the sky, bursting forth like volcanic eruptions. Loud, sonorous noises go off every couple of seconds, the sound only slightly muffled behind the glass cage of the observation deck.

  “We need to get down there before there’s no one left to save.” I turn to face a grave Logan.

  I can’t decide if it’s better that the populace is sleeping through this or not. Is it better to leave this world without any knowledge of what’s happening or to be conscious while the terrifying scene plays out?

  Drones—like tiny, annoying insects—spill out from the belly of the ships in a coordinated move. Weaving in and out, dipping up and down, they swoop toward ground level, obliterating everything in their path.

  Haydn approaches while the officer shouts commands at a bunch of guards congregated on the other side of the deck. “We’re heading out,” Haydn yells, ushering us forward. We run, joining the guards as a Saven craft hovers overhead. Logan pulls me to him, and we start elevating off the ground. Burying my head in his chest, I concentrate on how amazing he smells to deflect the memories swarming my mind. The last time I was in a similar position, Dante pushed me out of the craft into the churning waters below. I shudder as I attempt to banish the images from my mind.

  “I’ve got you, Angel.” Logan holds me flush against his body, reassuring me with his words and his touch.

  When we reach the main cabin area, Logan straps me in first before claiming the seat alongside me. I interlock our fingers as I stare at the row of Saven guards seated across the way. They seem slightly dazzled to be in the company of their king, many bowing their heads and showering Logan with awestruck looks.

  “My King,” one brave soul speaks up. “I do not wish to question your authority, but where we are going is no place for Mistress Sadie.” He nods respectfully at me, and it warms my heart to know not everyone despises me.

  “What is your name, soldier?” Logan asks.

  “Deputy Tre, my king.”

  “I know you,” Logan says.

  “Yes, My King. We met in the palace courtyard.”

  I place him now—he was the Saven guard we met out walking with his human girlfriend, Tamara.

  “I am grateful for your concern,” Logan adds, “and your observation is correct; however, Sadie has abilities we need if we are to successfully halt this attack.”

  A few inquisitive heads turn in my direction, but no one dares to question Logan further.

  My stomach lurches as the craft dips without warning. I tighten my grip on Logan’s hand as we swerve from side to side, maneuvering around enemy fire, the ship jerking and shuddering, my head flopping all over the place, before we land unceremoniously on flat ground with a resounding thud. A sharp sting shoots up my spine as my body lifts and slams back down in my seat with the impact. I rub my hand over my churning tummy, urging it to settle down.

  Harnesses retract in unison, and everyone scrambles to their feet. “My King,” Deputy Tre says, bowing before us. “Permission to accompany you and Mistress Sadie.”

  Logan looks to Haydn, and he shrugs. “Permission granted,” Logan says. “Let’s go.”

  A scouting party heads out first, and when we’ve been given the all clear, Haydn guides us out onto the street.

  Carnage awaits us on every corner. Whole buildings have been demolished, while others look like some unnatural beast took mountain-sized chunks out of the middle. Wreckage litters roads marred with craters and holes, and we have to watch carefully where we step. People flood the streets, most dressed in torn and bloodied pajamas, barefoot and stumbling, crying out loved one’s names. Inert bodies dot the ground like a gruesome scene from the worst apocalyptic movie. Smoldering, charred remains give rise to a pungent, acrid smell, infecting the air with noxious fumes.

  It takes considerable effort to remain unaffected. But I can’t let this get to me. I’m of no use to anyone if I can’t keep myself composed.

  “Watch out!” Haydn roars, and we all automatically spin around. A swarm of drones is approaching from the east, headed our way. Terrified screams surround us as men, women, and children run for cover. I race up a stacked pile of debris in the center of the road, using my hands to steady me as I scramble to reach the top. All around me, the Saven guards are taking up defensive positions, weapons at the ready, aimed skyward as they wait for the drones to come into closer proximity.

  I have no such qualms.

  Settling my feet on top of the pile, I find my balance and lift my wrists, aiming at the swarm of approaching drones. I channel everything I have, and the beam whips out from my wrists in a thick, steady layer. I sweep from left to right and back again, incinerating the incoming drones in a few minutes. Behind me, silence has engulfed the street.

  Cautiously, I turn around, sliding down onto the ground, purposely avoiding looking at anyone.

  Logan’s arm goes around my waist, and he reels me in, kissing me on the temple. “Well done.”

  I don’t acknowledge him because it seems wrong to accept praise for being an on-demand killing machine. The thought ties my stomach into knots. I look behind him, spotting the dazed shell-shocked looks on the Saven guards. My eyes lock on a little girl watching me from the pavement. Her mass of chocolate brown curls is tangled around her bloodstained face, a large gash visible on her right cheek. She is barefoot, and wearing a tattered gray woolen coat over her flimsy nightgown. An older girl is urging her forward, but she’s rooted to the ground, watching me through wide startled eyes. A worn brown teddy bear hangs from her limp fingers.

  I smile, making a move to walk toward her.

  She screams—the sound seeming to come from the very pit of her lungs—and jumps into her sister’s arms, squirreling her face in her chest. The older girl shoots me a loaded look before fleeing around the corner.

  My body trembles, and my hand shakes as turbulent emotion threatens to unravel me. Closing my eyes, I shake the upset and disappointment off, accepting Logan’s hug.

  A massive explosion up ahead distracts me instantly. Billowing clouds of smoke mushroom in the sky, and a huge shadow falls over the ground as one of the ships moves into our line of sight. I’m unsure if my display attracted their attention or if we’re just unlucky to have landed smack-dab in their radar.

  Haydn curses, shouting instructions, and the guards take off, some moving into buildings that are still erect, racing up floors to assume a better position.

  “My King,” Deputy Tre says, “We should get Mistress Sadie up on the roof.” He points to a building a couple of blocks ahead. “With her range, she could take them out from there.”

  I start running, and the others follow suit. A new group of drones breaks out of the ship, sweeping across the ground, firing arbitrarily. Instinctively, I raise my hands around my head as I sprint. The Saven take aim from their elevated positions in the building behind us, firing back, and attempting to divert attention from us.

  “Keep going, Sadie,” Haydn confirms in my head. “We have you covered.”

  I sprint ahead with renewed vigor, dodging shots and potholes, until I reach the building in question. The elevator is out, of course, so I start up the stairs, climbing it two steps at a time. The others race after me, and Haydn shoots me a grim grin as he darts past, taking up pole position.

  Suddenly, I’m hoisted off the ground and I shriek.

  “It’s okay, Mistress Sadie. I have you,” Deputy Tre says, holding me steady in his arms. “You shouldn’t wear yourself out.”

  I arch a brow at Logan, advancing behind us, chuckling when I spot his predictable frown.

  Haydn bursts through the door onto the roof, holding out a hand to keep us back. Very gently, Deputy Tre lets me down, tiptoeing out to assist Haydn in scanning the area. Logan comes up behind me, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Are you sure you have the energy for this? You didn’t get much sleep and that last attack must’ve drained you.”

  “I’m fine.” I twist around, kissing the underside of his jaw. “Hon
estly. I’m not too tired. I can do this. I need to do this.”

  “Clear,” Haydn confirms and we step out onto the roof.

  The ship is visible in the near distance, releasing streams of red-hot laser power over the ground below as it circles slowly around, rotating its aim. The military drones are engaged in battle with the Saven guards farther back, and it’s obvious they won’t be able to distract them for long. I walk with purpose toward the edge of the roof, drawing a deep breath as I center myself. Logan stands behind me, holding me firm at the waist.

  I position my wrist and fire. A steady beam streams out of my wrist, blasting a hole in the side of the ship.

  “Keep going, Sadie,” Haydn commands, and I continue attacking the ship, thrusting my fiery line up and down the length of it, rupturing the hull, ripping large chunks one piece at a time. My limbs grow heavy and I sway on my feet, but Logan is there to hold me up.

  “Aim at the center of the underbelly,” Haydn suggests. “According to Dali’s intel, that is where the technical hub resides in each ship. If you can volley a direct hit there, that should be enough to take it down.”

  I nod, squinting as I narrow my gaze in the spot he pinpointed. Summoning the last vestiges of my strength, I thrust my wrist out, screaming with exertion as I stream everything I have at the Amaretti ship. The blast causes the ship to tremble, swaying precariously from side to side, and a keening sound filters through the air. I hold my breath as I watch. The eruption turns into a bright orangey-red ball in the underbelly of the ship. Quickly, the flames spread, like wavering tentacles, creeping and crawling over every inch of the ship.

  We all drop to our knees, huddling together as the ship explodes with a tremendous bang, sending fragments of debris raining on the ground below. Spatters land on the roof, and I’m suddenly cocooned under three warm bodies, completely sheltered from the fallout. All around, shrieks and screams mix with the thunderous sound of falling rubble.