Casey let out a silent snort. But before you left, you helped them get here. That’s what the sergeant said back in that medical lab. What did you do?
Thorn turned his head to the side. I recruited numerous soldiers, bought weapons and ships, and created training camps. I’m ashamed to say that’s only the start. He brainwashed me, like all the others, with his propaganda. I truly thought I was fighting for a worthy cause and gave it my all. Even still, I was always against the cruel experimentation.
I can tell you have a good heart.
General Ashtar saw that too. When his soldiers captured me a year ago, I knew I was as good as dead. But instead of executing me, General Ashtar spared my life and showed me the light. I switched sides. The point is, I stopped when I realized, and I’ve been trying to take down the rebels ever since.
So you just met General Ashtar not too long ago? she asked.
I’ve worked with General Ashtar for hundreds of years on many missions before I went bad, straying off the path. I’ve done countless things for this galaxy, but nobody cared once I joined my brother. The general and I became sworn enemies—until I came to my senses decades later. Now, my brother is my sworn enemy.
That explained why Tio tried to kill Thorn by shooting down his ship. He was angry because his brother left their so-called “worthy cause”. Casey shook her head. So, why destroy humans then? Doesn’t he need us for his experiments?
Humans live on different planets all throughout the Milky Way. He can get them from anywhere.
That’s right! Back in Agartha, Commander Gallant had told her that every planet in the solar system was inhabited. She still had a hard time wrapping her head around that one.
A chant rose up from the aliens, “Destroy the humans! Destroy them all!”
Casey shuddered, but in order to blend in, she forced the evil words out of her mouth.
Commander Tio stepped forward. “I enlisted the talents of the most brilliant scientists in the universe and convinced them to design a weapon capable of vaporizing carbon-based beings with human DNA.”
More cheers erupted.
Thorn leaned in toward Casey. Convinced them? More like he kidnapped and forced them to do his dirty work. They fought Commander Tio every step of the way.
Tio raised his hand until the crowd fell silent. “I can well guess your quandaries, comrades. Why must we wait to destroy the humans? Why didn’t I order their annihilation when we first arrived in orbit?” The commander locked his hands behind his back and paced the tiny circle where he stood. “We ran into problem after problem, thanks to the scientists. I was beyond furious. In my haste, I executed them before I discovered the locking mechanism they installed on the device for transport. It took our technicians one Earth day to decipher the lock and free the weapon for use. We activated the device immediately, but nothing happened. The scientists also damaged the time control microchip. My computer technicians assure me it will fire, but not for another six hours.”
The guy was a madman, plotting to kill every human on Earth and take over their planet, all because of a tragic accident. Her heart went out to the poor scientists. It seemed as if they tried everything to stop the lunatic, from jamming the lock, to tinkering around with the time control chip before they were killed. It bought Earth precious time. Had the scientists not created those problems and distractions, Commander Tio would’ve killed everyone the second he entered Earth’s atmosphere. He would have already been moving into Earth’s cities that very minute.
Now she understood why all those enemy ships hovered over Agartha. They were waiting for the weapon to fire, but everything was delayed because of the sabotage created by the scientists. She imagined the rebel Greys still hung out above the city, just biding their time until dawn. Her stomach churned at the thought.
Those dedicated scientists sacrificed their lives to help save every human being. They were true heroes. She’d always remember the people who saved her life, and somehow, she’d find a way to pay tribute to them.
Tio’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Their fate’s been sealed. Their destruction was delayed, but it’ll occur. Their vaporization will be completed.” He raised his fists again. “By tomorrow morning, the third planet in this solar system will be ours. Sweet victory shall be our revenge!”
The assembled troops jumped up and cheered. Casey grabbed hold of Mike’s arm and rose to her feet, joining in as her heart thumped hard. There she was, wasting time with the enemy while Jack’s last minutes were running out. She peered around exasperated, wondering when Tio would stop his tirade so she could get on with it.
Half an hour, Thorn answered in her mind.
“Let’s make a beeline for the door,” whispered Mike.
Casey nudged him and shook her head as Commander Tio resumed his monologue. “No one will stop us because we’ll fight with all we have. What else could be more important than the survival of our own species?” He scanned the room. When no one said anything in response, he answered his own question, “Nothing! Not even our own life. Our people will finally have a place to call home. Many of you wish to acquire land to start a new life. It’s a simple request, but I can give you so much more. Think of a city you’d wish to rule, then close your eyes and picture it.”
A chorus of mutters and whispers rose through the room. Casey craned her neck as she stared at several dots blinking on the hologram, hovering in midair.
“Do you see the great city before you?” asked Commander Tio. “It’s yours! Consider it my reward to you for saving your race, for providing a future for our kind. I’ll make you rich beyond your wildest dreams. You shall never have to worry about your own existence ever again.”
The aliens roared with excitement and started to clap.
Not that sick, shameless enthusiasm again. Casey groaned inwardly and joined in.
Mike jumped to his feet and let out a long whistle.
“What’re you doing?” she hissed.
“I’m blending in. What else?” he whispered and started clapping and cheering louder than the others.
So much for keeping a low profile until we can make a run for it. “Stop it!” She nudged him in the ribs.
The commander stopped, and all eyes turned to Mike. His cheering cut through the sudden silence like a knife. The commander turned slowly, glaring in Mike’s direction.
Casey swallowed hard, and her chest tightened. She decided then and there that if they made it out alive, she was going to kick Mike’s butt all the way home and then some. Jack’s life—as well as their own and everyone else’s—depended on them, and she couldn’t believe Mike would put them all at risk like that.
Mike stopped clapping, cleared his throat, and sat down, but the damage was done. She peered around, silently imploring everyone to return to their fanatic promises of destruction and whatever else they were doing, but luck wasn’t on her side.
Thorn shook his head. Why’s your friend acting like this?
Casey looked away. Because he’s an idiot.
Does he not know the meaning of undercover? asked Thorn.
The aliens’ gazes remained fixed on Mike, and Casey’s heart thumped louder as she wondered what they were waiting for.
“I don’t like anyone interrupting me.” Commander Tio broke the silence with a growl.
Casey gulped as she rested her finger on the trigger of the gun secured in her holster.
“But all of you should pay attention, for that’s the kind of soldier I want to run my fleets of ships,” said Tio. “I want every one of you to adopt this attitude.”
Some looked still hesitant, but the applause started again, growing louder than before.
Tio clapped the hardest. “More applause, my friends! Thank you, soldier, for sharing your enthusiasm with us. Our race needs people like you, and I’d like a word with you after the meeting. Today, you will be moving up in rank.”
Mike stood and bowed, and Casey let out a silent groan and closed her eyes. Who does he
think he is?
Inching nearer, Mike’s thigh brushed hers as he whispered, “I could have a career here.”
“Yeah, if they don’t kill you first.” Still, as soon as she got her hands on him, he was dead meat. Only Mike could act like a dummy and get a promotion. She couldn’t take another minute of the meeting. They needed to get Jack, fast, before those lights came back on—or else they were screwed.
Thorn’s thoughts echoed again. Fifteen minutes.
The soldiers stood again and resumed their singing, this time something that sounded like a national anthem, the noise scratching against her inner ear. As she scanned the room for exits, she wished for a pair of earplugs. The one to her right was obstructed by several aliens, but the one across the room wouldn’t require moving anyone. If they could only make it through the crowd without being spotted, they’d be out in no time. Thorn, can we make a break for it right now? Before those lights come back on?
He nodded.
She nudged Mike and gestured for him to follow.
The crowd jumped up and down; she felt the floor vibrate under her feet as she moved slowly, creeping through the soldiers to the back of the room. The singing grew louder. It had to be the worst concert she’d ever attended, but it probably would have gotten a million hits on YouTube.
A trickle of sweat ran down her back. A few more feet, and she stood in front of the door, then scanned the room again. Nobody so much as glanced in their direction. With a flick of her hand, she motioned Thorn and Mike to follow, then sneaked out the door.
The corridor seemed deserted. Casey peered behind her to ensure that no one was following them, then lifted her visor. Mike followed suit. Grabbing his collar, she pulled him close, whispering, “What was that all about?”
“What?” asked Mike, with mocked innocence.
“In there?” She shook her head. “I don’t believe you! You could have—”
He shrugged and cut her off. “I was just playing the part, that’s all. You know I’m into acting.”
Casey let go of his shirt. “Fine, but we’re pretty freaking far from Hollywood.”
“Playing the part?” Thorn let out a slow hiss. “You’re not the brightest star in the sky, are you? Your little performance could’ve gotten us killed! Even worse, you gambled the lives of every human being on Earth. If someone discovers us, we can’t chip the weapon, and there will be no hope for the human race. Pull a stunt like that again, and you’ll find yourself…” Thorn rubbed his temples and looked Mike square in the eye. “Keep up with your foolish pranks, and you’ll be floating back home—if there is even a home left for you!”
Casey balled her hands into fists. “If this isn’t important to you, then at least start thinking of Jack. He’s always been a friend to you.”
Mike opened his mouth to speak, but Thorn pressed his finger under Mike’s chin and said, “You’re impulsive and reckless, and you’re jeopardizing our mission.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, backing up against the wall.
“I’ll let this one slide, but shape up. Start acting like you know what’s at stake.” Thorn turned and walked away. “Are you coming?” he yelled over his shoulder.
Casey gave Mike’s hand a squeeze and pulled him along.
Thorn shot them a sideways glance. “Just remember, we can’t stun the guard until he puts in the code to let Jack out. So no shooting. If you shoot, there will be no code and no Jack. Got that?”
Casey and Mike both nodded. It sounded like a good plan to her since she wasn’t into violence anyway. Thorn knew what he was doing, so she and Mike would just follow his lead. They had no other choice if they wanted to save their friend, their world, and themselves.
Chapter 4
The corridor ended in a circle with a security station situated in the middle. Black metal doors lined the round back wall, reminding Casey of the cul-de-sac at the end of a street. She forced her gaze away from the engraved details and stared ahead. Her heart raced, and her hands sweated a river under her too-tight gloves. Jack was close; she could feel it. They couldn’t make a mistake, but Thorn’s plan was as simple as it appeared bold: a daring prison escape without proper weapons and enough manpower. She would have felt safer with a pickaxe, some ropes, and a few sticks of dynamite. And a few mixed martial arts fighters wouldn’t have been bad either.
Thorn paced faster with Casey and Mike following in step behind him. When she looked up, she gulped.
A soldier shifted his stance. “Halt. State your business.”
“I see you’re great at what you do,” said Thorn. “Maybe a little too eager, but one can never be too careful.” He straightened and raised his voice, confidence oozing through every pore. “I’m Lieutenant Buckers, serving as the medical team coordinator with Dr. Fanthoms.”
The guard shook his head. “I’ve never heard of any Lieutenant Buckers.”
“Well, that leads me to believe you are either new or ignorant,” said Thorn frostily. “Learn the names of your superiors. Others won’t be as understanding as I am.” He pointed behind the guard. “Now, enough of your incompetence. I’m here to transport the human prisoner.”
“Commander Tio ordered a deep sleep.” The guard looked at his chronometer. “It is scheduled an hour from now.”
Thorn clapped his shoulder. “Change of plans, soldier. Commander Tio has instructed my top medical team to examine the prisoner now, in the med lab.”
The guard stood his ground as Thorn tried to walk past. He lifted up his visor and glared. “If that is so, why didn’t anyone tell me?”
“Looks like I’m doing it right now,” said Thorn.
Casey barely dared to breathe as the guard’s eyes moved from Thorn to her and then back to Thorn again. She let out an exaggerated sigh. “We need to put him on ice.”
“I’m not sure I can…” The guard took a deep breath, and his shoulders slumped as his eyes moved across the hall, as though he hoped someone might miraculously appear and jump to his rescue. “Let me call someone—or, even better, wait for the others to get back from the meeting.”
“We don’t have that kind of time,” said Mike.
Thorn grabbed the guard’s shoulders and looked into his eyes. “Don’t you see, friend? This human could be the answer to all of our problems. There’s hope for our people who’re suffering. With his special DNA, we can truly make a difference.”
“It didn’t work last time,” whispered the guard.
Casey could not ponder how uncaring, unremorseful they were after all the people they’d killed in the name of so-called research. Her stomach clenched. If Jack died, they’d just move on to the next sample as soon as they could find one.
“He is the key to perfecting the formula,” Thorn continued to lie, “and we know it’ll work this time. All we need is the perfect specimen—the one you’re supposed to hand over right now, before it’s too late.”
The guard nodded and stepped aside. “This is great news indeed. But I thought dark-haired Agarthians didn’t exist anymore. The commander said he killed them all.”
Casey took a step closer, putting on her best performance. “This is his last chance at getting his hands on one. We’re so close to a cure. That’s why Commander Tio says there’s not a moment to spare.”
The guard hesitated again, the different emotions crossing his face. “I understand, but I need verification first.”
He was a hard nut to crack, and Casey was sure that one day, he’d be promoted, if he didn’t get his butt kicked for breaking protocol. Obviously, he knew that, too, because he seemed unable to make a decision one way or the other.
“Is this identification enough?” Thorn whipped out a syringe filled with the blue liquid and microchip. “This will humanely kill him in less than five minutes. We have another team right behind us with a gurney. By the time they get here, the human will be more manageable.” Thorn smirked as he said, “Step to the side please. Our scientists need this body for immediate experimentation, and n
either them nor Tio will be happy to hear that you’ve made them wait due to your inability to cooperate.”
Thorn was good at his little act, leaving James Bond in the dust. If she didn’t know better she would have fallen for it herself. Casey almost laughed in spite of her fear.
The soldier held up a hand. “Lethal injection? You mean you’re killing him right here? On the spot? I wasn’t informed about that either.”
So he does have a conscience. For a moment, Casey felt bad for the poor soldier. No one should be forced to act against their better judgment, not even for a bluff.
“You’re stalling,” Thorn hissed, reaching into his backpack. He pulled out a thin, rectangular glass, about the size of a credit card, and handed it to the soldier. Black symbols lit up and flashed across it. He had even come prepared with a fake ID. Casey was quite impressed.
The soldier returned Thorn’s card. “You do have proper security clearance, but I still need official orders from my superior officer.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve developed a bond with this human—not after all the Earthlings have taken from us.”
The guard clenched his hands into fists. “How could you even say that? I hate everyone from Earth. Humans are cruel, selfish, and despicable. My entire family was wiped out on that fateful day. I lost my father, who was my hero, my mother, who meant the world to me, my beautiful wife, and my precious baby, who wasn’t even a year old.”
“Then you shouldn’t care what happens to the human,” Thorn said softly.
The guard stared at him, his eyes glinting coldly. “You’re right. He might not have been the one to pull the trigger, but his mere existence is proof that he’s guilty too. Euthanize the human boy immediately. I’ll accompany you.”
In the end, he fell for it, hook, line, and sinker, but Casey still felt awful. The poor soldier had lost everyone he loved. He was nothing but another victim in this horrible catastrophe. She could feel his pain and anger. Why did that stupid probe have to enter their airspace? Why couldn’t it just have burned up and disintegrated? She imagined the Russian scientists’ faces after their probe was swallowed by the depths of space. They were probably worried about all the data they lost, completely oblivious to the events they’d just set in motion that could ultimately lead to the extinction of every inhabitant of Earth.
Persevere: Book 6 in The Trapped in the Hollow Earth Novelette Series Page 4