Control

by J. F. Jenkins

  “Right.” She moved closer to him, and trailed a hand along his stomach. It caused him to laugh. Orlando was ticklish just about everywhere. Tait smirked and then leaned up to kiss the spot on his jaw right under his ear. He blinked, a little startled by such a tender and seductive kiss, and in public.

  Her present better not be sexy lingerie, because I’m not sure I want that. Actually, I’m pretty positive I don’t. He laughed again at how her touch tickled. Shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But her body language seemed to suggest she wanted him in that way. Not something he was ready for, especially with his uncertainties about her. Besides, they’d only been together for a month and a half. That seemed too early, right?

  Gently, he pulled away, trying not to let his discomfort show. He didn’t want to discourage her at the moment because he did miss the affection. “Then I can’t wait. Should be a good Christmas.” For a change.

  Tait gazed up at him with so much love in her eyes it was almost overwhelming for him. No one had ever looked at him in that way. He was sure it was love because she’d told her brother she felt that way about him, and her brother told Orlando. His heart was racing, and breaking, at the same time. He saw all the good things inside of her that he cared about, and once again he was conflicted. He closed his eyes and kissed her forehead.

  When he pulled away, he was almost positive he saw Alan at the end of the hallway watching him. The alien didn’t stay long, and soon disappeared in the crowd.

  Chapter Twenty

  “You present a lot of interesting information. I am both pleased and surprised by all of these recent developments,” Sir Oriol said.

  Alan had been called into the man’s office shortly after he returned to the ship. They hadn’t spoken about his recent progress. There wasn’t much to share over the past few weeks. Alan had been busy with Sir Tuliy organizing the data they’d received from Dale’s meeting with the blue tribe, and from following Bean and Sprout around. The more information he had, the more solid his argument would be. Sir Tuliy had insisted Alan make the proposal.

  “It makes me happy to hear you are pleased sir,” Alan said.

  “I see your roommate is rubbing off on you. It’s good you are starting to understand good from evil more thoroughly. I’m sorry to hear your betrothed is an active member of the Basatlavan rebellion.” And Alan actually believed Sir Oriol meant it. “Saying something now was the right thing to do. Because of your courage, she may be shown mercy when the time comes to put her to justice for her crimes against Earth as well as our own planet.”

  “Yes.” It was the only thing that felt okay for Alan to say.

  He didn’t want to get deep and emotional with Sir Oriol, or let on that he was hurting in any way. In fact, he hadn’t even wanted to tell his superior about Alona being involved yet, but Sir Tuliy seemed to think it was a good idea to get it out of the way sooner rather than later. There were members on the ship who thought Alan was a traitor because of her. Alan proved his loyalty by confirming her involvement. He should have felt better knowing he did the right thing, but Alan was still upset.

  It is better. I must hold onto that. It’s better for both of us. And it might help him to get over her easier. Orlando is right, we do need a support group. Emotions are making this a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Why can’t I let go of the past? I’m not even attracted to her anymore. How could he be? Her wicked soul made her ugly in his eyes.

  “Now as for your charges...” Sir Oriol said, and he began to pace around the office.

  “What about them?” Alan asked, his body stiffening.

  “I am concerned they are not being utilized to their full potential.”

  “They’re new. I didn’t want to push them too hard too quickly into dangerous work.”

  “You’ve had two months with them. Shouldn’t they be fully trained by now?”

  Alan nodded. “They are fully trained. But they are also youth, and in their culture—”

  “I don’t need you to lecture me about their culture. I want you to push them harder. They are to be treated as Alturan soldiers, not Earth children. These recon missions have been useful, but too safe. We took on Earth charges so we could have soldiers who know and understand their battlefield.”

  “Then you should have thought harder before picking youth.” Alan shook his head.

  “You’ve grown soft. You didn’t disagree when you took on this task.”

  “I’m not softer, just realistic of my expectations of them.”

  “That’s also a problem then, because you should be expecting more. I’ve already spoken with Sir Tuliyogljaes and he agrees they have too much potential to only have them do research. Now, if you do not feel comfortable with leading this group through such tasks, then he is more than willing to step up and lead them along with his current group.” Sir Oriol stopped walking and faced Alan, his eyes narrowed and dark.

  Is he now? Alan’s fists clenched and he couldn’t believe he was so stupid to believe that Sir Tuliy didn’t have some kind of hidden agenda.

  “In one week there will be an initiation mission for all of the Basatlavan charges. Your team will do their part in stopping the mission, and from there I will decide what they are worth to our cause, and whose leadership they should be under,” Sir Oriol said firmly.

  “Yes sir,” Alan said with more confidence than he felt.

  “You may leave now.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  He left with more enthusiasm showing than he felt. A sign of weakness on his part, but Alan desperately wanted to be gone from his superior officer’s deck. Alan’s mind was moving quickly, repeating the entire conversation.

  I knew this would happen someday, but it’s so soon. Too soon, actually. I just gained control and a good balance with my group. Now how will I maintain it? Especially when my strongest team member does not like to be put in danger. Maybe Orlando will be persuaded otherwise now that his girlfriend is involved in the cause.

  The boy had issues with anything that could hurt him. His desire to be around to care for his sister was admirable but also a drawback.

  But Alan had to prove Orlando was valuable. He’d taken on charges to show he wasn’t incompetent, and he would make sure that fact was known. A huge gamble on his part, and not the wisest move since he was fairly new. His father’s high position and Alan’s multiple gifts made for good leverage. It paid off. Things were starting to get easier for him. Making a difference in the war was his ultimate goal however, and he knew he wouldn’t have been able to do that by cleaning the ship or sitting at a computer all day. Ambitious of him as well, but Alan always strived for big goals. The mission was more personal than before. Sir Tuliy had betrayed his trust. Alan would not make the mistake of letting him steal everything he had been working hard for.

  He went back to his quarters and did not so much as look at Sir Tuliy as he walked through the spacious apartment to his bedroom. Settling onto his bed, he pulled out his electronic tablet to check his messages. Waiting in his mail was one from Sir Oriol containing the details of the next big mission.

  “Later,” Alan whispered. “I can look later.” He was not ready to start thinking tactically just yet. He needed a moment to calm himself. There was, however, a letter from his mother in his inbox as well.

  Son,

  I have just received your letter and it made me smile. Your little sister and I read it together. She misses you and is getting big. By the time you come home, she will be quite the young lady. It will be perfect for when you perform your vows in the ceremony. The dresses will be much more plentiful to choose from.

  Have you heard from your bride? I am sure it is difficult since she is Basatlavan. Things are getting much more complicated back home with them. Almost all have left Ondoron now and returned to their country, even those who have had children born and raised here. The Rosalotuve simply cannot protect them all, and the Basatlavan are threatening to attack for their people. Some have taken asylum here,
but they are few and far between. Most cannot stay hidden and safe. The Rosalotuve troops are starting to force them to leave in some parts. I continue to look at the lists of those who are able to stay as refugees as well as the list of the dead for her name. If I find her, I will send an urgent note so you receive it sooner than normal. Don’t lose heart. She will turn up. I am sure of it. Soon you will both be home and safe, living together for the rest of your lives.

  Stay safe, all my love,

  Mom.

  Alan closed his eyes. Has it really been that long since we last spoke? Letters between Altura and his ship took several Earth months to receive. To travel such a great distance through space, even faster than light, made communication difficult.

  The last letter he sent had been nearly eight months ago. At that point in time, Alan still did not know where Alona had gone, or if she was even alive. His goal was to stop the fighting so he could be with her and no longer be afraid. His mother was so happy about the engagement. Alona was practically a part of the family. Wedding planning clearly helped his mother feel better as well. It gave her something to do while she waited for her husband and son to return home. How am I going to tell her the truth? I’m not even sure if I love my fiancée anymore.

  Mother,

  I am pleased you are enjoying planning for the wedding. Do not do any purchasing until after discussing things with Alonauxoonamondae. I’m sure she has many ideas herself.

  Things are going smoothly for the most part. I am adapting well to Earth. You would love it here. Maybe someday Father will bring you to visit.

  I love you, and will be home before you know it.

  That would be good enough to appease her for the time being. When Alona’s involvement was common knowledge, he would send a more detailed and honest message to his mother. Outgoing letters were read by other officers in search of information and security leaks. He did not feel up to dealing with the fallout if he were to send a letter with the current details of his life. Deep down, part of him also hoped that perhaps he could change Alona’s mind before then. Doubtful, but there might be a chance.

  They could work a deal out with her in exchange for intelligence. I’m sure of it. And that would really make him a hero. Far more than Sir Tuliy.

  How to deal with him now...

  Play the same game? Or should he confront the man on the issue? Sir Tuliy claimed they were friends, so Alan felt obligated to do so. Wasn’t that what friends did? And he wanted a friend. He decided to sleep on it.

  I have a week. Not everything can be solved in a day. One of his most recent lessons learned while on Earth.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “I promise!” Tait repeated.

  “Okay, because if you don’t make it...” Orlando said. “This is a big deal. I’m wearing a button-down and a tie. And it’s red, the shirt I mean.”

  “You broke out a color? You must be trying to impress him.”

  “More like trying to make my sister’s life easier. She went to a lot of trouble to cook this dinner. She’s been in there all day. Chicken Kiev, twice-baked potatoes, I mean, it’s pretty fancy.”

  “As soon as Peyton is back with the car. I have my cute purple dress on and everything. I’m all set.” She sounded rushed. She was breathing faster and louder than normal.

  What is she doing? Lying again? Or is she really ready to come over?

  “Okay, try not to be too much later,” he said at last. After good-byes were said, he hung up. He stepped back into the living room to do more awkward socializing. Lyssa snuggled on the couch with her boyfriend. Orlando could sense her nervousness. She looked at him with narrowed eyes, making him think if he did or said anything wrong she would most likely kill him. He was trying, hard, to behave. It made him uncharacteristically quiet, which was almost worse.

  “John is a Lunar Falls alumni,” Lyssa said, to break the ice.

  “Only my senior year. I transferred when my family moved in from out-of-state,” John said.

  Orlando tried to think of something to say that wasn’t ‘cool’ or potentially offensive.

  “It’s a good school,” he said. “Small but it has character.”

  “I think it’s been good for you,” Lyssa added. “Grades are up in some of your trouble subjects and you’re going out to do things more. It’s great. Is ah...your girlfriend on her way?”

  “So she says.” He shrugged and that was enough to make Lyssa stop inquiring further.

  John crossed his legs. “What are your trouble classes if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “Calculus and Biology. Lyssa got it into her head that placing me in advanced classes for both was a good idea.” Orlando shot his sister a playful glare.

  She shrugged. “You weren’t being challenged enough at Morningtide. Besides, you’re getting Bs in both. That’s really good.”

  “That’s slightly above average.” While he didn’t always show it, Orlando knew he was capable of getting all As. He knew how to calculate how much work he needed to do in order to get by. The year his best friend died, he let his previously perfect GPA slip, but no one said a word about it.

  “Which is good,” Lyssa insisted.

  “Of course you think so.” He realized how harsh that probably sounded. His sister was not as studious as he. She was excited over a C. “She’s a good motivator, I mean,” he added, hoping that would make her forget his comment. He needed to be pleasant even if it killed him.

  John smiled over at her. “She is. If you ever need help, let me know. That’s right up my alley.”

  “He’s a marine biologist,” his sister added, and gazed into the man’s eyes like he could do no wrong. Orlando wanted to leave the room then for fear of them spontaneously starting to make out. He didn’t need to see that. John rubbed his sister’s arm slowly, they exchanged a smile, and then he returned his attention to Orlando.

  “Unfortunately, work is hard to come by,” John said.

  “Yes, since we’re in the Midwest, I would think it hard to find work as a marine biologist,” Orlando said. Once again, he mentally kicked himself for saying something that could be taken the wrong way. It seemed logical to him. If the guy wanted to work with creatures that lived in the water, going to a place where there was an ocean made sense.

  John laughed, and shook his head. “Jobs don’t pop open much out on the coastline. Right now I’m working on making myself some connections at the state zoo. I volunteer there about once a month—if I’m lucky twice—to help care for the animals and train them. I especially have a love for stingrays. They’re amazing, smart, playful, and social. Sea turtles are awesome too. I love them all. I have a season pass to the big aquarium. We should go some time.”

  “We should?” Orlando asked, a bit startled. How old does this guy think I am? Five?

  “Well, you can come with. Yeah. I have friends who work there. It could make a nice double date, or just something to do to get out of the house.” John shrugged. “I had been thinking more about me and Lyssa, but I meant it when I said I wanted to spend more time with you too.”

  Orlando only nodded, feeling a lot like the guy was trying to be his stepfather or something. “Maybe a double date.” Just try to keep things casual.

  He tapped his hands on his knees and watched the minutes tick by on the clock. Twenty minutes passed, and Tait still hadn’t come knocking on the door. When that twenty minutes became an hour, Orlando stood up.

  “You guys can start eating. I don’t want the food to burn,” he said quietly.

  “But what about you? Your girlfriend?”

  “I don’t think she’s going to be making it. Just a hunch,” he mumbled. “I’ll catch the leftovers. I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

  He didn’t wait for either of them to answer. All he wanted was to be alone. I can’t believe she’s standing me up tonight. But why am I surprised? It wouldn’t be the first time. And he didn’t want to think about the lame excuses she would come up with either. If anyth
ing, he was tempted to go over to her house and see what she was really up to. It wouldn’t be hard for him to figure out where she actually was. There were spies outside her house now, and bugs planted inside. She was watched constantly—all because of him. Oddly, he didn’t feel too guilty about it.

  He picked up his cell phone and dialed Tait’s number, half hoping she’d answer, and half wanting to go to voicemail. He got the latter.

  “Just wanted to let you know not to bother coming over. Dinner couldn’t wait. It’s probably a bad idea. How about next time you tell me what really works for you, and maybe you will actually show up?” He hung up after that, not even bothering to give her a proper good-bye. She needed to know he was angry.

  I don’t know why I expected otherwise.

  He changed clothes into something he could move in, and then went to The Apartment to properly vent out his frustrations.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Cadence realized JD was watching her in that peculiar way again. It was a side glance, with a slight frown, and pursed lips. Like he had something he wanted to say to her, but he wouldn’t just come out with it. They were sitting in his car, parked at the mall.

  “Do I have a zit on my forehead?” she asked.

  “Nope, your skin is perfect, like always. Not fair I should add,” he said.

  “Why are we just sitting here? What do you want to talk about?” She folded her arms in front of her.

  “Yeah, you’re right, I wanna chat. About the fight we keep having. And I wanna say I’m sorry. I do need to accept all of this as part of who you are now, and I shouldn’t be spazzing so much about you changing when we’re so young. It’s high school. Even before all this began, we were changing.”

  It meant a lot that he would be so upfront with her, especially about his own emotions at that. Most of the time he got deep when something was eating him up inside to the point that he wanted to explode. He spoke so quickly she almost wasn’t able to process all of his words.