Caught in Your Wake

by Darien Cox

  Tim handed him his mug. “You’re the best, you know that?”

  “We trophy wives have to support each other.”

  “Fuck off, we’re not trophy wives!” Tim laughed. “You’re the sheriff and I’m the forest ranger, we’re important, damn it!”

  “Yeah.” Myles grinned and started for the door. “You keep telling yourself that.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Get out of here.”

  Tim took a quick shower in the basement bathroom, then dressed and headed upstairs. As soon as he walked into the kitchen Elliot pointed at him. “Slut!”

  “Oh, shut up.”

  Seated at the island, Christian snickered as he bit into a croissant. “Slut,” he said with his mouth full. “Whore.”

  “You shut up too, Boucher.”

  “Here. Eat.” Elliot slid a plate in front of him. “That’s your tea right there.”

  “Thanks.”

  Tim managed to get down two bites of quiche when Myles suddenly stepped into the kitchen. “Hey, guys? JT and Tyler need to show you something.”

  “Oh, crap,” Elliot said. “What is it?”

  “Something from last night’s footage.”

  “Fuck,” Tim said. “What now?”

  “Which camera?” Elliot asked.

  “Not by the ranger station. From one of the cameras mounted on the trees near the field. Come on, you’d better see this for yourselves.”

  Noting Myles’ grim tone and serious eyes, Tim pushed his plate away and got up. They all followed him out of the kitchen and up to the movie room.

  Tyler and JT spoke quietly to each other near the front. On the big screen was a frozen image of the forest, gray light coming through the trees. “Okay, what’s happening?” Elliot asked. “More gator-worms?”

  JT looked over. “Yeah.”

  “Seriously? I was joking! They actually showed up again? On camera?”

  “On camera,” JT said. “And on purpose.”

  “What do you mean on purpose?” Tim asked.

  “You’ll see.”

  Tyler turned and looked at Tim. “Hey,” he said. “You’re up.”

  “Yeah, I slept late.” He gave Tyler a shy smile, which he returned briefly before focusing on the screen. “When’s this footage from?”

  “Just after dawn this morning,” Tyler said. “You guys are gonna fucking love this.”

  “That’s sarcasm, in case anyone missed it,” Myles said. “Take a seat everyone.”

  None of them sat, opting to stand before the screen, anxiety palpable in the room as JT hit play and the image came to life. A breeze blew some dead leaves around in the frame. Then something slid into view from the right. “Ah, shit,” Christian. “That thing’s fucking freaky.”

  Tim watched as a gator-worm, identical to the one they’d taken from the woods, slithered in then slowly rose up. It rested on its tail, the belly and three sets of legs visible. Stretched upright, it looked like a giant insect. “What is it doing?” Tim asked.

  “Watch its top left...hand,” JT said. “If you could call it a hand.”

  The clawed appendage curled into a fist, then the creature stuck its middle finger up. “The fuck,” Christian whispered.

  It remained that way for nearly a minute, appearing to flip the camera the bird. Then slowly, it sank into the earth, lower and lower until the head disappeared, and it was gone. “Did that thing flip off the camera? I mean...was that on purpose?” Tim asked.

  “Seems so.” JT turned to Tim. “Looks like someone’s pretty pissed off that we took one of its toys away. And its letting us know.”

  “Brazen motherfucker,” Elliot said. “Who the hell is behind this?”

  “Someone with knowledge enough of humans to know what sticking its middle finger up means,” JT said. “I’m starting to wonder if this is a human being controlling these drones after all. Not an alien.”

  “Nope,” Tyler said. “It’s probably a hybrid.”

  “You just hate hybrids,” JT said.

  “Yeah, with good reason. Hybrids have done some fucked up shit, and we’ve been in the line of fire. Even Baz has said their shitass DNA combo never should have happened.”

  “I agree with Tyler,” Christian said. “What would a human being be doing down in the Whites’ underground base? The Whites would never allow that.”

  “Well, this is bullshit,” Elliot said. “Whoever this fucker is, if they’re operating from the base then the Whites have an obligation to look into it and keep us informed.”

  “Baz is working on it,” Myles said. “He’s informed the Whites. I’m sure we’ll know something soon.”

  “Hey, guys?” Nolan strolled into the movie room, pink-cheeked and bright-eyed, dark hair hanging damp and loose around his chin. “We’re back. Got some news.”

  “Husband!” Elliot smiled. “You didn’t drown in the lake. I’m so happy, get over here.”

  “Can’t get rid of me that easy.” Nolan grabbed Elliot and lifted him off the ground, biting his neck. “Mmm, yummy.”

  “Stop it,” JT said. “You guys are gross.”

  “Yes, we are,” Elliot said. “But Nolan was up half the night at the lab examining a gator-worm so give us a break, we didn’t get to fuck last night.”

  JT snickered. “Please don’t do it here. I love you both but there are some things I don’t want to see.”

  “I do,” Christian said. “Can I watch?”

  “No, you can’t,” Myles said.

  Christian pouted. “Fine. Nolan, where’s Brett?”

  “He’s in the kitchen.” Nolan released Elliot and turned toward the group. “But listen up. After checking the lake sensors, we met with Baz. He’s up at the cabin right now, and we have to take a drive out. He has news.”

  “News about the gator-worms?” Tim brightened. “About who’s behind it?”

  “Possibly.” Nolan nodded. “He wants us there ASAP.”

  “I have to go to work,” Myles said. “And Christian, you should probably skip it.”

  “Yeah.” Christian looked at the floor. “Can you guys live without me?”

  “Sure,” Nolan said. “We’ll fill you in after.”

  “Why can’t Christian go?” Tim asked.

  Everyone grew very quiet.

  “What? What did I say?”

  Sighing, Christian shook his head. “Baz is physically attracted to me. It makes things complicated. That’s all you need to know.”

  Tim snickered before he could stop himself.

  “Yeah, yeah,” Christian said. “Hysterical. Now button your lip.”

  “Why would the alien be attracted to you?”

  “Because I’m irresistible, I don’t know, Tim. Moving on.”

  “Why can’t Baz just come here?” Elliot asked. “Why do the lot of us have to truck all the way up to the cabin?”

  “Because he’s going to have guests,” Nolan said. “And there are restrictions as to where they can go and for how long. There will be a ship up above the cabin, ready to pull them out if they need to for any reason.”

  “A...spaceship?” Tim asked.

  “Don’t worry, you won’t be able to see it,” Nolan said. “Anyway, Baz says it’s important, that there are things we need to see and hear. And his guests speak English so he won’t have to translate.”

  “Whoa, whoa, hang on.” Tyler held his hands up. “What fucking guests? Who?”

  “A couple of hybrids that work for him.” Nolan shrugged. “The way he described them, they sound kind of like interns or something. He called them ‘third-generation’ then rolled his eyes. I’m assuming they’re younger than him.”

  “And they speak English?” Tim’s eyes widened. “Are they the ones who’ve been stalking me?”

  “I don’t know, but Baz definitely knows them personally,” Nolan said. “He made it sound like he’s either their boss or teacher or both.”

  “Oh boy,” Elliot said. “Baz gonna have his big white foot in his mouth if it turns out T
im’s stalker was someone he knows personally. After all that ‘Hybrids do not do this, no to spy’ insistence.”

  Tyler shook his head. “This plan is not okay, I don’t approve it.”

  Nolan groaned. “Why the fuck not? We’re finally getting somewhere!”

  “Unfamiliar hybrids with no prep time? No details? We know nothing about these other hybrids or if they’re dangerous, Nolan.”

  “Brett said you’d say that, and that you can bring your stunners, but Baz insists they’re not dangerous, just fuck-ups. Baz is pissed off at these two interns for some reason. Sounds like they’re in trouble. Though I’m not sure what being in trouble with Baz entails. He’s a pretty mellow dude.”

  “He can get mad sometimes,” Christian said. “His temper doesn’t flare up much, but when it does, oh boy.”

  Tim looked at Tyler. “If this can lead to answers it’s a good thing, Ty. Right?”

  Tyler held Tim’s gaze for a long moment, then looked at Nolan. “I don’t like this. And I definitely don’t think Tim should go.”

  “What?” Tim laughed. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. To find out who’s been doing this to me. Why shouldn’t I go if these hybrids have information?”

  “We can fill you in after the meeting,” Tyler said. “Without risking your safety.”

  “Baz said Tim should be there, Tyler,” Nolan said. “He mentioned him by name.”

  “Baz isn’t in charge of security for this mission, I am,” Tyler said. “He wants to bring in two unknown hybrids who have knowledge of this threat, and we’re supposed to just accept they’re not dangerous? Baz didn’t expect those rogue hybrids to take over the base over a year ago either, he was caught off-guard, so I’m not willing to put all my faith in his judgement.”

  “Hey!” Elliot stepped forward. “Baz almost died escaping from the base to get help back then. I sincerely doubt he’s taking this lightly, and I doubt he’d introduce us to anyone he thought was dangerous. He cares about us.”

  Tyler rolled his eyes. “That’s touching, Elliot. But Tim hasn’t got enough experience dealing with ETs. He’s not going.”

  “Bullshit I’m not,” Tim said. “This concerns me, I’m going.” He pointed at Nolan. “These guys keep saying I’m part of the team. So am I or not?”

  “No,” Tyler said. “You’re not. And you’re staying here.”

  “Tyler, I can fucking handle it.”

  “You only just started being able to handle seeing Baz without freaking out,” Tyler said. “When dealing with unfamiliar ETs for the first time the situation calls for extreme caution, and you’re an outlier. It’s too risky, you’ll stay here until we come back.”

  Blood rushed to Tim’s face. Tyler’s words were hurtful, but mostly they pissed him off. He was stunned Tyler would let that slip. Stunned and humiliated. “I can handle Baz just fine,” he said through clenched teeth. “And the other hybrids.”

  “You don’t know that,” Tyler said. “You’re too green, and that’s a risk.”

  “My entire life’s been turned upside down,” Tim said. “And I’ve been rolling with it and cooperating and being pretty fucking awesome about it if I do say so myself. I’m in this now, and I’ll go where I damn please.”

  “You’ll go where you’re told to go,” Tyler said.

  Tim flinched. “I’ll tell you where to go you little shit. Why don’t you go and—”

  “Whoa, whoa!” Christian jumped in. “Come on guys, don’t fight. Let’s talk about this.”

  “We did just talk about it,” Tyler said. “I’m just doing my job. You’re all going to have to trust my experience. And you are not fucking going, Tim.”

  “Tyler, come on,” Elliot said. “You’re overreacting.”

  “You don’t get to say that to me!” Tyler pointed at Elliot. “You’re arrogant and you take too many risks and then people get hurt, Elliot!”

  “Tyler,” Nolan said. “Stop. That’s enough.”

  Tyler spun away. Hands on his hips, his shoulders hunched as he breathed deeply. “I’m sorry, Elliot,” he muttered softly. “I didn’t mean that.”

  “It’s okay,” Elliot said. “I get you’re in charge of Tim, Tyler, but Brett’s in charge of us, and he said Tim should go. So call Ogden or do whatever you need to, but make it quick. Baz is waiting for us.”

  “Just my two cents, Tyler, there’s no need to involved Ogden,” Nolan said. “He likes us to deal with things on our own if possible. Tim can handle himself. It’s not like he’ll be there alone. Nothing bad will happen.”

  Tyler snorted. “And you don’t get to say that to me, Nolan. Not after I had to throw out my favorite shirt because it was covered in your blood.”

  “All right, I understand. Just...work it out okay?”

  Tim was fuming. “You guys go on, we’ll meet you in the kitchen. I need to speak with Tyler alone for a minute.”

  “Okay,” Nolan said. “Let’s give them a minute, guys.”

  “I’ve got to go to work,” Myles said. “I’ll call you later, Tim.”

  “Okay. Later.”

  After everyone left the room, only Tim and Tyler remained. Tyler’s eyes were hard as he turned and stared up at Tim. “We have nothing more to discuss.”

  “Why did you do that? Why did you bring up my freak-out over Baz? In front of all those people?”

  “It’s my job to protect civilians from hostile ETs. You’re a civilian. And I don’t know if these new ETs we’re supposed to meet are hostile.”

  “Baz said they’re not.”

  “It’s my job to make that determination myself.”

  “You could have pulled me aside and talked about this.”

  “You could have listened when I said I don’t want you to go. But you only argued and insisted. I reacted accordingly.”

  “But why did you have to betray my trust like that?”

  “I’d rather you be alive and not trust me than dead because of me. I’m responsible for you.”

  “No.” Tim shook his head. “You’re not responsible for me. I’m responsible for myself. I’m an individual and I make my own decisions, you hear me? And right now, I don’t recognize your authority, Tyler.”

  “You have no choice.”

  Tim closed in on him and looked him directly in the eye. “I’m going. You want to stop me? You’re gonna have to hit me with that fancy stun-gun you’ve got. I don’t think people will like that. Do you?”

  Tyler’s lips tightened. “I don’t want you to have to be around more aliens. I don’t want you to have to deal with that risk. Please. Just let me handle this for you. I have years of training for this exact scenario.”

  “I know you do. You told me recently that this is your life. The alien shit. That this is who you are. Remember?”

  Scowling, Tyler nodded.

  “I told you I want to be part of it. Part of what makes up your life. I know we don’t have time for this full conversation right now, but I have to ask anyway. Do you see this thing between us...do you want us to keep talking when you leave the village?”

  “Talking to you...” Tyler’s eyes softened. “The things I’ve said to you, what I’ve shared, you think that’s normal for me? It’s not. I don’t talk to anyone like that. I like having you to talk to. Having you with me. I want...” He let out a frustrated growl. “Sorry,” he said. “My words are getting all tangled up in my head.”

  Tim could sense he was speeding too fast toward Tyler’s emotional limits, at least in this conversation. To put him at ease, Tim tried to be as simple and direct as possible. “You want me in your life, Ty?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I don’t say things I’m not sure about.”

  “Then Tyler, let me be in your life now. I want to go to Baz’s with you. You say you want me in your life? You gotta let me in.”

  He shook his head. “Not like this. Not today.”

  “It involves me!”

  “I know,
but that doesn’t mean you to have to take risks,” Tyler said. “Not while I’m here.”

  “Tyler, this shit showed up on my mountain. It came to me. It wasn’t your fault because you weren’t even around. This is my alien shit-show now. And I want to be there to get answers, with everyone else.”

  “You can get your answers when we come back from the meeting.”

  “Stop treating me like the weak link! I’ve got enough problems with my standing in this group! You’re only making it worse by acting like I’m made of porcelain in front of the other guys. I’m not fucking weak, Tyler! I can handle being at your side. I...I want to be at your side.”

  Tyler turned away. He sat in one of the recliners and hung his head. “The last time we dealt with unfamiliar hybrids, Nolan almost died. Nolan. Who Ogden calls the best soldier he’s ever seen.”

  Tim crept over and knelt down before him. “That was a dangerous mission. From what Nolan just said, this is only going to be a conversation.”

  Tyler blinked then looked into Tim’s eyes. “Have you ever been covered in someone else’s blood?”

  Sighing, Tim said, “Don’t go all creepy robot soldier. You know very well I’ve never been covered in someone else’s blood.”

  “Well, I have. More times than you know. And I don’t ever, ever want that blood to be yours.”

  “Tyler...”

  “Those guys are too trusting, too impulsive. They give the benefit of the doubt too often, even Ogden said so. They let their personal feelings get in the way.”

  “Sounds like maybe you’re the one letting your personal feelings get in the way this time.”

  “I’m doing my job.”

  “Is it your job to say shitty things to me in front of the others to piss me off? Because it did piss me off, Tyler. I’m really mad at you right now.”

  Tyler frowned. “I don’t want you mad at me. But when it comes to my job, I only know one way to do things. The safest way possible. And that means not putting people in unnecessary danger. It’s not personal.”

  “Oh really? Then what if it was Myles who wanted to go? Would you protest?”

  Tyler looked stumped, eyes shifting back and forth. “I...I don’t know.”

  “That’s what I thought. Myles is what you’d call a civilian, right? Like me? Outside of the Ogden dream-team? You’re not just trying to protect people. You’re trying to protect me. And while I find that deeply moving, that’s not what I want to be for you. Someone you always need to protect.”