“Roll over,” Aarik commanded, and waited for her to comply before he scooted up behind, enveloped her in his arms and said, “Now close your eyes. If you are not asleep within the next five minutes we can get up and play a card game or something to pass the time, but first let’s try it my way.” Kiya froze for a few seconds in his arms but the longer he spoke the more she melted into his embrace fully.
“Five minutes,” Kiya muttered sleepily on a yawn.
Aarik smiled to himself when Kiya’s breathing deepened and the moment she started snoring slightly he stopped himself from laughing out loud and pulled her closer. He knew he should be trying to sleep but every time he closed his eyes he pictured the events of the night and, given the options, he preferred seeing her silhouette in the dark. When the flap to his tent opened slowly, Aarik’s heart raced in time with his mind and he scoured his tent for a weapon. He relaxed instantly when Taylor straightened up and announced himself.
“Hey there, you awake? Wow. Sorry didn’t realize you had company. Want me to leave?” Taylor whispered frozen in place after he spotted Kiya wrapped in Aarik’s arms fast asleep.
Even though he hated to wake her, an opportunity to talk with Taylor and fill him in on what really happened was a greater need. Aarik extracted himself slowly and placed his warm pillow behind Kiya as a placebo. When she settled in like a kitten he pulled himself away and headed over to the little table and sat down heavily. “How was the interrogation?” he asked to start off their conversation.
“Man. What did you say to that woman? She was out for your blood, I swear. She had all of my notes, and was quizzing me on my translations. Don’t worry it wasn’t my personal notes. By the end she wanted to know how long we had been friends and acted like she was my best friend. She gave me the creeps. Did you notice how her head never moves, only her eyes, like she’s tracking you? Cree...ppy! What happened tonight?” Taylor blurted out in hushed tones.
“Yeah, it’s hard not to notice, when they bulge from her face; but back to the point of the matter. I didn’t really say anything bad, she might have been offended by my lack of respect for her perceived authority. I was defensive, which might have put a target on my back but she knew how to push my buttons. Long story short, Luke was killed by Diego tonight when we followed them into a secret tunnel, that bypassed the cave-in we were working on, and lead to an ancient alien being released from a cryo sleeping pod of some sort. He also happens to have magic-like powers he used to crush a rock cave-in like it was a loose dirt clod. He used a medallion like mine to power one of the crafts and I watched him disappear in front of my eyes when he Terra Jumped to God knows where, but I guess you already knew that last part,” Aarik replied in a gush.
“How did he power it?” Taylor asked inquisitively.
“It’s a good thing you’re sitting, because this one is hard to swallow. He used his voice,” Aarik responded and waited for Taylor to laugh it off and was mildly surprised when Taylor responded, “Makes sense. What? The door opened with sound, why wouldn’t the rest work the same way. We need Kiya to work on the frequency. Have you asked her?”
“No, she offered, but there’s something else. Trying to put it into words is harder than I thought, I think it would be easier to show you,” Aarik replied, and then pulled out his medallion and cupped it in his hands. “Remember I’m still me and don’t freak out. We don’t need our guards to take notice,” Aarik said, and closed his eyes to enter his inner circle.
“Freak out. I’m freaking out because you told me not to freak out,” Taylor clarified before he gasped quietly and said, “Uh, Aarik. I’m not freaking out but damn that’s cool.”
Aarik opened his eyes and quietly finished the chant to complete the activation and was pleased when the gem’s inner glow dimly pulsated on and off. He looked over at Taylor and said, “I think so too. Guess somewhere in my family line, my human ancestor had relations with an alien.”
“I always knew you were special,” Taylor joked in return before he added, “In all seriousness, Aarik Landon, you are my best friend regardless of your species.”
“Thanks, man, I appreciate it and I feel the same way. Loyalty and friendships will be tried during adversity, but I have faith ours will last when the alien that escaped returns. I’m not sure what he has planned, but something along the line of the end of world as we know it would be a fairly accurate prediction. I’m going to need all the friends I can get when that happens,” Aarik said with conviction. Aarik, touched by the sincerity of Taylor’s proclamation, hoped the trials ahead would be short lived and ultimately victorious. He chanted the words in reverse and was filled with awe as the light fled the purple gem slowly.
“How did you get past the guards?” Aarik asked as an afterthought.
“I, unlike you, can be very quiet when leaving my tent. It was my ninja-like moves that enabled me to move silently across the camp without them noticing as I followed the shadows. Didn’t you notice my all black outfit?” Taylor replied with a smirk, motioning to his ensemble.
“What really happened?” questioned Aarik knowingly.
Taylor sighed then said reluctantly, “I was the last one interviewed and it didn’t take long for them to pass out. Although I like my first version better.”
“It was totally believable too,” added Aarik, in an effort to reduce the sting and then tried to change the subject when he said, “Shouldn’t be long before she makes her decision then. They plan on removing everything from this site and taking it to a place called Area T. I feel like it is my destiny to stop Th’ael and if necessary I’m ready to reveal myself.”
“Th’ael? The alien dude?” Taylor asked for clarification, when Aarik nodded yes he continued, “I’m going to play devil’s advocate here...do you really think revealing you’re an alien is a good idea? What if they impound you or something and start doing lab rat type stuff? I’m a ninja, but I’m not Rambo. How would we get you out? Did you think about that?” pleaded Taylor his voice raising slightly in frustration.
“Keep your voice down. Yes, I’ve thought of that possibility, but you seem to be forgetting that I’m like a superhero now. If they try anything funny, I won’t hesitate to use it,” replied Aarik with conviction.
“Right. Do you know how to use it?” Taylor challenged.
“No, but I have a feeling I will when the time comes,” Aarik replied in reflection.
“What’s going on between you two?” Taylor inquired, nodding his head toward the cot.
Aarik looked back at the sleeping form of Kiya and sighed before he replied, “You’re looking at the woman of my dreams. She has a part to play in the coming battle, but I’ll let her fill you in on it, because it’s her story to tell. Just know I’ll protect her with my life if it comes to it. Does that answer your question?”
“Yes, I would have to say yes. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I think you got the point across loud and clear even if you were whispering,” replied Taylor.
“You should get back before we are forced to defend a rumor of a threesome,” Aarik joked.
“Ha! That would be hard to believe. I’ll see you in a couple hours. Don’t leave without me or you’ll never hear the end of it,” stated Taylor fiercely.
Aarik watched Taylor creep out of his tent and was surprised to find Kiya awake and staring at him when he returned to the cot. “I’m sorry, did we wake you?” Aarik said quietly.
“Not really. I was having a bad dream and when I leaned back for your warmth and comfort I was met with a soft pillow instead. I only heard the end of your conversation with Taylor. When do you plan on leaving? I hope you know that if you have any plans on ditching me to keep me safe that I will hunt you down and make you regret it,” Kiya whispered forcefully.
“I have no plans to leave you or him. Taylor can be melodramatic sometimes, kinda reminds me of you a bit. Perhaps that’s why I was so attracted to you in the first place,” Aarik said crawling over Kiya to get in the covers.
&n
bsp; “Wow, you’re such a charmer,” Kiya responded sarcastically, and then added, “Just wanted to make sure you were aware that we are in this together.”
“I’m well aware and trust me, if I have anything to say about it, you’ll never leave my side again,” Aarik replied with confidence.
“Do I have a say in it?” Kiya inquired gently, twirling her hair around her finger.
“Of course you do, although I will do my best to talk you out of leaving me. I’ll beg if I have to,” Aarik professed honestly, and hoped he wouldn’t have to beg. It wasn’t very manly, but she was worth it in his mind.
“No need. I just wanted to make sure you wouldn’t be the type that sweeps in and tries to mold a woman to his specifications. As I’m sure you’ve ascertained by now, I am not someone to sit idly by. I have opinions, ideas, and quirks not many can handle. You sure you’re ready for someone like me?” Kiya said with vulnerability.
“Believe me when I say I know what I’m getting into and I wouldn’t change a thing in my past because, if I did, it might not have led me to you,” Aarik said reverently, while he stared into her eyes. Hoping she could see the truth of his words reflected there.
Kiya reached out and caressed his face before she said, “You’re such a charmer, Aarik, but I’ll be proud to call you my charmer.”
“Deal. Ready to face the firing squad? I’m too wired to sleep and would rather not wait for the inevitable,” Aarik asked reluctantly, grabbing her hand from his face and cradling it next to his heart.
“I suppose so, but I’m going to need some coffee first, or I won’t be held liable with what comes out of my mouth when we face the wicked witch. Speaking of which, did Taylor have anything new to add about his visit with Sorr?” Kiya replied with urgency.
“Nothing we didn’t already know. She’s creepy and hell bent on implicating me for the security breach,” Aarik said sorely.
“Alright, let’s go find some coffee and breakfast before we face our inquisitor,” Kiya piped up and crawled out of bed slowly.
“I like your way of thinking. I would love a shower, especially not knowing if it will be my last one taken alone but considering it’s been more than twelve hours since my last food intake, it will have to wait. Ready when you are,” Aarik teased and walked toward the exit.
“Wait,” Kiya hissed out before he pulled the flap back. She strolled over seductively and just when he thought she would kiss him she diverted her attention to his chest and reached out to tuck his medallion into his shirt and patted it and said, “No reason to flaunt your stuff just yet. Your physique is enough of a distraction as it is.”
Refusing to let the moment pass, Aarik pulled Kiya into his arms and kissed her with reverence as he tried to reflect everything he was feeling into the connection, when he pulled back he said, “Thanks, I needed that.”
“By all means, I should be the one saying thanks. That was...was...man this is going to sound cheesy, but it was out of this world amazing. I could easily become addicted to that feeling. Damn, did I just say that out loud? It sounded way cooler in my head,” finished Kiya. The moment she tried to look away, he brought his hands up and cradled her face so that she was forced to look into his eyes.
“I didn’t think it was cheesy at all, in fact it was perfect. I want and need to know what you are thinking and feeling at all times. I poured my soul into that kiss and to hear you accept it with open arms was everything I desired in a response,” Aarik stated proudly and kissed her tenderly on the lips once more before he dropped his hands and pulled back the flap.
“After you, my lady,” he said with pride. Aarik waited to see if she would accept his pet name, and when she smiled shyly in acceptance and ducked through the opening, he pumped his fist into the air before he followed after her.
The chow hall tent was illuminated and active for the time of day and he grabbed Kiya’s hand in desperation as they neared the entrance. She looked over at him and winked, “Don’t worry. I promise to behave myself. I’ll make a beeline for the coffee table and not speak to anyone until I’ve had my fill.” Her expression revolved from jovial to serious when she recognized his panicked state and whispered, “You okay?”
“Yes, just needed someone to ground me,” Aarik replied with a sigh.
“I won’t leave your side. Whatever happens we’ll handle it together,” Kiya said adamantly.
“No, its okay. Get your coffee first and I’ll try to find something to eat. If they play interference, I’ll take the heat while you get coffee and portable food you can sneak to me when you return to rescue me,” Aarik replied with renewed strength, and smiled down at Kiya to convince her his moment of weakness was over.
“Okay. Break!” jested Kiya, as she faked a race stance.
When they entered the chow hall, Doris was in the corner shooting daggers at the men and woman who had taken over without a care for her domain. Director Sorr stood up at their intrusion and followed their movements to the food tables with contemplation. She waited for Aarik and Kiya to fill up their plates before she made her way over to their table. “Where are your guards?” Sorr demanded sorely.
Kiya snickered before she said under her hand for Aarik’s ears, “Someone’s gonna be in trouble.”
“I believe they were sleeping, Director Sorr. When you didn’t come to my tent immediately following your last interrogation I figured we were no longer people of interest. Am I wrong?” challenged Aarik.
“That depends on how you answer my next question,” retorted Sorr, in her nasally voice.
“And that would be….” baited Aarik, shoveling food into his mouth.
“When did you plan on telling me about your lineage?” Sorr said in an I-got-you type voice.
Aarik’s jaw dropped at her revelation and it took a second before he snapped it closed and swallowed the food in his mouth too early causing him to choke. He cleared his throat a few times before he replied, “Wow. Didn’t see that one coming. To be honest, not sure when, was kinda playing it by ear since I just recently discovered it for myself. From the sounds of it you could probably tell me more than I could tell you, but what I do know is you need me more than I need you.”
“That remains to be seen. I’ll give you points for partial honesty but I’m giving you one more chance to come clean. Anything else that you might want to mention?” Sorr replied dramatically.
Aarik realized she was talking about his medallion and rather than prolong the inevitable he pulled it out and said, “Now that you mention it. I do own a medallion, but only I can operate it so if you were thinking about confiscating it for Area T, it would do you no good. Oh and by the way we’ll be going after Th’ael with or without your assistance.”
“We’ll see about that. You have much to learn, Dr. Landon,” Sorr replied with authority. She turned away from them and shouted out orders to the men who were staring at Aarik like he was a god for how he handled the woman in front of them. “Jones take Dr. Landon and his crew...to Area T to meet with Dr. Annalee Rais.”
Jones walked towards their table and shook his head no when Aarik indicated he needed more time to eat, “Wrap it up. We leave in 10 minutes. I’m assuming you want to bring Taylor along, right?”
“Yes, he makes a wonderful interpreter. He speaks seventeen different languages and can read more than fifty,” Aarik responded, as he moved to take his plate to the garbage but was stopped short when Doris appeared between him and Kiya and plopped down a to go mug of steaming coffee and a small bag of scones.
“What about me? Don’t think you’ll be getting better service from the likes of men like this,” Doris blurted out while she tapped her foot.
“Is there room for four?” Aarik asked impotently.
Epilogue
Diego woke up slowly with a groan. He palmed his forehead dramatically and ran his fingers through his hair to massage his aching head. He opened his eyes and wished he hadn’t when he realized they were surrounded by water, in some type of a clear, d
omed, underwater city, devoid of life. “Grandfather, where are we?” he squeaked out.
“You will refer to me as Th’ael,” he hissed out angrily. When Diego kept quiet, Th’ael spun around and added in his powerful voice, “Do you understand?”
“Yes. I understand. Th’ael. Got it. Where are we, Th’ael?” asked Diego apologetically, in a daze.
“At’lantis. This was my twin brother Rh’ael’s last known location before the war,” Th’ael responded in a distant voice as he studied his surroundings intently.
“I see,” Diego said carefully, and paused before he asked, “It’s empty now. Why are we here?”
“You were passed out and useless when we needed to escape. I didn’t have time to choose a new location and, when we Terra Jumped, the podium was last set for At’lantis. This was our capital and was once bustling with life before the uprising. Even though it appears void of life, I sense the presence of my people,” Th’ael uttered, before he strode toward the large pyramid in the center of the city with a confident stride.
To Be Continued
In Book Two
Cities of the Forgotten
Sounds of the Forgotten Page 19