by N. W. Harris
“Here, here,” Maurice said, lifting his drink.
The rest of the kids raised their drinks and said versions of cheers and good health in their languages. The earbud no longer translated them to English, not that he needed it to. He understood them all. Dr. Blain must’ve had that feature deactivated. Jules sat down, and everyone was silent, the emotion growing thick in the room. Feeling a little detached from them, Shane wondered if the mood-enhancing effects of the neural upload were wearing off, the reality of the hell they found themselves in creeping in like a poisonous fog.
“I propose a challenge.” Steve’s deep voice crushed the solemnity. “As I am sure you are all painfully aware,” his eyes twinkled with mischief, “we Americans,” he struck his chest with his fist, “have won most of the flag-capturing games.”
“You’re only ahead by one win,” Liam retorted. The Aussies and Russians were tied for second place as of yesterday.
“Yes, well,” Steve mumbled. “I’ve never been one for trivial details.”
Chuckles came from a few of them.
“I don’t want to say that we are the best.” He cleared his throat. “Not yet anyway. You folks should have one more chance to prove my arrogant ass wrong.
“And so my challenge, ladies and gentle-blokes.” Steve mocked an Australian accent as he looked at Liam. “The first team to destroy their ship’s reactor won’t have to clean the bathroom ever again.”
“Nothing personal,” Jake said, crinkling his nose. “But after we destroy the reactor, I don’t ever want to share a bathroom with any of you again.”
“Yeah,” Laura replied, laughing. “Some of y’all are nasty.”
The teens broke into laughter, teasing each other about their personal habits and all agreeing that Petrov took way to long to do his hair. Even the ever-stoic Chinese and Finns were in on it. The big Russian took it in stride, using his palms to check his do and telling them not to be jealous.
This round of joking went on for a few more minutes and then quiet swept through the cafeteria, the artificial bliss dissipating and anxiety over what was to come taking a firmer hold on them.
“I’m going to get some rest,” Shane said, hoping Kelly would slip away with him.
“Sounds like a good idea.” She turned and walked out of the cafeteria with him in tow.
The sun had just set, and he could barely see across the base due to the encroaching night. He wanted to forget what they’d be off to do in just a few hours and enjoy being close to her, but the darker things he’d been exposed to replayed in his head.
Kelly clasped his hand and crossed her other arm over his, hugging his arm as they walked. She took a deep breath and then sighed.
“I love summer nights,” she said.
“Me too,” he replied, a tremor in his voice.
They’d be playing their first games of the season if things were normal. He’d been training so hard over the summer. This was the year he was going to make varsity. He loved playing football in September. The nights were still warm, but not too hot, and everyone was charged with excitement over the season to come.
“Funny how many things I took for granted.” She trailed off.
“I doubt we’ll ever do that again,” he said, his mind struggling to find a way to guarantee her safety. “You know, they’ve trained backups to take our positions if someone fails or if…” He stopped himself. The words had come out before he had a chance to think. Now, he wished he could take them back.
“Or what?” She stopped walking and looked up at him.
“Or, if someone decided they didn’t want to go along.”
“That’s great,” she said, letting go of his hand. “What are you trying to say, Shane?”
“Nothing,” he stammered. He knew he shouldn’t be saying this to her, but he couldn’t keep it inside. “I was just thinking, maybe you should stay behind… so you can look after Nat.”
She crossed her arms. Even in the dim light, he could see the expression of disappointment on her face.
“Look,” she said with quiet anger. “These aliens chose each of us for a specific reason. Whether it makes sense to me or anyone else, they believe I should be here. I don’t have a choice but to go—to assure Nat’s safety.”
“Yeah, but look how all the teams are groups of kids who were already together.” His mouth kept running, beyond his control. “What’s the likelihood that the best of the best happened to already be acquainted? Maybe they just snatched up groups of survivors, figuring they could train anyone with half a brain. Maybe they just told us we’re special to build our confidence.”
“Really?”
“I’m just saying—”
“You’re saying a load,” she snapped, cutting him off. “But you’re being selfish. You don’t want me to go because you’re scared I might get hurt.”
“Well, yeah,” he blurted, certain this wasn’t going to end well.
“Ridiculous,” she shouted, raising her hands. “I should have never… ” She stepped closer to him. “I’m going.”
“Come on, Kelly,” he pleaded.
“I need to spend time with Nat.” She spun away, starting across the tarmac.
“I’m sorry,” he called after her desperately, sounding like a total dumbass.
How freaking stupid was he? He knew she’d blow up at him if he tried to get her to stay, but he had to open his mouth. Now she hated him. They only had a few hours before they’d have to go, and he’d just ruined what could be their last quiet moments together.
He stood in the dark and watched her walk away, his mind searching for something to do or say to make her come back. After she entered the building where the younger kids stayed, he stared at the door for a long while, willing her to come out so he could beg for her forgiveness.
The crickets and other night creatures’ music seemed to grow louder with each passing minute, making him feel even more alone. It became painfully evident an apology would have to happen later, once she’d cooled off. His head drooping, he made his way to the barracks. He was being foolish, letting himself get distracted at such a critical time. It endangered both of them. He resolved to try to make it up to her when the opportunity presented itself. He had to stop being selfish—the mission required his full focus now.
Forcing his attention to all the new stuff banging around in his skull, Shane slowly made his way to the barracks. He took a shower, brushed his teeth, and crawled into his rack. Lying on his back, he stared at the bunk above, picturing different codes he’d learned. So much of the mission depended on these codes, some would open doors, and others would destroy the reactor. It was a crap-load of information, and he didn’t understand half of it. What if something important slipped from his mind before he could use it?
The lights went out. He knew he needed sleep, but he was unable to slow his racing mind. He reckoned it was around midnight when Kelly joined him on his narrow bed. She didn’t say anything about their earlier fight, and he didn’t have the balls or energy to bring it up, though he wanted to tell her again that he was sorry. The fight was stupid, and it was all his fault. Pressing his back against the partition to give her space, he held her tight against him, breathing her in. This might be the last chance he’d ever have to hold her. He didn’t feel the surge of passion he experienced on other nights when he held her. He was too wrapped up in concern for her safety to be excited, though he vowed to never mention those fears to her again.
Kelly pressed into him in a way that said she accepted his unspoken apology, her body fitting like they were designed to be a single unit. Soon after she nestled, her breathing grew heavy from sleep. Contrasting with frightful thoughts of the near future, her stimulating closeness guaranteed he wouldn’t join her in getting some shut-eye, but it didn’t bother him. He didn’t want to miss a second of this precious time with her and did everything he could to keep from thinking of all the bad things that might happen in the near future.
“Time to go,” Jon
es announced with a gentler voice than usual. He only turned on half the lights.
Kelly stirred and rolled out of his bunk. He yawned, breaking free of the turmoil entangling his mind for the last two hours. Across the aisle, Jules rolled out of Tracy’s bunk. Steve’s rack was empty. Shane groggily slipped on the plain white T-shirt and blue jeans provided, intended to make them blend with the other kids who would be harvested by the Anunnaki. Steve came up the aisle with a sheepish grin on his face.
“Look who’s the big stud,” Tracy said, smiling mischievously. “Spend the night with Anfisa, did we?”
“Shut up,” Steve replied, playfully pushing her.
These friends were the closest thing he had left to a family, and he was glad they’d found some comfort during the night.
“Let’s go,” Jones shouted louder than before.
Shane rushed to the bathroom, taking a leak and brushing his teeth as fast as he could. When he came out, Jones ushered him through the front door of the barracks and onto the tarmac. A sliver of moon hung low in the clear night sky, casting its faint glow on a line of black helicopters. Perhaps it was just because he was exhausted, but he was surprised by how relaxed he felt, like a man who’d accepted his death sentence and was at peace with himself.
The rest of the kids trickled out and met up with their teams. When everyone in his squad was together, Shane led them to the first chopper, and they boarded. The engine whined and the rotors smacked the air loudly, drowning any attempt at conversation.
Shane leaned back in his seat, holding Kelly’s hand. He closed his eyes, reliving simulations of the attack on the Anunnaki once again. His brain ached from being awake all night, but he was determined to stay focused. He’d sleep after these murderous invaders were blown to shit—forever if he failed.
The helicopter ride took a little over an hour, and they landed near some hangars at a large airport, which Shane figured was in Tennessee. Military aircraft, large jets painted gray and bearing American flags on their tails, waited on the dimly lit tarmac.
It was still dark out when Shane and his friends climbed onto the big aircraft. Directed by Lily, the Russians and the Australians followed them.
“I’ll be flying this plane to your landing site in Egypt. Dr. Blain will be our co-pilot,” Jones said, standing near the door to the cockpit. “If any of you have questions, feel free to come forward and talk to us. There’s food and drinks in these coolers—eat as much as you can. Once we land, you may not have time for a meal.”
Jones entered the cockpit and, moments later, the jet’s engines screamed to life. Hoping his headache would fade, Shane reclined his seat and closed his eyes. If it didn’t, he was going to need Dr. Blain to work her magic on him before they landed. They were fortunate to have the doctor going with them—he had a bad feeling they’d need her services.
A nightmare of seeing Kelly shot through her belly by a plasma rifle jarred him awake. His mouth was parched, and his neck hurt. An image of her face as she died, her eyes puddled with tears of pain and fear, was seared in his mind. He lifted his head off Kelly’s shoulder, and she sighed. He smiled at her to try and hide the grief he felt from the horrible dream. How long had she been propping him, too kind to move and disrupt his sleep?
“I’ve got to get up for a minute,” she said softly. “You want something to drink?”
“Yes, please,” he replied, his voice scratchy.
He blinked his eyes several times to moisten them, watching Kelly head to the front of the plane where the coolers were. She retrieved a sandwich and a bottle of water, bringing them to Shane, then she continued to the back of the plane, presumably to the bathroom.
“Ah,” Steve said, twisting around and looking over the headrest of the seat in front of him. “The sleeping beauty is awake. Must’ve gotten kissed.”
“Funny,” Shane replied, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
“And with that rank breath,” Steve goaded. “The girl must be totally in love with you. I’d personally rather kiss a dead skunk’s butthole than have you sleeping on my shoulder.”
“Bite me,” Shane said.
Licking his teeth, he realized Steve might be right. He must’ve been sleeping with his mouth gaping open the entire time. Drinking some water and taking a bite of the sandwich, he hoped to make an improvement before Kelly returned.
“Here dude,” Steve said, reaching around and handing him a tube of toothpaste. “You’ve got to be more prepared. You’ll have to use your finger—I ain’t sharing my toothbrush.”
Shane chuckled, and then leaned forward so he could see the seat next to Steve. Anfisa was asleep there, slumped low with her leg across his.
“Oh, look who’s the little lovebird?” Shane whispered, taking his revenge. “You’re so whipped; you even thought to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste so you can be all fresh for her.”
“Maybe you should take a tip or two from the master,” Steve replied.
Chuckling, Shane put a squirt of the toothpaste on his finger, balanced the tube on Steve’s big head, and unlocked his seatbelt. He walked to the back of the plane, rubbing the toothpaste on his teeth. Half of the passengers were asleep. The others looked up at him as he passed. Their expressions were glum, but some of them smiled. Were they flying toward victory or their deaths? At best, it was likely a mix of both. Either way, they were brothers and sisters on this adventure, closer than he imagined strangers had ever become in such a short period of time.
At the bathrooms, a door opened, and Kelly stepped out. Shane paused, his foamy finger in his mouth. She laughed, and he gave her a toothpaste smile. Holding the door open for him, she smacked his bottom as he entered.
“What?” he asked, turning to look at her.
“Oops,” she flirted, then turned and walked forward in the plane.
A surge of lust making him dizzy, he watched her go, suddenly feeling like the luckiest man in the world. Her jeans and black tank top showed off her figure, which had always been fit before but now looked even better, displaying the benefit of all the hard exercise they’d endured. Thank goodness she was over the stupid stuff he’d said last night. If only they had more time together. For a few days of normalcy—time to take her to the movies or to hang out with her at the lake. For that, he’d give his throwing arm.
“Do you reckon we would have come together if it weren’t for the end of the world?” he whispered after he’d returned from the bathroom and was settling down next to Kelly.
“Yes, actually. We would’ve.” She smiled sweetly at him, flooding his heart with warmth. “Don’t think, Shane Tucker, I haven’t noticed you giving me the googly eyes for the last, oh I don’t know, forever,” she whispered, like she knew he didn’t want Steve to hear. Kissing his cheek, she squeezed his thigh and sent a warm jolt through him.
“Then why didn’t we ever hook up?” he asked, their faces only a few inches apart.
“Because you never asked,” she whispered, leaning closer. “Why? Was there some other girl?”
“No way. Well, at least not all the time,” he teased.
She slapped his chest and leaned back, feigning jealousy.
“I just didn’t have the balls to ask you,” he admitted. “Figured you wouldn’t give me the time of day.”
She leaned in and pressed her lips to his. He hated that the wonderful feeling of being this close to her might never have happened, hated that something so awesome was a result of something so horrible. She lingered in the kiss, her eyes half closed. It was the best moment of his life, and yet, it broke his heart because he feared for her. The confusing mix of emotion made heat surge in him. He wanted to be far away with her, to hold her in his arms, to be alone with her. But that was impossible. His inner fire morphed into motivation. They’d destroy the Anunnaki, and they’d survive. They had to so he could have more time with her, to stare at her and touch her, to learn everything about her.
“We’ll be making a landing attempt at Cairo International Airpo
rt in one hour,” Jones announced over the aircraft’s PA system.
“A landing attempt?” Steve sat up in his seat, Anfisa stretching next to him. “What in Pete’s hell does he mean by that?”
“At least it sounds better than making a crash landing,” Tracy observed.
She was sitting across the aisle, sharing a blanket with Jules. She caught Shane looking her way and smiled. He was happy his friends had this last bit of time to rest, even if the flight wasn’t overly comfortable. With all the things that had happened to them in the last month and what lay head, the respite seemed like the calm in the eye of a category-five hurricane.
His focus fell on a stack of green crates with “U.S. Army” stenciled on them strapped in to the left of the cockpit door. Judging by the length and thickness of the rectangular boxes, Shane expected they were filled with weapons. But he knew they couldn’t be the plasma rifles. They’d be issued those once they were inside the Anunnaki ship. These had to be guns to fight off kids who might attack on the way to the pyramids.
He thought of the battles they fought before, of the faces of boys and girls he’d shot when they were in Atlanta. The slack expression of death and sudden look of innocence they all shared were ever present in his thoughts. Right or wrong, he’d taken their lives. He couldn’t stomach the idea of killing again.
“We should all eat,” Laura said, standing up. “Who knows when we’ll have another chance?”
Her black hair was pulled into a tight braid, and her face seemed leaner, the same as everyone else. Lily had given them their choice of clothing, and Laura had gotten ahold of a makeup kit. Wearing all black, with dark eyeliner and lipstick that accentuated her pale skin, she looked like some kind of commando vampire, thirsty for blood.
Although she’d performed beautifully in the simulations, she was the only person on his team who wasn’t battle-tested. He’d have to keep an eye on her, but he had a feeling she’d do fine. She walked to the front of the plane, hanging onto the backrest of the seats to stabilize herself as the aircraft bounced toward its destination. It tilted down at a slight angle, indicating they were descending to Cairo. With that nurturing manner that didn’t seem to fit her Goth appearance, Laura passed out bottles of water and sandwiches to everyone who didn’t already have some.