by KD Jones
She once wanted to be a teacher. Heather used to dream at night of finishing high school and going off to college for a degree in teaching. Her teachers supported her ideas, but her father told her to forget about it, that it would never happen for her.
With such little caring from her family, it was no wonder that she was willing to escape to anywhere just to get away.
She looked at her watch. She needed to call the other tribe leaders and tell them how things had gone at the meeting. Pulling out one of the communicators that the Drastans had given them, she pressed a button and spoke into it.
“Connect a conference call.”
The communicator had an interactive voice similar to the pre-disaster smart phones. “Who do you want on the conference call?”
She listed the names of the tribe leaders in her city of Boston. “Jerry Lee, Ricky O’Donnell, Phillip Taylor, Reggie Cook, and...Mark Bates.” There were more tribe leaders in other cities with subway systems, but she hadn’t met them.
She wished she could’ve left Mark out of it, but unfortunately he was one of the tribe leaders. He, like Leonard, was pissed that she’d gotten the majority of the vote to represent the tribes with the dome leaders and the Drastans. The call connected.
“Hello, is everyone on?” she asked.
Each one answered.
“This is Phillip…”
“Reggie here.”
“I’m on, it’s Ricky.”
“It’s Jerry.”
She hesitated before asking, “Is Mark on?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“Okay. Well, I met with the dome leaders, and they agreed to our ideas about building apartments throughout the tunnels, the markets for trade, and expanding the subway lines to the rest of the world. Jerry, why don’t you tell everyone the progress you’ve made so far with your district.”
Jerry spent the next ten minutes going over everything that had been accomplished. He answered the questions thrown at him about the construction, and she tried her best to answer questions regarding the Drastans’ willingness to help.
Mark snorted. “Sure, they offer food, medicine, better places for us to sleep — but no weapons to defend ourselves.”
Heather was furious at his ingratitude. “They didn’t come here to give us more weapons so we could finish of the job of killing our species.”
Phillip interrupted them before they could get into a full-blown argument. “I understand the greenhouses will provide great fruit and vegetation, but what are we going to do for sources of dairy and protein?”
Jerry answered, “We have a botanist here who says we can grow soy products. Combine that with the MREs that we can trade for with the domes, and we’d have plenty to survive the next five decades until the surface of our planet is livable again.”
“What about clean air? I for one am getting sick of all the dust,” Ricky complained.
“The new apartments have heating and air conditioning, along with some kind of air purifier,” Jerry explained.
“If the Drastans leave, how will we get treatments for lack of nutrients and further radiation exposure? I don’t want to have to go to the domes every time we need medical treatment.”
Heather answered Reggie’s concern. “I’ll talk to Commander Estro to make sure that they leave medical supplies for us. It’s going to be important that we have someone from each tribe get medical training as well so that they know how to treat our people properly.”
“I’m sure you could convince him to give us a few of those laser guns too. Just sleep with him,” Mark suggested.
If he was there in front of her she would’ve punched him. She didn’t didn’t even bother to respond. “The commander will be here in a few days when the work on my district begins. I’ll talk to him about the air purifiers. Let me know if your districts are in need of anything.”
“Thank you, Heather, for taking the lead on this,” Jerry said.
“No problem.” She ended the communication. Laying down on the bench she used for her bed, she closed her eyes and prayed that sleep would claim her. She was simply exhausted. A few hours of undisturbed sleep would do her a world of good. A peace settled over her, but it was short-lived as pounding on the side of her subcar soon had her sitting back up.
“Heather! We have a situation that needs your attention!”
Well, shit! Sleep would have to wait — duty came first. By the time she was done resolving issues, it was close to midnight. She didn’t even bother putting on her night clothes, just slumped down on her bench and closed her eyes. Images of Devlon, naked and doing naughty things to her, invaded her mind. Too tired to fight her wayward thoughts, she fell asleep aroused and in need.
Chapter 7
The next day on board Drastan Command Ship
“Why are you going back down there again?” Liam asked in frustration, sitting across from his father in his Devlon’s private command room.
“I want to evaluate how much work needs to be done in the next district myself. It will give me a better idea how much longer our presence will be needed.”
“Father, we can’t fix the entire planet; it would take several lifetimes.”
“I know, but I don’t want to leave until I feel the humans can rebuild on their own. Has Maggie come around to the idea of living on Drasta?”
Liam ran a hand through his thick hair. “Not yet. She and Rachel both don’t want to leave their parents or friends behind. Her father is a high ranking dome leader.”
“You, your brothers, and your cousin must remind your mates of what Drasta has to offer not only for them, but for their children: fresh air, being able to run and play aboveground under the sun. They’ll be able to look up at the sky at night and see the stars again.”
“I’ve told Maggie all of that before, father.”
“Then maybe you should show her.”
“What do you mean?”
“Show her some videos of Drasta, let her see the beauty of our world.”
“I’ll do that. Now, about you going back to the tunnels…”
“I’m going, and that’s final. I leave command of the ship in your hands.”
“Father, the high chancellor is sending someone here in two weeks to check on the fleet and our relations with the humans.”
“I should be gone for only a few days. Then I’ll be at Rachel’s baby party. I’ll have plenty of time to meet with the high chancellor’s representative.”
“I still don’t know why it needs to be you going.”
Devlon stood and walked over to one of the portals looking out into space. “I don’t know if you can understand this, but I feel...useless, sitting up here. You and your brothers have families, so of course you should be here with them. I guess I’ve been feeling more and more restless. I need to be doing something.”
“Spend more time with your granddaughter and grandson.”
Devlon smiled. “I love Milly and Thomas and appreciate every moment I have with them.”
“But you need more?”
“Yes. I’m missing something in my life... Purpose of some sort.”
“Your purpose has always been serving in Drastan’s fleet. You’re a great commander.”
For some reason, it bothered him that all he would be known for was serving as commander. “I should be more than that.”
Liam walked over to him and placed his hand on Devlon’s shoulder. “You’re a great father and grandfather.”
“I appreciate that, son, but both of us know I wasn’t really there for you or your brothers. Your mother did everything, and when she died, your aunt was there to help raise you. Even when I was there for you, I really didn’t do much. I look at you with Missy and I’m amazed how much better a father you are than I was.”
“You tried…”
“It wasn’t enough. I could’ve done more. You three boys deserved more from me.”
“You’ve done the best you could. We hold no hard feelings about things.”
“You are making a difference. Every day you ensure that the humans get what they need to survive, despite the conflicts between our people.”
“Not enough.”
“Father, our people are warriors, not goodwill ambassadors. We’ve done a great deal to help those we’ve come across who needed aid. The fleet lent our battle expertise to ensure that those who are weak could defend themselves. You’ve always told us to do what we can and move on. You need to take your own advice.”
Devlon shook his head, amazed at how good and strong his son had become. “How did you become so wise?”
Liam smiled. “I had a good role model. I worry about you.”
“That’s suppose to be my line. I’m the father here.”
“Just promise you’ll be careful. There are people who would love to kill off the commander of the Drastan fleet and take over. Who knows what they would plan to do after that. Maybe attack the humans, who are pretty much defenseless.”
Liam made valid points. He couldn’t dispute at all that the humans were basically defenseless, except for hand weapons and a few tanks that had protection against nuclear and biological elements, they were useless when the radiation winds came through in hard waves making it impossible to see or maneuver. The tanks were used to travel dome to dome in good weather.
“The Earth leaders have been asking what weaponry we will give them before we leave. I can’t make that decision without the high chancellor’s agreement.”
Liam nodded his head. “Exactly why they’re sending a representative here to evaluate things. Personally, I don’t think we should leave them with anything except laser guns. They’ve proven to be self-destructive. Imagine what kind of damage they would do with a fighter.”
Devlon agreed with that. “It’s something that bothers me a great deal. I’d be horrified to put all this energy, supplies, and manpower into trying to help these people only to have them turn around and self-destruct all over again. However, I can’t leave them defenseless against other non-humans who may see their weakness and attack them.”
“We’ll have to come up with a defense plan that will satisfy the humans, to aid them in protecting their planet without giving them more power than they can handle. Since I can’t convince you not to go down to the tunnels, you’ll need to have a security detail go with you.”
Devlon rolled his eyes and groaned. “As long as it’s not Nix and Corey. I can’t handle the two of them together. The constant bickering gives me a headache.”
Liam chuckled. “Those two are something else. They’re verbally sparring all the time, and when they spar in combat practice, it always draws the attention of most of our warriors. Despite the fact that Corey wanted Maggie in the beginning, I have to admit that he’s proven himself a fast learner and will one day make a great warrior.” Corey Nash had lived in the same tribe as Maggie and Lily.
“He certainly has put on muscle. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by our females, especially Nix. I see an attraction between the two. I’m not sure if I approve,” Devlon noted.
“I hadn’t noticed that. I’ll speak to Nix about it to make sure the male isn’t bothering her.”
“Good. You know I think of her as a daughter. I won’t have a male abuse her.”
“Of course not, but I don’t think Corey would do such a thing. I see how he is with Maggie and Lily. He’s a kind male.”
“Keep a watch on him all the same. I need to prepare for my departure.”
“I’ll have a shuttle prepare to leave when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Liam.”
“Will you come by tonight for dinner with the whole family?”
Devlon cringed at the idea of Maggie fixing dinner. The last meal she made, she’d burned the pan so badly it had to be thrown away, along with the food which was inedible.
Liam chuckled. “Don’t worry. Lily and Mrs. Gordon are going to help her cook.”
“Thank goodness for that. I honestly don’t think my stomach can handle Maggie’s concoctions.”
His smiled wide, “I didn’t join with her for her cooking abilities.” They both laughed.
“I guess not. I’ll see you tonight.” Devlon checked on the status of the projects going on with his crew and the training of his warriors. A few injuries had occurred, but nothing that wasn’t easily fixed with a trip to mediko. He would make sure to have Liam check in on the injured warriors to make sure they had a full recovery before going back to training. He’d always made sure that his crew was taken care of.
*****
The next day Earth’s subway station
Heather felt nervous for some reason. She reached up to check her hair, making sure it was pulled back in her usual ponytail. Standing there at the tunnel entrance, she watched as the floating golf-cart-like vehicle pulled up with Commander Estro and four other men. Devlon got out and headed toward her, and she couldn’t help but react to him. Her skin tingled, her heartbeat raced, and she suddenly had a bad case of dry mouth.
“Commander, it’s good to see you.”
“You look...well, Heather.”
She couldn’t stop the shiver that went up her spine when he used her name. His voice was deep and sexy. Good lord the man was dangerous to her libido.
Devlon looked around and frowned. One of the tunnels was closed off by fallen rock and debris. “I don’t remember seeing that tunnel blocked before.”
“That’s because it caved in two days ago.”
“What? How?”
“We’re not sure yet, still working on clearing the debris.”
Devlon turned to his men. “Get a crew down here to help with the clean-up.”
“Yes, Commander,” one of the men said as he hit his communicator.
He turned toward another man. “Lt. Walker, I want you to evaluate potential renovation sites for the apartments, and inventory what is still working here.”
“Yes, sir.”
When he turned to face her, Heather couldn’t help but shiver with his concentration now focused on her. Oh boy.
“I need to speak with you in private.”
“We can go to my subcar.”
“That would be acceptable.” He turned to look at the two warriors remaining. “You will keep your distance from the subcar while securing the perimeter.”
“It’s on the outskirts, actually off of the tracks altogether.”
“Lead the way.”
Holy shit! She was taking Devlon back to her place to be completely and utterly alone with him. Did she think this was a good idea? No way. Did she want to change her mind and go somewhere else? Hell no.
Chapter 8
Heather motioned for Devlon to enter her subcar, and was about to follow him in when Leonard decided to show up. His timing was fucked up.
“What’s going on? Was that the commander going in your subcar?” Leonard demanded.
She blocked him from entering, furious with his attitude. “Yes. We need to have a private conversation.”
“Not without me.”
Stay in control, Heather, keep it together. She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “You’re not invited at this time. If there’s anything that will affect you specifically, I’ll let you know.”
Leonard wasn’t satisfied with that and put his hands on Heather’s arms, trying to move her out of the way. “Let me inside!”
“Back off, asshole! I’ve about had it with you. You’ve been nothing but a thorn in my side from the beginning.”
“You shouldn’t have even been named leader, that was my position you stole!”
She stared at him in surprise. She knew Leonard was bitter about not being named leader, but he always followed her orders and rarely vented his anger to her. She should remove him as her second immediately, but she didn’t have time for that at the moment. As a reminder that they weren’t alone,
Devlon made his presence known.
A growl rumbled from behind her and startled both her and Leonard. They stopped struggling and turned to look at Devlon in surprise.
“What is going on out here?” Devlon demanded, glaring at Leonard until he released his hold on her.
She’d never seen Devlon so furious before. He was ready to rip Leonard’s head off. Heather needed to defuse the situation quickly. She would handle Leonard later. “I was just telling Leonard that if there was something he should be made aware of, I’ll let him know later.”
Devlon nodded, some of his anger dissipating. “You are not needed.”
Leonard’s face turned red as he backed down and stormed away. Heather watched his angry strides until he disappeared around the corner.
“He’s trouble,” Devlon commented.
She turned to look up at Devlon. “That’s my business to deal with. I thought you had something you needed to tell me in private.” She pushed her way past his larger body. She could feel his heat and wanted to rub herself all over him. Down girl, behave.
*****
Devlon glanced once more in the direction the human Leonard had gone off in. He wanted to hunt the male down and teach him to never put rough hands on a female. It was unacceptable, but this was Heather’s tribe. She was in charge.
It was hard for him to not take over a situation, especially when he felt he could handle it in a quick and decisive manner. Of course, the plus side to stepping back and watching Heather was that he got to see her in action. That was a beautiful thing.
“What did you need to tell me?” Heather asked, keeping a distance between them while trying to act like that wasn’t what she was doing.
He glanced around the small subcar. As a commander for the fleet he’d seen many primitive cultures. The tribes in the tunnels weren’t the most primitive he’d seen, but it amazed him to see how people could find ways to survive in the worst conditions.
Heather’s subcar was similar to a few that he’d seen before, but this one belonged to Heather and he couldn’t help but be curious. Most people sectioned off areas on the subcar using rags, blankets, or boards. Heather had done something similar. She had a bench sectioned off for sitting, across from another which he assumed she used as her kitchen, because she had some pots there. There was a curtain keeping the back part of the car closed off which he knew had to be where she slept. Did she sleep there alone? Damn it! He needed to get his head where it should be.