by KG Stutts
“Right.”
“Let’s get out of here before we’re dessert,” Lewis softly said, touching her arm.
“I’m really sorry, Ember.” Nova gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Sadness filled her heart as she nodded.
The group gathered together to activate their beacon when they heard shouts for help. Ember darted off without hesitation with the others close on her heels. As they ran, they pulled out their blasters.
A large group of Maulians surrounded the entrance to another mine. Ember fired the first shot into the back of the largest winged enemy. It let out a high pitched scream as it fell to the ground. The others turned their attention to Amethyst, baring their teeth and shaking their spears over their heads.
“Get them away from the cave!” Ember yelled to Lewis and Morris.
They nodded. “Come on, you oversized moth! Let’s see what you can do,” Lewis taunted.
“Why did I leave my fly swatter at home?” Morris joked as he opened fire.
A spear whizzed by Ember’s head as she opened fire. Red blaster fire from Nova ricochet off the entrance to the cave, killing a Maulian who was attacking Henry Lassister. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a mangled body just outside the mouth of the mine. Two of the creatures flew to her side, clawing for her face. She quickly covered her face before dodging to the side and shooting her attacker. Apparently she wasn’t quick enough as purple blood started to drip from a cut on her cheek. A human scream drew the attention of others. The smell of blood filled the air and the cries stopped. Morris and Lewis managed to cut down the numbers at the cave and the captives ran. Left behind was the shredded remains of flesh and blue material.
“Pull back!” Ember ordered.
She caught a glimpse of two more Air Force uniforms past her as the captives escaped. A spear aiming for Morris became lodged in the stone of the mine. A Maulian tried to bite the tech guru. Instead, Nova shot it in the back. Amethyst regrouped, cutting down the rest of the world’s inhabitants when they attempted to swarm.
“Is everyone all right?” Ember asked, wiping a trickle of blood from a cut she had on her chin.
Liam and two other men joined them, covered in dirt and blood. Morris was cradling his arm after being scratched but no one appeared to have been bitten.
“We’re okay now,” Liam said.
“Is this all?” Lewis inquired.
Liam nodded. “It … it was terrible.”
“Let’s talk on the ship.” Ember motioned for everyone to gather around.
A bright light enveloped them as another swarm of Maulians spotted them. Since the Maulians had no form of space travel, the team began to relax. Lewis checked over Morris and Ember ordered the Air Force team to sit down to be checked over.
“What happened?” Ember asked as she evaluated Henry Lassister’s wounds.
“We went in deep to mine the crystal.” Lassiter winced as she began cleaning the cuts on his face and neck. “We heard a loud screech and we were swarmed before we knew what was going on.”
Ember frowned as she continued the medical evaluation. Lassiter seemed to be the worst. His protective armor kept him from losing his right arm but he did have two fingers missing. Judging by the wheeze in his voice, he had at least one broken rib if not more. She pulled a medical scanner from her kit and stopped his bleeding.
“Didn’t you have a look out?” Lewis asked.
“We did,” Johnston spoke up. “Walsh. No one has seen him.”
The body parts at the front of the mine. Ember swallowed, trying to shove the image from her mind. She turned her attention to Corey Johnston, using the scanner to stop the blood from dripping out of a deep gash on his neck.
“You’ll both need to head to the medical bay once we get back to the station but you’ll be okay.”
She went to check on Liam but he waved her off.
“I’m okay.”
“You’re bleeding.”
“So are you. At least, I assume this is blood. Do you literally bleed purple?”
“The genetic manipulation from Genesis changes the molecular structure of DNA, skin cells, and yes, even the color of blood. It’s how our eyes are affected as well,” she explained. “Hey, don’t change the subject.”
He sighed. “It’s just a scratch, Ember.”
“And scratches from the Maulians can get infected. Don’t be a baby.”
Liam glared at her but relented. He presented her with his hands and neck which had little marks on it.
“Morris is good to go,” Lewis informed her.
“Are you?” She looked at him as she worked over Liam’s cuts.
“I’m fine,” he assured her.
“See? Nothing to it,” she said once she finished tending to Liam.
“Are we good to take off?” Nova asked.
“Yes but who is going to pilot the other ship?”
“I will.” Lewis volunteered.
“You sure?’
“No sweat.” He flashed a grin and transported over.
Morris helped get Lassiter and Johnston into medical beds. Nova pulled away from the planet, going a safe distance before activating the hyper drive.
“Are you okay? You were bleeding from your cheek and chin earlier.” Liam lightly touched her face.
“One of the benefits to Genesis is having super-fast healing powers. I’m already healed.” She jerked her head away from him. “Liam, what were you-“
“I wish I knew, Ember. Sorry doesn’t cover it. I don’t have a logical explanation…”
“You’d better think of one fast before you are in front of the General.”
“I know, but we did get enough croceus to use. And I got this.” He pulled a purple gem from his pocket and presented it to her.
Ember looked at him curiously as she accepted it. She rolled it around in her hand before holding it up to the light. It was a few centimeters long with perfect clarity and fit in the palm of her hand.
“You got this for me? Why?”
“The mine had a bunch of other crystals than the croceus. We were midway through the cave when I saw this. It… reminded me of you.” He turned bright red at his admission.
She managed to keep from blushing as well. Instead, she pocketed the gem and nodded.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
#
“You put your men’s lives in danger and you risked the rest of our mission.” General Blanchard circled Liam.
The Air Force Major stood at full attention in the center of the General’s office.
“Yes, sir.”
“You could’ve been killed.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You disobeyed a direct order.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Several good men died due to your negligent behavior.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I should have your stripes for it.”
“Yes, General.”
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“We completed the mission, sir.”
“Yes, but at what cost? You lost three good men. If you were with Amethyst like you should’ve been, that might not have happened.”
Liam’s entire body went rigid as the General circled him again.
“Well, Major?”
“I felt my team was up to the task.”
“There’s a reason I told you to work with Amethyst.”
“I understand, General.”
“Do you?” Blanchard stood toe-to-toe with Liam. “Major, count your lucky stars I still need you or you would be in the brig. As it stands, there will be a hearing after Rudo has been stopped.”
The door chimed several times before Blanchard growled as he took a step back from the Major.
“Come in!” He barked at the door.
Surprised rippled through both men when Ember stepped in.
“This is a private meeting, Ember.”
“Yes, General, I understand that, but I feel like I s
hould be here.”
“Under what grounds?”
“Your orders, sir. Wherever Major Ross goes, I must follow.”
Blanchard grinned, turning back to Liam.
“Even my wayward daughter can follow orders, Major Ross.”
“I’d like to take full responsibility,” Ember stated.
“What?” Both men looked at her in shock.
“I wasn’t fair to Major Ross. I purposely kept him in the dark about my plans and refused to help get our teams prepared for the mission.”
“General, that’s not true,” Liam protested.
“Quiet,” Ember sharply said. “Sir, I created an environment which was toxic to everyone. Instead of coming together as one, my team alienated his. Because of my actions, Major Ross didn’t feel like he could trust me. It’s my fault and I’m ready to accept punishment.”
“You would be willing to concede to me?” Blanchard questioned.
“Yes, sir. Even if it means I must go back in the stasis tube once our mission is over.”
Ember’s eyes shone brightly with intensity. Liam’s jaw hung open, feeling completely stunned she was willing to fall on the sword for him. Blanchard ran a hand through his short graying hair, at a loss for a course of action. Ember shook her jet black hair free from her collar. Liam caught a glimpse of the purple gem he gave her fastened on a chain around her neck. She looked wavering in her resolve as the General stared her down.
“Major, you’re free to go,” Blanchard spoke after several moments.
“Sir?” Liam blinked.
“I know she doesn’t think I do, but I know my daughter. For her to do what she just did showed impressive growth. Either she really wants to save you or she really thinks she was in the wrong. Either way, the fact she was willing to go back into stasis tells me everything I need to know. Now, both of you get out of my office.”
#
“Thank you for what you did back there,” Liam said once they were in their room.
“Are you insane?” Ember challenged.
“I’m sorry-“
“Sorry? Liam, you could’ve been killed!”
“I know!” He shouted back to her. His shoulders slumped as he dropped his tone. “I’m an idiot.”
Ember shoved against his chest, grunting.
“You… could have…. When I saw the body parts in the mine, I thought…”
Liam looked at her stunned. This was a tough, highly skilled woman - a soldier - crying at the thought of losing him.
"You really are an idiot." She wiped her eyes.
Without a thought, Liam took her into his arms, kissing her passionately. She hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around his neck and returned his embrace. He gripped her tightly, almost afraid if he let go, she would disappear. Or worse, reject him. Instead, she pressed her body into his, thrusting her hands into his hair. Liam picked her up, accidentally slamming into her dresser. She pulled away as he bit down on her lower lip.
"No, not like that," she panted. "I just need you. Give me you, not what you think I want."
Ember pulled him close again, wrapping her legs around his waist. This time, he poured all his emotions into the kiss. He felt light-headed when she kissed him back with the same amount of intensity. She broke the embrace long enough to discard her shirt. She bent to kiss him again, but he stopped her.
"You are so beautiful," he said, stroking her cheek. "So beautiful."
The look in his eyes made her heart skip a beat. She bit her bottom lip, grinning. There was no stopping them when she reached for him again, the two becoming one on his bed.
#
It was new, waking up in someone's arms. New, yet welcoming. Cradled in Liam’s arms, Ember listened to the gentle rhythm of his heart. He lightly ran a thumb up and down her shoulder. He still couldn't believe she was his.
"I don't want to move," she muttered against his chest.
"Who says you have to?"
"The alarm which will tell us to get back to work. I'm not ready to deal with the world outside this room." She looked up at him as he chuckled. "What's so funny?"
"I'm still in awe you're here."
"After three times last night, you're still surprised?" she teased. "You must not get a lot of action."
"Don't joke. I'm being serious." He rolled onto his side, looking deep into her purple eyes as he stroked her cheek. "You're incredible, Ember. I've wanted to be with you the moment we met but didn't dare dream you could ever want me."
"I do. I thought I lost you once. I don't plan on it a second time."
He touched the amethyst stone she still wore around her neck. His eyes twinkled as he bent to kiss her. Both groaned as the alarm went off.
"I wish I could put a blaster hole through the damned thing." She rolled out of bed.
"It wouldn't change a thing."
"Would make me feel better," she mumbled.
"So quick with your gun." Liam grinned, planting a quick kiss on her lips before getting dressed.
"Hey, you were grateful for it when you were nearly eaten by a bug."
"For the rest of my days."
She paused before fastening her belt. Something in the way he said it made her want to smile and bolt out the door at the same time.
"We should meet up with everyone.”
“Ember." Liam grabbed her as she headed for the door. "Don't run from me. I don't mean to scare you."
"You? Frighten me?" She scoffed. "Hardly. But we do have a meeting to get to."
The rest of their team was already seated when they arrived for the debriefing with General Blanchard.
"Nice of you two to join us," Morris teased.
"Quiet." She snapped.
The General cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention.
"Thanks to the stupid antics of Major Ross, we have enough croceus to search for Rudo's weather machine."
"I think there was a compliment in there."
The General narrowed his eyes and ignored him.
"However, we have an issue. A big one."
"Of course." Ember rolled her eyes. "Now what?"
"Clayton has activated the machine. California is under ice." He paused while the news sunk in. "He calls it the Winter's Kiss."
"So we lost D.C. and the west coast," Ember said.
"Yes," the General confirmed. "In a matter of moments, too."
"So why can't we use our system to destroy his?" Nova asked.
"Because we're going to need his computer to reverse it," Morris explained.
"Precisely, but we can still use the croceus to locate him."
"What makes you think Rudo will be with the machine?" Lassiter inquired.
"He'll be there. He won't be able to resist," Ember said.
"Rudo is power-hungry and this is the source of his rise. He won't be able to help himself," Lewis stated.
"Have we located him yet?" Liam asked.
"We haven't turned on the machine yet to search. Thought you or Ember would like to throw the switch."
Ember managed to keep from grinning as she approached. A glass tube filled with the crushed yellow crystal sat on the table. She poured the powdered element in the cylinder. Liam stood beside her as the machine hummed to life. They held hands under the table so no one could see as Liam activated the search function. The computer lit up and after several moments, displayed a holographic projection for the room to see.
"It's an island off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea. It must be man-made. The computer doesn't have a record of its existence," Ember stated.
"Then that's where we're going," Liam said.
"How?" Lewis questioned. "We can't exactly fly in. And you know Rudo's defenses are going to be stronger than before."
"Who says we can't fly in?" Ember asked.
"It's an island. I think he would notice."
"Not after we dive." Ember grinned.
She enhanced the image of Scotland, focusing on the coastal city of Aberdeen.
"This is Scotland's largest port city. Major Ross and I can rent a boat and sail out to the island. Then it'll be a matter of disabling any defense shield and landing our ship."
"You talk as if it's a simple thing, Wilson."
"Any shielding will be weaker under water due to the sea life. It won't be a problem. Plus we have Morris who can scramble any security feed."
"I think you're leaving out a factor," Johnston spoke up. "As soon as we get close to our planet, we'll be under attack."
"That's true." Ember's lips pressed into a thin line. "We should take our fighters and try to land in the water near the city of Wick. It should be far enough away to avoid over-exposure."
"We should be able to regroup once we are on the surface to see if we can even land a fighter on the island," Liam spoke up.
"Right." Ember nodded.
"I would feel better about our chances if we could see the stronghold," Lewis commented.
"Maybe we can." Liam rubbed his chin in thought. "Morris, think you can manipulate a satellite since we know the location?"
"I should be able to." Morris approached the computer and set to work. After several minutes, the hologram was replaced by a live video feed. "Boo ya!"
Ember wasn't sure what she expected. Another security fortress like they encountered in Texas, perhaps. Instead, the camera showed them a dilapidated cabin surrounded by trees.
"That's it? Are you sure?" Johnston questioned.
"Positive." Morris sniffed. He didn't like someone questioning his skills.
"Don't be fooled by the meager appearance," Blanchard warned. "Rudo is crafty and well-versed in deceit."
"Or he could be over-confident," Lewis pointed out.
"Either way, we should be on guard," Liam said.
"Agreed. I still think diving is the best way to get in undetected," Ember said.
"I concur. You have four hours to get ready," Blanchard instructed.
#
"Using fishing boats, diving underwater, unsure if we can land our ship ... this is either going to be the greatest plan ever, or we're all going to die horribly and painfully," Nova joked as the team left the meeting.