He leaned forward and pointed. “I see it right there.”
Squeezing his hand, she listened to his raspy breaths for a while. “You’re right, we’re not going to die tonight. No way. When this is all over, and we get home, we’re going to look up in the sky and admire your twinkling star. And a year from now, we’re going to lay out a blanket on the beach and admire it some more. That’s a promise.”
Her voice trailed off into a scream as the ship lurched, yet again, and she was thrown upward in a mad spiral.
“Casey!” yelled Jack.
She bounced off the ceiling, hanging upside down, flailing against the air. Blue slammed into her, before being thrown into a series of somersaults. Casey felt herself floating in midair. Crap! As if things could get any worse, the artificial gravity was gone. Why wasn’t I briefed on how to maneuver my way around the ship in such a case? Because it sure wasn’t on the astronaut entrance exam. Oh wait…that’s right. I never took one of those. They expected us to wing it after a few hours of training.
A shadowy figure pounded into her side. “Jack! Is that you?” She turned to see the dark shapes of the others floating weightlessly around her. Blue spun in circles, his calmness invading her own thoughts. She thought maybe he could feel her fear, and he knew this was the best way to soothe her.
Her hair floated around her like a halo. Casey whirled her body around and peered at the shapes surrounding her. She’d had a hard time finding her parents on the floor, but she thought maybe the lack of gravity would help her along. Pressing her palms against the ceiling, she pushed herself forward, calling for her parents, Mike, and Jack, but no one answered. She squeezed her eyes shut, and her heart thundered in her chest. Reaching out, she clung to a vibrating metal beam; it felt like she was hanging on to a railroad track that was playing host to an oncoming train. All she needed now was a warning horn from a locomotive, but instead, the silence around her seemed oppressing. She waited, every muscle tense.
The lights finally came on. The vibrations stopped, and the instruments sprang to life, beeping loudly. Lights blinked and flashed on the control panel. The main screen burst into static, then started to reboot. Casey felt a glimmer of hope as her heart danced.
Thorn scanned the gauges and pushed several buttons. “Everyone, be prepared. I’m turning on artificial gravity!” he yelled.
Casey fell with a crashing thud, landing on her head and side. She sat up and rubbed her chest where it felt her air supply had just been cut off. Bodies crumpled to the floor beside her. A woozy feeling overcame her as she blinked. She winced, her head reeling.
“We’re back online. All systems up!” shouted Thorn.
It was the best news ever. Relief swept through Casey as a surge of joy swelled in her chest. The room erupted in cheers and clapping. It was like being at one of Jack’s football games when he scored a touchdown or when Mike caught a humongous wave at one of his competitions, flawlessly performing every surfing move and trick he knew. It was the sound she loved that meant everything was fantastic.
Casey blinked against the unnaturally bright light, her eyes slowly but surely regaining focus. Her head spun; her ears rang from the sudden pressure. She rubbed her neck hard as she made out the hazy outlines of Mike and Jack leaning over her. She felt something soft and damp against her cheek; Blue was licking her. Her lips curled into a smile. “We didn’t die!”
“Heck no!” Mike’s face beamed. “I knew we wouldn’t because I have this awesome life all mapped out. Fate wants me to do big things like turning into a superstar.”
Jack nudged her. “Or the biggest show-off ever.”
Casey laughed. She inched closer and hugged him tight. “We love you for being a show-off.”
“Are you hurt?” asked Jack.
“Me?” Mike shrugged. “I’m healthy as a horse. It’d take more than a bump on the head to get me down.”
“Not you, buddy. Her,” said Jack. “She’s the one on the ground.”
Casey laughed as she embraced him. “I’m fine, thanks.”
Blue barked and she ran her hands through his soft fur.
“Casey!” She heard her dad’s familiar voice, and her heart skipped a beat. He’d survived the side effects of deep sleep after all.
Her mom gripped her tight in a nice, warm hug. “Oh, baby, are you okay?”
A smile curled up on her lips. “Okay? I’ve never been better.”
When her dad held out a hand, Casey gripped it and stood. “Dad, I’m so glad you’re…” She swayed, a wave of dizziness washing over her.
“Save your strength, darling.”
She melted into her dad’s chest, inhaling the faint, lingering smell of his aftershave. “I love you so much, Daddy.”
He hugged her tight and kissed her forehead. “I love you too. Everything’s going to be okay.”
Her mom wrapped her arms around Mike and Jack. “We love you guys too,” she burst out, tears flowing again. “Don’t you just love happy endings?”
Mike threw his arms around her and squeezed tight.
Jack embraced Casey’s mom and whispered, “I’ve never been so scared as I was when you two were swept overboard.”
“I thought I was going to drown,” said Casey’s mom. “The waves were so big, and I swallowed so much saltwater, but then a blue light engulfed me, and I started to float in midair. That was when I must’ve passed out.”
Her dad shuddered. “I saw the strange light, too, through the storm. First I thought it was rescue, but then a blue beam shot out, and I knew something wasn’t right, because it moved straight toward the wheelhouse, as though it was trying to incapacitate us. I jumped back just as it struck and cracked the GPS.”
Casey glanced at Jack. “So that’s why the GPS was cracked and didn’t work.”
Her dad nodded and continued, “The room was filled with this blue light. I ran out as fast as I could, and that was when a wave came and knocked me overboard. The next thing I knew, I was floating in the air next to your mother. I blacked out and found myself aboard a spaceship, looking up at these aliens with bald heads and big, black eyes. They said your mother and I needed rest after everything we’d been through. They told us the glass capsules were beds. I don’t remember anything else. I just fell asleep and didn’t wake till you came to our rescue.”
They had all been through so much, and Casey couldn’t wait to get home. Home. What a word to cherish. She had always taken it for granted, but she would never do that again. Just like Dorothy, she’d had to learn the hard way that there really is no place like home, and what she wouldn’t give to be able to get there by clicking her shoes together! She decided then and there that from now on, she’d live life to the fullest and enjoy every single moment. She’d watch every sunrise and sunset, feel the wind on her skin, and walk in the wet sand along the ocean whenever she felt like it. She’d treasure life forever, because nothing was more important.
Casey’s mom shook her head slightly as she looked up at her husband. “It doesn’t matter. None of it matters. We’re together now, and we’re safe.” She turned toward Casey. “I love you, baby girl.”
Casey kissed her. “I love you, too, Mom.”
“It’s over,” said Jack.
Mike pointed out the cockpit window. “Hey! Check this out.”
The giant battleship had exploded into a million pieces of floating debris. It looked like the aftermath from some kind of battle seen in a Star Wars movie.
She threw her arms around Mike and Jack. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.” And then her glance fell on Thorn, and her heart sank in her chest. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
If Thorn had heard her, he didn’t reply.
She forced her attention back to the others, all cheering and rejoicing, no one paying any thought to the alien who had just lost his brother. She inched closer and placed her hand on his shoulder, hoping the gesture of understanding would help him in some way.
Thorn touched a green crystal
, and the ship slowly spun around, away from the wreckage. “Okay. We’re on autopilot for about fifteen more minutes while the Loslinda crystals charge after that power surge.”
“Autopilot?” asked Mike. “What did you need us for then?”
Thorn’s gaze narrowed. “Well, for starters, autopilot doesn’t start the computer systems or the engines, and it doesn’t last longer than thirty minutes. That’s hardly any time.”
“It’s a temporary fix,” said Jack.
Mike nodded. “Gotcha.”
A woman’s excited voice cut through the air. “Look out the window!”
Everyone gazed out the cockpit window, crowding around to see the beautiful view of the sparkling blue and white jewel…known as Earth. Words couldn’t describe the awesome scene before her…it was mind-blowing. One she got back home to her painting studio, she’d create the perfect celestial oil painting on stretched canvas.
Mike pressed his hand against the window. “Dude, it looks like a huge blue and white marble.”
“And you all saved it, just like you did when you were little,” her mom said with a smile.
Casey gave Jack’s hand a squeeze. “But you didn’t wear your cape, Superman.”
He grinned. “And you didn’t wear your tiara, Wonder Woman.”
“And I didn’t wear my Spider-Man outfit,” said Mike. “Guess we’re not five anymore. I remember all the great times we had wearing those costumes and saving the world, but I definitely think we had more fun this time around without having to wear the spandex.”
They erupted in laughter.
From the corner of her eye, Casey watched Kira walk over to Thorn, gold highlights shimmering in her flowing red hair. A shampoo commercial would kill to have her as their spokesperson. Who wouldn’t buy a bottle to get results like that? Casey noticed Kira’s smile, but she didn’t seem as enthusiastic as the others.
“I’m sorry for all the grief I caused. The scientists and I shouldn’t have messed with such a dangerous weapon.” She handed Thorn a silver chain with a dangling ankh. “I thought you should have this.”
He gaped as the necklace draped over his fingers. “How did you get this?”
Her green eyes glittered. “I swiped it from your brother when I tied him up. When I feel objects, I can see past images, like a movie being played in my head. I accidentally touched his necklace and saw your father. He specifically told your mother that only one with a pure heart deserves to wear it.” She wrapped his hands around the ankh. “And Thorn, that’s you. Always remember the necklace represents life—the billions of lives you saved today. And we can’t ever thank you enough.”
He put the necklace on and reached for her hands. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose and peered away, but Casey caught the telltale glint in his eyes.
“Wear it proudly,” said Kira.
“I don’t deserve it.”
Kira kissed Thorn’s forehead, and a deep frown set between her brows. “Don’t you dare think that.” Her gaze traveled to Casey’s, and she cocked her head.
Casey’s cheeks grew hot. She sucked at eavesdropping and pulled Jack away, leading him across the room as she whispered, “We need to talk.”
“With all these people?” Jack chuckled and motioned her over behind a silver pillar.
She peered around. The pole could barely hide them from view, but it probably was the closest thing they’d find to privacy.
Jack wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.
She found a twinkle in his eyes that she’d never seen before. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and she felt a flush cover her body. A smile crept onto her face as she hugged him tight. Being with Jack felt more natural than breathing. “I’ve never been so happy. I’m sorry it took all of this for me to figure out how much I care about you.”
“You know, I’d do it all over again just to make you figure it out,” said Jack, pushing a strand of hair out of her eyes. His touch sent an array of electricity over her.
He touched his lips to hers, soft, gentle, and sweet. Her heart jumped.
Mike’s voice boomed right behind them. “Hey, what’s going on here? I hope you just fainted and he’s trying to resuscitate you.”
Crap! Casey pulled away from Jack. “Mike, I, uh…we…” Should I tell him? Will he understand? She glanced at Jack for support, begging him through her eyes to sort it all out, but Jack didn’t seem concerned. He kept his arm locked around her waist, pulling her nearer.
“You two seem like you’re getting pretty cozy.” The shocked look on Mike’s face betrayed the touch of anger in his voice.
Casey glanced from Jack to Mike, then back to Jack. She was sure he’d say something, deny it and save them both a lot of drama, but the way Jack rubbed the back of his head, it didn’t seem like he was in a hurry to explain. “Jack,” she hissed, “say something.” When Jack said nothing, she turned to Mike, her cheeks burning. How should I start? Tell the truth? But she didn’t want to—not until she knew for sure that she wasn’t about to lose one of her closest friends. “Um, Jack and I, uh…”
Mike inched closer, as though he didn’t hear her, and pushed Jack up against the pillar. “I can’t believe you’re doing this to me. You knew I liked Casey.”
Jack snorted. “Is there a girl you don't like?” He took a step forward, his eyes glaring into those of his best friend.
“You know it’s different.”
“I’ve heard that one before,” said Jack.
Casey didn’t want to deal with it, at least not yet, when there were so many people around and everyone was hungry, exhausted, and irritated. She needed time to make sense of her emotions first. “Both of you stop it!” Casey shouted, stepping in between the two of them, her hands balled into fists. “This isn’t the time or place.”
Mike’s and Jack’s eyes were locked on the other.
After a moment, Mike backed off, his face still turned toward Jack as he moved a few steps away. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again and shook his head. Finally, he spoke. “You’re right. I’m so sorry, guys. I shouldn’t have butted in on your private moment.”
Jack grabbed his arm. “No, I’m the one who needs to apologize.”
“Don’t worry about it, man. We’re cool.” Mike sounded sincere, but he threw Jack’s hand off his arm and turned his back on them. “I overreacted. It’s not a big deal.” His voice cracked slightly, like it always did when he felt uncomfortable. He wiped his sleeve over his face and walked a few more steps away.
“Mike, I—” Casey started.
“No, don’t explain. I don’t want to hear it.” He turned around, his gaze studying Casey’s face. The sudden smile across his lips looked forced and didn’t reach his eyes. “It just took me by surprise, that’s all. Is this really what I think it is? Because if it’s really what you want, then you should’ve told me the truth.”
There was no point in keeping it from him. He knew it. She could see the realization in his eyes. Casey blinked back tears. “I’m sorry.”
Mike kissed her on the forehead. “Then I’m cool with it. You’re my best friend, and I want you to be happy.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
“That’s what friends are for. Again, I’m sorry for barging in like I did. I need to work on my manners.” He pivoted on his heel and walked away.
Her stomach twisted into knots as she stared after him. She didn’t believe a word he said. Mike never gave up that easily on anything he really wanted. Unless…unless he never really wanted me. “I feel horrible,” she whispered. “I can’t believe we just did that to him.”
“He needs time to adjust, that’s all,” said Jack. “He’ll get used to the idea of us. Too bad we’re stuck on a ship, because I bet a hot chick here and there will do the trick.”
“You’re probably right, but it still sucks.” She watched as Mike walked further away before she said, “I don’t understand
how he can go around breaking hearts all the time, because doing that to someone sure feels awful.”
Jack draped his arm over Casey’s shoulders. “Maybe having experienced it himself will make him less likely to do it to others from now on.”
“Maybe.” She sighed. “The last thing I want to do is see him hurt.”
“He’s never had a girl turn him down before.” Jack looked away from her, hesitating. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. His fan club will be waiting for him on the beach when we get back. Before we came here, he had a crush on at least three of them.”
“Three? Wow. That’s a lot.” Casey blew out a breath. “I hope you’re right.” She grabbed his hand, pulling him along behind her. “C’mon. Thorn’s waiting for us. Those crystals are probably charged by now. I’ve heard there’s still a pilot seat available, and you know what? This time, I’m sitting in it.”
Jack smiled. “I never knew it could be so much fun to fly a spaceship.”
She laughed. “Exactly why I’m driving!”
* * *
Thorn, Mike, and Casey navigated the ship away from the pieces of wreckage. “Onward to your home planet,” said Thorn.
Hundreds of dots appeared and blinked on the ship view screen.
Casey grabbed her chair, groaning. “C’mon! Battleships? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
The others looked up.
Thorn leaned over and frowned. “We’ve got company.”
“This can’t be good!” said Jack. “Did more rebel Greys come and track us down?”
Mike ran his hands through his hair. “Most likely. We just blew up their commander!”
“If it’s rebels, they’ll want revenge,” said Casey.
Footsteps came up behind her. She turned to see her dad, his usually gentle face hard and stern. “Ask the fellow if this ship has weapons.”
“What good are weapons going to be against an entire fleet?” her mom asked.
Casey turned to translate as the horror vision unfolded before her eyes. Hundreds of spaceships, perhaps thousands, spread out like a blanket of stars in the black sky. Casey’s eyes flew wide open, her mouth gaping. Isn’t this nightmare ever going to end? Her voice wavered. “I don’t want to play Star Wars anymore. I just want to go home. Anybody got any ruby-red slippers?”
Termination - Book 9 in The Trapped in the Hollow Earth Novelette Series (The Conclusion) Page 4