by Nick Braker
“Guys, this is Jules. I need some directions. Who has the view and knows where we are?”
Asher and Brandon went to their respective rooms.
“Jules, Weston here. I have it and I see where we are but I don’t know where we’re going.”
Asher half-rolled his eyes as he turned around to head back to Weston’s viewport.
“On my way, Weston,” Asher said through the comm-system.
The door to his bedroom slid open and shut as he passed through it. He walked quickly through the interior corridors since the gravity generator was down and Earth’s gravity was now in control. He stepped back into Weston’s bedroom.
“Hey, man. Where are we?” Asher asked.
Weston pointed over to the left side of the viewport. Buildings, parks and restaurants lit up the night sky.
“There is Evansville. See the stadium lights? I knew where we were when I saw those.”
“Gotcha,” Asher said. “Jules, turn the ship right from its current path about 30 degrees. I have no idea how fast we’re traveling but I’ll keep you updated as we go.”
“Sure thing. Hey, do not let us run into any planes or tall buildings, okay?” she laughed.
“Yeah, we don’t have insurance yet.”
Mira and Zara both laughed nervously in the background. At least some of them could still laugh. The two men stood there watching the scene unfold.
“We’re the luckiest men alive, Asher,” Weston said.
He nodded at Weston. It took several minutes of course and speed changes but eventually the ship hovered over the area Asher had in mind.
“So where are we?” Zara asked, still speaking over the open comm-link.
“An old farm my family used to own before they lost it to the county. Long story but no one lives here right now and the clearing we’re hovering over is packed in tight with trees all around. It was the only place I could think of that I knew would be safe. We’re miles from the city and any nosy neighbors,” Asher said. “Jules, take us down about 300 feet and slowly descend another 50 feet from there.”
The ship filled about a tenth of the clearing and Jules landed it near its center. Trees circled the clearing completely, providing no view from the sides. Asher and Weston headed toward the access ramp located on the lower deck between Weston’s quarters and the common area. Weston hit the panel and tapped a few keys which controlled the large ramp. It opened up with a hiss as the air pressure equalized. Weston leaned on the ramp as it unfolded both down and out. Asher could see Weston was anxious. The mechanically cleaned air within the ship gave way to the smell of flowers, trees and earth that quickly filled the corridors. The night sky shown above with the myriad of stars twinkling down. The moon was out and its light illuminated the clearing. Frogs, crickets and other life could be heard and the familiarity of it all relieved the tension of the chaos they had faced earlier. He was home.
The comm-system was still open.
“All clear here,” Asher said. “My apologies to those that have to work through this but as soon as you finish, take a break and come on out. Come get me if there is anything I can do to help. I’ll be in the house to the north.”
He clicked the comm-system switch again, turning it off just as Zara ran up behind him. In her palm was a small, handheld gadget.
“If we need to communicate with each other, this will do the job. Push to talk,” she smiled, turning around to go back.
“Thank you,” he said, examining it.
The device was plain except for a recessed button that was almost flush with the outer casing. Its metallic finish gave it a solid, heavy feel, belying its size. Asher pocketed it and descended the ramp. Weston followed Asher out, just past the edge of the ramp.
“I’m going to stay here and enjoy the quiet,” Weston told him.
“Something bothering you?” he asked.
“Just needed to get off that ship. I needed to know I could,” Weston said. “I feel better already.”
Asher nodded and then headed for the farm’s main house.
“Need company?” Weston asked.
“Nah. Just going to check out my old stomping grounds. Not even sure I can get in.”
The area hadn’t changed much since his family lost the farm nearly a year ago. They had lived in the city then but having the farm gave the entire family on both sides a place to get together for cookouts, horseback riding, and other family activities. About a year ago, hard times came quickly and they lost this farm and their home in the city. His mom and dad had to settle for a small house where he and his sister had lived since. Roughly one year ago, life had drastically changed and today it drastically changed again. This time he liked the change, he liked it a lot.
The moonlit darkness was just enough to let Asher see the trees starting to thin out ahead. The little path from the clearing was still usable and, a few short footsteps later, he emerged. In the distance he could see the front of the house. It hadn’t changed. It still needed cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. He felt the urge to run the rest of the way so he gave into it. The gravity on the ship was like an amusement ride, constantly trying to find his footing in low-g, sideways-g, you name it. There was no angle spared on that ship. Here, it was constant and familiar. He bolted toward the house. The rush of air and responsiveness of his leg muscles fueled him so he ran faster. He bounded up two steps and landed safely on his old front porch. He stood there breathing normally though something nagged at him. Whatever it was, it didn’t feel right. He placed a call to Zara.
“Zara?” he said after he pushed the button on the communicator.
“Yes, sweetie?” she returned.
He expected her voice to sound tinny but it was clear and remarkably lifelike. He looked around again. His concern had grown but now he felt foolish for it.
Still, better safe than sorry.
“Everything okay?” he said.
“Yes, dear, why are you asking?” she said.
He could hear how unsure she was of his question.
“Never mind,” he said feeling even more foolish. “I guess I just feel exposed here. I think I like the comfort and security on the ship.”
“Hmm…. We will get sensors on the priority list and scan the area. I will see if Weston would be willing to look around. Sound good?” she said helpfully.
“You are amazing,” he said.
“Yes, you are correct.”
Compliments seemed par for the course with these girls.
“Let’s talk later, in detail,” he said. “I have a lot of questions for you girls.”
“Sure thing, sir,” she said, laughing.
“Enough of that,” he smirked, forgetting no one was around.
Asher put the device in his pocket and jiggled the door knob. It opened and he stepped in.
The rooms near the front hallway were empty. The left room led into the living area. Memories simmered to the top of his consciousness. He wanted to resist, but instead, he let them have their way.
He remembered that his parents had stuffed the living room full of furniture. It was the most crowded room in the house and he could never figure out why they deliberately filled it. The television, sofa, cabinets, exercise bike, coffee table and more made it hard to live in. He smiled, remembering the year they tried to have Christmas in there, complete with the tree stuffed near the entrance to the room. It wouldn’t go in any further. The presents overflowed into the hallway and several times he remembered having to push them back under the tree.
Yeah, those were my parents.
To the right used to be the dining room. A flash of memories took over and the room filled with light and sounds as a Thanksgiving dinner was prepared and laid out on the large table. He sat with his back near the window to the front porch, his dad to his right, then his sister, brother, Mom and any other family members that joined them that particular year. Mom knew how to cook. He could smell the turkey even now, taste the candied yams, feel the slippery cranberry slice
s and hear the sounds of family talking and carrying on around him.
Some very good memories.
The next room to the left, through the dining area, was the kitchen. It was near the back of the house. He could see the table in his mind’s eye in the center of the room. Mom used it as her counter where she prepared most meals. It had all the niceties of modern day living at the time but this room held little for him in the way of memories. That bothered him.
His musings were interrupted again, something still bugged him. He looked around to see what it was but there was nothing obvious. Nothing was out of place, nothing he could hear or smell, just a nagging feeling. He shrugged and moved on. Around the hallway toward the front door, he made a U-turn and went up the stairs. All of the bedrooms were on this floor with just one bathroom.
A family of four should never have just one bathroom.
He remembered all the times his sister would spend in there getting ready for school or doing her hair. He entered her bedroom, standing just inside the doorway. The floor on the far wall was smooth with very few scratches, yet around it were years of wear and tear on the hardwood. In a flash, he recalled one nasty night his sister had come home crying. Her boyfriend had dumped her. She had wailed about being in love with him but not understanding why he wanted to hurt her. It was a tough memory for Asher. He hated what love did to her and how much it hurt. She was so tied up in this guy she ended up depressed and, at one point, suicidal over the incident. The horrific memories of the blood in the bathroom made him angry even now.
How could you let someone hurt you that much? I did too, I guess... but it’s never gonna happen to me again.
Asher stepped into his old room but his thoughts were interrupted by a muffled voice calling his name. It sounded urgent.
Where the hell is… oh, it is the device in my pocket.
He heard his name again. Asher pulled it out and pushed the button.
“What is it?”
“Asher,” Zara said, yelling. “We got company. Military helicopters. Soldiers...”
“You said everything was fine,” he exclaimed.
“That was 25 minutes ago,” she said, snapping at him.
Chapter 11
WSO REVEALED
Earth - Asher’s Old Home
May 28, 1987 - 11:05pm
Asher bolted out the front door, raced down the stairs, and sprinted toward the ship. He made it twenty feet from the porch when a heavy weight hit him from behind and he landed face first on the ground. The air rushed out of him and in less than a second, hands were all over him. Someone pulled his arms behind him, cuffing his wrists. He must have been stunned because by the time he tried to resist and fight back his hands were bound and a black bag was slipped over his head. His arms were still bent backward as they dragged him across the ground. Footsteps were all around him and he counted at least six different sets.
“What is going on? Who are you?” he demanded but no response came.
He smelled the flowers again from the clearing. The smell grew stronger as they dragged him. Were they taking him toward the ship? He considered trying to free himself as they went through the trees but the bonds on him hampered his chances. He cursed himself for not trusting his instincts. He could have gotten them all out of there. With Zara’s device, he could have at least warned them to take off without him.
The two men holding him by his elbows dropped him on the ground and rolled him over to a seated position. They removed the bag from his head and the glare of lights all around him pierced through the blackness, blinding him. Blinking, he recovered his vision enough to look around the area. A bead of sweat rolled down Asher’s forehead. Three armed soldiers stared down at him, their eyes were cold and menacing and their demeanor said that no shit would be tolerated. Sounds of his crew struggling within the ship replaced the whirling blades of several helicopters powering down around him. Asher turned his head, hoping to avoid the pain in his neck. His head and neck hurt from the face plant they had caused. The soldiers had Jules and they were dragging her down the ramp. She fought wildly with the soldiers, yelling at them.
“I am an American citizen, asshole. Let go of me,” she screamed.
Three more of the soldiers joined those holding Jules as she continued to tell them how small their brains were as well as some of their other body parts. She was livid and wasn’t holding anything back. Expletives and insults seemed to flow naturally from her. The soldiers showed no outward reaction to her tirade. Asher’s eyes grew wide. Jules? This was a part of her he never imagined. She had always seemed the brainy, reserved type but now she was so mad it took three soldiers to control her. They forced Jules over to him and pushed her to the ground. They stepped back, taking positions behind him. Asher sat roughly 30 feet from the base of the ship’s ramp facing it. Even his guards had three other guards standing directly behind them. Several others stood about twenty feet further back with weapons ready.
Jules bent her head forward and turned to face him, giving him a quick wink. He started to acknowledge her bravado but the guards were watching them intently. Did they see her action? Would they even care? If they tried to run or fight, a quick burst from those weapons would end it.
The rest of his crew were dragged out too and pulled down the ramp. Their hands were bound as well with at least three soldiers for each of them. He cursed silently. His crew were now in the custody of the United States government.
He assessed the soldiers, looking for an opportunity to make a break for the ship. They were dressed in an unfamiliar uniform, none of which matched anything he recognized from the armed forces. These were government personnel certainly, but there was nothing that identified them outwardly. They showed a great deal of training and professionalism as they ignored Jules’ verbal insults while easily capturing them. His bonds were expertly applied and weren’t coming off until the soldiers decided to take them off.
The wind began to pick up as another helicopter came into view over the tree tops, preparing to land. It settled down on the far side of the clearing in Asher’s forward line of sight. The blades on the helicopter hadn’t even slowed when a man in a pressed, immaculate black suit stepped out. He wore polished black shoes and the bright white shirt he wore under the black jacket stood in stark contrast to everything else about the man, including his hair.
“What the hell happened here?” he demanded.
The one who appeared to be in charge on the ground saluted him.
“There was some initial resistance within the ship, sir. We have several men receiving medical assistance on the far side of the clearing.”
What the hell?
He looked at Greg, Weston and then Brandon. They were sitting on the ground with their hands bound behind them. These people were taking him and his crew very seriously and leaving no chance for an escape.
Asher returned his attention to the exchange between the two men at the helicopter. The man pointed to another area of the clearing directly behind him. The three soldiers guarding him blocked some of his view but he counted roughly eight government soldiers on gurneys. They appeared to be out cold but he imagined it was possible some of them were dead. Asher felt pride and sat up a little taller in admiration of his crew. His friend’s ability to take out eight trained, government soldiers was impressive. Inwardly, he hoped no one was dead or even hurt permanently. Most of these men had families and someone dying over this would forever haunt him. He didn’t want to give up his ship but it was too late to do anything about that now. He should however start worrying about what would happen to each of them. Finishing the thought, he looked up to see the immaculate, black suited man standing in front of him.
“Take the others back to base and separate them. The first one to talk gets to walk,” he said, not taking his eyes off Asher.
The soldiers forced everyone up and hauled them into several different helicopters.
“You already know you’re in a world of trouble. Charges so long you’
ll need several lives to get through them all. The real question is whether you cooperate and give us some room to drop many of them, maybe to the point you actually get out before you rot in prison and die,” he said.
The man glared at Asher with an intensity he’d not seen before. This man had power and knew it. Confidence radiated from him and it chewed through Asher’s resistance.
Damn, I’m in way over my head...
“Take him away. See to it that none of them get anything to eat or drink,” the black suited man said.
His shoulders, already sore, winced in pain as two pairs of arms grabbed him by his elbows and dragged him toward one of the helicopters.
“Don’t worry,” one of the soldiers told him. “This is the easy part. You don’t get to see where we’re going. It’s nap time for you.”
A quick, sharp pain in the right side of his neck was the last thing he felt.
Asher opened his eyes. He was on his back and lying on a bed; no, a cot. The bright light above him stung his eyes, forcing him to close them and turn away. There was a heavy ache in his neck. Sounds swirled around him and they seemed to flow in and out. He couldn’t make sense of anything. He stayed motionless, listening, letting time go by. Breathing was the only movement he allowed himself. A door opened and footsteps drew closer. Someone jerked Asher up by the chains holding his wrists and ankles. For an instant, he drifted back to the metal tables on the alien ship that also bound him in the same way but these bonds were metal and quite noisy.
“Bring him to the chair and wake him up.”
It was the man in the black suit. He hadn’t opened his eyes yet but he recognized the voice. Could he try to make an escape? Maybe use this guy as a hostage?