“It was for control,” Yagar said.
“The Ancients of the past had many civilizations that they used as slaves,” Firbin explained. “They had not mastered genetic manipulation so they used force to keep control.”
“That would do it,” Marissa said in a low voice.
Jehon stopped the truck. They had reached the others. Barton’s team was standing outside their vehicles. The tunnel beyond the second blast door was undisturbed. The rail tracks were still intact and the train they’d taken to reach this base was waiting.
“Where are we?” Marissa leaned forward and stared out the window. “This looks like a subway station.”
“It is an underground train.” Jehon turned the ignition off. “Your world is crisscrossed with such tunnels.”
“Nobody knows this.” Marissa’s voice shook. “Why are they hidden?”
“It is part of the Shadow Government that the Albireons have been using to control this planet.”
“You mean Earth.” Marissa shook her head. “Those conspiracy theories have been making the rounds for years. There is no proof.”
Firbin opened the door and helped Marissa out of the vehicle. “This is your evidence.”
Chapter 5
MARISSA TRIED TO walk, but her shoes were making it impossible. Shoes with broken heels did not make movement easy. She pulled the once beautiful Jimmy Choo heels off her feet and held them close to her chest. They had only been two inch heels; at the time she bought them she’d thought they were the perfect business accessory. Now, she wished she’d gone for comfort and worn running shoes.
“This train is a secret?”
“Everything down here is on a need to know basis.” Barton had stopped in front of her. “I need to know how you managed to get yourself into the restricted floors.”
Marissa shook her head. “The last thing I remember is going into my boss’s office.”
“Who’s your boss?” Barton’s voice was clipped.
“Douglas Norcott V.”
Barton’s eyes narrowed. “So you are a traitor to the human race.”
He reached for her.
Before she could react, Firbin stood in front of her.
“She is not to be harmed.” His voice was a low threat.
Jehon stood beside Firbin and crossed his arms. “You have asked for the help of Hunters. You must abide by our Sacred Code.”
“She’s working with the enemy.” Barton’s voice was filled with exasperation.
Niail positioned himself on the other side of Firbin. “You do not know that. She was being held prisoner.”
Barton ran a hand through his hair. “You guys aren’t going to budge on this.”
Yagar moved behind Jehon and stood beside her.
Weise moved to her other side.
The last two Hunters moved behind her.
She was completely encircled by these men. A sense of security filled her. She had no fear of what was going to happen because she was protected. The men moved as one and took her along with them as they embarked on the train.
Only then, did Barton motion his other soldiers to get on the vehicle. When everyone was aboard, Weise left her side and moved to the front of the train car. One of the Hunters who was standing behind her, took his place.
“Enough.” Barton shouted. “I get the picture. You want the woman left alone. It’s your problem if she turns out to be a spy.”
“She is no such thing.” Firbin spoke in a quiet voice. “She was a prisoner.”
Barton nodded. “Hank said you guys were strange about your code, but I didn’t realize you took it so seriously.”
“You have agreed to work with us.” Jehon took a step away from Marissa. “That means you will be subject to the same Sacred Code.”
“What will you do if I refuse?” Barton’s voice took on an aggressive edge.
“We will kill you.” Jehon’s voice echoed in the now silent train car. “You were all aware of this before we began this battle.”
Barton nodded. “I just didn’t expect that we would be killing humans and taking prisoners.”
“Marissa is not a prisoner.” Firbin’s voice was firm. “She is a woman and is to be obeyed.”
That’s when the train started to move.
Marissa wasn’t certain she’d heard correctly, but she wasn’t going to question it. She needed to get out of here in one piece. The Hunters were the only ones protecting her. She would agree to anything at this point. There was one thing that puzzled her.
“Why did you say my boss was the enemy?”
Barton’s eyes narrowed. “He runs KT Oil and they are one of the major players in the Shadow Government that is run by Albirsion Corporation.”
“That’s the second time I’ve heard about this Shadow Government. No such thing exists.” Marissa sat down and crossed her arms.
“Our sources say it is real.” Firbin’s voice was apologetic. “How long have you worked for K.T. Oil?”
“Six months.” Marissa’s voice was defensive. “Douglas has been the perfect employer.”
“What do you do for him?” Barton took a step closer.
“I’m his Executive Assistant.”
Barton let out a low whistle. “You must know where the bodies are buried then. You might prove to be useful.”
“There were no illegal activities going on at KT.” Marissa couldn’t believe what Barton was implying. “I wouldn’t work for someone like that.”
“What did you do for Mr. Norcott?”
“I attended meetings, compiled reports, directed other departments as to his wishes, set the agenda for board meetings, and did whatever he requested.”
“Is that why you were in Vegas?” Barton asked.
“The head office is in Vegas. Mr. Norcott lives in one of the private villas at the Galactic Grand Hotel. We were arranging a meeting with the Saudi Government about oil licenses. It was late and Mr. Norcott needed the reports immediately, so I delivered them to his home at the Galactic Grand.” Marissa frowned. “When I walked into his home study to deliver the papers, Douglas was on the phone and mention something about a device.”
The train jerked forward at that moment. For a few seconds everyone in the car was trying to find their balance, and Marissa clutched the bottom of the seat she was sitting in. The train moved at something closer to the takeoff of a plane rather than a train. When she looked out the window the walls passed in a blur of motion.
“What kind of train is this?”
“Electromagnetic,” Niail answered. “What device was he speaking of.”
Marissa shrugged. “I don’t know. I assumed it was something to do with oil wells.”
“What happened after that?” Firbin’s voice was low.
Marissa frowned. “The rest seems a blur. Douglas motioned for me to sit and then he finished his conversation.”
“Did he say anything else about the device?” Jehon pushed past Barton. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “This is important, so please try and remember.”
All conversations in the car stopped.
They were waiting on her answer.
Marissa frowned and tried to focus her thoughts. Douglas had looked up with anger when she first walked in. She was going to turn around, when he motioned her to sit. He’d smiled, so she thought everything was fine. He hadn’t been difficult to work for. For the first time in her short business career, she’d found a boss she could respect. She thought that they were getting along fine.
“He said that he wanted a demonstration.”
“Any idea of where that was to take place?” Firbin asked.
Marissa closed her eyes and tried to envision the office. “Someplace with a lake.”
“Is that all?” Firbin’s voice was hopeful. “Any clue that you have would help.”
“Why is this so important?” Barton frowned. “We have a bigger issue with the battle right now.”
Marissa caught a glance between Firbin and Jehon. It
was subtle and it was more of a perception than an actual look. She sensed that the two of them were concerned.
“We may have to follow this up with Marissa.”
Barton’s mouth tightened. “We have been planning this strike for months. I’m not about to abandon it because you think a woman takes precedence. Or are you afraid to do what is necessary to defeat the Albireons?”
Jehon’s eyes narrowed. “We do not quit a battle.”
“I think you have insulted us enough.” Firbin crossed his arms over his chest. “We were fighting Albireons long before we crashed on Earth. We understand what and how they operate.”
Marissa gave her head a mental shake. She thought Firbin had said he’d crashed on Earth, but that was ridiculous. He was human and definitely all man. Whatever drug they had given her was extremely potent.
Barton ran his hand through his hair. “What is different now?”
“The weapon.” Jehon kept his voice low so that only those who were near could hear.
“The one Firbin so callously used on the security force in the hall?” Barton frowned. “What’s so important about it?”
“It’s alien technology.”
“So is the electro-thermo plasma generator and the explosives you use.”
“This shouldn’t be on this planet,” Firbin said.
Barton shrugged. “I don’t think any alien technology should be here.”
“You don’t understand.” Jehon’s voice was firm. “This has no place in the universe, much less on earth.”
“Have you seen the Staff before?” Firbin turned to her.
Marissa shook her head. “I work with oil, not weapons. You should try one of the defense manufacturers for that kind of information.”
“You did hear about a device when you were in your boss’s office. Perhaps this is what they were referring to?” Firbin crouched in front of her. “Can you remember anything else that we might use as a clue?”
“It’s just a weapon.” Barton’s voice was filled with exasperation. “There’s no reason to derail our plans because of that.”
“It’s more than a weapon.” Jehon stepped closer to Barton. “It is an Ancient’s Staff. A weapon that hasn’t been seen in the universe since the Ancients destroyed it eons ago.”
“Is that bad?” Marissa had to ask.
Instinctively, she already knew the answer, but she had to hear it from someone else. She’d seen the frightening effects of the weapon and she could only image what would happen if the world was filled with such destructive instruments. In the wrong hands, the human race would be obliterated.
“It was deemed too dangerous and all were destroyed when the Ancients gave their colonies freedom.”
“I have spoken to Ardal.” Jehon crossed his arms. “He is in agreement. We do not leave this area until we discover where that weapon came from.”
Barton exhaled a loud breath. “What if you never find out?”
Firbin rolled his eyes. “You are like so many other humans. You ignore what is right in front of you, because you think that if you do, it will disappear.”
The tension in the room tightened.
Marissa held her breath.
“I didn’t ignore the Albireons.”
“They’ve been here for seventy years.” Firbin’s voice was filled with exasperation. “No one else in the universe would let them get a foothold on their planet.”
“We weren’t aware that aliens were on the planet.” Captain Barton clenched his hands. “I left once I realized what was happening.”
“And you came to Hunters for help.”
Barton shook his head. “You offered to help.”
“Then listen to our concerns.” Jehon stepped between the two men. “Firbin is right. This weapon cannot be ignored. I have already spoken to Ardal. He agrees.”
The mention of Ardal seemed to calm the tension.
“Who’s Ardal?”
Marissa’s voice was hesitant. She didn’t want to start the argument again, but she needed to know what she was dealing with. Life had taught her that preparation and knowledge were the only things that she could count on.
“He is the leader of the Hunters.” Pride filled Firbin’s voice. “There has been no greater leader.”
“And he’s concerned about this weapon?”
Jehon and Firbin both nodded.
“So what does this mean?” Barton’s voice was resigned. “Are you guys pulling out from the mission?”
“Never.” Jehon’s voice was definite. “We have new orders.”
“And the mission?” Barton sounded hopeful.
“Proceeds as planned.” Jehon glanced at Marissa. “Firbin, Niail, and Thero are to accompany Miss O’Brien to Las Vegas and find her boss. Once they have discovered where the weapon came from, they will report back.”
Chapter 6
“GREAT.” MARISSA CLASPED her hands together. “This way I’ll be able to find out what happened.”
Firbin sensed Marissa’s uncertainty. For her sake he hoped they would find out more than the reason she was at Nellis. It couldn’t be a coincidence that she’d overheard talk about a device and they’d found her and an Ancient’s Staff in the same place. Legend said that the Ancient’s Staff was the most dangerous and powerful weapon in the universe. As much as he wanted to help Marissa, they needed to stop this weapon from being reproduced and distributed on Earth.
“Our priority will be the weapon.” Firbin kept his voice steady.
“Of course.” Marissa shrugged. “I know that my boss isn’t the enemy. He might even be in danger like I was.”
“There were no other humans on the restricted levels.” Firbin didn’t want to give Marissa any false hopes. “We made a thorough check and the only other human was the one who killed Gus.”
A shiver went through Marissa, and Firbin swore he felt it himself. He glanced at Jehon who was staring at Marissa and frowning. Captain Barton had returned to his men and Niail and Thero were now standing beside Marissa. None of his fellow warriors seemed effected by Marissa’s anxiety.
“This is a serious mission.” Jehon’s tone was soft. “We can protect you, but I will not have my men’s lives put at risk because of foolishness. They will be in charge of your safety and that means you must listen to them.”
“The last thing I want is more trouble.” Marissa sighed and leaned her head back against the seat. “This whole thing has to be a mistake. I’m just a working girl struggling to survive in the business world.”
“You were kidnapped and brought to a secure alien station. Is that part of a normal working day?” Firbin’s voice was harsher than usual, but somehow he had to convince Marissa of the seriousness of her situation.
Marissa’s eyes widened and she straightened in her seat. “Is that what that place was?”
“Yes.” Jehon crossed his arms over his chest. “They were also in control of a weapon that has the potential to destroy everyone on this planet.”
“Once we speak with Douglas everything will be explained. It has to be a mistake.”
“I hope so.” Firbin sensed that fear and panic were warring inside of Marissa despite her appearance of calm. “We will defend you. Hunters do not fail.”
She gave him a slight smile. “After what I’ve seen, I’m not certain anyone can keep me safe.”
“Hunters are the best in the universe.” Jehon pointed to Niail. “You will be in control of the mission. Thero may be needed for the computer system if you don’t find Douglas Norcott.”
Firbin felt protective of Marissa. He didn’t understand why, but he needed to be certain that she didn’t fall into Albireon hands again. Perhaps, he felt more responsible because he had rescued her. It was the first time he had experienced it, but he couldn’t ignore the sensation. This uncertainty and connection with a human would never have happened on his home planet of Cygnus. Earth had a strange effect on Hunters. It was good that Niail was in charge. He was the unit’s best marksman and his t
ime spent with his mate meant that he was also familiar with how humans reacted.
The train came to a sudden halt.
Jehon motioned them to the exit. “This is as close as we can get to the city. There should be an escape hatch that takes you above ground.”
Firbin assisted Marissa to her feet and guided her to the open door. Niail exited first and helped her off the train. Firbin and Thero jumped off just as the door swished shut.
The train left in a blur of motion.
Firbin turned to Marissa. “Do you need help walking?”
“I’m fine.” Marissa shook her head. “These shoes looked wonderful in the store, but they’re useless for walking in a place like this.”
“I will carry you.” Firbin realized that there was nothing he’d rather do than hold her in his arms.
Marissa smiled.
Firbin inhaled a sharp breath.
It was as if the light had been turned on. It was the first time she’d looked happy and his heart twisted. She was beautiful. He didn’t know why she was being held by the Albireons, but in that instant he promised that he would keep her safe from them no matter what it took. All he wanted was to see her happy.
“There’s scuffle marks here.” Niail’s voice broke the spell that Marissa had woven around Firbin.
He glanced toward where Niail was shining his light and noted the same markings. “They may lead to an exit.”
He pulled a cylinder from his pack and shook it so that light was dispersed around them. A quick glance at the walls showed that there were no cameras in this area. It was secure for them to continue searching for a ventilation shaft to the surface.
“Here.” Thero shouted. He was about twenty feet further down the tunnel. “There’s a ladder.”
“Any camera on it.”
There was a faint bang and then a grunt. “Not now.”
Marissa giggled. “I don’t know who you guys are, but if you go around destroying property like that, you’ll soon find yourself on the wrong side of the law.”
“We are already in hiding.” Niail reached back and guided Marissa to the opening. “There is nothing more your planet can do to us.”
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