Decay

by J. F. Jenkins

  JD believed it. “Thanks, for trusting us enough to do this.”

  “You have proven yourselves strong. I want to remind you of one thing, JD, and that is to hold onto your positive mindset. No matter what,” Alan said then paused to stare down at his hands. “I've noticed when you are optimistic about something; the impossible has a way of happening.”

  I've noticed it too, and I wonder what it means. Is it all a coincidence? Or could it be something more? JD smirked. Am I finally getting a power?

  Chapter Eighteen

  Alan walked the hallways of the warehouse that was the base of his entire mission on Earth. He should have been sleeping. Normally, he kept hours similar to the charges he worked with on Earth. His ship was stationed in a permanent alignment with the orbit of the city where the others lived. It made sense for him to eat, sleep, and work, on the same schedule. Unfortunately, his body was tired, but his brain was awake, and when he couldn't get his brain to rest, then the rest of his body couldn't as well.

  The halls were empty at least, so he didn't have to deal with unwanted glances or questions. Alan had never enjoyed being bothered when he needed to sort through his thoughts. And he had plenty of them. Orlando's disappearance still plagued his mind, and he hoped Cadence was making good progress on cracking the phone Angela had found. Hopefully she was making good progress in general. Alan needed her to be successful. Not only for the ship and to prove he could be useful, but for his own morale in general. I have to stop Alona. Figuring out how the drug works puts me one step ahead of her and The Doctor. If I'm ahead, then I can trap them somehow.

  “Cadence,” he whispered. How is she doing? She seemed so strong when I last saw her, but she must only be pretending. There's no way she can get over what happened between her and JD so easily. The two were best friends before lovers. Nothing about their relationship will ever be the same. It could completely destroy everything. I don't understand how she can't react to it. Breaking things off with Alona was devastating. Cadence is worth a lot more than any of my superiors are giving her credit for. But when had Sir Oriol ever taken him seriously? The only other person who had any kind of confidence in his charges on the ship was Sir Tuliy. Alan was convinced that was only because the guy was infatuated with Cadence. And I still hate that he does. He's probably alone with her now.

  If Cadence could be tough and diligent despite all of the emotions she had to be hiding from the world, then Alan could do the same. He was a man. There was no room to be weak or worry, even if those were the two things that filled him the most. Not only was he worried about her and her sanity, he was concerned with his other charges mentality as well. Angela was obviously terrified. JD was pretending to be tough, but he had to be breaking apart as well. Orlando could very well be dead for all any of them knew.

  With a groan, Alan ran a hand over his face. “I need to get everything put back together again.”

  “Alanmendiquixanimackle,” a voice said from nearby. It was soft in volume, but firm in tone. He knew it all too well.

  Alan faced the source. “Good evening Sir–Father. To what do I owe this surprise visit? I thought you wanted to see me after the mission was finished.”

  His Father stepped closer and put a hand on Alan's forearm. “I want to see you then as well, but you should also know me better. Any chance I have to spend time with you, I will take.”

  “Of course,” Alan said. He didn't know. Back home his father had been present in body for periods of three months at a time before he went back to the base to fulfill his work duties. During the man's time at home, he'd been present in mind even less, always seemingly off in his own world. But it wasn't the time or place for Alan to point those things out. Deep down he understood. His father wanted to be around, it was simply too hard most of the time.

  “Why are you out so late? Or should I say early? It's the early hours of the morning, yes? We'll be collecting the charges in only a couple of hours. You'll need to be refreshed, and I know you well enough to know that you haven't even gone to bed,” his father said.

  Alan shrugged, putting his hands into his pockets. “I will be able to rest when this is done. I plan on refreshing in the shower soon. The adrenaline will be more than enough to keep me going the entire time anyway. What about you? Why aren't you resting?”

  “Where I'm stationed, it's normal for me to be awake now.”

  “I see. So you must be on the other side of the world.”

  “Essentially. Things are a lot different there, both in terms of our charges, and the happenings of the war. They're a lot more intense out there. The Earth people are getting closer to uncovering the truth, which is exactly what we are trying to prevent. That is the goal of our tribe Alan. Above all else, we must make sure that life remains the same for as many people as possible.”

  A quiet snort escaped out of Alan, and he couldn't help but channel some of Orlando's cynicism. “But inconveniencing a few is okay.”

  “You're learning,” his father observed. “Taking on charges was not something I agreed with, but I obey my superior's decision. For whatever reason, he thinks it's of value to do. A reason I'm still trying to find out and potentially expose.”

  Alan risked a glance at his father, his heartbeat increasing as the implications the man was presenting became clearer. Sir Tuliy once mentioned a possible leak. What if that leak was higher up on the chain than anyone anticipated? If one of the highest officers is betraying our people, and the Earth people, then he/she could have many underlings at work as well. There were so many things he wanted to ask his father, but he knew they were not in the right place to talk about them.

  Instead Alan asked, “If you do not believe in having charges, then why do you?”

  “Because if they are going to be tapped, willingly or not, to fight in this war, then I want them to be on the side of good. I want them to be led by someone who cares for their best interests.”

  Letting out a deep breath, Alan ran a hand over his face. “I'd like to hear more about your philosophy. It isn't one that is shared on my ship.”

  His father gave him a huge smile. In fact, Alan was positive he'd never seen the man look so happy before in his life. “Good, there is a lot I want to share with you next time we meet. For now, I wanted to make sure you were okay. I meant what I said about resting, but I suppose you're awake and moving now. The shower should be fine, as well as some coffee. At first I hated the stuff, but I've come to enjoy it even more than tea.”

  “I've had it on a number of occasions and used in a lot of different ways. There are certain flavor combinations that I prefer over others,” Alan said. He didn't mind the change in topic. The mission was the most important part for him to focus on. There was plenty of time to speculate over what his father was saying to him, later.

  “I prefer it with chocolate,” his father confessed. His gaze wandered over Alan. “You look different.”

  Alan scoffed. “Hardly. I haven't grown since you last saw me. It hasn't been that long. Nothing about my appearance has changed. I think you're seeing things.” He hoped his father didn't mind the joking tone. He'd been told to not be different, to not keep up the formalities when it was just the two of them. Teasing was common back home. It felt good to provide a little bit of humor to the situation. I really do need to relax more, don't I?

  If his father was irritated by the playful tone, he didn't let on. He smiled and gave Alan a gentle shove on the shoulder before tapping him in the middle of his chest. “You look different because your heart is different. I've never seen you so mature, so old. For a moment I was worried something had happened to you, but it's good to see you're still a little bit of a child.”

  “Don't insult me,” Alan mumbled. Something did happen. The woman I love is a monster. Everything I know is coming into question. Those kinds of things change a man. But he held his tongue. Again, it could be shared at another time. He needed to prove he was together, or he might be pulled from the mission.

&nbs
p; “It's not an insult to have a little bit of childishness. It's essential for a happy life. Those who don't play become old and dull. Why do you think Sir Orioltogorthan is such a sour puss? He doesn't do anything fun anymore. There is no joy to relieve the aches of his heart. And it is the faith of a child that accomplishes great things. I've told you this before.”

  Alan shuffled his feet, feeling like he'd been scolded just as he had been as a child. “Yes, I remember.”

  His father put a hand on the back of Alan's neck and pulled him close so their foreheads where touching. “I am proud of you, son. There is so much I want to tell you, and that is why I'm here more than anything else. I only wish I could tell you these things before the mission. Just know that the artifact is not our goal but our reward.”

  “Father, I don't think I understand. What do you think is going to happen?”

  “Potentially bad things. The artifact is more guarded than you think,” he said. “And more than we've been told. It's why I requested for you to be on this mission. You're the only one who has the powers necessary to protect the charges.”

  “I'm not sure I understand,” he said quietly.

  His father sighed. “Whoever set up this mission, lied about how many enemy troops are inside that compound. They wanted us to think that our teenage volunteers would be more than enough to handle the task. I'm not sure why, I'm not sure who, but that is why I'm really here. Now that I have proof of the enemy numbers, I secured a number of reinforcements, but they are coming from my ship. They might not arrive until some damage has been done.”

  “Why haven't you stopped this from happening then?” Alan asked, his fists clenched.

  “The Yumsaltanz are desperate for the things locked inside of the compound. Originally, we were told to perform the mission at night, but we moved it to the morning because we suspect the evening to be a potential trap.”

  Sabotage. “A last minute change?”

  “That only those on this mission know about. It's been contained to the four supervising officers here.”

  We could narrow down the leak if that's the case. “You were right when you said we should wait to talk until after the mission. I shouldn't have selfishly demanded answers,” Alan mumbled. So much information could have been passed on by anyone monitoring their conversation.

  “You aren't selfish for wanting to protect those you care for,” his father said quietly, looking down at the floor. He lifted his gaze to meet Alan's, his pale orange eyes filled with intensity. “I shouldn't have volunteered more information than my warning. Don't worry or be afraid, and don't tell your charges of the potential danger. It'll only make them more nervous. You'll be watching, and you'll be able to protect them.”

  “Perhaps I should join them in the first fight,” Alan offered.

  His father shook his head. “We can't risk losing you. The things you can do are far too essential. Stick to the plan. Everything will be fine. You trust me, yes?”

  “Yes,” Alan said. For a moment, he wondered if he should. Anyone could have been the potential leak. But he is my father. There's no way he could be the traitor, especially since he is telling me all of this information. Maybe it's Sir Oriol. That made a lot more sense in Alan's mind, but in his heart he knew it wasn't right. Someone else was the leak. He'd have to be even more cautious than ever if the conspiracy went up as high as it did in the ranks.

  One of his father's arms moved around Alan's shoulders. “Come, there is coffee in the lounge. Plus, I think you should meet Sir Kimantkel. I think you would like her.”

  Why does that sound like he's setting me up to court her? The smile his father had, that was the tip-off. It was coy, and there was something about the way the man's eyes sparkled that alluded to the possibility. Hopefully Alan wouldn't have to explain to him that he wasn't interested in dating. Work was his priority and would be his priority until he returned. Whether or not Alona came around and had a change of heart also remained to be seen. He secretly hoped that she would repent, even if he was still unsure whether he could forgive her or not for her viciousness.

  He stepped into the lounge and found a number of fellow Alturans talking quietly. Together, he and his father got a cup of coffee before he led the way to a table where Sir Kel sat looking over a piece of paper.

  “Greetings,” his father said.

  “Good morning,” she said and placed her paper on top of the table. “This must be your son. Thank you for bringing him to me. I would much like to meet the man I'll be working with today.”

  Alan watched her and offered his hand for her to take. She did so. “It is a pleasure to formally meet you.”

  “Likewise. I have added another task onto your role in this mission. I'm aware it's last minute, but it won't be much different than what you've already been told to do.”

  “Retrieve anyone who is in danger during the mission,” Alan said with a nod. He understood his role well. It was simple but essential, even more so now with the information his father had just given him.

  “One of my Junior's charges has an ability that is also essential to this mission. I want you to keep a special eye on her. Make sure she gets to her destination and back again,” Kel said. “She will be traveling with one of your charges already. I'm sure you have a special interest in them.”

  “Of course I do,” he said. “But if you want me to focus my efforts on protecting this girl, you don't need to bait me with my own charges. I know how to prioritize regardless of my feelings.”

  Sir Kel raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on her lips. “So I've been told. It never hurts to be sure. This is my charge and what you need to know.” She pushed a manilla folder towards him.

  He opened it and looked at the one sheet dossier of a girl that Orlando went to school with. Nia, her name is Nia. I knew she had been tapped. At least she's not with one of the enemy tribes. “Her power is necromancy. I'm not sure I understand why this is essential to the mission?”

  “Because she will be recovering bodies of our fallen comrades.”

  “I...I see...” Alan tried to maintain a strong image, but the idea of raising corpses from the dead struck him as both disgusting and disrespectful. He closed the folder. “Why?”

  Sir Kel took the folder back from him. “They know how to use the artifact fully, and they also have information about the Gelandrosimbol that we'll need to defeat them once and for all. Most importantly, they need to be returned to our home world so they can be put to rest properly.”

  “Who are they?” he asked.

  “Quite possibly the exiled royal family of my people,” Sir Kel said. Alan waited to see if she would elaborate, and was severely disappointed when she didn't. She must have sensed this, because her lips formed a smile. “If you wish, I will let you observe the interview we plan to hold with them. After all, the Alturan Unification Committee will want to have a witness or two from another nation present. You seem to be good at being impartial. Would this be something you might enjoy?”

  Alan wasn't sure he would, but it would help him put together a lot of pieces that were missing in his information about the war. Things were getting far too complicated for it to be over a simple religious land spat, especially if the other tribes felt the need to come to another planet to fight. The more he learned, the more he wondered.

  He nodded. “Yes, I will sit in on the interview. It would be an honor.” He watched his father smile, and he felt like he'd done the right thing. Sir Kel was still smiling as well, but he wasn't sure if he trusted her as much as he did his father. There was something about her he couldn't put his finger on, but it bothered him. It had something to do with the new shroud of mystery over the mission and why she didn't feel the need to elaborate on it.

  I will not be a pawn, Alan vowed.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chaos surrounded Angela. She stood in the middle of a warehouse waiting for the mission to begin. Despite taking a two hour nap the night before instead of having a good night’s rest,
and waking up at two in the morning, she was anything but tired. Alan had come to collect her and JD at three, instructed them to wear appropriate clothing for the task, to put on their masks, and dropped them off in a lounge of sorts. Breakfast was there for them. Angela forced herself to eat a bagel and drink some orange juice, her appetite severely lacking.

  They were given a half an hour to eat, and then she was separated from her brother. A man she had never met before took her to a large room where she was given a number of gadgets to wear. The Alturans equipping her spoke fast and with heavy accents. She assumed they were Alturans because the aliens never wore masks, only their teenage charges. While Alan was easy to understand, these Alturans must have been from a different area of the planet. About the only thing she understood them say was that one device would be used to track her location.

  “Wait here,” one tall, dark-skinned, Alturan man said. He held her shoulders firmly, but there was a softness in his eyes and a small smile on his face as he did it.

  She did as she was told, and watched everyone else bustle about. Other masked teens were being equipped with similar gadgets as hers. Across the room she spotted JD in his ridiculous super hero costume. Black pants with taco print boxers resting on top, a black t-shirt with a chihuahua on it, and a cape – albeit a small one – was on his back. He'd gone above and beyond again, unlike her who simply put on something form fitting that she could move around in. While she felt provocative in her clothing, she'd learned the hard way that the fire she created burned through anything that wasn't tight against her skin.

  Once it looked like JD had all of his equipment installed on his body, he held up one hand to the Alturan he was speaking with and walked over to her.

  “Gonna give me one more pep talk before we leave?” she asked, her hands moving to her hips. He'd tried to psyche her up the night before. The speech had sort of worked, but she was still nervous.