Haven

by Vincent E. Sweeney

  “Leave for where?” Stephen asked.

  Michael then turned back to group of soldiers. “Alright, men. Let’s go,” he ordered. He then looked back to Stephen as they all began to walk away from the direction of the Governor. “The skeleton crew we left back at the ship has failed to report in for the last three check times. I’m beginning to worry something bad may have happened. We need to go check it out. I would be bringing more men, but we’ve only got one shuttle. All the rest are docked at the ship.”

  Stephen nodded, but was confused. “Right,” he replied. “Why do you want me along?”

  Michael halted in his tracks, grabbing Stephen by the arm. “Your dad’s on that ship!”

  Stephen’s face faded to a pure white as he suddenly realized what might have just been lost. Michael shook his head and kept walking. As the party came to the end of the block, they turned a corner and faced the large, open landing area where the shuttle remained grounded.

  Michael pointed to one of his officers. “Joel, you’re driving.”

  “Right, sir,” the pilot replied as they all boarded the shuttle.

  Stephen watched quietly at the operation that was ensuing around him. The speed at which the men distributed and prepared the rifle-packs for one another astonished him. Michael snapped his fingers in front of Stephen’s face to attract his attention.

  “Hey,” Michael said, tossing Stephen one of the heavy packs, “This one works. Get ready. We may have to fight when we get there.”

  Stephen was dazed. “I don’t know how to fight. I’m not a soldier.”

  At this, Michael dropped the pack he was working on at the moment and addressed Stephen directly. “Oh, I think you are. You just don’t realize it yet.” He then returned to the pack. “If you want to stay in the shuttle when we land, that’s fine, but I need all the help I can get. You did fine yesterday. I see no reason why you can’t join up with us.”

  Stephen numbly let his jaw fall open. He could not believe he was receiving a personal invitation to join the military from the head of the department himself.

  “I don’t know about that,” he replied weakly. “I’ve never thought about it before.”

  “Well,” Michael began as he handed the pack to a soldier. “You can sign up for official duty any day. You don’t have to decide now. But you’re also welcome to come along as a civilian any time you want.”

  Stephen’s mind was blank; he could not fathom what he had done to warrant such an honorable invitation. He then noticed that many of the other men were watching their Commander with a questioning expression. Stephen looked at the rifle-pack sitting in his lap, and decided that he would need some time to consider the proposal. However, he never gave a second thought to strapping on the pack and joining the men on that particular day. “Thank you, sir,” he replied humbly.

  Michael nodded without looking at him and then turned to face a computer console imbedded in the shuttle wall. He punched a series of buttons and procured a glowing, red display. He turned toward the cockpit.

  “Circle around before you land so we can see it from the air!” he yelled over the whining engines.

  “Yes, sir,” Joel replied.

  Stephen set the rifle-pack down and looked out the window above his seat. He saw that the hill they were approaching was the one directly in front of the crash-site. As he sat up in his seat to get a better look, he noticed a dark, unnatural cloud looming over the rise of the hill. The dense, black smoke rose to the heavens in a pillar of doom. When the rest of the men saw this, they all fell silent. Only the shrill cry of the engines resounded as the shuttle sailed across the hilltop and laid into view the destruction that had occurred.

  Stephen was alone, running with all his might toward the burning ship. The other men were running too, but were unable to keep pace with the unarmed Stephen. He was burning with fury - ready to explode with anger. And deep down, where none of the others could see, he was deathly afraid. He had seen much death lately, and he did not want to see anymore.

  As Stephen came to the top of the hill, he could see the cloud of smoke more and more clearly. He then began to realize just how gargantuan the column was. When he finally topped over the hill, Stephen’s fears were realized and he dropped to his knees, skidding slightly in the dirt.

  The entire ship was a smoldering wreck. No part of it had been spared by the blast, and there would be no survivors. Stephen soon found himself surrounded by the other men. They all watched the inferno with sad and frightened faces.

  Michael was not one to ever show much emotion, and now was no exception. But within his heart, where none of his men could peer, he suffered with Stephen for that moment. Along with sorrow for the boy’s tragic loss, Michael also felt a dreadful fear for the future.

  Michael marched down the hall to the Governor’s office as if ready to kick the door down. Stephen stayed right behind him, prepared to follow his lead at any moment.

  Michael came to the door and shoved it open harshly. As the two stepped in, they saw Governor Hedrick watching them with a surprised look. To his left, his wife rose from her seat by his desk with their young baby in her arms. It was apparent they had been having a very purposeful conversation.

  Michael sighed at himself and lowered his eyes. He and Stephen both stepped aside as she left the room, closing the door gently behind her.

  “What is it?” Hedrick asked, obviously irritated.

  Governor Hedrick paced back and forth, slowly stroking his chin as he mulled over what Michael had reported to him. He was standing on the patio at the end of his hallway, looking out into the busy streets.

  Michael sat quietly in one corner of the patio with Stephen in the other, his head down towards the ground. Michael was hoping and silently praying that the Governor would listen to reason now and flee the city. He knew in his heart that they were all in danger. He could feel a force of enormous power on the planet with them. He knew they were under attack.

  The Governor stopped stroking his chin and remained motionless for a moment, deep in thought. “Fortify the city gates,” he finally spoke. “Gather all the supplies you can from outside and then seal the city up.”

  Michael shifted uneasily in his seat. The Governor was at least beginning to plan for danger. However, he still was not thinking along the right path. Michael decided to be patient.

  “Sir,” he began in a pleading voice. “That won’t be enough. We saw what happened to the ship. It was the same thing that happened to the one we found in the forest. It was bombarded by something from above. We are not safe here.”

  Hedrick could not understand. “Are you suggesting we leave the safety of these walls and take our chances out in the forest?” he asked.

  Michael nodded immediately. “Absolutely,” he said. “Because that’s just it: there is no safety behind these walls. Whatever destroyed our ship can destroy this city too, and I believe they will.”

  The Governor shook his head solemnly. “Michael…” he began.

  “We’ll carry all the food and supplies we can!” Michael blurted out. “We’ll set up armed perimeters at night and we’ll walk during the day. We’ll go far away from this place. To another continent if needs be, but we’ll find someplace safe…”

  “Michael!” the Governor snapped. He was sympathetic to the Commander’s fears but he knew they would not be safer out in the open. “Don’t you think you’re over-reacting a bit?” he continued.

  This time Michael could stand no more. He glared at the Governor and raised his fist, prepared to attack the foolish leader. But, before he could begin his barrage of assorted swears, another voice interrupted.

  “Overreacting?” Stephen shouted, rising from his chair. “Overreacting? This man has been the only person behaving in a wise manner since we first arrived here!” Stephen was walking towards the Governor now, shaking a furious hand at him. “Where do you get off playing with the people’s lives like this?”

  “Now wait just a minute…” the Go
vernor started, but was cut off quickly.

  “No! You wait a minute!” Stephen screamed.

  Michael was thrilled at the boy’s attack, but he was also afraid he might have to rush in and separate the two before Stephen lost control of his actions.

  The Governor was backed against the rail now, and Stephen was not relenting. As Michael rose to his feet, Stephen suddenly stopped and looked out over the balcony. Michael looked too and saw the crowd of people gathered in the streets below. They were murmuring among themselves about what was going on, although no one really knew for sure.

  Stephen’s fury transformed into justice and he knew what he must do. “If you won’t tell the people they’re in danger, then I will!” he shouted. He shoved the stunned Governor aside and leaned out over the rail. “Everyone, listen! Listen to me!” he shouted to the growing crowd. “I am Stephen Carlisse. We are in danger! We’ve discovered evidence of a powerful and aggressive enemy here on the planet! Our ship has been destroyed and we are all in danger here!”

  Hedrick rushed at Stephen, prepared to grab him, but was stopped by Michael’s ready fist. Michael felt a surge of ornery satisfaction as he busted the Governor’s nose.

  “Let him speak,” Michael commanded. “The people have a right to know.”

  The shocked Governor was obliged to comply as he cradled his bloody face.

  “Our Governor has been carelessly avoiding this truth, and now people have died for his recklessness!” Stephen continued. He paused, looking to the Governor and then to Michael. Suddenly, he was aware of the limb he was out on, and began to feel like stepping down. But then, a vision of the smoldering ship and Mandel’s lifeless body began to blaze in his mind, and he was full of fury again. “Whoever these beings are, they know that we’re here!” he shouted. “We must all flee the city!”

  The crowd below, which had grown to well over a hundred people, was silent now. They searched the balcony for a next move from anyone: from Commander Lee, Governor Hedrick, or even this strange young man.

  Michael was speechless as well, but he agreed with what the boy had said.

  Suddenly, a citizen from the crowd shouted, “Commander! Is what he’s saying true?”

  Michael wasted little time stepping up to the rail and returning, “Yes, it is! I believe he’s right! I believe we should leave!”

  “Where will we go?” another voice asked.

  Stephen thought for a moment, knowing full well there was no particular destination in mind. However, he still knew in his heart that they would be better off lost in the woods than remaining where they were.

  “We’ll take refuge in the forest!” Stephen yelled. “We’ll live off the land!”

  The people began murmuring among themselves, unsure of what to do.

  “Who will be our leader?” came another anonymous cry from the growing mob.

  Stephen looked to Michael for an answer. With only a moment’s thought, the Commander nodded to Stephen, urging him to take the opportunity. Stephen’s eyes grew wide.

  “What?!” he whispered.

  “He will!” Michael shouted. “And I will follow him!”

  Stephen was flabbergasted and expressionless. He did not know what to say.

  Michael continued. “He will listen to good advice and make good decisions!” Now Michael lowered his voice. “You will, won’t you?” he asked Stephen, winking.

  Stephen nodded humbly. “Yes, sir.” He could not believe what he was hearing. Michael had just given him the gift of all the people’s respect.

  The crowd stirred a little, uneasy at the lack of response from their governor. Hedrick knew that he could not truthfully deny any of what they were saying, but he still felt confident that the people would not believe the other two men. He mustered a bit of courage and stepped to the patio edge.

  “My people!” he shouted. “Stand fast! Stay here where it is safe. Stay with me!” He was beginning to plead now.

  The crowd was growing restless. Each person was torn between rationality and experience - between believing in possibilities or in facts. Over a hundred more people were now gathered around.

  Stephen stood his ground and, with a raised voice, proclaimed, “I will leave alone if needs be! But I will leave! Any other person who wishes to leave is welcome to join me!”

  Stephen then turned to face the Governor. He stared into Hedrick’s naïve eyes. Stephen remembered the friendliness the Governor and his family had always extended to him, but he now saw the man with different eyes. Stephen nudged his way past the Governor and was soon followed by Michael.

  3

  Stephen stuffed a few last minute items into his pack. He did not intend to come back, but left most of his belongings behind anyway. They would not be practical to carry on a potentially endless journey. He knew virtually nothing of where he was going to go. He only knew that he would travel in the opposite direction of the two demolished ships.

  Stephen slung his pack over his shoulder, and then looked around his room one last time. He suddenly began thinking about his father. Stephen now realized that he had always wished the Governor to be his own father, but that was no longer his desire. He already had a father, but was unwilling to accept it. And now it was too late.

  Stephen sighed, and departed.

  The smell of wet dirt filled the air. The streets were deserted and the foreboding black clouds prophesied a possible storm. Stephen did not care. His world had been destroyed. In two days, he had lost his father and the only friend he ever knew. But no tears crossed Stephen’s face. He simply trudged on towards the city gate, ready to leave his beloved new home without a backward glance. He had lost all faith in his leader. The Governor had fallen from his godlike status and become a mere man in Stephen’s eyes. He did not know how he was supposed to feel, except that he must leave immediately to avoid becoming another victim of the faceless enemy.

  Stephen looked up at the buildings around him. He recognized them and knew that the city gate was around the next corner. He wondered how many people, if any, would actually be there to join him. As a precaution, Stephen prepared himself to find only Michael waiting for him. Then Stephen remembered Kirin. He suddenly found himself hoping she would be coming too. Yes, yes surely she would, if her father was going. He composed himself as best he could while he turned the bend.

  Stephen stopped in amazement at the crowd before him. He guessed there were about three hundred citizens waiting with packed food, clothes and equipment. Many entire families were gathered together. Men, women and children alike all watched Stephen, as he slowly walked among them. He surveyed the faces, one by one, as he passed. Some smiled at him, others nodded their approval, and many simply watched him quietly. As he approached the entrance to the city, Stephen saw a mass of familiar uniforms, which he knew belonged to Michael’s officers.

  Stephen then spotted Michael and Kirin standing near the gate, talking quietly. He looked behind Michael, where he expected to see Dylan standing in his shadow. But he was not there. Stephen scanned the rest of the military crew’s faces to see if he could spot Dylan among them, but he was nowhere to be found. Stephen wondered just how many more of the men had opted to stay. He thought about asking Michael, but he did not want to bring up such a potentially emotional subject in front of Kirin. He knew that Dylan had been a surrogate son to the Commander. He wondered what could possibly have transpired to separate these two.

  Stephen felt suddenly empowered, and he shivered a bit. He was not sure if it was the chilly air that had done it, but he was suddenly very cold. He was nervous about his new power, and silently, he resolved not to let it become his driving force. The faces before him were why he was doing this. The people needed someone brave, someone strong, but most of all, someone wise. Stephen was sure that, with Michaels’ advice, he would be a good leader for them.

  Michael and Kirin paused from their conversation, and silently watched Stephen approach. Michael stepped away from his daughter and met Stephen a few paces awa
y.

  “This is it, son,” he said calmly.

  Stephen bowed his head and nodded lightly.

  Michael put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Are you ready?” he asked.

  Stephen looked up at Kirin, who was still watching him. He then met Michael’s eyes, and knew he was indeed ready. “Yes, sir. I am,” Stephen said.

  Michael smiled slightly. “No more ‘sir’. I’m Michael to you now.”

  Stephen smiled back and nodded again. “Alright, Michael. Let’s go.” He turned to face the crowd and cleared his throat. “My friends, we are about to embark on a treacherous journey. I honestly do not know where we will settle again. But I am confident it is the safest thing for us all to do. Watch after one another.”

  Stephen turned and stood in the open gateway of the city, facing the forest that he had come to fear. He had not overcome that fear, but his better judgment forced him to face it. He knew in his heart that the city would be targeted next, and anyone who stayed behind would be dead before long. That thought scared him more than anything else. He knew they were possibly facing the annihilation of the human race. He breathed in deeply and began walking towards the forest.

  “Let’s move out!” Michael shouted.

  The people began filing out slowly. One by one, they followed Stephen into the unknown.

  The Governor sat hunched over, in a chair that faced the eastern windows of his office in the town hall. He heard the creaking of someone entering his doorway.

  “I ordered no intrusions!” he barked, turning completely around in his seat.

  Dylan pressed gently, and the door swung the rest of the way open, revealing his abashed face.

  “Oh! Dylan, my boy,” Hedrick said, genuinely surprised. “Please, come in.”

  Dylan entered and softly closed the door behind him, blocking out the view of several onlookers standing in the hall. He walked over to stand next to the Governor and joined him in staring out the window.