by Cook, M. L.
Jannette realized then just how different he was from the others. Maybe there was hope for change, after all. “What happened?”
He glanced over, then repeated the process with the eggs. “Phil brought her back.”
Jannette cleared off the griddle, then set her spatula down, and said, “After those eggs, shut it down. We’re going to need to leave soon.” She walked over to the coffee pot, filled two mugs, then returned to the counter and waited.
After Aquino dropped the last egg on the plate and switched off the range, he joined Jannette. Picking up the large cup, he took a deep whiff, shrugged, and took a sip. After humming his pleasure, he sat in the stool next to hers and waited.
Jannette nodded, then said, “Okay. I’m glad Phil is keeping an eye on her. I would hate to be the one to tell Brooke that we found her, then lost her. But that’s not what I was asking about.”
Aquino stared into his coffee for a moment, and commented, “It tastes so much better without all that sugar Aubree puts in it.” When Jannette didn’t respond, he sighed and said, “It’s not my story. All I can say is that it wasn’t the first time I wanted to kill my people.”
Stepping out of the church, Jannette watched while everybody filed out and began loading up. The small group she’d started with had more than tripled since Aubree joined her. In addition, their group was no longer comprised of mostly women. After the people who’d come with Aubree were added in, it was more of an even mix of both, with a sprinkling of children thrown in.
Walking over to the truck she’d claimed for herself, she sat behind the wheel and waited. As people loaded up all around her, she felt her face begin to warm. All the vehicles around her were filling up fast. Some had people practically sitting on top of each other. Still, not a single person so much as glanced at her. Gritting her teeth, she grumbled, “That’s fine. I didn’t want any of you to ride with me anyway.” Starting the truck, she stared stone-faced toward the highway. Then the door opened.
Without a word, Stacy belted herself in, then matched Jannette’s stare. They drove in silence for five minutes before Stacy finally spoke. Turning toward Jannette, she leaned in and with a smirk, asked, “So, you and the green guy, huh?”
Wincing, Jannette squeezed the steering wheel and leaned into it. What could she say? It was something Jannette didn’t want to think about, much less talk about. But no matter how she tried, she just couldn’t come up with anything to take her mind off feelings she wanted to deny. But did she really want to deny whatever was growing between them? She was in totally new territory with this… this thing, whatever it could be called. Her emotions were all over the place and she was having trouble choosing which one she wanted to go with. Especially when it came to talking to this woman who had inserted herself into Jannette’s close circle of friends. Finally, she decided to settle on the safest route, indifference, “You know what they say, any port in the storm. I had a need, and he was there.”
Stacy scoffed, “Really. So, it was a one-time thing then? You had an itch, he scratched it, and now it’s time to move on.” Grinning, she nodded, “I understand. So, what about James. Not only is he super-hot, but he’s also stacked.”
Jannette laughed, “And he’s also gay.”
Without missing a beat, she asked, “What about… oh wait, he’s with the Terrapian, isn’t he?”
Jannette nodded, “Yeah. So, as you can see, there aren’t that many available men in our group. Maybe when we get to my house. I’m sure by now, some of my friends and neighbors have moved in. Everybody knows I’ve been prepping for this for years.” She scoffed, and murmured, “Who’s the weirdo now?”
Stacy propped her feet on the dashboard and stared out the window. After a quiet minute, she asked, “So when we get there, are there any other friends you might have your sights set on?”
Jannette glared at her, “What are you doing?”
Stacy continued to focus on the passing countryside, “You do know you’re not the only person who’s lonely?”
Before Jannette had a chance to respond, the caravan fell apart when gunshots ripped through several cars and trucks. After swerving to avoid hitting the vehicles in front of her, she yelled at Stacy, “Get out, then get down.” After sliding across the seat, she grabbed her bag and dropped next to her friend.
Opening her bag, she began pulling out grenades. She handed two to Stacy, then said, “When I say so, you pull this,” her nail tapped against a small silver ring, “Then throw it as hard and as far as you can. You aim for the hills over there; I’ll get the other side of the road. After you get rid of those, just keep them coming. They’re about to learn what happens when you fuck with the wrong people.”
Forty minutes later they were left with several dead on both sides. She pushed Stacy into another car, promising to check in when they got to the farm.
Leaning against her truck, she watched most of their group drive away. The only ones left behind, besides her, were Aquino and James. Both men knew what had to be done. From the corner of her eye, she watched Aquino’s hesitant approach.
She could feel the heat radiating off his body. She wanted to ask why he hadn’t ridden with her. She also wanted to know where things were going between them. There were a thousand unanswered questions running through her mind. Instead, she continued to watch the fading taillights.
She felt his large hand squeeze her shoulder before asking, “You’re okay with this?”
Looking toward the horizon, she nodded. Then narrowing her eyes, she stared at him for a moment. Cocking her head, she declared, “For what they did, alone. But when you add in their intentions… Hell yeah.” She opened the passenger side door and grabbed her handgun.
As James dragged the last body into the ravine, she started the truck and waited for him to climb in. What they did wasn’t pleasant or easy. But it was something that had to be done. If left alive, who knows how many others would have fallen victim to the assholes. Not to mention that one of those people could have been her best friend. That was a chance she wasn’t about to take.
Pressing the buttons, Jannette opened both windows, even if it was unseasonably cold. Now, more than ever, she needed air, not to mention the cool wind would distract her from what she’d been forced to do. Glancing in the mirror she saw James and Aquino hunched over with their arms resting on their knees. Jannette knew this would be a defining moment in all their lives. It wasn’t aliens they were forced to kill, but humans. Even if they had sided with the Terrapians, that didn’t make it any easier.
James had told them that groups of humans had cropped up that believed if they helped the aliens they would be saved. Knowing it was one thing but experiencing it firsthand was something altogether different.
Chapter Seven
As a trained warrior, he’d killed before, but it never got easier, at least not for him. Walking toward the back of the truck, he took James’ proffered hand. Both men sat against the cab, each lost in his own thoughts. It was something he knew that the three of them would never speak of again. Aquino knew the humans they killed were destined to die, all of them by the very hands of the one’s they’d thought would save them. It was just a matter of how many they would have killed if they’d been allowed to live today.
As the truck rumbled across the highway, Aquino stared across the fields they were passing. To most, it would look like any other world. The empty fields had already been plowed, ready for the warm weather that would herald in new life. But what most couldn’t see, was this world may be experiencing its last year.
Smoke from raging fires that were burning out of control, barely visible, was hanging above the horizon. Experience had shown him that this was only the beginning. Things were going to get a lot worse.
Even though Aquino’s job kept him on board the ship, that didn’t prevent him from seeing what the Terrapians did. He was amazed at how many of his fellow warriors proudly displayed vids of the devastation they’d left behind. The number of dead was m
ind numbing.
Behind him, the back window slid open, followed by Jannette’s hand and two jugs of water. Grateful for her consideration, he uncapped the bottle, and took a long draw. A second later, he lunged toward the side. Hanging his head, he released both water and breakfast.
He felt the truck rocking a few minutes later when they turned off the highway. As soon as the truck stopped, Jannette got out and started directing each one to an area across a grassy field.
He was still sitting in the truck when she finished directing traffic. Without a backwards glance, she walked toward a small house near the main road. Stopping in the doorway, Jannette looked back at him and waited.
Everything that happened before this moment was forgotten. It seemed like as good a time as any to leave the world and all its insanity outside for at least a little while. Aquino smiled, deciding he would take what Jannette was offering.
As he strode toward the house, he saw James was keeping pace with him. Shaking his head, he pointed away from Jannette, then growled, “Please ensure nobody disturbs us.”
In the silent darkness, Jannette stared up at the ceiling. As usual, sleep evaded her. Over the years, she’d learned to function off as little as three hours sleep. Tonight, her focus was on a wolf spider, who was busy making her way toward the window across the room. She’d watched the spider catch more than her share of bugs, which otherwise would’ve spent the night tormenting her. She’d even gone so far as to name the spider Pricilla.
Aquino reached over and pulled her closer, kissed her temple and asked, “A pet?”
Snuggling into his warmth, she chuckled, “Kind of. I can’t tell you how many times Brooke’s tried to kill her.”
“Have you informed her of the benefits of having an arachnid in your house?”
Jannette turned on her side, while tracing a pattern on his chest she murmured, “You know this is a weird conversation.” Looking up at him, she smiled and cooed, “Tell me about yourself.”
Aquino kissed her forehead, “Alright but you have to do the same.”
Jannette had no intention of telling him one single thing about herself. She hadn’t spent years guarding the ghosts in her closet, only to spill them in the dark with this man. That is, if you could even call him a man.
Aquino’s hand weaved a pattern up and down her back. As he spoke, the deep timbre of his voice lulled Jannette into a comfort she’d rarely felt. One of which she’d decided was best left to examine another time. A time that didn’t involve the distraction that was Aquino.
He began, “Well, it’s not really very exciting. On my planet all but the merchants are limited to only one child. Which is why my parents decided to become traders. Long ago our planet had become overpopulated. So much so, the scientists declared that if changes weren’t made, we wouldn’t survive another generation. That was when the law was enacted. However, after a few generations, they discovered the females out numbered the males three to one. So, an addendum was made that all planet side families could only bring males to term. Since that time, the population leveled out, but the law was never changed. It wasn’t long before they figured out that they’d gone too far. Without females, again, we were looking at extinction.
“That’s when the merchants took to the heavens in earnest. A search was on for a compatible species. Years passed without finding a single one. That’s when they realized our uniqueness.
A solemn expression crossed his features. While his hands stilled, he stared up at the ceiling. His gaze followed Pricilla across the ceiling. After clearing his throat, he continued, “Not long after the first merchants discovered females of other species weren’t compatible, that’s when my people lost their honor.”
After a long pause, he continued, “So, once again, a new law was enacted. Every female conceived in space, once reaching maturity, must return to mate with a male of the council’s choosing.”
Raising to one elbow, he smiled down at her, winked and added, “Therefore, since the birth of my sister, my family hasn’t returned to Terropia. Aside from my sister, I also have a younger brother. He served his time as a warrior. Unlike me, however, he chose to return to our world. When the time is right, I’ll step down to start my own family. Once I have chosen a mate, I’ll have no reason to return to my world. That is, of course, unless I’m successful in my endeavors to change my people.”
When he stopped talking, Jannette imagined he was caught up in the future he hoped to achieve. Nudging him, she said, “Tell me more. What’s your planet like? How do you envision your future after Earth?”
Aquino grinned, “My planet is beautiful. Different from Earth, vastly so, but still beautiful. It’s much warmer there, a tropical world. Instead of the vast oceans like here, we have many freshwater lakes and rivers. It’s also very mountainous. That’s where most of the gardening takes place. The seasons are milder in the high altitudes, perfect for year-round farming.” He kissed her nose, then continued, “Where do I see myself after this is all over? Well, obviously I can’t go back with the way things stand. But should I succeed in changing my people, I hope to one day find a female and start my own family. I have many fond memories of my childhood and I hope to fill the lives of my children with their own.” He leaned over Jannette, then asked, “What about you?”
Jannette’s mouth went dry, she wasn’t usually speechless, but she was now. What was wrong with her? What did she think he would say? Did she really expect him to profess his undying love for her, that they would live happily ever after on her farm? She pushed against his chest, and snapped, “I need to start dinner and get everybody situated for the night. Not to mention the bonfire! I think tonight I’m going to make the most spectacular blaze yet.”
Aquino pushed her back down, “Not so fast. You aren’t getting off that easy. You promised that if I told you of my life, you would tell me of yours.”
Jannette glared up at him, “I like to fuck. That’s what my future looks like, nothing but a bunch of fuckbuddies.” She didn’t wait for him to say more while she rolled from beneath him and began dressing.
Aquino watched her dress, then without so much as a backward glance, she left him alone. He called after her, “Do you think you could—”
Jannette stepped back into the room, shot him a scathing glare, then slammed the door shut.
He stared up at Pricilla for a moment, then muttered, “I think she’s upset. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out why.” Then it hit him.
Rolling out of bed, he quickly dressed. When he stepped out of the bedroom, he swept his gaze up and down the hallway, searching for Jannette.
The sound of slamming doors and dishes was coming from the far end of the hall, away from the front door. Stalking closer, he paused in the doorway and watched her. Every few seconds Jannette would brush a hand beneath her eyes. Each time was followed by a muttered curse, then either a door slamming shut, or a pan bashed against the burner. He opened his mouth to called to her, seconds before a can of something red exploded across the far wall. Tiptoeing down the hallway, he decided it might be in his best interest to save this conversation for a time when she wasn’t quite so angry.
Stepping through the door, Aquino stood on the porch watching the comings and goings in the yard. Several tents were popping up around the periphery, while a few closer to the house were being dismounted. Standing in the middle of it all, stood the young female who’d become his closest friend and ally since arriving. Her purple hair whirled around her head, as if taking on a life of its own. She was oblivious to everything but the events happening around her, while standing guard beside what appeared to be some kind of burned out… Aquino couldn’t figure out if it had once been a building or something else. But what ever it was, she was fiercely guarding it.
With a nod, he decided perhaps Aubree could explain what was happening with Jannette. Stepping off the porch, he turned toward the activity just a few short yards away. However, before he made it halfway, Seth intercepted him.
/>
“Aquino, can you help me?”
Stopping in the grass, he looked from Aubree to Seth. Then glancing over his shoulder, he stared back at the house, where he knew Jannette had probably made great advances in destroying any hope of a future meal, along with the rest of the kitchen. After returning his gaze to his purple-haired friend, he realized she didn’t look any happier. Given the choice of becoming the next victim to Jannette or Aubree, helping Seth definitely won the lottery. Turning toward the other male, he asked, “What are we doing?”
Seth was looking toward a large stack of wood by the house. He signaled for Aquino to follow him, “Evidently it’s a human custom to incinerate trees, then sit and watch them burn.” He shrugged, then grabbed an armful of logs.
After Aquino grabbed a stack, he followed Seth back to the center of the yard. “Yes, it’s called bonfire. Aubree has informed me of this. She said, it’s not Jannette unless there’s a bonfire.” He cocked his head, maybe that’s what was the matter with Jannette. If she needed fire to make her happy, he would ensure she had the biggest and brightest flames.
Standing back, he stared at the neatly stacked firewood. He wasn’t sure how to turn the pile into a roaring fire, but how hard could it be?
Aubree walked up behind Seth then slapped a hand across his chest, “What the fuck is that?”
Frowning, Seth stared down at the tiny human and replied, “You asked for us to move the woodpile over here.”
She turned back toward the now empty porch, then slapped a hand down her face. “I didn’t say the whole pile.” When he tried to speak, she held up a hand, “Even if that’s how you understood it, what would we do for wood tomorrow? Not to mention the way you stacked it; it’ll never burn.”
Seth looked from her to the neatly stacked wood, then exclaimed, “You mean we’re going to do this again?”
Aubree waved her hands around, then yelled, “Of course we’re going to do it again. Then after that, we’ll do it again... and again. How did you expect to keep all these people warm?” When she saw him looking toward the outbuildings, she shook her head, “No. Those are barns, they’re for her livestock.”