Incoming

by Mel Todd

  Caroline just shook her head. "And you get used to it?"

  "Yep, don't even notice anymore." JD told her as he opened and closed his hands.

  Wonder if it itches pulling them in that short, or if the nanobots just break down the cells?

  "Okay, that is neither here nor there. You ready?" She had settled back on her heels, hands up in front of her in a relaxed poise.

  "I guess." JD braced himself. His face didn't reveal anything, but his trepidation flavored the shared mindspace. He looked huge compared to the trim form of Caroline, his muscles and fur making it a true beast attacking the beauty.

  Caroline didn't give him any warning, just hit him. JD started to react but not fast enough. Her palm strike hit him in the solar plexus, or at least the rough area.

  ~Huh. I think that should have hurt way more than it did.~ He swiped at her, still moving a bit slow, McKenna could feel his worry.

  "JD, I'm a shifter too. I'll heal, so quit pulling your damn punches." Caroline snarled at him.

  ~Oh, yeah. Oops.~

  Cass snorted, almost spitting water at that comment in their head.

  JD stepped up the speed, and she could see, just from watching his body language, when the training kicked in. Caroline reacted to a feint, and he kicked her legs out from underneath her, following up with a strike to her throat. If his claws had been out, she would have been dead.

  They all stood watching, serious worry on their faces.

  "So much for the hand-to-hand idea. If they've all had that training, people can't take them on," Caroline said wryly as JD pulled her up. "Was any of that you?"

  "No. I felt stupid and awkward trying to hit you, then everything melded together and strike patterns that I've never done, at least not as a human, kicked in. I knew how to block and then what counterstrike to make. Not all of your attacks, but many were similar, and I just adapted."

  "Dammit. But those knives you call claws would have made up-close dangerous anyhow." Christopher sighed, typing a note into his phone. McKenna figured he was keeping Doug updated. "What now?"

  Aleki responded before anyone else could. "if Miss Toni would change, I would like to do a strength comparison."

  Toni flashed him a smile. "Just Toni, please. And sure." She finished her snack and stood, starting to shift into warrior form.

  "Just so you know per the AI, our neurons are faster in this form, the muscle is denser, and the something about fiber length? She said it made our muscles perform closer to primates than humans. So the strength is greater than it would be otherwise."

  Aleki nodded. "I suspected something like that. But JD is a huge person in human form. Toni is more approaching normal. I am interested to see her strength."

  As they talked, Toni finished shifting.

  "What first?"

  "Something simple." Aleki smiled. "Arm wrestling."

  Toni blinked, an odd look on her dark face, the green eyes disappearing for a minute, then reappearing like luminous emeralds.

  The kids were still watching everything, though when she touched Nam's mind, the girl had fallen asleep curled up between the twins.

  ~She's fine. We watch her.~ Jamie responded to her mental touch, and she sent a wave of pride and love to him.

  ~I know.~

  When she refocused on the adults, Toni and Aleki were at a table and had linked arms. Even with the fur you could see the muscle on her arms. Aleki's arms looked like massive slabs of dark brown flesh. Cass stood next to them, her hand on their joined hands.

  "Ready?"

  They both nodded, totally focused on the other, though a whiff of amusement in the mental space drifted across McKenna's awareness.

  We're becoming more attuned to each other; more and more is slipping through. Is this good or bad? Are we going to lose privacy?

  Wefor didn't respond, and McKenna didn't know if it was because she hadn't heard the private thought or if she didn't know the answer.

  "Go!" As Cass said that, she yanked her arm away, and the two combatants started to strain. In her human form Toni was slight, but firm. In her warrior form, her loss of inches made her stockier, like a gymnast. Aleki looked huge, dwarfing her, though with Perc and JD around, she, well, all the women, looked tiny. It had been an advantage when on patrol, having JD behind her often made people underestimate her.

  Aleki groaned as Toni pushed his arm down. They both strained, but it was obvious she was winning.

  "Damn. I knew we might be stronger in that form, but Aleki is really strong," Caroline uttered, as Aleki relented and his arm hit the table.

  "You are very strong in that form." He glanced at McKenna. "Would you mind wrestling with me in human form, I assume you haven't noticed any major strength changes."

  McKenna shrugged, and headed over to take Toni's place. "Besides generally being healthier and the weight loss, no." They went through the same exercise, and McKenna's arm, much to her silent embarrassment, hit the table before she even had a chance to try.

  Perc was next. He and Aleki struggled, but where JD and Perc had an even massive build, legs and chest proportional, Aleki carried his strength from the waist up. The struggle lasted longer, but after the first thirty seconds they knew Aleki would win the contest.

  He won and leaned back, face serious. "If this is a representative example, Kaylid are very strong. Toni, would you mind coming and hitting me? I promise as long as you don't use claws we should be fine."

  Toni's looked at him, her face unreadable with the muzzle and fur. "Okay."

  They both rose and headed out to the lawn. Aleki wore a t-shirt that lay tight across his body. "Just make a fist and punch me in the stomach. Start out at half as hard as you think you can, I'll tell you when to stop."

  McKenna couldn't see Toni's face, but she nodded stepping back and did a jab directly to his stomach.

  Aleki didn't move, but nodded. "Harder." Toni followed, and McKenna could see her striking harder each time as she believed a bit more she wouldn't seriously hurt the man. On the sixth blow, air woofed out of him, and he bent over a bit. She stopped as she breathed heavy, then slowly stood up.

  "How hard was that?"

  Toni's head tilted as she replied. "Probably ninety percent."

  Aleki nodded. "Thank you, that is enough."

  They headed back to where the others watched. "So what did all that tell you?" McKenna asked, honestly curious.

  "Most Kaylid, if they are like Toni or you, will probably be able to punch hard enough to kill people, without specific strikes. Those of you built like JD or Perc can probably break down doors, rip people out of tanks if they try hard enough. Fighting these Kaylid up close will be all but suicide for anyone not Kaylid."

  His pronouncement cast cold water over everyone, and McKenna sat there, dread pooling in her stomach.

  Chapter 28 - Circling the Wagons

  The reality of what the president said a few days ago is clear to most people. Objects can be seen approaching the moon. While still small, their shapes are visible against the light of the moon as they approach Earth. Here in the US, reactions are mixed. Cities like LA, Dallas, and Atlanta are having riots, people protesting and demanding the government do something. There isn't a gun or any ammo left to be had on the shelves, and ammo has surpassed gold in value. But other areas are not reacting the same. Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, and New Orleans are welcoming the aliens. Trying to spread the word that everyone can just be friends. The concern is, what if McKenna Largo is right, and they are here to take our people, shifters, away? ~ TNN News Anchor

  Nothing more really came out though they talked until late in the evening. The kids playing for a while longer, then shifting back to human. Christopher rose, looking at all of them.

  "We should get going. I'll be here in the morning to pick up two of you. We're setting up a place in NYC. Both the consulates of the Russian Federation and Pakistan are next to Central Park. They've cleared out to let us talk there, we'll take whichever one is closer." />
  Perc raised an eyebrow. "How did they manage that?"

  "I have no idea. But I'm very glad I wasn't involved in that negotiation." Christopher had a wry smile. "This has been a headache as it is, but your suggestions have been taken into consideration." He cast a look at Perc and JD. "Which means if either of you come, you'll be hidden and not obvious. No one, regardless of their origin, could look at either of you and not consider you a threat."

  "Awww, should I be flattered or insulted?" asked JD. He'd turned back to human and taken over the grilling for dinner that night.

  "Neither. It's a statement. You make most men feel inadequate, and for women you're going to outweigh them by over a hundred pounds, and that makes you a threat." Christopher didn't look apologetic. "We equate body size to physical threat. It's something I've worried about, that your Kaylid forms are smaller than the average height. Some people won't see the strength in the body." He pointed at Toni. "I'd never guess her capable of what she is. We train to read people, body language, physical capabilities, etc. So I don't want our people to underestimate the Kaylid. Ours or theirs."

  McKenna rubbed her temples, a headache coming on. "The next week everything will change."

  Caroline laughed. "Everything has already changed. It's just going to change again."

  "Yeah, but people might die this time. A lot of people," McKenna pointed out. She hadn't eaten much, her stomach in knots thinking about the next few days.

  "That's why we're talking to you, and taking what you and your AI say very seriously. No one wants a war. Definitely not a war with an alien species."

  McKenna took a deep breath and got up, wanting to change the subject. "What time tomorrow?"

  "About nine. Have bags with you, enough for a week. And then, well, we'll see where the negotiations end up," Christopher said. They shook hands and headed out, leaving McKenna shutting the door behind them.

  "Are we sure about this?" Toni asked behind her.

  McKenna turned to see her leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest, chewing on her lip. With a sad echo in the mindspace McKenna closed the two steps between them and pulled her into a hug, trying to comfort. Toni let loose a sad sound and hugged her back.

  "No. I'm not sure about any of it. But we have to try. We have to see if we can stop this. One way or another."

  Toni nodded, squeezing her once more then pulling away a bit. "Agreed. I'm going to work on bags for the kids, and we'll stock the emergency places tomorrow. You need to pack and go see if you can save our world."

  McKenna wanted to scream, to grab her family and go hide someplace until it was all over. But no one else got that option, so neither did she.

  "Yes, I do. You going to be okay with just you and JD?"

  "Sure. Kids love him and he makes an intimidating body guard."

  "Yes, he does. Want to tuck in kids with me?" They had agreed that even trying to get the kids to sleep separately was a waste of time, so Toni helped get the four kids into their nest. They fell asleep quickly, a tangle of legs and arms.

  Calls were made to family, Perc calling his parents, and Cass keeping Helena up to date via calls and almost constant text messages. Eventually they couldn't avoid the next day anymore. The adults headed towards their own beds, though McKenna noted JD heading towards Cass's room and just smiled as she headed for hers. Sleep didn't come easily for her, but when it did, she welcomed the escape from her own mind.

  No dreams pulled her in, and she woke to the alarm going off.

  ~Wefor, no visions?~

  [No. Information indicates the ships have locked down all communications as they ready to approach your planet.]

  ~That implies something was being sent to us and now isn't.~

  [Yes. It does.]

  Wefor's flat words rang in McKenna's head, and she frowned, mulling over the possibilities of what that meant. It could be good or bad. What if other Kaylid across the planet were being programmed by these dreams? What if more were like Nam, torn apart by conflicting programming? What if -

  Enough. You can't change any of that. Get going and deal with what you can change.

  That at least got her out of bed and moving, but she still spent a few minutes on social media, looking to see if any more people were going into animal form and going crazy. The information went from welcome parties, to martial law in some areas, riots, and protests. And this was just in the US. China and both Koreas had locked down completely, refusing flights into and out of their countries. Everything she read made her more depressed and scared and finally she logged off.

  All you can do is what you can do.

  The mantra repeated in her head over and over again as she got dressed and packed a bag. She headed downstairs to find Toni and Carina cooking, the kids quietly eating at the table. McKenna sat down between Charley and Nam, looking at Nam closely. The girl did look a bit bigger, but the circles were gone under her eyes, and she didn't look as gaunt as she had. For now McKenna would take that as a win.

  Nam leaned into her a bit as she ate her eggs, but she didn't say anything, though she noted every person coming in or out of the room.

  "How you doing?" McKenna directed her question to Charley even as she rubbed Nam's back.

  He shook his head, not looking at her.

  "Come on, talk to me."

  He put his chin on his hand as he pushed eggs around his plate. "Worried, but I've had the not-dreams, too. We know. Just," he covered his face with his hand, and she saw a drop splash onto his plate. Her arm snaked out and wrapped around him.

  "I love you. I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. I wish I could promise it will be all okay. But I can't do that." McKenna wanted to. So badly she wanted to assure him everything would be fine. But lying to Charley would destroy everything they were trying to create.

  "I know." He turned his head into her shoulder for a moment, and she accepted his tears. But he didn't cry long. Pulling away. "We'll be fine. I'll look after everyone."

  "I know you will." McKenna didn't point out JD and Toni would both be here. She looked up and caught Toni watching them, strain clear on her face.

  They settled down a bit, Nam still silent, but she stayed, touching McKenna, either her hand or her shoulder, never broke contact. Carina came out and set some pancakes on the table and looked at McKenna. Her dark hair in braids tight against her skull.

  "McKenna?" Her voice had a hesitant tone, and McKenna looked up. Carina had been their quiet support staff, and McKenna knew it. Also knew they didn't give the girl anywhere near enough credit for all she did to keep them sane.

  "Hey. You holding up?"

  "Scary. At the point I'm not watching the news. Knowing what I know just makes all their guesswork even more scary."

  "Yes. It's too stressful, but I can't swear anything is going to be okay."

  Carina smirked, a bit of her humor sneaking through. "Oh, well. If you could, I'd be a bit worried. Shapeshifting is one thing, being a god is something else."

  McKenna laughed. "No desire whatsoever to be a god. Being me is hard enough. So what's up?" She could see that Carina wanted to ask something.

  The girl, woman really, took a deep breath. "Toni said you could change me, make me a Kaylid."

  "Yes. I can." The humor drained out of McKenna, and she focused on Carina, feeling the rest of the house snap into the conversation through the mindspace.

  She swallowed. "I know everything that's going on. And after you get back from New York, I'd like you to turn me. You know I don't really have a family, and Toni and the kids have been my family for years. And," she shrugged, trying to express herself. "I'd rather be part of your insanity than get left behind."

  McKenna barked out a laugh mixed with a sob. "It is our insanity, yes. If you're sure, then yes, I'll bite you when I get back. That isn't anything I've shared with the powers-that-be, and I'd really rather not."

  "Makes sense to me." She smiled and disappeared upstairs.

  ~Thank you,~ Toni'
s voice was soft in her mind. ~She's been family and the twin's big sister for as long as they've been aware. I've been worried about her but didn't want to admit it.~

  ~You should have. I would have told you sooner. We're all in this together. We'll protect her.~

  The chimed agreement flooded the mindspace and McKenna refocused on food, letting the love and friendship in the mindspace help push back her fear and worry.

  [Your squad is well-formed. While families are not encouraged, you have a good family.]

  The odd comment from Wefor made her smile and gave her a bit of encouragement. Finishing up her food, McKenna stood. She'd packed her kilt, tank tops, and weapons, but for the meetings, she purposely grabbed the sheath dress. Something to make her look non-threatening. She'd been involved in enough training that she knew her body language could convey even more. And she'd work on keeping her body language subservient and watching the Elentrin with all her skills.

  The knock on the door pulled Cass and Perc downstairs. Perc had dressed in slacks and a polo shirt, but nothing could hide his hugeness. Cass opted for a simple sundress, something that would slip off quick and easy.

  Christopher stood outside and took them in. "You ready?"

  McKenna gave him a 'are you kidding' look as Perc grabbed her bag and walked out. "No, but not sure that I would ever be ready."

  "I think I'd be more worried if you were looking forward to this." For a moment she thought he'd say more, but he shook his head and waved towards the waiting SUVs. "There will be agents staying here watching over your people while you're in New York, but we can't guarantee what will happen if they attack. All our plans and training are centered on small group attacks and protecting our principals. Fighting a war? They'll fight, but at that point JD is probably going to be more in tune with what needs to be done. So keep that in mind if this all goes to hell." His voice held somber worry.

  "We understand." McKenna didn't know what else to say, instead she sent love and worry back to Toni and JD as she, Perc, and Cass slid into the waiting cars and headed off to watch the world change.