Aphelion

by L. J. Higgins

  His eyes widened before he squared his jaw. “What makes you think we’re afraid?”

  “What other reason would there be? Do you think that alien will come back and try to kill me?”

  “No. He’s long gone.”

  “Then how is Reece going to learn to be a hunter if you don’t let the guy actually hunt?”

  “There’s things at play you know nothing about.”

  Finally, a hint at something bigger.

  “Yeah? Then why don’t you tell me what they are?”

  “Because you don’t need to know.”

  I gave a dry laugh. “If it’s stopping me from going out and doing my job, I’m pretty sure I have a right to know what it is.”

  He stepped towards me, pointing a sharp finger in my face. “Commander Kane is right. You’ve forgotten your place. I might have been your brother’s friend, but here I’m your superior.”

  “Do superiors usually take their employees to dinner?” I bit at him.

  “We’re done here.” He spun on his heel and stalked over to pack up the boxing gear.

  I followed him. “I want to hunt.”

  He spun around and released a breath. “No. You aren’t hunting until I say it’s safe.”

  “Safe?” I asked.

  “Safe’s the wrong word. Until I think you’re ready. Now, I have to pack this up and then I have a meeting with Commander Kane. You grab a shower and get to dinner to eat with all of your new friends.”

  “You said ‘safe’, Ricko, and you meant it. What do I need to be kept safe from?” I knew I was pushing him too far, but I needed to know.

  “God dammit, Ky. You keep speaking to me like that, and you’ll never go back out in the field. I’ll get you a job in the office or as a janitor. I’m your superior whether you like it or not, and I will tell you when you can go back out on assignment. Got it?”

  “Yes, sir.” His word took away my fight. I’d overstepped my bounds. Again.

  “Now get out of my sight. Both of you.” He turned to Reece who’d been standing quietly by the door waiting.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Reece guided me out of the room and away from Ricko.

  I was on the verge of tears as we stepped into the elevator. I drew in a deep breath to push them away.

  “What the hell was that?” asked Reece.

  “What?”

  “Losing your cool with Ricko. I thought we’d agreed it wasn’t safe to ask questions. Are you trying to get us into trouble?”

  “I was trying to get answers,” I bit back. “I need to know.”

  “You’re playing with fire is what you’re doing. He’ll run back to the Commander and tell him you’re questioning them. That won’t end well.”

  “Yeah, and how would you know?”

  “For the past two years you’ve been loyal. You’ve done as you were told, correct?”

  “Correct.”

  “What happens to people who ask questions?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. They’re taken off duty and sent home?”

  “Do you really think they could send a hunter back into the real world knowing everything they know? If word of this leaked, there’d be panic.”

  “What are you saying? You think they kill those people?”

  Reece shrugged, eyebrows raised as the door to the elevator slid open.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Eyes fixed vacantly on my white ceiling, I lay in bed thinking over Reece’s words. What did happen to hunters deemed unfit to hunt? Would Skywatchers really kill people? They were obviously more than happy to kill aliens, but humans?

  As much as I wanted to deny it, the doubt still niggled at the back of my mind. If someone had asked me a few days before, I would’ve denied it whole-heartedly. But after the conversation I’d overheard between Commander Kane and Ricko, along with Ricko saying he was trying to keep me safe, the doubts had cascaded in. And I hated them. Part of me wanted to ignore it all and go back to the way things had been. They said ignorance was bliss, and now I understood why. But how could I go back now? It was impossible to un-know something. Not that I knew exactly what was going on.

  I wasn’t sure how long I took to fall asleep. The last time I’d glanced at my clock was half past eleven. When I managed to drift off, my dreams were a dizzying muddle of images I couldn’t make sense of.

  I woke with a start to my alarm blaring beside me, feeling as though a truck had run over me in my sleep. My body ached, and my eyes burned with fatigue. It was going to be a long day.

  After a shower to freshen up, I plaited my long hair and checked myself out in the mirror. I regretted it immediately. No amount of showering would hide the fact I’d barely had a wink of sleep. My eyes looked hollow with dark smudges beneath them and my skin was paler than usual. I really did need to get more sun.

  A knock on the door distracted me from my reflection. With a sigh, I made my way over and swung it open.

  “Where’s lover boy?” quipped Ricko, stepping into my room.

  “Who?” I groaned.

  “Reece.”

  “Oh, not here,” I croaked. ”Just because he fell asleep here one night doesn’t mean he lives here now.”

  He noted my haggard appearance and frowned. “Wow, you look and sound like you had a big night out on the town. Lucky I know you better. Although, you’ve been acting different lately. Nights out for dinner, eating in the mess hall, boys in your room…”

  “Look at me being all social. And thanks. I look and sound how I feel.”

  “Bad night’s sleep?”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “Was it because of our argument?”

  I wanted to say yes, but instead I shot him a lazy glare. If only he knew the questions circling in my mind. “I know you like to think you’re on my mind twenty-four-seven, but I’m sorry to inform you, you’re not.”

  “At least the lack of sleep hasn’t taken away your sass-mouth. I’m sorry yesterday played out like it did. I know it’s killing you not being out on missions, but it’s what the Commander and I think is best for now. I came to tell you it’s not you that we’re worried about. It’s the rookie. We just want to make sure he’s where he needs to be after all your concerns.”

  “Then what was that comment about keeping me safe?” I asked.

  “I kind of meant it wasn’t safe to have him out with you until we know he’s ready,” Ricko explained. “After what happened with the last alien, we can’t have you out on a mission with someone as clumsy and useless as you kept claiming he was. I shouldn’t have lost it like I did. Olivia and I had a fight earlier that day, and I took it out on you. It wasn’t right, and I apologize.”

  Was he telling the truth, or was this just a story he made up to cover his own ass? I’d been complaining a lot about Reece before I got to actually know him. Maybe they were just playing it safe?

  “It’s fine. I get it. But I think what he really needs is to spend more time out in the field. He had a bad run, that’s all. But he’s an awesome shot and he’s been working on his stealth.”

  “I trust your judgement. But I have to be sure. Let’s see how he goes today, and I’ll see if he’s ready. I was thinking for this morning’s training session, I might give you both a little surprise to make up for me being such an ass yesterday.”

  “What sort of surprise?” I asked cocking an eyebrow.

  “The kind that wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Go have a good breakfast, and a coffee. Maybe two coffees. I’ll meet you in the foyer.”

  My eyes widened. “We’re going out?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Ricko left my room, and I sat on the edge of my bed with a yawn. Maybe all my worrying and second guessing had been for nothing. I could understand why they’d doubt Reece after all my complaining. Now we just had to prove to Ricko that Reece was more than capable to hunt, then we’d both be back out in the field in no time.

  “Did you get any sleep at all?”
asked Reece.

  I slid my tray onto the table and plonked down beside him. “Nope. I don’t think so.”

  “You kind of look terrible,” said Justin.

  “Thanks,” I groaned, taking a bite of toast. “Don’t see you winning any beauty contests in the near future either.”

  He feigned a hurt look. “Ouch.”

  “Let me grab you a coffee,” suggested Natalie before she stood and left the table.

  “Thanks. Make it a double shot,” I called after her.

  “So how are you after yesterday?” asked Reece.

  Steve quirked an eyebrow. “Why? What happened yesterday?”

  “Nothing. I just had an argument with Ricko,” I said.

  “Ricko?” asked Steve.

  “Agent Rickson,” said Reece. “I thought that might be why you didn’t get much sleep.”

  “That was part of it. But we talked this morning and cleared everything up. Appears I was tossing and turning all night for nothing.”

  “Cleared it up? How?” asked Reece.

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m just happy it’s all sorted.” I didn’t want him to know it was all my whinging that’d made them doubt him. Not me, but him. “All that matters is he’s planned a surprise for today’s training, so we have to meet him in the foyer.”

  “You’re going out? Not fair,” whined Justin.

  “Who’s going out?” Natalie placed a coffee in front of me and slid into her chair with her own.

  “Reece and Ky. Agent Rickson is taking them out,” replied Steve.

  “I’m sure it’s nothing exciting,” I said. “Thanks for the coffee.” I took a long sip, letting the sweet taste warm my throat.

  “I threw in an extra few sugars to perk you up.” Natalie winked.

  “Might sweeten you up a bit too,” said Reece with a smirk.

  I ignored him and took another sip.

  “So, you’re getting out of this place for a while?” asked Natalie. “I won’t pretend I’m not jealous. I’m so sick of sitting on my hands and doing nothing.”

  “You haven’t been getting missions?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “Stupid Justin heard a rumour that one of the hunters was attacked by an alien and started asking questions. Commander Kane said if he didn’t feel safe out on missions or as though he had the ability to take down an alien then we could go back to basic training.”

  “How could I know my question would mean no missions?” replied Justin. “I’m not exactly loving being back in basic training and spending every moment here.”

  “It’s driving me mad. I’m ready to go out and kill some more vermin,” said Natalie.

  “Maybe I could talk to Ricko for you?” I offered. “At least find out when they might let you out again?”

  She brightened. “You’d do that?”

  I shrugged. “Why not?”

  “Are you sure you should be pushing your luck right now?” asked Reece.

  “I’d just ask the question,” I replied.

  “If it’s going to get you into trouble, just leave it. I’m sure it won’t be long, and they’ll be sending us out again. As long as stupid here doesn’t ask any more questions,” said Natalie, jerking her head toward Justin.

  “I’m sorry, okay?” Justin snorted.

  “Do you think it’s true?” asked Steve.

  “What?” I asked.

  “About the alien attacking a hunter? We’re trained to take them out from afar. I couldn’t imagine getting up close and personal with one, then living to tell the tale.”

  Reece and I exchanged a glance.

  “I’m sure it’s just a rumour,” said Reece. “Someone trying to freak everyone out for a kick.”

  “Then why did they take us off missions?” asked Justin.

  “If you’re going to go out in the field with fears about aliens attacking you, you’re going to make mistakes. I’m sure it’s just to make sure you’re okay,” I cut in.

  “We better get going or Agent Rickson will never send us out on a mission again,” said Reece.

  “Yeah.” I rose from the table. “See you guys at later.”

  “Umm, Ky?” Natalie asked as I turned to leave.

  I raised my eyebrows, shooting her an expectant look.

  “I was wondering… do you want to hang out some time?” she asked, her cheeks flushing pink. “Just us girls. I can’t remember the last time I had a girls’ night. There’s an awful lot of testosterone around here.”

  “She’d love to,” replied Reece.

  “Well, I’d have to see when I’d have time,” I said, shooting him a glare.

  “What are you up to tonight?” Reece asked her.

  Natalie smiled. “Nothing. Want to grab dinner and sneak up to my room?”

  “Tonight? I really don’t know…” Now my cheeks went red.

  “Of course. She’ll meet you down here around six,” said Reece.

  “Great. I’ll see you then.” Natalie’s grin spread wide across her face.

  I muttered, “See you then,” and turned to leave.

  Reece followed, and we emptied our trays before leaving the mess hall.

  “What the hell was that?” I asked him once we were out of earshot.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Telling Natalie I’d have a girl’s night with her tonight.”

  “What? I think it’d be good for you to have a female friend.”

  “Do you just? And who are you exactly?”

  “You’ll be fine,” he said.

  “You’ve met me, right? Do I really seem like the girls’ night kind of person?”

  “Like I said, you’ll be fine. Knowing you, you’ll find an excuse to stand her up anyway.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped.

  “Nothing. Just that I bet you don’t go.”

  “Why not?”

  He smirked. “Because you don’t do ‘friends’ and ‘girly things’.”

  “I can do friends,” I argued.

  He raised his eyebrows and cocked his head.

  “What sort of creature are you? You’ve gotten into my head and twisted my thoughts.”

  “It’s called reverse psychology and knowing you’ll argue anything.” He laughed.

  “Fine. I’ll go do this weird girls’ night thing. But I won’t enjoy it.”

  He shook his head as he pressed the button for the elevator. The door slid open and we stepped inside.

  “Now we have your social life sorted, do you think it’s weird they punish people so harshly for simply asking a question?” asked Reece.

  “Why do you do that?” I narrowed my eyes.

  “Do what?”

  “Make me question everything. It’s all of your questions that made me doubt the Commander and Ricko when all it was, was a stupid misunderstanding. It kept me awake all night. For nothing.”

  “What exactly did Ricko say to make you stop questioning?” he asked.

  “That’s not important. What’s important is you’re getting into my head. First with the Commander and Ricko, and now with Natalie. It makes sense Skywatchers want people out in the field who have their head in the game. If you’re asking questions and overthinking everything, you lose concentration. Look at how I was yesterday when we were sparring.”

  Reece sighed. “I wouldn’t be so quick to believe everything Ricko tells you. Wouldn’t it be in his best interest to smooth everything over and tell you what you want to hear?”

  “Stop it.”

  “What?”

  “You know what. Can’t we just do what we’re told, and then hopefully get the all clear to go back out on missions? I know it’s in your nature to question things, but can’t we talk about your questions later?”

  The elevator dinged, indicating our floor. “If that’s what you want.”

  “It is what I want. My brain can’t take any more thinking right now.”

  “So you’re not curious at all?”

/>   I shot him a glare as the door slid open.

  He raised his hands in defence. “Okay, okay, no more questions.”

  We stepped out into the foyer where Ricko was chatting with the lady with the slick ponytail at the front desk. As we approached, he walked towards us with a wide grin.

  “Good afternoon. Are you ready to go on an adventure?” he asked.

  “An adventure?” I asked, puzzled.

  “That’s what I said. I’ll tell you more in the car. Let’s get out of here.”

  Reece and I exchanged a glance before following him outside. A black sedan was parked near the entrance.

  “Ky, you’re in the front. Reece, can ride in the back,” said Ricko.

  We all jumped in and Ricko started the car, pulling out onto the street.

  “So, are you going to tell us where you’re taking us?” I asked.

  “I’m pretty sure I said it was a surprise,” he said.

  “I hate surprises.”

  “I’m not exactly a fan of them either,” added Reece.

  “Party poopers.”

  “Just tell us Ricko,” I said, fighting down my annoyance.

  “You know how you keep telling Commander Kane and me how good a shot Reece is?” Ricko asked me.

  “You do?” said Reece.

  “Don’t let it go to your head,” I replied.

  “Well,” continued Ricko, “I thought it’d be fun to test just how good a marksman both of you are. While also testing Reece’s stealth. Any guesses?”

  “Do I look like someone who’s in the mood for guessing games? Just tell us,” I said.

  “We’re going to play paintball.” He grinned.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Back pressed against a warm metal drum, I peered through the slats of a wooden pallet in search of Ricko and Reece. We’d all separated before the game had begun with the blare of an overhead siren. The anticipation of one of them finding me raced through my limbs.

  The pop of a paintball gun sounded behind me. I ducked behind the drum and peered around it. Red paint splattered over the side of another drum a few meters in front of me. More pops followed. The boys must have been fighting it out. In a low crouch, I followed the pallet wall away from them. At its end, I peered around the corner and spotted another metal wall running diagonally to the one I hid behind.