In the center of the room was a massive round table with at least fifty chairs all the way around, so everyone sitting down was able to see each other.
Chapter 16
Icould see that most of the seats were already taken as we entered, and I couldn’t help but think of King Arthur and the knights of the roundtable. Butterflies started to flutter in my stomach as we entered our first defensive meeting.
“Welcome to you all,” Christik said to them, as they all dipped their heads in welcome. “I am Christik, head of the angels here on Earth, and these are my angels Zanika, Harrik, Hulaz, Livik, Jakiz, Anglik, Toniz and Nalik,” she added, indicating the angels who were taking seats around the table. “I would also like you to meet our friends who are part of our team: Mel, James, Anthony, Holly, Harrison, Abigail, Julia, Barrie, John, Tracey, Derek and Beccy. Some of who you may already know,” she told them as we also took our seats.
The people around the table all seemed friendly, and some were apparently a little nervous. I noticed tapping fingers on the wooden table, and one lady was nervously twirling her hair around her finger.
As soon as Holly sat down, she placed her folder and pencils on the table and began to prepare to take her notes. None of our kids appeared nervous or uncomfortable, even though they were the only teens in the room.
“You know why we are having this meeting,” Christik announced. “We believe the Marilians are on their way to conquer your planet. We angels will not allow them to succeed,” she stated.
“Do you have the list of people who have usable skills?” she asked, her eyes scanning everyone around the table.
Her sapphire blue eyes stopped on a stunning lady whose dark, curly hair framed her beautiful complexion. She looked a few years younger than me, and she seemed shy as she raised a hand which held a piece of paper.
“Hello everyone, I’m Emily, and this is my husband Nick,” she said softly, indicating to the dark-haired man sitting next to her. “I have the list of people and their skills. I’ll go through the list and introduce them to you,” she added as her pale cheeks began to turn a delicate pink.
“First I’d like to introduce Ann,” she said, indicating a young lady at the table. She had rich, dark skin and eyes that almost sparkled.
“Hi everyone,” Ann greeted nervously.
“Ann is a special effects artist and a very talented body painter. She’s very gifted and has won many body painting competitions,” Emily explained. “Ann will be able to paint any building to disguise any ambushes we set. Plus, she’ll be able to body paint the angels to disguise them, so we can hide them from the Marilians until we’re ready to fight. As Christik has already mentioned, this will give us a great advantage because the Marilians will think that the angels have already left. This will hopefully give them a false sense of security, making them less defensive and hopefully sloppy.”
There were smiles all around for Ann who nodded to everyone as a mild blush appeared on her face. Her skills were going to come in very useful in deceiving the Marilians.
“Next on the list we have Scott,” Emily said, indicating an older man.
He was sitting next to Jakiz, his frame broad and muscular with a complexion that showed he’d worked outside in the sun for many years.
“Hello all,” he said, his face rugged and serious.
“Scott was a very well-known builder before everything turned to shit” Emily stated with a smirk. “He used to build houses of all sizes as well as massive commercial buildings and schools. So, he’s more than capable of building anything we need,” she added.
James leaned forward in his seat, resting both of his arms on the table top.
“That’s very good to know because something occurred to me last night,” James said.
I could tell by the look on his face that he was mulling something over.
“If I were the Marilian ruler, and I wanted to conquer earth, take all the resources and change the human race to Marilians, the first thing I’d do is find the humans. That way, I’d be able to change all the humans and have even more Marilians to take what we want quickly and efficiently,” James explained. “So, if I were the Marilian ruler Drakron, I’d seek out the holding structures where the humans are located and attack them first,” he added. “We need fake targets to draw them away from our people.”
All of a sudden, the room went deathly quiet as everyone absorbed the weight of what James had just said. He was absolutely right, and we all knew it; it made perfect sense.
“I think we all agree with you James,” Christik said softly. “We are very pleased that you are on our side,” she added, with a warm smile. “So Holly, I believe our first item on our action plan list is to gather human and angel volunteers to help Scott build fake holding structures. It would be quicker and easier to convert existing buildings I believe,” she added. “Tracey, can you help us to locate suitable buildings for this purpose?” Christik asked. “Also, are you able to find buildings for us to store weapons and any locations suitable for ambushes?”
Tracey looked absolutely thrilled to be asked, and she looked at her husband John with a look that said, ‘See I can be a badass and useful.’ John rolled his eyes and chuckled, then he wrapped an arm around his playful wife.
“Yes, of course,” Tracey replied, grinning like an idiot.
Christik seemed pleased that Tracey and Scott were both going to be working on something so important. As our Earth was dying, we’d already lost around eighty percent of the population, so we definitely couldn't afford any more human loss. Harrison held up his hand, probably by force of habit from school.
“I’d like to add something,” he said, nervously. “I think we need to get Abigail and the other people who are good at painting to camouflage the holding structures so that they’re hidden in the landscape,” he explained. “The Marilians will be coming from above in their crafts, so we don’t want to make it easy for them to find us, and Ann is already going to have her hands full. If we camouflage the real holding structures, they’ll be automatically drawn to the fake ones.”
“Agreed Harrison, and thank you for those very important points,” Christik told him.
“I think we need to go to the nearest army bases too,” Anthony added. “Not only can we get camouflage netting that would help save us a lot of time and energy, but we can also get some top-grade weapons and body armor. From what my dad has told us, we’re going to need the body armor if we have to do hand to talon combat, and I don’t fancy getting sliced open,” he stated with eyes as wide as saucers.
As I looked around the table, all the adults were nodding in agreement, and all seemed extremely impressed with our son’s contributions to the meeting. I felt so proud of my kids.
“Another good point Anthony,” Christik said, just as impressed. “We angels are able to use our power to deflect an attack, but we want you to have some protection too.”
Holly was busily writing everything down. She had a habit of poking out her tongue to the side of her mouth and watching her do that while concentrating made me smile. It reminded me of when she was really young coloring in her art books.
As I continued to scan the people around the table, I noticed Nalik’s eyes were glued to Holly, and he was mesmerized. I nudged James and tilted my head in Nalik’s direction. James’ eyes widened in surprise, and he was smirking when he looked back at me. ‘Thank goodness he’s not being the overprotective father,’ I thought to myself, just as the door to the meeting room opened. Two angels entered with drinks and food on stone trays hovering between their hands.
“Let us take a break,” Christik said to the room.
No sooner had the angels placed the large stone trays of food down on the table than everyone began to tuck into the fruits, vegetables and drinks. I think all the talk about the Marilians had notched up everyone’s stress levels. So, the food and distraction were very much needed.
During our break, I tried to keep up with the conversations arou
nd the table. Derek and Beccy were catching up with Derek’s friends Luiza and Shawn, and I think Beccy was trying to get to know them better.
The angels looked like they were enjoying the conversations, and James was in deep conversation with Christik and Harrik. Tracey was busy talking with Holly, giving her details for buildings she already knew about, which were ideal for storing backup weapons. She also gave Holly locations that she thought would be good for some ambushes and traps.
I was keeping to myself because just the sight of the food on the table was making me turn green. ‘Please don’t let me throw up in front of everyone,’ I kept thinking to myself, hoping sheer willpower could stop it.
My eyes were flicking between Holly and Nalik. I was extremely curious as he really did seem besotted with her. I wished I could read his mind. ‘What was he thinking?’ ‘Was he just curious about her or was he attracted to her?’ My mind was deliberating both questions.
Before long, the food and drinks were nearly all gone, and as if on cue, the angels who’d brought the food in came back in to clear away the trays. We all thanked them and watched as they gracefully glided away.
“Let us get back to business, shall we?” Christik declared.
There were nods from everyone and many “Thank you’s” to the angels who were taking the trays away. As Holly looked up from her papers, her eyes connected with Nalik’s. Suddenly, Nalik began to glow brighter. ‘Oh shit,’ I knew instantly what it meant.
Everyone around the table seemed to hold their breath, and Holly was transfixed, gazing into Nalik’s peacock multi-colored eyes. It looked as if his bright shimmer was pulsing, almost like a rhythmic heartbeat.
“Oh No!” Christik exclaimed.
“Holy Shit,” Tracey added, loudly.
Holly turned to Tracey with a stunned look on her face, her cheeks beginning to glow a deep pink from her blush. Tracey pursed her lips as if she was trying to keep her mouth shut. When Holly glanced to James and me, my heart dropped for her. She looked so confused and embarrassed. James took my hand in his, giving it a soft squeeze of reassurance.
“Don’t worry,” I mouthed to Holly.
Nalik looked just as embarrassed as Holly, and I felt bad for him too.
“Right, let’s get back to business, shall we?” Christik declared.
“Yes, let’s get on,” I added, giving Holly and Nalik a reassuring smile each.
James was very quiet, probably trying to process what had just happened, exactly the same thing as I was doing. My mind was racing. ‘How could this happen?’ And what the hell is going to happen now? were just some of the questions I was going over in my mind.
“Okay,” Emily said, interrupting my thoughts. “Next on my list is actually Derek who was in the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. This is a special reconnaissance unit of the British Army, and I have to say that there’s not much this man doesn’t know about battle and weapons, etc. We also have quite a few ex-servicemen and women on the list who are all willing to help us,” she added.
“I’ve already spoken with the other ex-service people, and we will work closely with the other volunteers to get what we need, such as the weapons, body armor, camouflage, netting and clothing for us,” Derek informed us, “We’d like an area for weapons training too, Christik, if possible?” he said as he faced her.
“We can arrange that for you Derek; it will be ready in two days’ time,” Christik replied. “Emily, thank you for creating the list and speaking with everyone,” Christik told her warmly.
Christik looked back to everyone around the table, her face showing subtle signs of stress and concern, but also a real determination. The other angels mirrored the same look. It wasn’t surprising, considering they’d all witnessed what the Marilians were capable of first-hand.
“I believe we are making good progress so far; however, we have a long way to go before we are ready,” she stated. “We have the ability on our main craft to detect incoming crafts from across your galaxy, so we are now monitoring that closely. We should have time to position ourselves in the correct places before the Marilians arrive,” Christik added. “Derek and James, I would like you both to create our plan of action please, with the help of the service men and women,” she told them, smiling kindly. “Holly is doing an amazing job of writing everything down,” she said as she gave Holly her beautiful smile.
“We’re going to need vehicles too,” James said, “We can’t just flit from one place to another like you angels, so we’re going to need reliable vehicles for combat and speed. Maybe John and I can go with Derek and the others to find what we need because we’ll have to check them out before bringing them back here,” he added.
“That is a great suggestion James,” Harrik replied. “I will arrange for angels to flit you as you call it,” he said with a smile on his face, “to the bases to retrieve the vehicles you need.”
Christik looked very thoughtful for a moment, and no one said a word, all waiting for the next person or angel to speak.
“I will organize angels to help us in the air; however, our crafts do not have weapons, only the ability to freeze another craft in mid-air. We will need some of your ex-service people to fly your aircraft, so that they can shoot down the Marilian crafts as we freeze them,” Christik explained. “Holly would you be willing, to work with the key members of our team to organize the sorties and training please?” she asked.
Holly still looked somewhat shell-shocked from her moment with Nalik. Her beautiful face was blushing once again now that all eyes were on her, especially Nalik’s. She cleared her throat and looked into Christik’s eyes.
“Yes, of course, I’ll stay behind and start arranging everything,” she replied with a bashful smile.
Christik seemed very pleased, her face showing a lot more optimism and confidence. She then turned her gaze to me.
“How are things progressing with the women on our main craft, Elita, sorry Mel?” she asked, a slight glow appearing on her cheeks.
“It’s going very well. Zanika and Harrik have been working with us ladies on the team to wake them and explain everything to them,” I told her. “I believe we’ve been able to wake around sixty percent so far. I’m thrilled to say that most of them still had their memories, which has made things a lot easier,” I added.
“Most of the women who have birthed their baby animals have opted to help fight the Marilians,” Zanika added to the conversation. “Once the battle is over, the majority would like to continue our efforts to repopulate the animal kingdom,” she stated.
“That is wonderful news,” Christik declared. “Let us meet here again in five days’ time to check our progress. In the meantime, we have something for you all, to enable us all to communicate with each other.”
Harrik rose from his seat and raised his arm with the palm of his hand facing the center of the table. We all watched in anticipation as his palm began to glow a shimmering white.
Suddenly, a white stone tray appeared on the table with what looked like necklaces and bracelets. They looked exactly the same as the markings on the male and female angels.
The necklaces were beautiful with sparkling diamonds spaced out along what appeared to be thin, dark grey ribbons, and the bracelets were two thin, dark grey ribbon bands with hieroglyphs in between.
Harrik’s palm continued to glow, and just as we were all admiring the angel jewelry, they began to glow and rise from the tray. We were all fascinated watching the jewelry move gently floating through the air. The necklaces glided towards each woman around the table, while the bracelets glided towards the men. Just as they landed on the table in front of us, Harrik lowered his hand.
“These are your communication devices; please adorn yourselves,” he said.
I was intrigued because the angels’ markings looked as if they were part of them, actually in their skin like tattoos. The others were just as intrigued as I was, picking up the communication devices in their hands and examining them first.
Beccy, who was sitting across from me, was the first to put hers on. We all stopped to see what would happen. She slipped the necklace over her head and let it slip into place around her neck. For a split second, there was a slight glow around her, and then it was as if her skin absorbed the necklace. It went from laying on her skin to being in her skin, and just like the angels, it now looked like a stunning tattoo.
“I didn’t feel a thing!” Beccy exclaimed as she ran her fingers along the line of the communication device.
“Yes, I can hear you clearly,” She told Christik.
A little confused, we all looked at Christik who was smiling at Beccy.
“Angels can communicate mind to mind. Our communication devices enable us to talk to each other from any distance, enhancing our ability. They will now help you all to communicate with each other and us using your minds,” she explained. “All you have to do is think of the person’s name you wish to talk to, and they will hear you.”
Happy with Beccy’s reaction and Christik’s explanation, we all began to put on the communication devices. I placed the necklace around my neck, letting it slip down under my dress. When I looked down, I could see it glow momentarily as my skin instantly absorbed it. I ran my fingers over my new markings.
I glanced at James and watched him slip the bracelets over his hands, sliding them to his wrists. Again, they glowed for a second or two, and then they were absorbed. The new markings looked kind of hot on my handsome husband. When I looked at him and saw that he was looking back at me, I couldn’t help but give him a cheeky smile.
‘I can’t wait to get you naked again, woman,’ I suddenly heard in my head. I looked around, instantly worried that the others had heard what he’d said. And as my cheeks began to glow bright red, I scanned our friends and was very relieved to see them all chatting quietly to each other. I could hear James chuckling in my mind.
Earth's Angels: The Earth's Angels Trilogy Page 19
