* * *
The pickup eased into Amy’s driveway. The black SUV sat abandoned, right where Dylan and Jeremy had jumped its occupants.
Trey woke the alien smartphone with his thumb and cycled through the cryptic options. He finally stopped on the hieroglyphic command Steven had assured him would call home. He pressed the strange symbol and vibrations rippled through his palm. A moment later it vibrated again, displaying a foreign message.
“Let me see . . .” Trey said, stretching his fingers. “Translate. Translate. Where was translate?”
A monotone female voice blurted from the device, startling everyone. “Voice mode . . . activated . . . language detected . . . English.”
Trey gazed over a cab full of wide eyes. Hesitantly, he stated his command. “Report to headquarters.”
“Contact confirmed . . . awaiting remarks.”
He swallowed a lump in his throat. “We’ve obtained the primary targets.”
A long pause followed, the device cold and dead in his hand. Finally, the vibrating returned. The female voice interpreted the response. “Well done . . . please provide confirmation.” The display lit up with a view of the truck’s floorboards. “Video . . . activated.”
Trey faced the camera away, silently searching his friends for help. Livy nodded toward Dylan, then drew her hands behind her back as if she were tied. Trey handed over the phone, cautiously pointing the lens away from anything recognizable. He scooted back into his seat and took a captive stance alongside Livy.
The device impatiently cried out, muffled by Dylan’s grasp. “Identification requested . . . video . . . activated.”
Dylan studied Trey from the driver’s seat, shaking his head in disapproval. “You should look pissed.”
Trey let his reservations give way to the loathing he felt for the distant viewers.
Dylan grinned ominously and lifted the camera. His big-blue eyes glinted with the light of the display. The screen went dark, and he lowered the lens with a shrug.
“Well done,” said the monotone voice. “Stand by.”
Trey and Livy rose from their seats to read the next response. “Analyzing engagement site.”
Trey’s heart pounded. A killer shark had taken his bait, and now it circled deep below the surface, unaware of a hook lodged in its fierce jaw.
A topographical map appeared. “Location confirmed . . . estimated arrival . . . three minutes.”
“Ohhh crap,” Livy muttered.
“Restate command,” said the mobile device.
Trey grabbed it from Dylan. “Voice mode off.”
The display acknowledged with cryptic symbols and a soft vibration. He slid the message aside to see a map.
“Too late to change our minds,” Trey said. “They’ll be dropping right into the backyard.”
Dylan popped open his door. “Bring it on!”
While the others eased from the old Ford, Trey lingered to ready the handheld device, navigating the menus until successfully arming its internal weapon. He toggled between the two upper intensity modes, finally settling on the lower, meant to incapacitate its target. He slid out of the truck and took his place ahead of Dylan.
Livy stood beside him. Directly behind her, Meagan stood in Steven’s trench coat with her green hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Dylan grabbed Trey’s arm and whipped it behind his back. “Let’s go, punk!” he said, his voice a ringer for Steven’s father.
“Easy, big guy,” said Trey. “Don’t forget it’s an act.”
Dylan’s elbow struck Trey’s shoulder-blades. “Better start thinking it’s real.”
Trey swung his free hand behind him and tucked the weapon into his back pocket. Dylan twisted a scratchy rope around each of Trey’s wrists, giving off the false impression both hands were bound tightly. Trey turned to see Meagan similarly wrangling Livy. It was all fake, but his stomach twisted into a knot of its own.
He began his slow march toward the back of the house with Dylan breathing down his neck.
Close Encounter
THE DANDELION RIDDLED lawn ended abruptly, giving way to a vast hayfield that bordered all three sides of the property. Dark gray clouds hung low in the morning sky, the only cover for an alien craft about to arrive in full daylight, proof the black-eyed aliens were determined to bring in Trey and Livy at any risk.
Trey broke into the waist-high field, pushing aside tall, yellow straws with each step. Overhead, a silver streak poked a hole in the gray sky and zipped downward. It disappeared into the rolling meadow, leaving a doughnut in the clouds that slowly dissipated. Trey tightened his fingers around the smartphone jutting from his back pocket, wishing he’d set it for lethal force.
He turned to Dylan. “Pick up the pace. We need to be closer when they greet us. Less time to look us over.”
Dylan obliged by shoving Trey onward. Meagan and Livy shuffled next to them, matching their steps.
When the smooth silver surface of the craft came into view over the mounded field, Trey stuttered to a halt.
Dylan forced him onward, but this time, Trey’s reluctance was no act.
A familiar hum announced the opening draw-gate as the disc-shaped craft came into full sight, perched on three thick hydraulic legs. Two naked aliens scurried down the ramp, their boney arms and legs giving the deceptive impression of weakness.
Pretending to fight against his captor’s grip, Trey warned Dylan through gritted teeth. “Don’t be fooled. They’re stronger than they look.”
Dylan pushed Trey forward, nearly knocking him to the ground, a reminder of the big guy’s strength.
According to plan, Dylan spoke first, establishing the language of the meeting. “We’re going along. These two are cash cows.”
The closer of the aliens peered toward the house. “Where are the humans?”
“They’re no longer a problem. Nice and tidy!”
The alien locked glossy black eyes on Trey, losing interest in Dylan and Meagan. The other creature stepped closer to Livy and stared her down. Trey rolled his thumb onto the trigger, ready at a moment’s notice.
The lead alien gripped Trey’s upper arm like a bear trap, prompting the other to latch onto Livy.
Dylan tugged at Trey’s opposite arm. “Hey now, he’s our merchandise.”
The large black eyes turned on Dylan, widening in indignation. A raspy grunt blew from the alien’s slit-like nostrils, giving the air of a bull threatening to charge.
Dylan stood strong. “He’s not leaving my sight.”
A look of comprehension washed over the alien’s gray face, and within it, a hint of fear. The gig was up.
A high pitched squeal erupted from the creature’s throat like a million fingernails on a chalkboard. With the force of a backhoe, it yanked Trey off his feet and sprang toward the open ship, dragging him like a disobedient child. Trey flailed with his free arm, trying for the weapon in his back pocket. Its smooth surface slid from his fingertips and clattered against the metal shell of the spacecraft as the alien pulled him into the open hatch. Trey swung his legs apart and wrapped them around the alien, tripping the creature and sending them toppling onto the ramp.
Amid horrific screeches, the other alien trampled past Trey with Livy slung over its shoulder kicking and screaming. Dylan bounded after her like a fullback dodging tacklers.
Trey scrambled on all fours toward the end of the ramp, where the smartphone lay exposed in the matted-down weeds. His captor latched a death-grip on his ankle and dragged him back up the ramp.
Trey curled his fingers over the edge of the steel drop-gate and fought against the alien’s tug. Pain ripped through his midsection, the stress of being pulled apart.
Meagan stood frozen in terror.
Trey cried for her help. “Get the weapon!”
The hydraulic door hissed, closing its jaw, threating to sever Trey’s fingers if he didn’t relinquish his hold. He kicked at the alien’s grip, but the long fingers only tightened harder.
/> With the gate lifted to half closed, Meagan rolled over the top edge and slid past Trey. He let go of his finger-hold, just before the closing door pinched away the outside light and shrouded them in darkness.
Dim blue overhead lights took over the scene. The alien grabbed Meagan by the throat, and, with no signs of strain, it steered her down the curved corridor, dragging Trey along by the foot like a little toy wagon.
Meagan scurried to keep on her feet in the creature’s choking hold. When she’d matched its pace enough to free the strain on her neck, she tossed Trey the weapon.
Shocked to see the smartphone come at him, Trey begged not to fumble the catch. In seemingly slow motion, he slid along the floor on his back as the weapon tumbled end-over-end above him. Just before passing out of reach, he snatched it firmly in a one-handed grab.
He drew the spiked end toward the creature’s back and pressed the side trigger.
Nothing happened.
He shook it furiously, fearing it had been damaged.
The alien stopped abruptly, and a door slid open. It shoved Meagan inside and the entrance snapped shut.
In sudden revelation, Trey pressed his thumb to the center of the display to unlock it. When the device vibrated to life, the alien turned its huge black eyes to the weapon. It dropped Trey’s leg and darted away.
Trey planted a streak of white-hot lightning into the creature’s boney ass, sending it rolling through the corridor in a loose ball of flopping arms and legs.
Out of darkness, another alien rounded the corridor, sprinting toward Trey. It hurdled its brother, and Trey unloaded a burst of energy into its chest. It took a nose dive and slid past him on the shiny metal floor.
From the same direction, loud footfalls pounded closer and Trey readied the trigger. Dylan skidded into sight, his hands in the air. “It’s me!”
Trey scampered to his feet. “Where’s Livy?”
“This way,” said Dylan, thumbing over his shoulder.
The sound of a sliding door whirled Trey in the opposite direction. He backed toward Dylan, weapon drawn. “Lead the way. I’ve got you covered.”
Trey slowly back-stepped past a motionless alien sprawled at his feet. He nudged it with a toe, unsure how long it would remain unconscious. Around him, the corridor erupted with the vibration of projected eyes surveying them. “Faster!” he said, shoving Dylan’s back.
They broke into a run, their feet slapping the metal floor. Sooner than expected, Dylan pulled up short. “It’s one of these doors. They all look the same.”
Trey swatted at the vibrations buzzing around him like flies. “Pick one and break it down.”
Dylan pounded on the first door. “Livy? Are you in there?” He moved on to the next, beating it with his fist. This time, thumps returned from the other side.
“That’s her,” said Trey.
Dylan stepped back two paces and lunged, shoulder first, delivering a heavy blow to the steel door.
It refused to budge.
Trey checked over his shoulder. A shadow crept closer as Dylan continued to thud against the door. Meagan stepped into view, staggering sluggishly, her green hair disheveled, her trench-coat stretched off at one shoulder.
“Blast the bitch!” yelled Dylan.
In the onslaught of vibrations, Trey couldn’t be sure if Dylan was right about the imposter. “I’m sorry,” he said, raising the weapon on Meagan.
Her big blue eyes filled with surprise. “Please, don’t do it, Trey.”
He pulled the trigger, proving he could. The real Meagan wouldn’t have allowed him.
Where she had stood, a pasty-skinned alien toppled against the wall and dropped to the floor. The door beside it slid open, triggered by the alien’s proximity. Trey stared at the gray clump on the floor and breathed a heavy sigh, relieved he hadn’t toasted Meagan.
The door slid closed, shifting Trey’s thoughts into overdrive. The door had opened for the unconscious alien. He rushed forward and rolled the creature onto its back, grimacing at the feel of the tacky, cold-blooded flesh. He slid his hands beneath its armpits and yanked on the heavy body.
Dylan stopped body slamming the door. “What are you doing?”
“Help me drag him.”
“Where?”
“In front of the door. We’ll see if it opens for him.”
When Dylan offered no help, Trey lunged into motion alone, pulling the unconscious alien along the slick floor. Dylan stepped out of the way to let Trey scoot next to the doorway.
As hoped, the door swished open.
Exhausted, Trey slumped against the doorframe, an alien’s head in his lap.
Livy stepped over them both. “Where’s Meagan?”
“That way,” said Trey, still winded. “In one of the rooms.”
Dylan leaned over and grabbed the alien by the arm. With a grunt, he rose, lifting the creature onto a shoulder like a huge sack of potatoes. He offered his free hand, but Trey waved it off.
Trey pushed himself to a stand, vibrations buzzing around him. “They’re watching every move we make. We’ve gotta cut their communications.”
“How?” said Livy.
“I don’t know, but Gunther managed it.”
“We gotta get to the core of the ship.”
Dylan shook his head. “Meagan first.”
Trey nodded in submission. “Follow me.”
Controller
TREY POUNDED ANOTHER cold and silent sealed door in search of Meagan. Livy called out from just ahead. “It’s this one!”
Trey darted along the corridor and slid to a stop alongside her, waving for Dylan to hurry.
The big guy lumbered to the door with an alien slung over his shoulder. “I hope you’re right. These guys must eat lead for breakfast.”
When the door swept to the side, Meagan tried to bounce through the opening, but Livy shoved her back inside. “No, the other way.”
The door on the opposite side of the room was still locked tight, making Trey nervous about the idea of everyone getting trapped inside. He wedged his foot against the doorframe. “I’ll hold this door. Just in case.”
Dylan shoved through the narrow opening, brushing the alien’s slick skin against Trey’s neck in passing. Livy and Meagan stepped aside, skirting the stainless steel examination table in the center of the room.
The inside door swept open, revealing the dark interior of the craft. Trey let the outer door close and followed behind his friends.
Once inside the circled inner-bay, Trey gazed over countless doors surrounding them. “Which way now?”
“Up?” said Livy, pointing to a nearby set of metal rungs. She turned to Dylan. “You can drop him now. We shouldn’t need him.”
Dylan took her literally, letting the alien fall behind him with a heavy thud. Judging from the limp alien’s lack of response, it wasn’t waking any time soon.
Trey pointed to a steel lever high on the far wall. “Dylan, pull that arm. It’ll open the center iris. Let’s round up all these lizards and pitch ‘em out the hatch.”
He’d gotten used to the vibrations fluttering around him, but when they suddenly halted, it immediately drew his attention.
A deep resonating hum erupted from high overhead.
“Oh no!” cried Livy. “I recognize that hum. And it’s not the engine.”
Trey waved rapidly toward the lever. “Dylan, get on it. Let’s get the hell out of here. They’re gonna implode the ship.”
Livy rushed the ladder. “There’s plenty of time.”
Trey set off to catch her. As she ascended the iron rungs, he turned to Dylan and motioned toward the handle. An escape route didn’t hurt.
He scaled the ladder and poked through the ceiling into a narrow shaft. At the top rung, he stepped onto a grated platform to find Livy waiting anxiously.
In the circled room’s core, a gyroscope churned at a slow idle. The humming continued farther overhead, steadily rising in pitch. Trey followed Livy, hugging the wall along the
narrow walkway.
She stopped at a second ladder and whispered. “Be ready. It’s coming from up there.”
“Got it,” he said, drawing out the weapon.
Massive gears shuttered into motion beneath the grated floor. Hydraulics hissed and popped. Dylan had undoubtedly begun opening the hatch.
Livy stepped aside to allow Trey up the ladder first.
With the weapon in one hand, he gripped the first rung with the other and hauled himself up as fast as he could move. Speed was his only edge in the absence of surprise. Just before reaching the top, a spindly arm grabbed at him from above, grazing his spiky hair.
He pulled the trigger, shooting a blast of electricity toward the opening, narrowly missing the alien at the top. The creature stepped back, startled. Trey’s second shot struck the alien’s shoulder and dropped it cold. He continued upward, rung after rung.
A strong hand grappled his shirt and yanked him out of the hole like a worm in a bird’s beak.
The angry alien tossed him across the control room. He met the wall with a crashing blow, but he gripped the weapon firmly, knowing his life depended on it.
A hundred aliens surrounded him in an instant, only one of them real. Randomly he zapped a projection, sending sparks flying from the metal wall behind it.
They all stepped closer.
He pulled the trigger again. Another miss!
Amid the naked aliens, Livy appeared, waving for his attention. She kicked an alien in the leg, making it turn on her fiercely.
Lightning coursed from Trey’s weapon, ripping a hole through countless alien projections to reach its target. An instant later, the horde vanished, leaving a single alien. It fell to its knees and toppled face-first.
Trey dropped the weapon, sighing with relief.
Livy stepped over the motionless bodies, her gaze fixed on a massive black transmitter centered in the control room.
Trey faced the huge bugs-eye. Its deafening hum continued, growing dangerously close to a resonance that would trigger implosion. He lifted his hand toward it, knowing a single touch could instantly shut down a transmitter.
He wet his lips, dreading the powerful sting.
Misplaced Trilogy Page 37
