Voyage to Ayama

by K. A Knight

  The guys’ stricken faces have the tears flowing harder.

  “We need to get to the next shuttle,” I dash my arm across my wet cheeks, my focus now on getting us out.

  “What's the likelihood of an empty shuttle, good looking?” Eldon crosses his arms.

  “You should have gone with her!” Cain warns, his face serious.

  “No,” I clench my jaw. “I am not leaving you. Get it through your head. Now, we don't have time to waste. We need to get to a shuttle.” They nod as fresh determination lights their eyes. The ship rocks again and Auden catches me as I fall.

  “Ship will destruct in five minutes.” The automated voice warns.

  We look at each other before Eldon snatches my hand and pulls me. We sprint down the corridor heading to the next shuttle.

  My heart clenches. Shit, Barrott. Surely he will have got out, right? He would have been in the crew quarters, one of the safest areas with the most shuttles. But even as my logic comforts me, my heart screams that he wouldn’t have left me, no matter the unresolved issues between us. All that seems so silly right now. What I wouldn't do to have him here.

  We arrive at the next shuttle, distracting me from my thoughts. The bay is empty. Eldon screams as he kicks the wall.

  “T-minus four minutes to complete destruction.”

  “Where's the next one?” Auden shouts as I pant. I eye the numbers on the wall and freeze.

  “This is the last one.”

  They all turn to me. I swallow hard.

  “This is the last one on this floor.” I blink hard and face my guys.

  “So, we go to the next floor!” Cain screams. I shake my head sadly.

  “They will be gone, they were closest to the dining room.”

  “What do we do Indy?” Auden looks at me, desperation on his face. Everything slows down as my adrenaline pumps through me, my tutor's words about thinking well under pressure running through my head. I run all possible scenarios and discard those which won't work.

  “INDY!” Eldon roars. I snap my head up, a plan forming.

  “Our only shot is a flyer. We need to get to the training dock. It's on this floor. I can fly us out, there's enough room for all of us and they won't have been taken as people can't fly them.” My back straightens as I speak, my usual courage returning along with a heavy dose of adrenaline which chases away all the pain momentarily and clears my head.

  “That's my girl.” Cain smiles.

  “T-minus three minutes.”

  Grabbing the closest hand, I turn and sprint, my aim on getting us to the flyers. I can't fail, not this time. I couldn't save my parents, but I will save them.

  The corridors blur as we race through the dying ship. My chest is tight and my body is exhausted but still, I go on. I can see the loading bay doors up ahead when the figure pacing in distress before it comes into view. All our arguments and heartache don’t matter now. I smile and throw myself at him with a sob, uncaring about the last words we said to each other. If we are going to die, I want to do it with him knowing that I still care.

  “Oh god, Indy,” Barrott cries as he curls his arms around me. I quickly accept his comfort before pushing away.

  “I couldn't find you… I saw the men in your unit but then I didn't know if you had gotten out! I have been searching but I saw the shuttle near yours had gone so, I figured you had left but then it was too late. All the other shuttles were gone, I came here in a panic.”

  I don't let myself hesitate, I stop him with a quick, determined kiss to his lips before facing the doors.

  “We need to get out of here.”

  He nods, blinking in a daze at me. I grin before jumping out of his arms and using my hand to unlock the doors. They slide open, maddeningly slow, and I squeeze through when they are halfway open, the others doing the same.

  I jog across the docks and whoop when I see the flyers still there. I pick the closest biggest one. Reaching the loading zone at the back, I enter my code, the panel sliding up and out to reveal a ramp.

  “Get in!” I yell as another explosion rocks us.

  “T-minus two minutes.”

  They run past me. Once they are in, I quickly close the door and make my way through the ship to the cockpit. Once there, I drop into the pilot's seat and strap in. Cain drops into the co-pilot’s with a wink at me.

  “I’m the best you've got baby, now tell me what to do.”

  I grin before explaining as I flick on switches. Engaging the engines, igniting the fuel and releasing the clasp to the bay.

  “I’m steering. I will programme us to the nearest shuttle and it will follow them down. It will be rough as we are in the blast zone. Keep your hands on that stick and let me know if the sensors in front of you go off.”

  Not looking to see if he understood, I release the brakes and push the ship into movement. Flipping the last switch, which will open the doors, I wait.

  “Come on!” I shout as the warning light for the bay goes off, announcing the doors opening.

  “T-minus one minute.”

  Fuck! Even though the ramp out into space is only part way descended I steer us to it, the flyer smoothly crossing the distance. With a yell, we burst out of the ship and into space. I try to put as much distance between us and it as possible.

  Debris and broken ship parts litter the area around us, making me have to manually evade them as the sensors scream at me.

  “Cain, flip the switch marked beacon!” I shout while evading a huge, metal ship panelling.

  “Done!”

  “Okay boys, time to get out of here. Hold on.”

  I engage the thrusters, pushing us further away. We hurtle through space and away from our dying ship. The shock wave of the ship exploding reaches us and shakes our ship dangerously, parts and pieces flying at the hull.

  Opening the screen, I spot the beacon of the shuttles. It looks like they are descending onto a close planet. I lock on, setting the autopilot just in case.

  “Warning, engine one damaged.”

  Spinning to the controls on the left, I see the engine overheating. God help us. I don't bother telling the guys the likelihood of us exploding when we reach the planet's atmosphere. Instead, I focus on trying to prolong it for as long as possible.

  The planet appears below us, green and purple swirling as shuttles float down through its atmosphere. The only chance we have is to speed up, to crash instead of land. Steeling myself, I push us harder, the ship burning up as we descend onto the planet. The going is rough as we all hold on for dear life. Eventually, we break through the atmosphere. I don't take time to look at the planet, I locate the first piece of land. I lock in the coordinates, praying to everyone it will be close enough.

  “What's going on, are we landing there?” Someone shouts when a strip of green appears before us.

  “Well, more like crashing, but yes.” I grin as I stop the engines, not wanting to push them too far.

  “Indy!”

  They scream as we falter mid-air before dropping. At the last second, I grab the controls and slow our descent.

  I whoop as the air streams past us; this is so much better than a speeder. I look at Cain as he grins at me.

  “Once a speed demon, always a speed demon.” He laughs as he rides it out, his trust in me astounding.

  “Please keep your legs and arms inside the vehicle as we come to a stop and thank you for flying with Indy Express.” I laugh as the ground meets the bottom of the ship, the noise grating on my ears.

  We skate over the ground, dirt and debris flying up and hitting the ship. We stop with a sudden smash as the front end of the ship meets the ground. I'm flung forward, my head smashing into the control panels. Something warm drips down my face as it starts to go dark, the flashing of the brakes warning me we are rolling. Before I pass out, I flip the switch to lock us in place. Well, at least we aren’t on an exploding ship anymore.

  GROUND - DAY ONE

  Groaning, I open my eyes. They instantly water, so
I slam them shut again. My mouth feels like sawdust and my poor abused head is throbbing. Determined to at least see if my guys are okay, I slowly flicker my eyes open again. Metal ceiling with wires hanging down greets me, only confusing me more. Wasn't I in the cockpit? Heaving myself up, I have to grip onto the bench I’m laying on when the world tilts sideways. Dropping my head between my legs, I breathe through the dizziness and sickness. When I feel somewhat more human, I let my eyes wander around the flyer. I don’t see any of the guys and we seem to be powered down. The good news is it seems to be in one piece.

  “Indy, shit, you're awake! Come look at this, speed demon.” Cain’s voice snaps my head around to where I see him grinning, standing at the open ramp. Blood is matted to the left side of his face and his right eye is black but I’ve never been so pleased to see him.

  When I carry on just staring, he starts to get self-conscious and touches his eye before wincing.

  “Is-” I have to clear my throat before I can carry on. “Is everyone okay?” He nods, holding his hand out to me.

  “Yep, come see.”

  I drop my palm in his and he gently pulls me to my feet. He twines our fingers and drops a kiss on my forehead before winking and pulling me out of the flyer after him.

  The light blinds me, leaving me squinting into the area we crashed into. Wait, is that the sun? Space balls, I can't remember the last time I felt actual sunlight on my face, I tilt my head back, letting it heat me. Even on Earth, the sun is constantly blocked by the smog and onboard all they had was that fake shit.

  “Indy, what the fuck are you doing up and about? You should be resting.” Barrott’s unmistakable growl has me smiling before I open my eyes to see him. My jaw hangs open when my eyes land on him, erm. Brain malfunction. He’s shirtless, showing off an impressive six-pack with one of those delicious V’s and a black happy trail leading into his cargo pants. Blindly, I try to drag my gaze to his face, but I just keep staring at his skin - the muscles.

  “Indy, you okay?” I hear one of the brothers ask but honestly, I'm contemplating licking Barrott to see if he tastes as good as he looks. Maybe I hit my head harder than I thought.

  “Indy.” The warning has me dragging my eyes to his, his eyebrow is arched and he looks annoyed, but I can see his lips fighting a smile. Shit, okay. What was the question?

  “I’m fine. So, where are we?” I reluctantly pull my eyes away and flick them over the brothers who are standing next to Barrott. They also only seem to have superficial wounds, which is good. Now that I'm not distracted by the beauty that is Barrott, I start to take in the environment around us.

  Holy space balls, we definitely aren't on Earth anymore.

  Two suns hang in the bright blue and purple sky, one smaller and lower but there none the less. The ground beneath us is squishy and a weird mossy green colour. Mountains span as far as I can see on one side of us. The other side, behind Barrott, is just sky and I frown before slipping around him to see. The front of our flyer is hanging on the edge of a fucking cliff. Well, what I am guessing is a cliff, even if the rock face is pink and purple. Seriously, it looks like Barbie spunked on it.

  Grinning at my amazing flying skills, I look out at the foreign world stretched around us. Purple and green mix together below; obviously plant life and trees. Weird noises, which I am guessing are animals, sound out everywhere; the planet buzzing with life. Frowning, I scan the horizon again. I don't see any smoke or beacons of distress. So where is everyone? Turning back to the others, my training kicks in.

  “We need to set the beacon in the flyer off. I will do that soon and I’ll see how much damage our landing did. I’ll try and scan the environment as well and see if it’s in any of our databases. We need someone to find supplies, water and food, and check the surrounding area for any dangers or others. Someone needs to set up shelter in and around the flyer since we don't know what time it will get dark. Oh, and I’ll try and make contact with whatever is left of Dawnbreaker too... is that everything?” Nibbling on my lower lip, I cock my head when they all stare at me incredulously. Fidgeting, I start to get annoyed.

  “What?”

  Eldon shakes his head “Good looking, we have been trying to sort out everything since we woke up, but well, we were sort of lost and you wake up and start barking orders and suddenly we know what to do? You are a woman of many talents.” He winks before turning to Auden.

  “We will search the area for any dangers.” He turns to Barrott. “If you can look for water? I’m guessing you have had the most training. Cain can help Indy while setting up camp here. That okay?” Everyone nods and starts to move around now, all filled with determination. Grinning, I watch my men as they work together. Auden and Eldon trot up to me, their jackets thrown over their shoulders.

  “Be careful,” I warn. “We don't know what’s out there, the indigenous life or hostile-” Eldon pecks me on the lips, silencing me, and Auden does the same straight after. My brain malfunctions again - it has happened a lot recently. Honestly, I’m debating the pros and cons of a brother sandwich with me as the meat... or cheese, whatever you fancy. Have I always been this dirty minded? Yes, yes I have.

  “Got it, good looking. You worry about saving our asses, okay?”

  My brain is still stuck on the idea of brother sandwich - seriously, these guys are going to kill me. By the time I’m back down to whatever this planet is, all I can see of them is their retreating backs as they fade into the wilderness. Barrott steps up next, scowling at where the brothers just were. Before I can second guess myself, I fling myself into his arms. He grunts, but catches me.

  “I’m glad you're okay,” I whisper into his shoulder. He sighs against me, his arms tightening.

  “I was so worried about you Inds. Once everything is less crazy we will talk about what happened. For now, just worry about making contact okay?” I nod into his shoulder, letting his warmth run into me.

  “Indy-” He stops before gripping me tighter under the thighs. “I know a lot of stuff has happened recently, just never doubt how I feel about you okay? And that I’m sorry I’ve been such an idiot. But I can’t imagine being here with anyone else.” Pulling back, I look at him in confusion.

  He gently moves my hair out of my face, his eyes warm and his smile gentle.

  “I'll always come for you Inds, whether that’s in space or on some backwards planet. We are in this together. Now and forever.” Smiling, I go to kiss his cheek, but he moves at the last minute and we both freeze as our lips connect. I can pretend to forget the kiss onboard and blame it on fear and adrenaline, but this one? We are both stock still, our lips barely touching. I don't even breathe, scared he will move away. With a groan, he snaps back into action, gripping the back of my head and brutally kissing my parted lips before dropping me gently to the floor and striding away.

  I stand there staring after him in shock, touching my swollen lips. What the hell is going on? Did he hit his head?

  “Well, looks like it got interesting. I wondered when he was going to grow some balls.” Cain wraps his arms around me from behind as we watch Barrott fade into the distance. Long after he's gone, I kick myself into action. I don't have time to stand here daydreaming.

  “Looks like it's me and you,” I warn. He laughs before squeezing me and dropping his arms.

  “Wouldn't have it any other way, speed demon. Come on, let's save them.”

  Space balls, I forgot how much sweating is disgusting. Onboard, your temperature is regulated and I can’t remember the last time I properly sweated. Now? It's pouring down me in horrible wet waves.

  “Got it, you little bastard.” Huffing, I pull myself from below the control panel and stare at it.

  “Please baby, work for momma.” Crossing my fingers, I input the code and flick on the power. She hums, then starts sputtering.

  “No, no, come on.” Muttering to myself, I drop back down under the unit and start messing with the wires again until she runs smoothly.

  “Yes, baby,
that's it!” Grinning, I jump up and start booting up the systems. The screens flick on and light green, showing me it’s working. We might not be taking off anytime soon, but we can use the beacon and track whatever is left of Dawnbreaker. Giddy with myself, I start doing my happy dance only to stop when a laugh breaks out behind me. Spinning, I grin at Cain. He’s standing with a bag in his hand, obviously just coming in from outside.

  “What's wrong, Cain, scared of my moves?” I wink at him. He smirks before dropping the bag and strutting to me. I gulp at the intensity on his face, but don’t move away. Expecting him to grind on me, I giggle when he grabs my hand and spins me in a circle. Pulling me back to him, he starts twisting me and twirling me around the little space. I can't seem to stop laughing and the grin is stretched permanently on my face. He pulls me to him again, his arms around me as he watches me. The laughter dies at the look in his eyes.

  “I know this whole thing is a shit storm but I’m so glad I’m with you. If I was going to get stranded on an alien planet with anyone…” He trails off, his forehead meeting mine. The world seems to disappear, leaving just us. The worry for the others, the pain in my head, all my fears disappear.

  “I had this whole plan for our second first kiss,” he murmurs.

  “What?” I ask stupidly. He smiles softly, looking between my eyes and my lips.

  “I wanted it to be perfect. I didn't want you to regret it this time.”

  Sucking in a deep breath, I look at his plump pink lips. “What did you imagine?”

  “We were under the stars, in our spot. You would be standing before me like an angel, that smile that gets me into trouble on your beautiful face.”

  “We are under the stars now...” I whisper before pushing everything else away and reaching up on my tiptoes until our lips meet. It starts out slowly, just a pressing of lips, but soon, all the pent-up tension and need bursts through us until we are devouring each other. Fighting each other for control like we always do, it's brutal and perfect. Gripping onto his hair, I push deeper, letting his tongue tangle with mine as his hands cup my ass, pulling me to him, until there is no space between our bodies. I can feel him hardening and it only drives me wilder, everything coming out in the kiss as I pull back to nip on his lip. He groans, and I pull away to suck in a breath. His lips never leave my skin, trailing from my cheek to my neck as I try to remember how to breathe. I know the others could be back at any moment, I know I need to be concentrating on the beacon, but with Cain right in front of me telling me he planned our kiss? The ever cocky upper letting me see inside again, how can I say no?