“Compliance.” The door slid shut. In the center of the room was a flat shiny table which was chest height, for her. Lights flashed around a hole in the center of the table in which the holographic image of the three big black Druel ships hovering in orbit shimmered. I watched as more drones fell out of the ships like pepper from a grinder.
Overwhelmingly outnumbered, our only hope was to get this damn shield up and running.
Panic hit as I my gaze skittered over the controls. I had no idea what to do. Heck, I even had trouble programming a DVD player back on earth. It was up to me to get this thing going. I glanced up again at the blue sparkling beam, running through the center of the room.
“E, what do have to do to activate the Guardian Shield?”
“Crystal pathways not complete, Guardian Shield cannot be activate.”
Oooh dear, this is not good. The emotionless tone of E, in that moment grated against my nerves. Adrenaline mixed with fear, made my hands shake. I pressed them flat onto the table and drew in deep breaths, letting them out through my nose. Trying not to give in to the rising panic at E’s announcement.
Stay calm and think.
“What are the crystal pathways, and how do I fix it? Tell me slowly and simply.”
“Affirmative. Behind you is a crate of pathway crystals.”
I turned around and saw the metal boxes stacked up against the wall. I flipped open the lid, reaching in to pull out a clear, flat blue crystal the size of a piece of A4 paper. It was etched with a circuit board. Pathway crystals, I got it now.
“Do all these have to go into the machine?”
“Affirmative.”
“Okay, where do they go?”
“Under the table, you will see the pathway network.”
I turned again and squatted down. Sure enough under the table were ends of other pathway crystals sticking out, making me think of a pretty blue Christmas tree. Setting the pathway crystal in my hand back in the box, I shoved each heavy box under the table crawling. I jumped at the sound of a rhythmic pounding outside the door.
“Oh God, is that the attack drones?”
“Affirmative.”
“Will the door keep them out?”
“Door holding at 87 percent, estimated time to breaking through three minutes and forty-five seconds.”
My mouth dry, I forced down the panic. There was no time to lose. “E, hurry, which one first?”
* * * *
Sweat trickled down the side of my temple, my hands clammy and still shaking as I slid the second last crystal into place. I had no idea how long it had taken, but it seemed too damn long.
“Estimated door failure in thirty two seconds.”
“Fuck!”
I pulled out the last one, spotting the last slot. I lifted the crystal pathway, holding my breath as to steady my trembling hands and slid it into place.
“It’s done. Are they all in properly?”
“Affirmative.”
I slid back on my ass, gripped the edge of the table to haul myself up.
“Activate the shield. Now, damn it!”
“Cannot comply, you must go through the activation sequence.”
Bloody hell. “Tell me which buttons!” I stared at the symbols on the panel, panic finally gripping me. I screamed as someone touched my arm. I swung around and saw Galvan gripping my elbow. His usually clear blue eyes were red-rimmed and bloodshot.
“Anna, easy. Stand aside I can do the rest.”
I gladly relinquished my spot, scooping up the Put disruptor, raising it ready to fire on anything daring to come through.
“Be prepared, I never had time to calibrate the power surge from the planet’s core.”
Augurra groaned and Galvan worked, his fingers flying over the console. The whole table began to glow brightly and a beam burst from the center. A massive shockwave ripped through the room, knocking us both off our feet. Pain burst through my body as my back slammed hard into the far wall, hitting my head. My vision blurred and my ears rang from the impact. The pain vanished, leaving me dazed and dizzy.
At the same time, I was dimly aware of the door shattering and half a dozen attack drones sailed into the room.
I tried lifting the disruptor, only to find it a few feet from my grasp. It was like watching a movie in slow motion. The room lit up with disruptor fire, drones exploded as Zakiu filed in, their weapons never missing their mark. They did not stop until all the drones lay in shattered, sparking and burnt remnants all around us.
Two Zakiu dropped down to their knees before me, I could see their lips moving, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t seem to make my body work. One of them touched me. They exchanged a glance and shook their heads. One leaned forward, gently scooping me up into his arms.
There was a tingly feeling running down my back and into my legs. But I still couldn’t move. I wanted to scream for Morrdrook, my vision blurred as warm wet tears spilled down my cheeks.
Was I dying? I needed my husband, needed to see him one last time. A dizzying wave swept over me, I tried fighting, but it was too strong, pulling me down into darkness.
Chapter Fifteen
Warm sunshine, was there anything better to chase away the chill from your body? Springtime on my father’s farm was my favorite time of year. I loved the sweet scent of wattle bush blooms drifting in the air. Everything was still lush, yet the spring sun warmed the air in the prelude to summer.
My dad would take the whole family on camping trips into the mountains ranges, when the mornings were still cool and the land green. How I missed them. They would never know if I was alive or dead. But none of that mattered any more. I saw Morrdrook’s face appear in my mind’s eye and I smiled, knowing exactly where I belonged.
His wonderful deep voice drifted through my mind, over and over. Aunna, my Aunna. Wake up now, come back to me.
I drew in a deep breath, rolling to find a nice warm spot and opened my eyes, only to find my vision blurry. I blinked several times to clear my vision against the sun light streaming through wide-open doors.
A growl emanating from my stomach and made me realize just how hungry I was. My gaze travelled around the huge open room…one of our chambers in the palace. I turned my head, feeling the mattress dip beside me.
Morrdrook lay stretched out, his face turned towards me, his usual tight features relaxed in sleep. I turned onto my other side, facing him, lifting a weak arm to trace the contour of his handsome face. He looked almost boyish.
Oh how I loved him. We were so similar yet so different, humans and Zakiu. He nuzzled into the palm of my hand and I smiled. His facial muscles twitched and his eyes fluttered open. I found myself gazing into pale blue crystal depths as he stared back, blinking several times.
“Hi.”
He drew in a deep breath, his eyes widened in surprise. “Aunna, you are awake.”
I loved his deep smooth voice.
“Yes, and so are you.”
My mind ran back to the last thing I remembered before passing out. “I’m guessing it worked, if we’re here in the sunshine and not in a Druel prison.”
“Yes, it worked. The Guardian Shield is running. No more Druel can get through. Our home is safe, thanks to you.”
He lifted his hand, running it over my head and along my jaw. “I feared you would never awaken.”
Puzzled, I frowned. “Never awaken? I don’t understand.”
“Aunna, the blast knocked you hard against the wall and broke many of your bones. You were so close to death. The Attenders struggled to find ways to stop your bleeding.”
The baby! My hands flew to my stomach, the sudden surge of panic tightening my throat.
“No, my love,” his hands covered mine. “He is fine.”
“Oh, thank God.” I heaved a gusty sigh, my shoulders relaxing knowing my baby was okay.
“It was you we worried about. It took two days to heal all your physical injuries. And you have been asle
ep ever since. The Attenders said you would only wake up when your mind was ready.”
“I was dreaming of my family back on Earth, and of you, as if I had to make a choice.” I tried to recall the dream, but it was fading fast. I let it go and smiled at my husband. “I choose you, always and forever.”
He shifted forward, pressing his lips to mine in a tender kiss.
“Humm,” Morrdrook’s arms tightened around me, pulling me against his naked chest. “Is everyone all right, anyone get hurt during the attack?”
“Oh, my Aunna, always thinking of others. We lost half dozen men and all injuries have been treated.” I loved the feel of his chest rising as he drew in a deep breath before continuing, “Killiu is angry you outwitted him, but relieved you are all right. He, along with the head commander, have been standing guard outside our chambers every day. Everyone is waiting for you to awaken. They wish to honor you, for all you have done to save our people.”
“I don’t want any honors, my motivations were purely selfish. All I could think of is saving the two most important people to me in the universes.” I slipped my hand out from under his, placed it on top and over my belly.
The smile lighting his face stole my breath. “Let them believe what they wish, you are the most giving and loving creatures I have ever known. I am honored to call you mine.”
My chin wobbled and tears stung the back of my eyes as I was swamped with deep, love-filled emotions. “Don’t make me cry, please. I love you so much. There is nothing I wouldn’t do or give for you.”
I could see tears in his eyes as he stared down at me. “We are free, free to love as we please, free to rule our planet and free to have forever.”
Silence filled the room as we simply healed each other. Words would never adequately express the deeper feelings of our hearts, but we would always know.
My lips curved up in a grin. “You know, I could eat an elephant right now.”
His chest rumbled in a deep chuckle. “If I knew what an elephant was, I would get it for you. Until then, I will endeavor to ease the burden of your hunger.”
“Humm, not just yet though. Just hold me a little longer before we have to face everyone again.”
He placed a kiss on my forehead. “My love.” A kiss on my left cheek. “My queen.” He kissed my right cheek. “My Aunna,” he kissed my lips, a long deep kiss, before pulling back and gazing into my eyes, his shining with love. “I will hold you until the end of time.”
Beast Planet 2: Captive Salvation Page 11
