by Bethany Shaw
Addison let her head fall forward so it rested on his shoulder. Her breathing eventually returned to normal, but they remained rooted in place, neither willing to move and disrupt the mood.
For a few moments in the chaos, everything was wonderful and she had hope. The thought had no sooner entered her mind when the lights dimmed and the building rattled around them.
Chapter Twelve
Earthquake. That was the first thing to enter Addison’s mind until she remembered where they were. This was much worse than an earthquake. It was a full-blown attack on the base.
Debris fluttered down around them and she screamed as the panel above toppled down. Zephyr pushed her down, covering her with his body, but it hit his back with a sickening thud, though he barely made a noise. More panels rained down around them as the lights flickered.
The rattling stopped and she drew in a deep breath as she surveyed the room. Other than the furniture being jostled and the fallen panels, it appeared to be intact.
“Get dressed,” Zephyr said as he stooped down to grab their clothes. He handed her stuff to her and they both dressed hurriedly. “Will this base hold?”
“It should,” Addison said as another wave of what she assumed were bombs dropped down on the base.
The ground shook and the fixtures rattled, some toppling to the floor. A crack rippled up the wall and Addison held her breath as the ground vibrated beneath her feet. This attack ended much quicker than the first.
The bunker seemed structurally sound; at least that is what she hoped. Holding her breath, she waited to see if there would be another wave, but luckily there was not.
“We should go check in with my father and make sure everyone is okay,” she said already putting her hand on the doorknob.
“Agreed. I’ll contact Orion on the way.”
Addison nodded and opened the door. The hall looked put together with the exception of a few cracks in the concrete wall and some loose ceiling panels, but the building didn’t look like it was going to implode. That had to be a good sign.
They headed for the main command center. Zephyr contacted Orion in his native language. She shook her head wishing she could understand it.
People rushed passed them; some were medics while others were carrying weapons. They appeared to be heading toward the surface. She couldn’t help but wonder if there were Imanjis attacking outside the base. The sooner they made it to the command center the more they would know.
She pushed herself faster, rushing up a few flights of steps as she made her way toward the command center. Her lungs and thighs burned, but she pressed on. Zephyr was right on her heels, still speaking to someone in his odd tongue.
Addison shoved the door open and fought to control her breathing as she took in the scene before her. Everyone in the room was yelling, either at each other or talking into radios. A red glow lit the room in a soft light and she squinted trying to find her father.
He was sat in the corner, a phone to his ear. Despite the chaos around him, he seemed eerily calm. She hurried to him. As soon as he saw her, he stood and pulled her to him. He continued to talk into the phone for a few more seconds before hanging up.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“A little shaken, you?”
He kissed her forehead before glaring at something over her shoulder. “You! What the hell just happened?”
Addison whirled around, cringing when she realized he was talking to Zephyr.
Zephyr pushed a button on his suit. “It was an Imanji attack. They likely saw the shuttle taking off from here. I would expect some ground troops to show up shortly if they aren’t here already. They tend to debilitate their victims before killing them.”
Her father made a face. “Let them come. We’ll be more than ready for them.”
“Actually, Sir, I think it would be better if we stay hidden. They likely don’t know about this base and only attacked because of the departing shuttle. Their weapons are quite nasty. I suspect if it had been a direct attack on the mountain, the base would be in a lot worse shape. It would be better if we keep our location a secret as long as possible.”
“Son, they just attacked us. I’ve been under heavy fire before. Those bombs were right over us,” her father said.
Zephyr shook his head. “No. According to Orion, the brunt of their weapons was aimed at the vehicles outside the base. The detonation was just extremely forceful. Also, Orion believes the entrance to the mountain is compromised. There is a large, thick sheet of ice blocking the doorway. The only way out will be through teleportation.”
The General put his hands behind his back as he appraised Zephyr. “I need to talk this over with the president. Continue with the plans. We have three hours to make this work people. Make them count.” Her dad took a step toward the door then turned back. “Addison, with me.”
“Dad?” she asked frowning.
“With everything going on, I don’t want you out of my sight.”
Heat crept over her cheeks at his admission. It was nice to know he cared so much, but she was a grown woman; moreover, she hoped he didn’t suspect anything was going on with her and Zephyr. She wanted to tell her dad about their relationship when the timing was right. Now wasn’t the time.
“I’d like to accompany you, sir,” Zephyr said.
Her father grunted, glaring for a long moment before inclining his head.
They followed her father through the base and descended a few levels below to a different briefing room. It was set up like an office with the president and a few aids talking on the phone. The president nodded at her father and motioned him forward as he hung up the phone.
“The phones are working?” Her father asked.
“Yes. One of the phoenix officers was able to get them up and running for us again. I’m not sure what he did, but it worked. I’ve coordinated the attack with the other countries. We will be ready to go at 1700 hours as planned.”
“That’s good news,” her dad said.
“I assume we are all in one piece still,” the president said as he looked at the three of them.
“Captain Cree’s ship says the attack was done on the outside perimeter, not on the mountain itself,” the general informed.
“I see,” the president said as he let out a breath.
“We are well protected within the mountain, Mr. President. Our plan is sound and we will commence the attack as planned,” her father said as he clapped the president on the shoulder. “We’ll ride out these next few hours and everything will be fine.”
“Great. We just have to wait it out.” The president closed his eyes. “That won’t be hard at all, right?”
“The time will pass quicker than you think,” her father said.
Addison prayed he was right. The next three hours would not only set the course of history, but it would determine the fate of the human race and planet Earth.
Chapter Thirteen
Addison’s eyes fluttered closed as she leaned back in the stiff armchair. It was anything but comfortable; however, at this point, her eyes wouldn’t stay open. Chaos from the past few days had taken its toll on her. The voices around her droned on as people continued to talk.
A lucid dream filled her mind, one with yellow aliens with piercing red eyes. Marcus’ form emerged, but quickly faded away into dust. She whimpered, wishing she could have saved him, but she knew there was nothing she could have done for her friend. The Imanji’s gaze turned to her. Its scaly hand touched her head as a white light surrounded her.
“Sir!” a voice yelled.
Addison snapped out of her dream at the commotion. She blinked and sat up straight, watching as a man sprinted toward her father with a piece of paper in his shaking hand.
“We’ve got enemy ships incoming, Sir,” the man said as he gave the paper to the general.
Her father skimmed over the paper and then turned to Zephyr, who was standing by his side. “Your ship needs to start teleporting people out of this base
now.”
“I’ll contact Orion. They might not be in range yet,” Zephyr said as he pressed the button on his jacket.
Addison stood up as her father approached her.
“Sweetheart, I want you to go with Zephyr and head up to the cafeteria. I want you out of this base ASAP!”
“Dad—”
“No arguments, Addison,” her father interrupted. “I need to know you’re safe. Please. I need you to do this for me, sweetheart.”
“I know.” She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. He didn’t need to tell her he wasn’t coming with her, she already knew. Her dad had the key to the warheads. He had to stay behind to set them off and she knew it, just like she knew he would never turn his back on his duty and she wouldn’t make it harder on him by begging him to join her, even though she desperately wanted to. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart. Be safe.” He pulled back and cupped her cheeks. “I’ll see you soon.”
She gulped, nodding. There was no way of knowing if she’d actually see him again. This could be it, the last time she saw him alive.
“Go, Addison. I need you to be safe.” He gave her a gentle push toward the door as he turned to Zephyr. “I’m trusting you’ll make sure she gets to your ship safely.”
“I’ve got her.” Zephyr said as he took her by the elbow. “I’ll make sure she gets to safety. The ship will be in range soon. They found a pocket of people they are beaming aboard in New York City. Once everyone has been teleported safely, they’ll be here.”
“Very well.” Her dad gave her one last look before turning back to his post.
“Come on, Addison,” Zephyr said. “It’s time to go.”
Addison drew in a deep breath and let it out. “Okay.”
She let Zephyr pull her through the command center and to the door. Turning, she cast one last look at her father, meeting his eyes briefly before he turned to the men awaiting his orders.
“Sir, impact in two minutes,” a man hollered as they were leaving the room.
Addison shuddered as the lights in the complex dimmed, casting the hall in a red glow. A siren sounded overhead and a computerized voice rang out, alerting everyone to the imminent threat.
“Do you think they are safe in here?” Addison asked as they broke into a sprint.
Zephyr looked up at the walls and then to her. “The mountain is fairly secure, but the Imanji’s weapons are brutal. It might hold for a short bit, but not long.”
Addison let out a breath. The base had to hold—at least long enough for the warheads to be deployed. Attacking the main Imanji ships was the planet’s only chance at survival.
She said a silent prayer and made her way into the stairwell. Her thighs burned as she took the steps two at a time. The myriad of stairs loomed over her and she strained to force air into her lungs as they climbed.
“Prepare for impact,” a voice shouted over the loud speakers.
Zephyr tugged her the rest of the way up the stairs and shoved her into the doorway, pressing his firm body against hers.
A boom sounded overhead and the wall shook against her back. Another explosion ricocheted down the mountain, causing the floor beneath her feet to shift. Lumps of gravel tumbled around her and she covered her head as three more bombs hit their base.
The wall trembled and more debris fell, but the structure remained sound—for the moment.
“We should keep moving during the lull,” Zephyr hollered as he pulled her out of the doorway.
“How long do we have?” Addison called back to him.
“A few minutes at the most. They’ll scan and see how effective their bombs were and make adjustments as needed.” He pushed the button on his suit, changing to his alien language for a moment before he spoke to her again. “The Retribution will be here in two minutes.”
“That fast?” she asked. Wasn’t it just over New York City?
“The ship is designed for interstellar travel. It only takes a few moments at top speed to cross your country.”
That made sense now that she thought about it. She just hoped it got here in time and the shield could protect the planet.
She and Zephyr finished climbing the last few floors and pushed their way through the growing crowds into the cafeteria. It was packed, forcing them to stand shoulder to shoulder.
Zephyr wrapped his arms around her and placed his chin on the top of her head as he held her close. “It will be here soon.”
The words had no sooner left his lips when another bang sliced through the air around them. This time, larger chunks of rock dropped from the ceiling, crashing into people who had nowhere to run. People shoved her from behind and if it weren’t for Zephyr she would have fallen and been trampled for sure. The ground crackled, shaking uncontrollably beneath her feet.
Addison swayed, thankful for Zephyr’s tight grip to keep her on her feet. Others weren’t as lucky though; they toppled to the floor only to be crushed by debris or their fellow comrades who had also lost balance. Screams echoed throughout the room.
Another crash ripped through the mountain and Addison shrieked as the roof began to give way, obliterating a group of people several feet away. The mountain wasn’t going to hold. They were going to be crushed to death.
Zephyr held her tighter, hovering over her, but she doubted even he could protect them from the rocks above.
A scream lodged in her throat as more explosions echoed. She wasn’t ready for it all to end—not yet. She squeezed Zephyr tighter, lugubrious she would never get to know more about the man she was quickly falling for.
Her body tingled and she closed her eyes, saying a silent prayer as a weird vibe rushed through her.
Shouts and cheers surrounded her and she frowned at the odd sound. People were happy—about death? She peeked one eye open and then the other.
This wasn’t Cheyenne Mountain at all. Silvery walls surrounded her opening to wide rectangular windows that showcased the mountain in question. Black ships circled the base, but they seemed to be chased by flashes of blue light bursting out at them. One of the lights hit a ship and it exploded. Flames filled the air as the ship dropped into a forest of trees. Another ship met the same fate then another.
“Addison,” Zephyr said, pulling her attention away from the fight. “I have to get to the bridge to oversee the rest of the mission. You can come with me if you like.”
She nodded, slipping her hand into his. He wormed them through the crowd and out into a hallway.
***
Zephyr led Addison through the maze of his ship until they reached the bridge. “Report,” he said as soon as the doors slid open.
Orion turned and nodded as he walked toward them. “Captain, it’s good to have you back on board. We’ve taken out the enemy ships firing on the base. Communications have been lost inside the mountain due to another firing of the warheads in thirty seconds. Everything is set for the shields to go up as soon as the bombs are away.”
“Good.” Zephyr clapped Orion on the shoulder as he walked passed him and surveyed the bridge. Everyone was at his or her station and ready to jump into action. He inhaled a breath and let it out. For the first time since they’d encountered the Imanji, they were actually fighting a battle they might win.
Excitement raced through him as he approached the large window at the front of the ship with Addison by his side. She held her breath, her eyes wide. Zephyr reached out and placed a hand around her back, pulling her close.
The fate of her world was up in the air and he wished there was more he could do to comfort her.
“Zephyr,” Orion said coming to stand next to him. “I have confirmation of missile launches across the world. The only one we are waiting on is from the mountain.”
“How late are they?” Zephyr asked as his stomach knotted. In order for the plan to work, all the warheads needed to be deployed and the shield up within a certain time frame. They’d come too far to have their plan fall apart now.
&
nbsp; “Fifteen seconds, Sir. We have forty-five seconds until we need to put our shields up.”
“Wait as long as you can. Let’s give them time to get those bombs in the air, though,” Zephyr said.
This had to work. He’d waited so long to deliver a blow to the Imanji. Today was the day they turned the tides of war. Those missiles were going to launch, he could feel it.
“Come on,” Addison whispered next to him. “Come on Dad.”
If those bombs didn’t get launched, their entire plan would fail. They’d have to rescue what humans they could and hightail it to safety. He closed his eyes and opened them again before scrubbing a hand down his face. This was taking too long. Something should’ve happened by now.
“We’re down to fifteen seconds, Sir,” Orion said.
“Get ready to put up the shields.” If nothing else the ship needed to be protected.
Addison stiffened next to him. She clasped her hands together and put them to her face. “Come on, Dad. You got this.”
“Sir, the missile silos are opening,” one of his officers said. “I have confirmation. All the warheads are away.”
“Zephyr, I have to put the shields up in five seconds. There isn’t enough time for them to proceed beyond the perimeter we established as the safe zone,” Orion said.
“If you trap the nukes below the shield, most of the United States will be destroyed. Depending on how the air moves, it could contaminate even more areas of the world,” Addison said as she looked between them. “Please! Can’t you give them any more time?”
Zephyr turned to Orion who shrugged, tossing his hands into the air. “Ten seconds at the most.”
“Is that enough time?” Zephyr asked as Orion ran over to his computer and began typing something into his console.
“I hope so,” Orion called over his shoulder.
The lives of the many were his responsibility. He had to make a tough call. “If the shields need to go up to save more lives, do it.” This action could condemn Addison’s father to death as well as a whole lot of other people, but it would save more lives than it would kill. He gritted his teeth. Damn Imanji! I wish I didn’t have to make these calls.
