by Jenna Payne
Micah had learned everything she knew about computers and gadgets from her good ole friend Stan. Even if he was currently in hiding, she could feel his presence as she rapidly typed and tapped on the touchscreen computer monitors in the office. She entered and re-entered passwords. Time was running out. She needed to figure this out fast. And suddenly a name popped in her head. Last Standing Renegades. No way. He wouldn’t. She entered the words and gained access to the main server. She would contemplate that password at a later time. Right now, she was in his files. She popped in the extra special flash drive that Stan had created for her, that downloaded files in quarter seconds and Micah got to download a bunch of files before they heard a commotion outside the General’s office.
The cyborgs had arrived, along with the General. Drake and Micah blasted away as they backed toward the other end of the room. Many went down injured or dead. But the General, who'd been cowering behind them, had suddenly shown himself. He was armed too, and was quick to shoot at both of them.
Micah yelped as she felt a searing pain in her shoulder but she kept firing back. Adrenaline was rushing through her body and she barely felt the pain.
"Run to the elevator at the other end!" Drake shouted, as he fought with the General. "There's a secret passageway from there."
"You traitor!" the General roared, clawing at his face.
Micah wanted to stay and help him, but when he yelled "Run!" again, she found her feet dashing toward the secret elevator and going down a narrow underground passageway. She kept going because she knew that she still had to destroy the laboratory and factory of the happy pills and other medications the New Government had been working on.
When she reached the end of the tunnel and pushed open the heavy metal door, she was greeted by bright sunlight. She refused to think about Drake's condition as she made her way toward the next building. There wasn’t anyone else around, as they were probably all on red alert inside the police tower.
She came upon the modern structure that housed the laboratory and factory. She snuck toward the back and found the lever that Drake had told her about. She pulled it down with all her might, to sound the warning alarm. In less than a minute, people were spilling from the building to the outdoor area of the compound. These were doctors, technicians, and other workers whom she did not want killed in what she was about to do.
When she was positive they were all outside, she pulled the bomb out from the bottom hidden part of her pants. She threw it into one of the open windows, screamed for everyone to run, and ran with them too.
The loud explosion made people run faster, and scatter off in all directions. She blended in with the crowd, but was determined to get back into the headquarters. Just as she was nearing it, though, she was tossed back by the impact of yet another explosion. The building was consumed in large flames of fire.
She stopped and stared in stunned belief. "No," she screamed, color draining from her face as she thought of Drake.
Behind her, Shelley was running, screaming, and crying. Micah caught her before she could enter the building. "Drake, no!" she cried. Micah held her tightly as another part of the building erupted into more flames.
"Maybe he'd gotten out already," Micah whispered. Her eyes scanned the grounds around her while Shelley continued to cry hysterically. Drake was nowhere in sight.
*****
Micah gazed up at the night stars while leaning against the side of the abandoned van where she had first made love with Drake and shared her dreams with him. A tear fell down her cheek and she quickly brushed it away.
I have to remain strong. I have yet to find where Stan is now. I will look for him tomorrow and he will help me with the completion of my mission.
She was one step away from victory, yet she felt so empty and miserable. Her thoughts kept on drifting back to Drake, even though she wanted to just forget about him. Besides, she had no proof whatsoever if he had been able to get out of the building or not, before it had exploded. I must have faith. She told herself repeatedly.
"Hey," she heard a low voice say from afar, making her look up. She squinted, trying to make out if there was someone in the shadows.
And there he was there. A well-built figure stepped out of the darkness. Half-illuminated by the moon, she could barely see his features. But she would recognize him anywhere. His brown eyes seemed to glow with joy at seeing her too. And before he could close the gap between them, she met him halfway and threw her arms around his neck.
"You're here," she kept saying.
"Yes, I'm okay," Drake confirmed, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her closer to his body. "I'm definitely okay."
"Thank God," she whispered. And then their lips were on each other once more, the hunger and passion and fear dragging them in. They kissed desperately, expressing how they truly missed and cared for one another. Their bodies seemed to merge as clothes slipped off piece by piece.
Drake opened the back of the van and grabbed the raggedy blanket from the cold metal floor of the van. They stumbled their way toward a clearing of grass under a tree and Drake pushed Micah gently down to the ground. He kissed her soft pouty lips. “I never doubted I wouldn’t see you again,” he said against her lips, and kissed her deeper. His hands slid over her body and caressed her skin gently. Drake felt goosebumps rising against his fingers. She moaned and writhed under his touch. “Drake.” She moaned breathlessly. “Pleaaaase. I need you.” Drake dragged his lips down her neck and sucked on her skin before continuing down to her chest. Both of her nipples puckered as he wrapped his hot, hungry mouth around one turgent nipple, and her back arced up from the blanket. Micah dug her fingers into Drake’s biceps and squeezed. He was devouring her slowly, and it was killing her. She was desperate for him. She squirmed her body and pulled Drake further over her body. He dug his erection against her hip and Micah moaned. She spread her legs open and his body slid between hers. He rubbed against her and she thrust against him. He was reaching his hand between their bodies but she stopped him. “Let me,” she whispered.
Their hearts were pounding against each other. Drake watched as Micah slid her hand between their bodies and wrapped her long fingers around his erection. His cock throbbed and pulsed at the sweet sensation of her fingers squeezing around him. He moaned. He raised his head and looked Micah straight in the eyes. “Put me inside you Micah.” She moaned and squeezed her hand tighter around him. He gasped. She rubbed him against her hot, wet center and spread her legs wider. She pushed the tip of him into her body and pulled her hand away. “No, put your hand back around me.” He moaned. “Just for a minute. I love feeling your hand where we are joined.” He kissed her deeply and she slid her hand down and wrapped it around his shaft. Drake slid one hand up and intertwined his fingers with Micah’s free hand, and slowly pushed into her body. They moaned in unison. “God.” He laughed. “No, not God. Drake.”
She leaned in and kissed him. Drake pushed himself fully into her body. Micah pulled her hand away and thrust back against him. Intense heat spread through her body and she gripped every inch of her body around Drake. Their movements were slow and sensual. They were finding a rhythm with their bodies and kissing deeper, hungrier. “Micah.” Drake moaned. “You feel so good wrapped around me sweetheart. I’m so close. I want you with me. Cum with me, Micah.” Micah moaned at his seductive tone. Her pleasure accelerated through her body. He was begging her. So hot. Every inch of her tingled. She was thrusting and clenching and squeezing Drake as he thrust hard and stopped moving. She felt him. Pulsing inside her. It was incredible. She could feel his heat. They kissed through their mutual orgasms. Their connection sealed with the intimate encounter.
In the midst of the forest, they lay on their backs and visualized the future world they had been dreaming of. Now there was hope, there was a light they had been waiting for in the dark tunnel. And now there was love sparking between them, connecting their souls somehow.
*****
"Ready?" Stan asked,
adjusting the video camera he had set up which was now directed at Micah.
She nodded and smiled confidently at the camera. They were actually in an old basement which Stan had converted into a makeshift TV studio. Hiding from the authorities had not done him well, as he was now thinner than ever. His cheeks seemed hollow and his skin was dry and coarse. Micah felt sorry for him, but knew that it was going to be all over soon. They would finally be able to fulfill the mission and become free, just like the rest of the humans.
Behind Stan, Drake smiled at her and gave her a thumbs-up sign.
She nodded at him and mouthed "thanks." Then she faced the camera, took a deep breath, and began her speech about the secret plans of the New Government. She talked about what the happy pills actually do to people and the long-term damaging effects they had on human beings. She showed all the supporting information she had uncovered from the General's computer files.
All across the globe, her video was being shown… and watched. She knew there would be a lot of people who wouldn't be ready to accept the truth. But there were bound to be supporters. This exposure would surely awaken some from the trance induced by the drugs from the government.
Micah then thought of her best friend, Elise. She looked forward to being seeing her again someday, just like old times. Then she thought of her family in heaven, who were probably looking down at her now with pride and happiness.
Her heart soared with relief and gladness as she ended her presentation.
"It's a wrap," Stan declared. "You did it, Micah. I'm so proud of you. You really did it."
"Thanks, Stan," Micah replied. She went over to join hands with Drake. "We both did it. And of course without you, we wouldn't be able to bring the news to the whole world. So you are part of this victory too."
Stan grinned. "Glad to be of service."
As he packed up all the stuff, Micah and Drake headed upstairs to the cozy, beautifully designed home that used to be owned by one of the members of the Last American Renegades.
"So…" Drake began. "How about celebrating with me- just the two of us, over dinner?"
A smile spread across Micah's lips as she turned to look at him. "You mean… like a date?"
He smiled and touched her chin with his finger. "Yes, a real date. We deserve it, don't you think?"
"I guess so," Micah agreed hesitantly. "But why are you asking me out?"
"Why not?"
"I thought…" Micah didn't know what to say. She had never had an actual romantic relationship with anyone before. Now that her mission was over, she still hadn't thought much about her plans for the future. Perhaps this was going to be a good start. "I just didn't think…"
"That I'm serious about you?" he teased. With his brown eyes sparkling, he leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "This is just the beginning of our adventure together, Micah. I'm so glad that among all the cyborgs, I was the one who was able to capture you."
You captured my heart Micah said in silence. But aloud she said, "I'm glad too. So where are you taking me for dinner tonight? I hope they let rebels like me inside."
"Beautiful rebels like you are always welcome, especially when accompanied by a handsome cyborg." he said jokingly, enfolding her in an embrace.
She laughed. Deep inside, her heart was pounding like crazy. This was certainly nothing compared to all the life-and-death situations she had been in but it felt just as equally terrifying. She smiled. She would risk it. She was ready to explore, risk, and fall… in love.
THE END
Bonus Story 21 of 40
Starlet
Breakup or Makeup
It was all over the news, popular TV, on the cover of every gossip magazine, and being covered by the major radio stations. It was the same story with varying titles and slightly varying details. ‘Superstar Singer Damian gets Physical with Girlfriend, Simone; R&B Singer of the Hit Single Love Over Lust,’ is what they were all talking about, more or less. Here were a few more: ‘Damian and Simone Pre-Breakup Blow-Up,’ and ‘Simone Dumps Long Time Boyfriend, Damian, After Catching the Love and Lust Singer in a Hotel Room with a Miami Stripper,’ and ‘Damian Refuses to Be Dumped: Gets Physical With Simone.’ It went on and on, but you get the gist of what’s going on. Everyone had questions. Everyone wanted interviews. I had to get a new phone and change my number. There were paparazzi posted across the street from my house. I couldn’t go anywhere without being bombarded by inappropriate questions and pictures taken. I had been hiding out in my house all weekend, occasionally sending my assistant out to pick up necessities for me. I had recently sent her out for sushi and smoothies.
There was a knock at my front door. I padded barefoot across the cool hardwood floors and peered through the peephole of one of the thick double doors. I opened the door and stepped back to let my mother in. She entered in a flurry of expensive perfume and designer shades and clothes.
“You’re all over the tabloids!” she exclaimed, as she plopped down on the cream sofa, in exasperation. “Why didn’t you tell me? I had to find out on the cover of US Weekly while I was getting my hair done!” I sat down cross-legged on the sofa beside her and sighed deeply. In front of my mother, I could let down my guard and let out the tears that I had been holding in for far too long. They filled my eyes and ran away down my cheeks. My mom wrapped her arms around me and pulled me close tsking and ‘there there’ing. She shook her head. “This is a nightmare, but you will get through this. You’re stronger than this,” she said soothingly, and then angrily added, “That monster needs to be thrown into jail! He doesn’t have any damn sense!” Just as she finished talking, there was another knock at the door. We both looked at the door. “Who could that be?” my mom asked me. I wiped the tears off of my face.
“It’s probably Cassie. I sent her for sushi and smoothies. She should be back by now,” I explained, standing up. My mom clapped her hands together excitedly.
“Sushi! Yum!” My mom loved sushi. She was the one who had introduced it to me. I smiled as I walked to the front door. In the back of my mind, I wondered why Cassie hadn’t just used her key. Then I wondered why my mom hadn’t used hers either. Then I remembered that I had gotten the locks changed. I was planning on giving my mom her key today. As far as Cassie, her hands were probably full. I opened the door without checking the peep hole and my mouth was instantly dry when I saw who was standing on the other side.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded, my hand still on the door, ready to close it at any given moment. I could hear cameras flashing from way too close.
“Can you please let me in so that we can talk?’ Damian pleaded. Like my mom, he too was wearing a pair of large designer shades. I stood firmly in the doorway.
“I don’t think that that’s a good idea,” I said, but Damian slid past me into the house.
“What the hell is he doing here?” My mom demanded, jumping up off of the couch and storming over. Damian smiled wide as my mom got right in his face. “You’ve got a lot of nerve coming over here after all of this bullshit!”
“It’s good to see you too Mrs. Leshay, I hope all is well,” Damian said sarcastically, as he walked past her to sit on the couch. I crossed my arms and walked over to stand beside my mom who was glaring at Damian.
“You need to leave,” I said.
“Before I call the police,” my mom finished. Damian chuckled.
“Damn! Cold blooded! You don’t even know what happened Mrs. Leshay,” Damian exclaimed.
“You’re right, I don’t. Anyone care to fill me in on what’s been going on?” My mom asked, folding her arms over her chest.
“Your daughter isn’t innocent. She put her hands on me first,” Damian said. My body temperature rose as I remembered what had happened, the still fresh anger returning.
“Yea, after I caught you sleeping with another woman!” I snapped. My mom gasped and shook her head.
“So, it’s true,” she murmured.
“After Simone hit me, I reacte
d. It was a reflex. I never intended for it go down like that,” Damian admitted. I scoffed.
“Of course not. You didn’t intend to get caught. I should have cut you!” I spat, ready to lunge at him again, but my mom grabbed my arm, stopping me.
“No need for threats Simone. It’s still all love,” Damian said, as he stood up and took a step towards me, opening his arms for a hug. I looked at him like he was crazy, still entertaining thoughts of attacking him. Unexpectedly, Damian dropped down onto his knees before me. “Simone, I made a mistake and for that, I will forever be sorry. I was a fool, but I can’t lose you. Simone I love you. Please, don’t do this to us.” I could see my mom roll her eyes dramatically out of the corner of my eye.
“Don’t do this to us?! You did this to us!” I yelled. Hot tears filled my eyes, but this time, I refused to let them fall. Damian stared up at me with eyes nowhere near as sad as mine.
“I know I did and I’m so sorry. If you just give me another chance, I’ll prove to you that-” Damian was cut off by a key in the door. This time it had to be Cassie. No one else had a key yet. Sure enough, in breezed Cassie, laden with bags of sushi and a box containing smoothies. I leaned my head back and blinked away the tears. Cassie closed the door with her foot before looking at all of us. When she peeped the scene, her jaw dropped and she almost dropped her load. Cassie quickly closed her mouth, and one look from my mom sent her straight into the formal dining room without a second glance.
“You had your chance. Now it’s time to go,” my mom said to Damian. Anger flashed across his face as he tried to ignore her, focusing all of his energy on me as he stared deeply into my eyes. Damian took my hands into his.
“Please, Simone. Don’t do this,” he pleaded, kissing my hand. I was beyond disgusted in him.
“You’re pathetic and I want nothing more to do with you,” I told him, pulling my hands away and taking a step back.
“Please! Simone! Just give me one more chance!” he said, beginning to cry, which only added to my disgust.
