The transporter slid to a stop and she stepped out, glancing in each direction. The corridors were no longer vacant. Groups in animated conversation traveled down the hall, their faces alight with smiles. No traces of red could be found on their bodies. One woman noticed Aimee and broke away from her friends. She had vivid green eyes and strawberry blond hair, and a healthy blush to her cheeks. She stood before Aimee and wrung her hands nervously. "They tell me that you are the one. You are the one who saved us."
Aimee's face turned pink. She had done nothing. She had spit in a cup.
At a loss for words she was saved when the woman flung her arms around Aimee's neck and gave her a warm hug.
"Thank you," the woman gushed.
"I didn't do anything," Aimee fumbled, but the woman had already let go and jogged back to join her friends. They continued down the hall. For a moment Aimee was alone.
With a weary sigh, she glanced up at the wall and recognized the symbol she was looking for.
* * *
The door slipped shut behind her. She was swathed in the peaceful stillness of the forest. Silence. Even the wildlife sensed her despair and remained respectfully mute. For the most part it was like standing inside a fertile vacuum, and yet this represented her sanctuary. A place to connect with her home.
Home.
She was going back. She should fall to her knees with gratitude and excitement, and yet...
Aimee moved down the third aisle, passing between four cross-walks. The sound of the running spring broke the stillness. She turned one last corner and there was the palm tree. She dropped down onto the bench seated across from it and sat forward with her elbows atop her knees.
When was Christmas up here? She wished she had known. It would have been nice to make some ornaments for the dangling fronds.
Reclining against the bench, she tipped her head back and stared up at the stars. Never again would she experience them this close—this vivid. In the world she was returning to, night was so distant—too far to touch.
She knew he was there.
No sound revealed him. No motion exposed him. There was nothing to indicate the arrival of a new presence…yet, she was certain he was near.
She turned her head and there he stood. Tall. Stoic. Stunning. Half his face was cast in shadow, and the other half basked in starlight. He took her breath, and her skin tingled under his gaze.
"Zak," she rose.
He stepped forward, but not close enough.
"Is Vodu okay?" Aimee asked, concerned by his somber expression. "Chara?"
"They are completely cured," he proclaimed in his husky tone. He cleared his throat and added, "The serum is now being dispersed throughout the ship," he hesitated. "You did it, Aimee. You healed everyone."
Aimee frowned. "I wish people would stop saying that. I didn't do anything."
Honestly, she was uncomfortable with the magnitude of it all. Heroes saved lives. She was no hero.
"If we weren't so close to your planet they probably would have arranged a spectacular ceremony to herald this event." Zak's dimple carved a shadow in his cheek. That simple physical anomaly softened what would otherwise be a wholly intimidating man. "But they'll have the event whether you are here or not. You will be an idol." His grin fell.
"What is it?" She felt a lump form in her throat.
Zak took another step which brought him close enough to touch. He kept his hands down at his sides, though. Torment reined in his eyes—eyes that eluded hers. Finally they locked on hers and she felt her chest squeeze.
"What if I asked you to stay?" His voice was rough. "What if I did something totally selfish and asked you to stay?"
Aimee's heart soared. She nearly lurched into his arms, but the nagging shadows in his gaze, and the straight set of his lips told her that he did not share in the joy.
"You don't look like that's what you really want."
He took that final step out of the shadows so that all the beveled facets of anguish were revealed on his face. His hands rose to cup her arms.
"I want you in my life. That's what I want. For the longest time I have been the outsider, the Warrior—a stranger bred to protect this ship. You don't make me feel like any of those. You don't expect anything of me. You don't treat me as different. You make me feel like Zak, and I had almost forgotten who he was."
Aimee's throat tightened.
"I—" she had to swallow in order to continue. "I am falling in love with Zak. I happen to think he's a really great guy."
He hauled her in close against him, tucking her head beneath his chin.
They fit so good together.
"I am falling in love with you too," he whispered into her hair. "And I don't want to lose you."
His embrace constricted in testimony to that fact.
Aimee drew back enough to look up at him. "Why do I sense an unhappy ending?"
Again the tears manifested despite her best efforts to keep them contained. One slipped across her cheek and Zak dipped to erase it with his lips.
"Listen to me," he whispered close to her ear. "I can't be that selfish. You need to go back and you know it."
Aimee protested, but he kept talking.
"When you left your home you were still a girl. Here you have grown into a woman. A beautiful woman, might I add. You need to go home and finish what you were starting there. You need to pursue that education you told me about, and—" He raised an eyebrow to halt her interruption. "—you know you want to see your parents. You were taken from them without warning. No parent should go through that."
He could no longer kiss away her tears. They fell unchecked. An image of her parents on the back porch steps, holding each other and looking forlorn nagged at her.
"And—" Zak squeezed her again. "I need to finish what I started, Aimee."
That declaration made her jerk back. Concern and denial flooded her.
"What do you mean?"
"We are less than two orbits away from my planet—"
"Zak, no! You can't go back there. The Korons..."
His smile was sad and tender. "It does sound like you may be falling in love with me."
"Dammit." She tapped her fist against his chest. "You will get hurt."
"The disease is no longer a threat to my planet. If there are survivors—these bands of rebels I've heard rumors of—then it is my duty to bring them the serum and unite whoever is left. Together we can force the Korons to find somewhere else to call home."
"You? You alone? Why is it your duty alone?"
"Aimee," he shook his head. "You know the answer to that. I am the only one on this ship from that planet, and I have a personal—" he hesitated, “—vendetta.”
"Vendettas end in death," she cried. Recognizing the resolve in his stare, she offered an alternative." What about bringing Warriors from the Horus? There are thousands of men on this ship...even more. Bring an army with you. Bring ten armies with you."
"Then you'll feel better?"
"No." She dipped her head down, her forehead colliding with his chest. "Nothing is going to make me feel better. You want me to go."
Zak lifted her chin with his finger. "I want you more than you'll ever know. But I want us to come together without the past to haunt us. I want us to share a new life. Aimee," he pleaded. "There will always be regret in your eyes. There will always be a longing for your home because you were taken from it too soon." He caressed her cheek, using his thumb to brush at the tears. "That longing is in me as well."
She struggled to respond, but emotion had claimed her throat. She stood still, feeling his warm palm on her wet cheek.
"Five of your years, Aimee," he whispered. "Five of your years. It gives you the time to achieve your education. It gives you the time to be with your family. It gives you the time to reconsider a world so different from your own."
Both of Zak's hands held her cheeks now, as he tilted her head back, wanting her to focus on him. All she wanted to do was flee the inevitability in h
is eyes.
Finally, she clashed with his gaze and knew without a doubt that she loved him.
"Five years," he repeated quietly. "It gives you the time to decide if you want me in your life."
She opened her mouth, but he raised his eyebrow again.
"The Horus will be back then, and I will be waiting. If you still want me, Aimee, all you need to do is stand in those woods five years to the date and minute we send you back. If you're not there, I'll know that you have moved on and that you don't want me."
Her chest felt like she wore a cement vest. She couldn't breathe. She splayed her hands against Zak's ribs, feeling his heartbeat. It seemed so long ago that she had fallen asleep against that rhythm in a dark, dank cave.
"I don't want to leave you," she whimpered.
"And I don't want to leave you."
Zak leaned forward and his mouth touched hers so gently it brought on new tears. He kissed her again. "Dammit, Aimee." He wrapped his arms around her. "Please be in those woods, waiting for me."
"I will." She cried against his chest. "I will."
Chapter Sixteen
Zak's arm was across her shoulder and hers was linked around his waist. She needed his support. Her legs were quaking. They stood on the deck of the Horus where the panoramic scene revealed the brilliant red explosion of sunrise over the surface of Mars. From this close perspective she could see waves of sand dunes, and shadowed craters.
“It’s beautiful,” Vodu’s rich timbre commented from beside her.
Aimee was about to agree, when she noticed that Vodu was looking elsewhere. She followed his gaze and gasped. It was beautiful.
White cotton candy swirled over a deep azure pool speckled with diamonds. Beneath the layer of clouds, the distinctive leg of Florida protruded. The sight sapped the strength in her knees and Zak was quick to brace her.
“You have a lot of water on your planet,” he marveled. “I don’t think you have to worry about the Korons settling down there anytime soon.”
Aimee let loose a quick laugh and looked away from the beguiling tableau to one just as impressive. Zak grinned at her and then brushed his lips on her forehead. She clutched his waist even tighter. She didn’t want to let go.
She was so torn. Earth represented all that was familiar to her. Zak represented a future.
Vodu stepped up before her, severing the view.
“It is almost time, Aimee. It’s best to say our goodbyes now.”
No.
Raja appeared with a timid smile. Aimee had to let go of Zak in order to return the young woman’s hug. Given more time, Aimee thought she could have cultivated a great friendship with Raja. They both were shy, quiet, and preferred technologically-advanced gadgets over feminine wiles.
“I will miss you,” Raja whispered. She glanced at the planet outside and added, “I wish you had more time to teach me about your medical practices.”
Grandpa says saltwater cures all ills.
“You’re way ahead of us, Raja,” Aimee vowed. “You keep going. You will be the head scientist in no time.”
Raja rolled her eyes. “There are so many that are better than me. But maybe one day—” She drew back and sniffled. “Have a safe journey, my friend.”
Aimee reined in the tears. She was not going to cry. The crying would come later…when she was alone.
There was a commotion in the air beside her. JOH bobbed and swayed, and if he wasn’t a computer she would accuse him of drinking too much.
“JOH?”
He snapped to attention. “Aimeeee.”
Would they notice one missing JOH?
“I am going to miss you, JOH.”
The black crystals that formed his mouth drooped. “I did research on those computers that you always talk about,” he said. “Now you must realize that I am not a computer. A computer would not miss you back.”
The impulse to hug the floating tablet was strong, so she just tapped the top of its frame. “The National Football League has 34 teams. The tallest building on Earth is in Dubai. The orange is the most commonly grown tree fruit, and a giraffe can clean its ear with its tongue.”
JOH’s eyes flat-lined. He was feeding in the data like a dog with a biscuit.
“I have something for you, Aimee.” Chara touched her shoulder.
Chara. Beautiful and tender. An angel that eased Aimee’s terror when she first arrived. Aimee would forever be grateful to this woman.
“It is from an admirer who was too shy to come here and give it to you himself.”
Aimee looked down at the item Chara handed her. A Tak wand. Dammit, the tears threatened to break down the levy.
“Tell that someone I will miss him very much, and tell him that he better practice real hard because when I see him again, I’m going to want a concert.”
Chara smiled and her eyes glistened. She stepped back as Vodu moved in. He engulfed Aimee in his embrace.
“The Gods were looking out for us the day you were taken from your planet. You know that I am sincerely sorry for the means with which you were brought here. Disciplinary action has been taken for so many of Salvan’s misdoings. He will spend many years in the detention satellite.”
Just hearing Salvan’s name put her on edge, but Vodu hugged her again. “Thank you seems such an inadequate thing to say.”
“I have to thank you, Vodu. My parents will be pleased to know how well you took care of me.”
Vodu’s white eyebrows knotted. “Aimee,” he hesitated, “judging from what I know of your planet, sadly, they probably won’t believe you. I mean no disrespect, but your planet is the only one we have come across that has had no experience with others in the universe. You are very fortunate.”
Aimee nodded. “We are blissfully naïve. Don’t worry, Vodu. I intend to keep it that way.”
The old man looked relieved as he smiled and patted her shoulder.
“Go back there and make us proud, Aimee Patterson.”
Was it really that long ago that they all called her Aimee Patterson?
“Are you returning to Anthum?”
Vodu flashed white teeth. “Yes. The Horus will continue its tour of the galaxies. This disease may have been cured, but we’re not so ignorant as to believe we are safe. What this ship is doing…our collection in the atrium…it’s a positive thing. We may be able to help others like us some day.” He nodded in conviction. “So some people will go back to Anthum and some will carry on here. At least they know they will have a home to return to whenever they want.”
That made Aimee feel good. Everyone should have a home to go back to.
The thought drove her to Zak’s face. He was not smiling like the others. But then again, Zak was never really like any of the others.
“I will take her to the transfer station,” he said in a low voice.
Vodu nodded and bowed before stepping back.
“Safe journey, Aimee.”
Aimee’s gaze swept over Raja, Chara, JOH, and Vodu, and committed their faces to memory.
“Safe journey to all of you,” she whispered.
* * *
The transfer station was a chamber located just off the flight deck. It was dark except for the ambient light coming from the controls and the bank of windows overlooking the sapphire globe outside. Aimee squinted when she saw a flash of light just above the surface. Hah, the space station. Wow, did they have a long way to go.
She turned around. Zak stood behind a console, watching her.
“I don’t remember this place,” she said. “I don’t remember much of anything when I first got on this ship.” With a frown, she added, “I remember Salvan’s voice.”
“Let’s hope you forget that.”
His eyes traced down her body. “You look good in those strange clothes.”
Aimee glanced down at the outfit she wore the day she was taken. Five years might have passed, but the jeans still fit. She caught Zak eyeing the unbuttoned collar of her cotton shirt. With the uniforms worn on
this ship, nothing below the throat was ever exposed. He seemed to enjoy the view.
“Do I need to be jealous of Gordy?” he asked, aiming to keep things light despite the revealing tension in his voice.
Aimee smiled. “No, I like the tall, dark, and handsome type.”
“Hmmm, you find me handsome? You never told me that.”
“I would think you might have figured it out by the way I kissed you.”
This flirtation was the first glimpse of Aimee, the woman, coming through. She wanted more of it. She wanted more of him.
She stood a few feet away from Zak and both were locked in a gaze that stole the oxygen from the room.
“I don’t want to go,” she whispered, forsaken.
Zak’s stiff posture relaxed. The apathy in his eyes faded.
“Come here.” He beckoned in a soft voice.
Aimee was in his embrace instantly. She pressed her cheek to his chest and wrapped her arms around him so tight she thought she could haul him along with her.
“Come with me,” she pleaded. “You’ve been there before.”
She felt his chin on top of her head as he held her tight.
“Don’t you worry, Zer-shay. I will be back on your planet very soon, and I’ll be coming for you.”
Aimee’s heart hurt.
“Zeer-shay? What does that mean?”
“It is from my language. It translates to pretty one. My father used to call my mother that.”
She tipped her head back to look into Zak’s eyes. For her, the sun would forever be linked with the vibrancy witnessed there. “I like that.” She smiled and then sobered. “You’re coming back for me, Zak. You promise?”
He tucked a finger under her chin and stole a kiss. “Five years. Nothing will keep me away. But, if you are not in those woods I will understand. I will understand that you have a new life.”
Aimee reached up and touched his lips.
“I love you,” she whispered.
Beyond : Series Bundle (9781311505637) Page 20
