Several people screamed. Anyone able to move scattered. The only person holding a weapon now that Josie could detect was Bane. She leapt to her feet and grabbed hold of his arm. “Are they dead? Did you kill them?”
He shook her off, staring impassively out at the crowd. “They’re debilitated, but they’ll live.”
The mayor was the only one who held his ground. He came forward until he was several feet from them. “Is this how you plan to protect this town? With threats and violence?” he demanded. Josie was impressed with his bravado.
“You saw what happened. I was forced to protect myself,” Bane said. He turned to Josie, no doubt expecting her to back him up, but she was no longer paying attention to the exchange going on before her. Her gaze was riveted up over their heads toward the sky.
“It’s happening again,” she said.
Massive, black clouds gathered overhead. The light inside the shield grew dimmer and dimmer as the sun was slowly overshadowed. She swept her gaze around the park and noticed that the crowd who had rapidly dispersed now slowed their steps, turning their heads upward. The stunned men on the ground shook their heads groggily and got to their feet as though rising from a long slumber. They too looked upward.
Suddenly, Josie felt a rumble beneath her feet. Just as a bolt of lightning flashed and ricocheted off the shield with a loud crack, the ground gave a violent shake. Many people lost their balance and fell to their knees. Bane’s hand shot out and grabbed hold of her arm before she stumbled. All those who had fled from Bane now rushed back toward him.
“What’s happening?” a young woman cried. “Are we under attack?”
The ground heaved again. The crowd struggled for balance and fell into one other while grabbing at bodies close to them. A tree shuddered and fell to the ground close by. Several birds cried out and flew around in disarray. The swings on the playground swayed back and forth. People cried and some prayed aloud.
“Prepare yourself.” Bane said the words close to her ear.
She looked up at him in shock. “For what? What’s happening? You said we’d be safe in here.”
“We will be.”
The ground lurched as though someone had yanked it upward. If not for Bane’s grip on her, she would have fallen as others around them toppled.
“Save us,” some cried, arms outstretched toward Bane.
Despite the dim light, rapid bursts of lightning allowed the outline of the shield to be clearly visible since it was only several blocks away. The land beyond the shield was also visible, although it now appeared to be out of sync with the land within. Strangely, Josie’s line of sight became disoriented. She blinked hard several times, certain she wasn’t seeing correctly. As bizarre as it seemed, the shield appeared to be lifting up and taking the town with it.
“The shield will protect you,” Bane yelled, remaining calm while chaos reigned all around him.
Lightning continued to pummel the shield, and each time it was reflected away in a riot of sparks and cracking sounds. Higher and higher the shield lifted them. People remained on their knees or tried to make their way across the open grass. Within the shield the ground no longer shook, yet the force of being lifted made the ground unsteady to walk upon.
“What’s happening?” someone cried.
“Bane, are we lifting up?” Josie demanded, grasping at his shirt for leverage.
He put his arm around her waist and held her close. “Yes, we’re lifting up. The shield is responding to the earthquakes and is protecting us. Once we’ve reached a safe enough distance it will stop.”
“How high above the ground will we go?” Josie asked in wonder.
“About a hundred feet or so. From where we are it’ll appear much higher.”
“I don’t understand how this is happening. How can a dome be lifting us up? What’s supporting the ground beneath us?” Josie demanded.
Bane smiled. “You’re thinking of the shield as a dome. Think of it more as one of those snow globes. You know the kind you see in the stores at Christmas time? The ones you shake upside down to make the snow fall?”
Josie nodded.
“A huge chunk of the Earth has lifted up beneath us, ensuring entire lakes, underground springs, and resources all are intact. It’s what we call an orb-shield.”
How incredible. Josie understood perfectly now. It wasn’t a dome at all. It was so much more.
* * * *
It was almost fully dark when Bane and Josie arrived back at the cabin. Bane landed his spaceship right in the driveway; there was no need to hide it from sight any longer. The bubble, or orb-shield as Bane had called it, had stopped lifting several minutes after it began, and the ground beneath their feet had become stable. People had flocked toward him after that, crying out for answers. Now that they were no longer displaying hostility Bane had magnanimously answered all questions put to him.
Patiently, he’d explained that the orb-shield was self-activating, sensing when danger was imminent and acting accordingly to protect those enclosed within. Dark storm clouds above had continued to display their wrath, and Albion’s mayor had asked what was to protect them from the relentless downpour. Bane had gone on to explain the shield’s abilities. It allowed in sunlight, oxygen, and rain. But the permeable shell acted as a filter, not allowing in too much moisture, harmful rays, or anything other than safe, unpolluted, breathable air—just in case the Cadeyrns attempted to poison or suffocate those within. Bane had reassured everyone that the town would be safe floating in the sky away from any earthquakes, floods, or fires, which relieved Josie and the others, but at the same time made them bow their heads in fear for others outside the safety of the shield.
Markley was thrilled when they entered the cabin. Josie bent to scoop him up into her arms. She’d been so afraid when the crowd had grown hostile and turned on Bane. And seeing that man with the gun had filled her with a terror she could hardly comprehend. In that moment she’d faced the possibility of Bane’s destruction. No matter how he was now, she still couldn’t imagine her life without him. It was true he’d become hard and cold, not just to her, but to mankind itself, but he used that detachment to do what needed to be done. He’d saved them. Not just her and Markley, but the town of Albion as well.
Bane went back outside, saying that he had to check on things in the shed, and when he returned Josie was preparing their dinner.
“Tomorrow I’ll meet with the mayor to begin setting up the town’s power supply. I don’t have enough energy to set up every household, but supermarkets, some stores, the hospital, fire department, police station, all the important places will be hooked up. I asked Jack to make a list of priority locations.”
Josie had seen the two of them with their heads together in deep discussion after the orb had stopped moving. She had a feeling Bane was humoring the mayor, giving him tasks and the impression they were a team, whereas she knew Bane was the one in charge and calling the shots. She pitied anyone who thought otherwise.
They ate dinner in relative silence. She had a lot on her mind, and she could tell by the calculating look on Bane’s face that he was already planning his next three moves. She wondered what other surprises he might have in store for Albion.
She watched him speculatively over the course of the meal, wishing for some sign that he’d revert back to his former self now that the town was safe, though the detached look on his face remained.
“How long do you think we’ll have to be up in the air like this?” she asked, breaking the silence.
“Depends. We’re safer up here anyhow, and I won’t have to listen to people in town complaining to get out or to let others in. It’s bad enough hearing the list of demands from the mayor.”
She didn’t know if she could bear the thought of people trapped outside the dome pounding desperately to get in. Up here they wouldn’t be subjected to that. It was a cold and merciless thought, but perhaps he was right? She forced the image from her mind.
“Why do you have
a spaceship? Is it in case the shield didn’t work and you had to battle the enemy? Or is it to convince the town that you’re actually who you say you are? I mean, a spaceship is pretty convincing evidence that you’re not from Earth.” They’d used the ship to get to town faster, but considering how far they’d had to walk to reach it, she figured the purpose of it was not exactly for travel.
“Yes, it’s for the things you mentioned, but it also allows me to leave here once the town is secure.”
“Leave? But aren’t you supposed to stay and oversee the town’s defense? Why do you have to leave? Where are you going?” She didn’t want him to leave. Or did he plan to take her with him?
The look on his face made her feel like a nagging wife. “I’m leaving to battle the Cadeyrns. The shield will see to your safety.”
So he obviously didn’t intend to take her with him. He apparently didn’t have any qualms about leaving her either. Seeing the determined look on his face she knew better than to question his decision. Resigned and annoyed with always finding out his plans way after the fact, she asked, “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow after the power is set up in town. I’m meeting with the mayor as well. I told him to gather the heads of emergency services so we can discuss the safety of the town. I told him the shield will stay in place and doesn’t need me here to oversee it.”
“How long will you be gone?”
He shrugged. “As long as it takes.”
So he planned to go out there and face the Cadeyrns in battle, to put his life on the line for the sake of humanity. She felt sick with dread. “But how are you going to get out? You said the shield is impenetrable. Are you going to take it down to fly out?” He’d have to lower them to the ground first obviously.
His tight smile appeared to patronize her. “There’s a device onboard my ship that allows me to pass through the shield without causing any damage.”
“What if the Cadeyrns possess that ability as well?”
“They don’t.”
She couldn’t believe he was going to leave her there while he went off into battle. “What if something happens to you?”
“Like I said, the shield will protect you as long as it’s needed. If the threat to the town ends, the orb will lower back into place and the shield will come down.”
“But what about me? What about us?” She wanted to grab hold of him and shake that blank look off his face. He had finished his dinner and pushed his plate aside. As he got to his feet she could see he was becoming irritated.
“You’ll be safe as well.”
She stood up. “But you might not be. You’ve never been in battle before. You’re a writer for God’s sake!”
“And now I’m a Sentinel. I assure you, necessary skills have been hardwired into my being.” He seemed annoyed that she’d dared to remind him of his earlier existence. “Why don’t you go to bed? You look tired.” He walked past her and went out the door, his heavy steps pounding down the stairs.
After staring long and hard at his back, she picked up the cat and went to bed.
The next morning when she got up Bane was already gone. He’d taken his ship and she had a gut feeling he wasn’t coming back to say goodbye before he left. Annoyed, she fed the cat, got dressed, and put on her hiking boots, determined to walk into town. If she followed the dirt road to the main road, she could probably make it in an hour or so. Even though Bane was being an asshole she was determined he wasn’t going to leave her without a proper goodbye.
Chapter 8
Bane was coming out of the police station when Josie finally spotted him. She’d noted on her trek through town that some of the stores had signs in the windows announcing they now had power. That was fast.
“Bane,” she called out, increasing her pace to match his swift strides. Wherever he was going he was in a hurry. Hearing his name, he stopped and glanced around. Josie waved and went over to him. “Are you leaving now?”
He smirked. “In a hurry to get rid of me?”
She couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. They stood on the sidewalk in front of Albion’s library. Bane hadn’t bothered to connect the power in there she noted, as it was still locked up tight with a closed sign on the door. A number of people were on the street, most of them carrying bags, anxious to stock up on supplies now that some shops were open for business. The inevitable stares and guarded looks were directed their way.
“I was afraid I’d miss you before you left,” she said.
“You would have. I’m leaving now.”
She bristled at his callous tone. “Can I walk with you to the ship?”
He shrugged and turned to walk away. “Suit yourself.”
She fell into step behind him. He’d parked his ship in a clearing surrounded by tall trees. He took a remote from his pocket and opened the hatch without slowing his pace. Josie reached out and grabbed hold of his hand. “Wait! Aren’t you even going to kiss me goodbye?”
He exhaled in a huff. Stiffly, he bent his head and kissed her hard on the lips. As he went to move away she grabbed hold of his jacket and pulled him close again. Entangling her fingers in his collar, she held him captive and went up on her tiptoes to kiss him. Despite the coldness of his lips she felt him slowly relax. Heat washed over her as his tongue darted into her mouth. Greedy hands began pawing at her breasts before moving down to cup her ass, lifting her up against his arousal.
“I want to fuck you before I leave,” he said, his breath hot against her neck.
She nodded her head in agreement. Oblivious to their precarious surroundings he undid her pants and pushed them down around her knees. She felt the cool air against her skin and self-consciously peered around. Bane undid his pants and pulled them down enough to free his cock. She reached for the hard length of him that felt like smooth steel in her hands. Swiftly, before he lost interest, she bent to untie her bootlaces and kick off her jeans and panties.
Dropping to her knees, she grasped hold of his cock again and put it to her lips. Swirling her tongue around the tip, she fondled his balls and stroked his long shaft. He tensed and reached down to pull her to her feet. He moved his hands to her ass and lifted her into position so her legs wrapped around his hips. Lowering her, he eased his cock inside her and backed up to brace himself against the spaceship. His strokes were swift and intense, deep and unforgiving. She lost herself in ecstasy while he took her masterfully without reserve.
Her climax came fast and hard, overwhelming her and making her cry out, “I love you, I love you!”
His grip on her ass tightened. He stiffened and came hard, gasping and grunting his release. Moments later he lowered her and tugged his pants back into place. She felt saddened by his refusal to offer her the slightest endearment, considering they were parting for what might be forever.
She dressed with haste. “Be careful. Don’t take any chances. I love you, Bane. Come back to me.”
His cool expression faltered momentarily. He reached out and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “I’ll do what has to be done. If I die completing my mission, so be it. Goodbye.” He nodded his head in her direction and turned to leap up into the open door of the ship.
He stood facing her as the hatch swished down, blocking him from view. A few minutes later the ship lifted up and was gone. She lost sight of it briefly as it disappeared high into the sky. The sun glinted off the top and sides of the orb, and she spotted the ship as it approached the barrier.
A ray of light shot forth from the ship. It appeared to penetrate the translucent wall, but then she saw that the shield changed to a dark blue where the ray of light hit. Slowly, the vessel eased forward. She held her breath as it slipped easily through the small circle of blue. Once the ship was outside of the shield, the bluish color quickly faded away as though it had never been. A few seconds later the ship shot off and was gone from sight.
Josie sat down on the grass and began to cry. As her sobs subsided she heard what sounded like someone clearing their throa
t. She got to her feet. “Is someone there?”
The man who’d pulled the gun at the park had appeared. His hands were raised, displaying he was unarmed, and he wore a bashful look on his face. “I’m not packing, I swear.”
She took an involuntary step back. “What do you want?”
He didn’t move any closer, only swept his gaze around the area as though searching for something. “I’d say I didn’t mean to interrupt, but it looks like you’re alone. I would have sworn I heard something.”
Yeah, me and Bane having sex, she thought with embarrassment. “I wasn’t alone.” She looked up into the sky.
The man followed her gaze and then nodded in understanding. “Ah, he took off.”
“Yes.”
He smiled. “So I wasn’t hearing things.”
Despite what had happened yesterday, she felt her defenses lift slightly. Everyone had been terrified at the park, and she could understand how things had gotten out of hand. She smiled back at the young man. “No, you weren’t.”
Encouraged, he moved toward her and stretched out his hand. “I’m Vincent. My friends call me Vince.”
“Okay…” She trailed off, not sure how to address him.
He laughed. “Or, in your case, you can call me Neurotic Jerk.”
Now she laughed. “Everyone was pretty tense,” she admitted.
He looked at her without a trace of humor. “I wouldn’t have shot anyone. The gun wasn’t even loaded. I’m sorry if I freaked you out.”
“In view of the circumstances, I can understand your reaction. We were all pretty freaked out, I think.”
“Yeah, but not everyone was pulling out weapons.” He laughed again. “He got me good though. Serves me right for pulling a gun on an alien...or what was that he called himself?”
In His Alien Hands Page 17
