Hope: Book 8 in The Trapped in the Hollow Earth Novelette Series

by Peebles, Chrissy

  “What?” He frowned. “So you’re telling me you went down to Agartha to take a stroll?” His tone dripped with sarcasm. “Please! Youth nowadays have no imagination when it comes to telling lies.”

  “Search my thoughts,” she retorted, “and you’ll see.”

  “Don’t mind if I do. Focus on those images, and it’ll be easier for me to see.” The commander pressed a hand against Casey’s forehead and closed his eyes. The skin felt dry and scaly. He inched closer, and she swallowed past the lump in her throat. Seconds passed, and his eyes flew open with a gasp. He pulled her chin upward, and she winced as his voice roared like thunder. “What? You’re nothing more than a pathetic human I could’ve abducted from anywhere? This is outrageous! How did a human from the surface even get down there? It’s absolutely impossible.”

  She wanted to show him what an idiot he really was, so she gathered the courage to face him once more. “Why don’t you try digging a little deeper?”

  The commander closed his eyes again. “Focus again.”

  She concentrated hard. The last thing she needed him seeing was her disarming the weapon. She cleared her mind the way the lodomodo had shown her earlier. First, images started to pop up before her eyes: fishing, the raging storm, Wind Dancer sinking, the whirlpool, the cave, swimming to land, and the beach. It all happened so fast, yet it seemed as though ages had passed.

  Tio’s eyes moved behind his closed lids. “Shipwrecked,” he murmured. “It can’t be.”

  Casey felt her feet leave the floor as the commander grabbed her by the collar and lifted her off the ground, choking her. She gasped, coughed, and then gasped another breath of air. How is he this strong? She shot a panicked look at Thorn. “Hello? Aren’t you gonna help me?” Her heart hammered in her chest as she struggled to breathe. She wondered if her panicked breaths would be her last.

  “Sheik.” Thorn grabbed his arm, his gaze imploring Tio to stop and look at him. “Leave her alone.”

  “You’ll pay for deceiving me, human.” Tio yanked his hand away, and Casey tumbled to the floor, sucking in air. She moaned as searing waves of pain rippled across her back.

  “Casey!” yelled Jack.

  She could barely get the words out. “I’m…I’m okay.”

  The commander turned toward Jack and grabbed his throat, squeezing hard with every bit of rage within him. Jack’s face turned purplish red, and his eyes bulged like they might pop out of his head. “My men told me about your ridiculous story, but I didn’t believe a human from the surface could penetrate Agartha,” said Commander Tio.

  “Let him go!” shouted Casey. “You’re killing him.”

  Chapter 2

  “Forget the boy.” Thorn’s voice rose to a furious crescendo. “You have much bigger problems to contend with.”

  “Keep quiet, Thorn,” the commander hissed. He loosened his grip on Jack, who stumbled back and gasped in a giant breath.

  Casey gasped and raced to where he fell. “Jack! Are you okay?”

  He nodded, sucking in gulps of air.

  “No.” Thorn shook his head. “I’m warning you, letting that weapon go off at the designated time will be your downfall.”

  Commander Tio’s gaze narrowed. “What are you saying?”

  Casey motioned Thorn to keep quiet. Yeah. What is he saying? He better not let the cat out of the bag. There was no way he could appeal to Tio’s sanity. They’d soon find Thorn was just as insane for believing he could change his psycho brother.

  “Put a team together and try to disarm your weapon,” said Thorn. “I don’t want to see any more innocent life destroyed. You’re not that cruel and vicious.”

  Jack snorted, and Thorn shot him an irritated look as he continued, “I know you’ll make the right choice.”

  “You have that much faith in me, huh?” Tio nodded. “Good for you.”

  Scrambling up, Casey wiggled her wrists, and a searing pain shot through her. The handcuffs cut into her skin as she twisted, desperately struggling to break free, but the bindings just tightened. Giving up, she tuned back in to Thorn and his brother, hoping he knew what he was doing. Granted, playing on his brother’s emotions seemed like a good plan, but it wouldn’t work so well if the other brother didn’t want to play along. She hoped Tio had some shred of conscience that Thorn could tap into. She frowned. I doubt he even has a conscience.

  Tio crossed his arms behind his back, seemingly amused. “What would I do without my little brother Thorn, the voice of reason?”

  “I know deep down there’s still a part of you that’s good, sweet, and pure,” said Thorn.

  Casey rolled her eyes. Thorn needed to realize that digging one’s way through an iceberg with an ice pick might be easier than reaching his brother.

  “Obviously, you don’t know me as well as you think,” said the commander.

  Thorn blinked. “What do you mean?”

  “That’s one messed-up family,” whispered Jack.

  Casey nodded. “Tell me about it.”

  Thorn hesitated, then spoke, “I’ve always loved you and always will, but you need to pay for your crimes. It’s a shame we’ve gone down such different paths.”

  “Or so it seems,” said Tio. “How’s General Ashtar? The man who captured you and spared your life, only to brainwash you. Are you still jumping at his every command?”

  Thorn snorted. “If I did, I would’ve dropped off a bomb that would’ve killed you hours ago, but I refused to go that route.”

  “Really?” The commander nodded. “Why? Were you afraid of spooking the kids? Or maybe you just love me.” When Thorn didn’t answer, he continued, “You promised to serve and protect our kingdom. It seems to me that some of these values are still knocking at the back of your mind. So, I ask you, brother, why aren’t you in your rightful place by my side?”

  Thorn balled his fists. “Don’t you dare try to manipulate me. I made that promise before you turned into a monster.”

  “Monster? That’s a big word. Wouldn’t that describe the poor souls who betray their loved ones, hurting them to fulfill their own needs?” Tio cocked a brow. “I don’t see myself doing any of that, do you? However, it doesn’t seem like you’re keeping true to your ancestry and who you are.”

  “Did you just call me a monster? I’m not the one who was on the verge of willfully killing millions of innocent bystanders!” hissed Thorn.

  “Hmm. Clearly your false interpretation of my words stems from the guilt inside you.” The commander paused, and silence ensued. For a moment, Casey doubted they’d resume their debate, but Tio continued, “We’re brothers. How could you abandon your family?”

  Casey suppressed a snort. Boy, he’s good at manipulation and playing the family card. If he ever felt a need for a change in careers, he should seriously consider being a used car salesman. He’d make millions.

  “You betrayed our kingdom when you joined the rebels and left a path of destruction in your wake,” said Thorn. “I followed you blindly, but you took it one step too far when you started performing inhumane experiments and established your ridiculous plan to take over Earth. You—”

  Commander Tio interrupted, “You mean, when I saw a way to save everyone on our planet by giving them a new chance to live?”

  Thorn shook his head and shot Casey an exasperated look. She was obviously not the only one thinking it was a lost cause. She had yet to hear of a fanatic coming to their senses with any kind of logic.

  “Disarm the weapon,” demanded Thorn. “If you don’t, your fate is sealed.”

  Casey groaned. First Jack and now Thorn. Why can’t they just keep quiet and stop tossing around hints like hot potatoes?

  “This isn’t your fight.” Tio’s voice rose into a thundering crescendo as he glared at Thorn.

  “Why do you help the Earthlings? You’re not even from Earth. After what they did to us, after everything they took from our people, from you and me…” He shook his fist, his eyes throwing daggers. “After all of that, t
hey must pay. They must pay for what they’ve done to us.”

  “What did they take? Not all of them deserve this fate because a few—”

  Tio cut him off, his voice soft and caring. “Thorn, your name is legendary among our people. You defeated the Reptilians, the most feared warriors in the universe, yet look what your leaders have reduced you to. Your only backup are a couple of helpless teenagers! I, on the other hand, could give you fleets of ships, weapons, and thousands of soldiers who will be at your beck and call, under your command. Let’s start a new life on Earth.”

  Casey rolled her eyes and met Jack’s gaze. He blew out a frustrated breath. She could see why Sheik Tio was such a respected leader: The guy didn’t shy away from anything, not even from the cheapest tricks in a Manipulation for Dummies handbook. Of course, after mentioning the disappointed family, the nation in need, and a bit of screaming, he’d come after Thorn with all the gold he could get. Toss in the leprechaun outfit, and Tio could have legally changed his name to Rumpelstiltskin. After all, he was just as manipulative as the fairytale freak.

  “You’re offering me a place among the rebels?” asked Thorn.

  His brother nodded, his eyes gleaming like those of a predator whose prey was foolishly nearing his territory.

  Casey wanted to scream at Thorn to remember what they came for. They had come to stop the lunatic from following through with his sociopathic mission, but any further hints, and it would all turn into the first round of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. She cleared her throat to get Thorn’s attention, eager to send him a message with her eyes, mind, or whatever part of her body might have some psychic abilities, but he ignored her, focusing all his attention on his brother.

  “What is it then?” asked Tio. “Are you going to lead your nation into freedom and glory or stick with the humans who destroyed and took everything away from us?”

  “Freedom and glory?” Thorn shook his head. “Why would I want that when it’s built on someone else’s blood?”

  Tio cocked his head, hesitating for a moment. Clearly, rejection was definitely something he didn’t expect. Casey could almost see his mind working, spinning some other kind of wicked technique to get Thorn to do what he wanted. She couldn’t wait to see what he’d come up with next. Tio’s lips stretched into a lazy smile, the kind one would expect to see on a spider playing with a helplessly trapped fly. “I can forgive you, brother. It wasn’t your fault you were brainwashed by the enemy. I can even make you second-in-command, like good old times.”

  She closed her eyes, frustrated beyond belief. The forgiveness card! Why didn’t I see that one coming?

  Tio continued, “Come here where you belong and join me.” He unfastened his necklace from around his neck. An ankh dangled from a silver chain, catching the light as he handed it to Thorn. “Here, take this. It is my gift to you. No other deserves to wear it more than you, my brother.”

  Oh no! He’s throwing in the sentimental factor. He was pulling out all the tricks to get his brother back on his side. Casey looked at Jack, who shook his head, struggling in his cuffs, and she let out a huff.

  Thorn blinked as he examined the necklace, running his hands across the etched symbols and tiny diamonds that lined the edges. “This was Father’s.” His voice came so low that she wasn't sure she heard him right.

  Tio shot her a triumphant look. “It’s been in our family for hundreds of generations.”

  Casey blew out a breath. Something that held that much sentimental value wasn’t good for her cause. Surely, Thorn would cave.

  “It’s still so…so beautiful,” whispered Thorn.

  It seemed as though Commander Tio knew how to tug at his brother’s heartstrings. She had to admit, the ankh was a beautiful heirloom, the perfect gift to convert anyone, particularly someone with a conscience as big as Thorn’s.

  “How ironic that it represents life,” whispered Thorn, turning it over and over in the light.

  Tio nodded. “You’re right, brother—the life we’re going to give to our people on Planet Earth.”

  Casey scoffed. Sure, after the crazy nut kills every human on the planet first.

  “What about all the lives you’ve taken?” asked Thorn. “What are they getting out of the deal?”

  “Sometimes bad things have to happen for the greater good.” Commander Tio paused for effect. “Need I remind you that I wouldn’t be standing here today had the humans not messed with our planet, slaughtering millions of people? Did we ask for that? Once we have control of Earth, we will invite the rest of our people to join us. Regardless of what you might think of me, I don’t want to be a rebel and an outcast. I’m ready to make peace with our leaders and share everything.”

  Thorn took a deep breath, nodding. “You think your plan seems noble, but—”

  Tio interrupted him, something he seemed to be good at. “Once we’ve settled on Earth, our leaders will come around and eventually call this planet their home too. They’ll see that my plan was ingenious and apologize for making me an enemy of the state, for labeling me a rebel. Don’t you see? I’m doing this for our race, brother! Let’s all join together in perfect harmony. It’s what Father would’ve wanted.”

  Gosh! That guy could give any politician out there a run for their money. Surely, Thorn won’t buy it…or will he? Casey regarded him, taking in the sudden flush on his face and the way his eyes sparkled. There was a fight inside of him, and she could see it wasn’t an easy choice.

  “Not at the cost of precious life,” said Thorn, but the way he clenched and unclenched his hands told her she couldn’t be sure about his words.

  “The humans brought this on themselves.”

  “I do understand your pain, and I wish Father was here to help ease it.” Thorn stared at the necklace. “I miss him just as much as you do, but he’s not here, and we have to do the right thing, even if it means leaving justice to others. That is what he would have wanted us to do—the right thing.”

  Tio put an arm around Thorn’s shoulders, and a sad smile played across his lips. She knew it was fake, plastered there for the benefit of the recipient; she could tell by the way his eyes darted about, restless, eager to get the pesky dealings over and done with. He could pretend all he wanted, but it was difficult to believe he carried an ounce of compassion in his vindictive bones.

  “Father loved you, and I want you to remember that. You shall have the ankh as a symbol of his love. Wear it and be proud. It’s been worn by many a great warrior and has adorned the neck of a mighty king.”

  For a moment, Thorn closed his eyes, and silence ensued.

  Casey blanched. She knew if he turned on them, they’d be screwed. Thorn could have his old cozy life back, wear his precious necklace, and lead the rebels with his brother at his side. They could find another way to kill everyone on the planet, then take over without batting an eyelash. Will Thorn even care what happens to me? To Mike? To Jack?

  “I can’t bear to see you die,” Thorn whispered.

  Casey shuddered. Oh man! He’s caving! She glanced at Jack, who was shaking his head in disbelief. Thorn was supposed to be a professional, the very best. How can he crumble like this? How can Commander Tio manipulate him so easily? Yeah, they’re family, but so what? Thorn knew full well his brother was a raving lunatic in big time need of a padded cell.

  “My mission was only to stop you, but everything went wrong,” said Thorn. “You need to get a team together and disable the weapon immediately. If you can’t, I beg you to abandon ship before it explodes and everyone aboard perishes. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen—not this way.”

  Great. Blabbermouth Thorn just spilled the beans. Casey’s mouth dropped. How could I have expected anything less? A brother would never turn against his own flesh and blood, right? Talk about conflict of interest! General Ashtar should’ve known this would happen. What if the Greys abandon ship and leave us stranded? I have no desire to become space shrapnel.

  Tio chuckled. “Pulling one of
your crazy stunts? How far will you go to protect the humans?”

  Jack’s eyes widened. Casey took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Holy cow! Thorn had pulled so many stunts over the years on missions that even his own brother didn’t believe The Grey who Cried “Wolf”.

  “I’m trying to save your life here!” Thorn threw his hands up, his voice loud and strong. “I won’t be held accountable for your bloodshed.”

  Tio regarded him, unimpressed. “Stop putting on one of your elaborate acts. I’ve seen it all before. You’re good at what you do, but while others—like my soldiers—might fall for it, I know you far too well. Those scare tactics won’t work on me.”

  “Why won’t you listen?” he asked, emotion flickering across his face. “There isn’t much time, and you should—”

  “My men examined the weapon and reported it is fine. I confirmed their reports by inspecting it myself.”

  Thorn motioned over to Casey and Jack. “Read their thoughts.” He placed both hands on his brother’s shoulders. “No, wait…even better, read mine.”

  “Thorn, you can’t—” Casey started.

  “No!” He glared at her. “He needs to know. He must be given a chance to save his life. It’s the right thing to do.”

  Casey set her jaw. Thorn and his do-the-right-thing code. Soon, they’d be back to square one, with Tio getting the weapon into working mode and them under a lot of pressure to come up with yet another plan. She doubted she could take on another battalion with her bare hands.

  “Enough of your foolishness. I’m giving you a fantastic opportunity here, but you don’t seem to see its importance. I won’t say it again. Your place is by my side, among your people, Thorn. Take this opportunity. You will regret it if you don’t.”

  Thorn’s gaze narrowed. “Are you threatening me?”

  “Why would I do such a thing?” the commander asked. “I don’t want you dead. If I did, you’d wouldn’t be standing here.”