Dream Unchained (15 page)
Authors: Kate Douglas
Mac stood with Zianne in his arms and carried her across the room to the window. She weighed nothing at all, and he held her gently, worried he might bruise her tender skin. Together they looked at the scene below. The two men from the television station had set up their camera equipment and appeared to be talking to Rodie and Morgan.
They'd positioned it perfectly, filming with the massive array of huge satellite dishes in the background, the dream shack off to one side. Rodie was, as usual, talking with her hands, and he could just about guess what she was saying. Always so animated. So alive. He glanced at the woman in his arms and remembered a time when Zianne had been that filled with life. It made him ache to see her like this, so terribly fragile.
“Who are those people? I know Dink, but who are the men with cameras? Are they from the news station? Mac, people will know what's happening. Why? I don't understand what's going on.”
He heard the fear in Zianne's voice and shoved his own aside. Damn, that's all he seemed to do anymore. Hope that if he didn't think about the crap it would all go away. Hell, he was living in a permanent state of denial, but he had to believe they'd made the right decision. He kissed her forehead, cleared his throat, and said, “It's starting, Zianne. While you slept, we discovered that the news was out, that astronomers had spotted the Gar ship heading for Earth.”
She turned her head and gazed directly into his eyes, listening, realizing, as Mac did, that there was no turning back.
“One of our generals contacted me,” he said. “I told him of our plan, that the Gar were not the peaceful aliens so many on Earth hoped for, even expected for our first contact with another sentient species.”
“Does he believe you?”
“I don't know. I expected to hear back from him, but I haven't, yet. I told him we'd be sending humans to board the ship around five, but I didn't tell him how. I don't know what he thinks. Just a couple of weeks ago he told me I was nuts, that I needed a good psychiatrist. At least, in that respect, he seems to have changed his mind.”
“The man is still a fool.”
Mac smiled and kissed her nose. “He's coming around. A bit late, but at least now he's listening to me. In the meantime, we've got the news crew here to handle the public. We plan to follow the entire rescue as closely as we can and broadcast everything in real time. It's going out on network television as well as the Internet, so the world will know what's happening.
“People will be able to follow us during every step. Rodie's even going to try and take a small camera with her when she boards the Gar ship, but that will depend on her ability to include it when she disassembles. I'm hoping the sheriff arrives soon. We can use his help to control the protestors and the men harassing our guards near the fence line. I wish I knew what they were planning, but I don't, and I don't want to have to worry about them while this is going on. It's too distracting.”
Mac sighed. So much they didn't know, so many things left to chance. This wasn't the way he worked. He'd always been a planner, a plotter, someone who knew what the next step would bring. This mission, the most important of his lifeâof anyone's lifeâand it was all just falling together as it happened.
He only hoped it didn't fall apart. He adjusted Zianne's soft weight in his arms, holding her even closer against his chest. She was the constant in his life. The one he'd counted on for twenty years. He'd trusted for two decades that she'd be here waiting for him, and even though her life might be forfeit, she'd been exactly where she said she'd be. He'd trusted Zianne, and he had to trust their plan would work. It had to.
“I don't know exactly when our guys are heading for the Gar ship,” he said, “but it's all going to be happening very soon and very fast. I just hope they're ready.”
His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. Mac reached around Zianne and pulled it free. The blocked number again. He walked across the room and sat on the edge of the bed before he answered.
When he ended the call a few minutes later, Mac wasn't sure if he'd just gotten good news or a death sentence for the few remaining NyriansâZianne included. He stood, adjusted Zianne in his arms, and walked back to the window. Stared at the news crew, at the helicopter squatting like a bug below, and thought of the conversation he'd just had, and of the stupidity of politicians in general.
“What is it? Tell me.” Zianne's soft demand left no room for dissembling.
He let out a deep breath as he organized his thoughts. As if there was any reason to attempt to organize anything at this point. “That was General Adams from the Pentagon. He's spoken with the president and members of his cabinet, as well as the head of our Department of Defense. They're divided on what action to take. Too many people are excited about the huge spaceship coming closer to Earth. They don't believe any ship could do the kind of damage I warned them of, and they want to reach out to the Gar in friendship.”
Zianne slowly shook her head. “The Gar do not understand friendship. They only understand domination, theft, and the total annihilation of other worlds. Until they find a planet that suits them for their own use, one they can take over, they'll want to continue their destruction of any world that offers what they need.” Frowning, she shook her head, a short, sharp jerk. “I guess that's a moot point, though. There are no longer enough Nyrians aboard to power the ship during an attack, or run the machinery they use to rape worlds.”
“That's what I told him. That the only thing we can do at this point is rescue the remaining slaves before the ship is too close to Earth, and hope that when it blows, it doesn't take us with it.”
She shrugged. “Exactly. The one good thing is that, finally, there are not enough Nyrians aboard their ship to attack this world or any other. The only thing we can do now is retrieve as many of my people as we can and bring them to safety before the ship is too close to your atmosphere.”
“General Adams said they intend to call in scientists from around the world and discuss what action they need to take. The general consensus is that at the speed the ship is moving, it won't reach Earth for another couple of days. When I tried to refute that, he asked me not to tell him any details of what we're planning, that what he didn't know, he couldn't try to stop. In that respect, he's doing what he can to help us. He also said we need to be careful in our dealings with the local sheriff, which may explain why we've not had the help we requested.”
“The helicopter you asked for? I know it's not that one.” She looked at the news helicopter parked in the open area below.
“Yeah. Ted Alvisa, the deputy sheriff I know, is all for helping us, but according to the general, the county board of supervisors has stepped in and told him he's not to interfere with anything Bart Roberts instigates until they know more about the situation. It appears Roberts has gotten to a couple of the supervisors. He's convinced them we're the bad guys here, that âour' aliens are evil and the Gar are the good guys.”
“What fools.” Zianne sighed, and she seemed to shrink even smaller within his arms. “So what do we do?”
“Protect our perimeter and go ahead with our plan. Dink's working up the backstory and will go live as soon as Morgan and the rest leave for the Gar ship. He'll tell our story from twenty years ago and what's transpired since. He's good, Zianne. He'll know how to get your story out there and get people on our side. He'll make them care about Nyrians, the fact your planet was destroyed by the aliens coming closer by the hour. He's going to use the picture Cam painted of Nyria before the Gar destroyed it, one he did of Mars during the Gar attack, and some of his other work. We want the world to know what happened to your people, and what so easily could have happened here, if not for the Nyrian's bravery. Right now Dink and his crew are taping stuff to run while we're waiting for news after everyone heads for the ship.”
Zianne clutched the front of his shirt in both hands. There was a frantic, desperate glitter in her eyes. “I want to be in the dream shack when they go. I know it's a small building, that we won't all fit, but I must be with you. Please?”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Mac leaned forward, touching his forehead to hers. Her skin felt icy, as if all the life was leaving her, and it broke his heart. His voice sounded husky, and he realized his emotions were on the same, sharp edge as Zianne's. He was feeling what she felt, the fear, the utter despair, knowing that even though they were so close, it might be too late for her.
She'd been without her soulstone for so long now, the odds were growing stronger that, even if they managed to retrieve it, she wouldn't survive. “You will be wherever I am. Everything I've done, all of this, is for you. I want to save your people, but don't you understand? I want to save them for you. I will always love you. I will never stop needing you. Hold on, please.”
She shivered and he held her close, warming her as much as he could with his body. It was all he could do to hold himself together. They were so damned close, and yet success was such a fragile thing.
Even if everyone else survived, he could still lose Zianne. Mac felt a huge pressure in his chest, a horrible pain that stopped him in his tracks, and he wondered if he was having a heart attack, if twenty years of stress and worry had finally taken its toll.
And then he recognized it for what it was, the despair he'd kept buried for so long. The fear he'd not recognized, the sense of failure that hovered just out of reach. He couldn't see a thing through the window, through the tears flooding his eyes. Couldn't breathe through the lump in his throat, but he struggled to pull himself under control.
Dink's words sifted through his mind, the words that had been his mantra for the past twenty years.
Failure is not an option.
Not an option, but always, unfortunately, a possibility.
8
I
t was a possibility he couldn't ignore. As much as he hated the mere thought of it, Mac had to be prepared to deal with the fallout should their mission not succeed. He glanced around the room and wondered when Corin and Satza had left. The only ones here now were Zianne, Mac, and the squirrel, but when he looked out the window, he could see all the Nyrians gathering in the open area below, standing together with the members of his dream team.
t was a possibility he couldn't ignore. As much as he hated the mere thought of it, Mac had to be prepared to deal with the fallout should their mission not succeed. He glanced around the room and wondered when Corin and Satza had left. The only ones here now were Zianne, Mac, and the squirrel, but when he looked out the window, he could see all the Nyrians gathering in the open area below, standing together with the members of his dream team.
Cameron was there with Mir and Niah, and all five of the women Morgan had given form. He tried to remember their names, surprised when they came to him so easily: Reneya, Deina, Lali, Tiram, Nala. Each an individual with hopes and dreams and fears they were doing their best to control.
As he watched, Corin and Satza joined the group, and then Liz showed up with Reiah and Seri. None of the men were there. No, they'd be along the fence line, guarding the perimeter. He glanced at the clock on the wall and wondered where the day had gone.
It was almost five. Kiera must still be in the dream shack. Rodie, Morgan, Finn, Bolt, and Duran would be preparing to leave for the Gar ship. He had no doubt Finn would be there. The guy was determined to be part of this mission, no matter what.
He rubbed his chin across the top of Zianne's head. Strands of her long hair tangled in his two-day growth of beard, reminding him he'd forgotten once again to shave. “C'mon, sweetheart. I think we need to get down there. We'll take your squirrel in case you need her,” he said. “Are you ready?”
Zianne tilted her head back against his arm to better see his face. “Mac, I'm terrified. What if something happens to Rodie or Morgan or Finn? My people know the risk, but what of them? If they're hurt, I'll never forgive myself.”
He planted a light kiss on her mouth. “Sweetheart, Morgan, Rodie, and Finn have made the choice to go. It's their decision, and I don't think we could stop them if we tried. If I didn't feel that my place was here, I'd be right there with them. Their choices are not something you should feel guilty about, no matter what happens. They want this.”
Without giving Zianne time to answer him, Mac tightened his grasp around her and tilted her over the bed so she could grab the tote bag. She settled it in the crook of her body while Mac adjusted her slight weight in his arms. The squirrel opened her eyes and gazed at Zianne with what could only be affection and recognition. Then she sighed, curled up, and went back to sleep.
Mac stared at the squirrel. “I sure wish I felt as relaxed as this little girl.”
“Maybe she knows something we don't.” Zianne steadied the tote with her left hand and tightened her right arm around his neck so she could reach up and give him a quick kiss. “Maybe she's telling us not to worry, that all will be fine.”
“One can only hope.” He opened the door, and still carrying his woman, Mac headed down the stairs and through the dining hall.
Meg was wrapping up leftover food on the buffet counter. “Hi, Mac. I'm just going to keep this in the refrigerator for later. It's all stuff that will make good leftovers, and I imagine you'll be hungry when this is over with.”
“Good idea, Meg. Thank you.” He paused for a moment. “Meg, this is Zianne, the woman I told you about.”
“I know that, Mac.” Meg smiled and stepped around the table. She took Zianne's hand in both of hers. “It's nice to meet you, Zianne. I hope everything works just the way you want. I'll be praying for you, and for all your people.”
Zianne glanced at Mac.
I didn't know she knew. And she cares, Mac! Her feelings are genuine.
Then she smiled at Meg. “Thank you. Your prayers for all of us are most welcome.”
I didn't know she knew. And she cares, Mac! Her feelings are genuine.
Then she smiled at Meg. “Thank you. Your prayers for all of us are most welcome.”
Nodding, Meg backed away. Mac turned to leave but thought of something else. “Meg, if anything happens tonight, with those jerks trying to break through the fence or the ones at the front gate, remember that the basement here is a safe room. You get down there with as many of the Nyrians as you can and lock yourselves in. There's an intercom and it's got its own power source, so you'll still be able to communicate with us in the dream shack, but no one can get in, and even if the lodge burns to the ground, you'll be safe. Don't take any chances.”
“Thanks, Mac. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.” She lifted a couple of trays and turned toward the kitchen. “But if it does, I'll keep an eye on your Nyrians. Be safe, and good luck.”
“Thanks, Meg.” He walked quickly toward the door and the news crew waiting outside. It was time they met Zianne. Time the world knew about the woman who had changed his life.
Â
Finn awoke, feeling more rested than he had in days. He lay there a moment, blinking slowly, pulling his mind from a dream he couldn't recall, when reality hit hard and fast. He sat up, heart pounding, sucking air as if he'd run a mile. Had he overslept? Did they go without him?
Where the hell was Lizzie?
He glanced at the pillow next to his, saw the indentation where she'd lain beside him, and smiled. She'd really been here. For a moment, he thought maybe he'd been dreaming. And it wasn't late. He took a second look at the bedside clock. Still twenty minutes before they were planning to go.
Duran walked into the room. “Good. You're awake. I was just coming to get you. How are you feeling?”
“Okay, I think.” He frowned. “How long was Liz here?”
“She left just a few minutes ago. No matter. She's not important. I want to see you change. Disassemble now.”
Well, maybe not to you, but . . .
“Now?”
“Now?”
Duran nodded. “That's what I said.”
This was a new side of the Nyrian, but if Duran was half as nervous about this mission as he was, Finn couldn't blame the guy. So he shrugged, went inside his head, and flipped the switch. He knew he wasn't really flipping anything, but the sensation was there, that he'd physically changed something in the way his brain worked. Whatever he did, it seemed to work. Duran appeared immobile and Finn hovered in a sea of sparkling molecules. He moved around the room a bit, decided everything was the way it should be, and then regained his human form.
He was just as naked as he'd been while sleeping.
As bare assed as he'd been while Lizzie lay beside him. Damn. And he hadn't even tried anything with her. Which was probably a good thing, because for the life of himâand he didn't know exactly whyâhe really didn't want to screw up what was probably the first real friendship he'd ever had with a woman.
“Excellent.” Duran smiled.
It took him a moment to realize Duran wasn't commenting on his behavior with Liz. “So, I can go?”
Duran nodded. “Yes, Finn. Thank Nyria, you appear to have regained your strength.” He stepped close and touched Finn's shoulder. “I'm sorry if I sounded impatient. I've been worried you couldn't go with us, and I want you there as part of this team. Pick clothing to wear on board the shipâgood boots that won't slip and warm clothes. It's cold in the level where the engine room is. Take water. The air is dry. I worry your human body will dehydrate quickly.”
“Sounds lovely.” He dressed, grabbed a small pack that fit around his waist, and stuffed a water bottle inside. “You're sure I can take this stuff with me?”
“Try it.”
He checked the clock; still plenty of time. Finn quickly disassembled, moved across the room, and shifted back. The water bottle and pack were still in place, he was fully dressed, and he had absolutely no idea how that could be.
Duran stood there with his arms crossed over his broad chest, laughing softly. “Don't question it. Our greatest minds were unable to figure it out. It just happens.”
“Were?” Finn added a Leatherman pocket tool and a small flashlight to the pack and glanced at Duran. “You mean they quit trying to understand the process?”
Duran turned away and stared out the window. The view from Finn's bedroom wasn't all that greatâthe bunkhouse for employees and the forest beyond, but it seemed to hold Duran's attention for a very long time. Finally he sighed softly and said, “Not by choice. Our best minds died on Nyria. Only fools like me were willing to go aboard the Gar ship.”
Finn stepped up beside him. Put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “Not foolish, Duran. I imagine you were curious about another people. I would have done the same. I mean, look at me now. I'm getting ready to board an alien ship populated by a race of beings we know are out to get us. You had no idea what the Gar were really like. They lied to you, let you think their intentions were good. He squeezed Duran's shoulder again and stepped away. “Besides, in another hour or so, you'll have avenged your people's deaths. All the deaths, not only from Nyria, but those other worlds as well. Let's go.”
Duran straightened and glanced over his shoulder at Finn. “You're right,” he said. “Thank you.”
Finn opened the door and Duran followed him out into the late-afternoon sunlight. They circled around the lodge and joined the crowd standing near the dream shack. Tara stood between Rodie and Bolt. Morgan knelt beside them, checking items in his pack.
Mac sat in an Adirondack chair up on the covered porch that circled the lodge, holding Zianne in his lap. She looked pale and wan, as if merely holding her head up was an effort, but Dink was there with the news crew and it was obvious she was doing her best to answer their questions.
Lizzie strode across the open area, a small dynamo of brains, beauty, and energy. She planted her feet in front of Finn and folded her arms across her chest. “You're going.”
He nodded. “I am. And, Liz, thank you. That meant a lot to me, that you came by. That you stayed.”
“It's going to mean a lot to me that you come back safely. Be careful, Finn.” She tilted her head and looked up at him, and all he could think of was the fact her brown eyes actually twinkled, they were so filled with mischief. He liked that about Liz. Brilliant and funny, and a serious scientist, but she'd cared enough to spend some quality time with him. It was such a new feeling he felt like savoring it.
Then his inner jerk took over, he leaned close, tapped her lips with a fingertip, and whispered, “A kiss for luck?”
She grinned. “Don't push it, bud.” But she stretched up on her toes and planted one on him, quick and hard with just a hint of tongue. “Be careful, Finn. Promise?”
“Yeah. I promise.” He realized he was staring at her, smiling like an idiot, but she was grinning right back at him. “Keep an eye on Tara for me, will you?” He glanced at the Nyrian. She stood close to Duran, looking so tense he was afraid she'd snap. “She's right on the edge and worried sick about Duran. They've been together since Nyria was destroyed.”
“Wow. Really?” Lizzie shot a quick glance their way. “How long ago was that?”
Finn just shook his head. “I don't know. Long before there were civilizations on Earth, because Mars was still a living world. They don't keep track of time the way we do. When you're immortal, I don't think time really matters.”
“I disagree, Finn.” Lizzie sent another quick glance at Tara and then focused on Finn. “I think when you're a slave, time does matter, no matter how you keep track of it.”
He thought about that a moment. Thought of what Duran's and Tara's lives had been like for so terribly long. It was impossible to imagine. “You're probably right. But with any luck, the last Nyrian slave will be freed in the next hour or so.”
Lizzie stared at him for what felt like forever. Then she quickly shifted her gaze. “I'll stay with Tara,” she said. “But you and Duran damned well better come back safe.” Before he could respond, she'd turned and walked away from him, but Finn was almost certain she'd had tears in her eyes. Lizzie? Tears? For him? Impossible, but wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.
He watched her cute little butt as she strode across the dry ground toward Kiera and the dream shack.
No doubt about it, Lizzie. I'm coming back.
She stopped, glanced his way, and frowned. Then she looked away and kept going forward. Finn wondered if she'd picked up his mental promise in spite of his shields.
He definitely planned to be careful, because he fully intended to spend a lot more time with Lizzie once this was all over with. With Lizzie, Tara, and Duran.
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