When Aliens Weep: An Alien Apocalyptic Saga (Species Intervention #6609 Book 7) Page 9

  She wondered where Jose was and who might be taking care of her baby. She found she still wasn’t hungry but had taken pains to clean herself up and wash her hair, now swept up in a ponytail out of her way. She discreetly sniffed herself. A faint odor of vomit still clung relentlessly. Oh well . . . I’ll get some new clothes soon.

  “Hi doll. How ya doin’?” Dezi slid into place next to her. Bonnie swallowed and shook her head, afraid to talk for fear of breaking down. Dezi reached out to give her a hug.

  “I know it’s just not the same with Peter and Ginger Mae gone.” Dezi’s mournful tone was heartfelt. “I sure miss then. Especially Ginger Mae. She was the best.”

  Bonnie looked up, her face deliberately alive and determined. “Will you help me, Dezi? We can find them. I know we can. We just need to make someone listen. I have all kinds of ideas. We . . .”

  Dezi placed his hand down on hers. “They’re gone, hon. You need to accept that.” One tear slid down her cheek.

  “No, not you too, Dez.”

  Before Dezi could reply, Forbation walked into the room accompanied by a small group of minions who wore red ribbons hanging loosely around their necks. The room descended into silence as Forbation’s aura swirled in their minds.

  “It is time for my Brothers and Sisters to begin a new chapter in their lives.” He swept his arm back to the waiting minions. “Each of you will be assigned a guide to begin your introduction to the other parts of the Womb. As you tour our facility, I am hoping you will discover a department that will interest you. We need to find your calling.”

  A whispering buzz went around the room as the survivors wondered at Forbation’s pronouncement. Many couldn’t wait to see the magic of the Womb and others were excited to learn something new that might give them a rewarding life as the last of the survivors from the vanquished planet Earth.

  Forbation began again. “Most of you will notice Jose and Daisy’s absence. Jose will not be joining you for some time. He is being kept busy and content, I am happy to report. He will rejoin you when we feel his . . . attitude . . . has mended. And our magnificent wunderkind, Daisy, will rejoin us in about a week. She is off on her first mission with a cadre of minions. This will be her first chance to explore a new civilization in person and utilize her new communication skills. They left through a portal last night.”

  Forbation smiled and bowed at the various surprised expressions. “I think it is time to begin the tours.” He swept his arm toward the door. “Shall we?”

  One by one, the survivors stood, a myriad of emotions waltzing across their faces: hesitation, anticipation, fear and duty. Excitedly, they joined Forbation and his team of minions to take their first step into their futures.

  Chapter 9

  Jose sat stewing in a tiny room somewhere far from the survivors’ quarters. Echo had left a few hours ago, instructing him to get rest, her fire butterfly trailing gay sparks of light behind her.

  He scoffed at the overly sensitive nature of the minions. You’d think Echo would get it after living with us for so long. Especially after the debacle with the Kane, Emma and Elias love triangle so many long decades ago. Shit happens, people change . . . well I haven’t changed. Ironically, Jose glossed over the similarity in his own predicament and the one that had wrought such disaster in the Hive so long ago and so tragically with Emma and Elias.

  These minions just don’t understand humans. Now, he was relegated to this boring room. He surveyed his new quarters, cramped and spare with a bed, a chair and a small table. No opportunity to call a Kreyven for special order comfort items. He eyed the walls with suspicion. Organic as he expected, the throbbing appeared more apparent, more alive in this part of the sanctuary.

  As his thoughts turned to Abby and Cobby, he clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he squeezed off his blood supply. Shaking his hands to bring back blood, he wondered what he’d done to deserve this betrayal. Hadn’t he always gone along with everything Abby wanted? Except now she didn’t want him. She wanted the old washed-up yacht jockey. In his anger, he refused to admit that Cobby had been just as instrumental as anyone in their efforts to survive the last century or so.

  His face flamed with shame as he remembered standing in front of a black slab of onyx where Forbation and three other minions sat judging him. Echo sitting off to the side, waiting to be called. The four minions at the table conferred, their heads bent together, auras being cast, but Jose found himself unable to understand. At one point, Forbation picked up a red staff and pointed it toward Echo. The trial went on for many minutes but concluded abruptly. Forbation and the other minions rose and turned their backs to Jose. Without a word, Echo trundled to his side, grasped his hand and tugged until Jose realized the trial was at an end.

  Even as he fruitlessly questioned Echo, Jose refused to accept that Forbation and his council had dismissed him so easily. He was an Elder for Pete’s sake. The minions worship Elders, don’t they?

  He pounded his pillow in frustration, wondering what would happen next and how long he’d be stuck here. A sound at the door drew his attention. Echo entered, his tiny hand clasped tightly to an apprehensive Abby.

  He sprang up from the bed, a relieved smile stretching from ear to ear. “I knew you would come, Abby. I just knew it.” He swept her into his arms, chatting on and on. “You wouldn’t believe what Forbation put me through. How embarrassing. You would think I’d committed a crime.” He cringed at the sound of his thoughtless words. He pulled back quickly to look into her face. “Gee, I’m so sorry, Abby. I didn’t mean to sound so . . .”

  She pressed her fingers to his lips as she extricated herself from his embrace and moved to the only chair in the room. Echo perched at her feet as they left Jose standing alone with his arms empty. “Sit down, Jose.”

  He hesitated, unnerved by the tone in her voice. He flopped back down on his bed, turning toward the woman he had loved for so long. Even as his hopes ran high, he ground his back teeth silently. Yeah, this is the woman that betrayed me for so long. As he took in her beauty, he wondered for how long and who exactly knew what a cuckold he’d been. Clearing his throat and assuming a bright tone, he asked, “What’s up, guys?”

  Abby smoothed her smock, her wings hugged tightly to her body and swallowed. “I’m here to explain a few things to you, Jose. Forbation asked me to convey his . . . warm . . . feelings and to let you know where to report in the morning.”

  Jose sat further back on the bed, stunned. “That’s it? His warm feelings?” Jose looked incredulous. “And what about you?” His voice developed an edge. “What about your warm feelings? Or do you save them for when you’re fucking someone behind my back?”

  Abby stood swiftly, the pain on her face infused in her words. “I didn’t come here to fight, Jose. If that’s what you have in mind, we’ll leave.”

  He raised his hands in supplication. “All right. Please . . . sit back down and tell me why Forbation sent you, of all people.” He let loose a bitter laugh. “Does this mean he trusts me?”

  Abby sat down slowly, her voice faltering. “I don’t rightly know what Forbation thinks. I volunteered.” Her voice slowed. “I want to . . . to . . . apologize.”

  Jose forced a vapid smile to his lips, the pressure from his grinding teeth a welcome tonic. His golden eyes generated a laser glint, brighter than any seen before.

  “But my love . . .” the words came out like honey, soft, pliant and sweet, “I’m the one that should apologize. I had no business raising a hand to you. It was just the . . . the shock . . . of hearing of your impending . . .” His eyes pointedly lingered on her abdomen. Unconsciously, her hand went to her belly protectively.

  “Well, yes . . . erm . . .” With a self-conscious gesture, she adjusted her hair. “I guess that is understandable. You should have been the first to know. Cobby and I . . .”

  “Please. Don’t even think of mentioning that bastard’s name in my presence.” Jose tried to suppress the bile from his voice. He sto
od up from the bed and advanced toward her. He could see her shrink from him. Reining himself in, he extended his arms, a gesture warm and friendly, a fresh grin on his face. “Are you happy? Do you feel well? In your condition . . . you’re not a spring chicken, after all.”

  Abby relaxed a sigh of relief and hope lit her face. She rose to meet his embrace. “You know I will always love you, Jose.”

  “And I you, Abby. I’m here, if and when you need me. I’ll always be here.” He looked around the room. “Well, not here . . . but you know what I mean.”

  She glanced up into his face. “Then you really do understand?”

  “Understand what?”

  She glanced down at her feet. “You know . . . about us. Falling out of love . . .” She returned to his face. “It was bound to happen, you know. We were just kids.” She smiled, gently. “My first love. It was only natural that we would cling to one another, under the circumstances.” Pain radiated across her face. “So much horror, so much death.” She laid her head on his shoulder as he held her tight, gripping her back.

  “Shhh, shhhh. It’s okay.” He bit down, the pain from his tongue helping him to think straight. “Everything will work out just fine. By the way, did Forbation say anything to you about me? Can I come back now?”

  Her eyes looked sorrowful. “I’m afraid not, Jose.” He tasted the saltiness of his own blood as he bit harder.

  “I was told to tell you a minion will fetch you in the morning. We’re all getting a tour to help us decide where we will best fit.”

  He gave her hand a squeeze. “Well then . . . I’ll see you tomorrow on the tour.”

  As they reached the door, they were confronted by an amazing sight. Hovering in the air on a chair was a disheveled Chloe. Alongside her transport floated a trio of minions with dozens of fluffy white nooglets fluttering above, their comically vicious canine faces anxious not to miss a thing. Golden light waltzed with every color of the spectrum and flooded the huge hallway.

  “What the heck?” exclaimed Abby, her hand to her mouth in laughter.

  “You can put me down now, boys.” Chloe’s eyes were wide with trepidation and mirth. Underneath the platform where Chloe’s chair rested was a smaller version of the anti-gravitational device the minions used on the spheres that held the aliens captured on other planets as they emerged from the portals.

  “Boys, can you please put me down?” They moved to accommodate. “Yes, thank you . . . thank you.” Chloe breathed deeply, her relief palpable. Cupping her arm around her enormous belly, she gingerly stood up from the chair and stepped off the platform. She nodded her head gratefully as the minions lowered the device to the floor and backed away to find a spot to wait, sitting with legs crossed and backs touching, faces looking at Chloe in worship.

  “They really like me. Isn’t that cute?” announced Chloe, pride and wonder mixing with amazement. “Let’s go inside.”

  Jose rushed to Chloe’s side, his arms outstretched to help her walk. Over his shoulder he cast one last glance at Abby who enclosed herself in her wings and disappeared.

  Chloe patted him softly on the arm. “Come on, Jose. She’s gone.” Together they entered Jose’s room, ensconcing Chloe on the bed where she curled up. Making room on the bed, she directed him to join her.

  He sighed deeply, making himself comfortable. “So I guess you heard?”

  She rolled her eyes. “The minute you slapped Abby, everyone knew. They’re linked mentally, you know. They each know everything as soon as another forms a thought. You know how it works. If you and Abby thought you could keep anything a secret here, you’re crazy. You might as well know they’ve all known about the baby since we got here.”

  Jose ran his hand through his unkempt hair. “Well, isn’t that just ducky?”

  “Come on, Jose. You must have had an idea. All this time and you never knew Cobby had something for Abby?”

  He shook his head. “Great . . . that makes it even worse, kiddo.” Jose propped his chin up with his hand. “How convenient Karen just happened to not make into the portal. I don’t recall seeing her that morning, do you?”

  Chloe startled, not wanting to share what she knew about Karen from the story given to her by Kenya the morning they’d found her dead in the bathing cave. No sense giving Jose more to chew on and rile himself up over.

  “No, I didn’t see her,” she declared. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad, Jose. I just want you to face facts so you can get on with your life. We have so much uncertainty in our lives as it is. I was hoping you might find a purpose working here with the Oolahans.” She smiled shyly, rubbing her belly. “And I know a little someone that is just dying to meet his uncle.” Her eyes welled up with glistening tears. “It might make up for what we missed when we were little. I can’t even remember Mama and Papa.”

  Jose smiled, his eyes far way.

  Her face crumbled, her voice broken. “And Scotty . . . my Scotty.”

  Laying her head down on the pillow, she sobbed. Jose waited until she cried herself out, his hand rubbing her back to quietly let her know he understood. Her sobs stopping, Chloe punched the pillow and sat up, her complexion wan, but her eyes flashing.

  “Sorry . . . I just can’t seem to stop myself. I thought I was all cried out.” She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her smock. “I just can’t help wondering if things would have turned out differently if Echo had been with us instead of flying off with the nooglets without a word to anyone. Barney wouldn’t have run away and we wouldn’t have been caught out in that field for the flamer to find. If . . . if . . . if.” She clenched her fist. “It’s entirely the Womb’s fault,” she stated resentfully.

  Jerking her head up, she clasped a hand to her mouth and looked around quickly. “I didn’t mean that, Jose.” Tears began to slip from her eyes again. “I’m sorry . . . the Womb has been good to us and I’m very grateful. It’s just . . .”

  He took his sister into his arms. “Shhhh . . . I understand, hon. So much has happened. And you’re pregnant. That’s enough to push anyone off their rocker. I’m sure the Womb will cut you a break. We’re all still in mourning. Very little is expected of us right away. Although Forbation seems to have plans for us.”

  Chloe swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Well, maybe that will help. I’m going to be in the nursery with Maya and the babies but everyone else will start some kind of job. It’ll be interesting, I’m sure.”

  “Have you heard what Abby and Cobby will be doing?” Jose asked innocently.

  Chloe gave him a sharp look. “Does it matter right now? You can bet it will be far away from anything Forbation might have you do.”

  “I know where I’ll be working. The intake and quarantine labs. Forbation said it’s a prestigious position, not without its dangers,” he exaggerated.

  Giving Jose a deep searching glance, Chloe took a gulp of air. “I can’t afford to lose you too, Jose. Please don’t do anything foolish.” She reached out to clasp his hand in hers. “Promise me.”

  Jose laughed.

  “No, I mean it. I want you to promise me you won’t do anything to put yourself or anyone else in jeopardy.

  “Okay. I promise.” He squeezed her hand. “I know I need to be here for the bambino.”

  “And for me too, Jose. We both will need you. Just because Abby has moved on doesn’t mean others don’t love and need you.” She hugged her brother tight, feeling his arms around her but missing the hard glint in his eyes at the mention of Abby’s name.

  “Well, I better get back. My entourage awaits.” She extended a smile. “I just wanted to check on you.”

  Slipping off the bed, he helped her waddle to the door.

  “I think you could use a house Kreyven here, don’t you? Can I send you some more comfortable items? Just in case you’re here for a while?”

  Jose laughed, the confidence back in his voice. “Don’t worry, Chloe. I love you for thinking of me but I won’t be here for much longer.” He turned to k
iss his sister goodnight without the slightest idea how sadly prophetic his flippant words would be.

  Nine Days AE (After Earth)

  Chapter 10

  Dezi sat in his seat near the stove, taking a break. He stared at the blank sheets of paper that sat begging on the table in front of him.

  “I think you can find a good use for these, my boy,” Forbation had said when he plonked the empty sheaves of paper down next to the chartreuse mixture he’d been beating to death with a wooden spoon. He knew he could have worked out a fancy gadget with the help from a home Kreyven and his job would have been easier but Dezi prided himself on the old-fashioned methods from when Salina taught him to cook so long ago on Earth.

  “What the heck do ya expect me to do with this pile of paper, Mr. Forbation? Use it in a new recipe?”

  Forbation’s aura caressed Dezi’s mind, finding delight in the simple, loyal mind of the cocky man. The wise minion raised his head to the shelf Dezi had attached to the wall days ago. There rested the dog-eared copy of the Holy Bible that he found to be most useful only as ancient fables from a forgotten past.

  Dezi followed Forbation’s gaze. “You have an objection to the last known book from Earth, Mr. Forbation?”

  The wise minion winced. “Brother Forbation, if you don’t mind, Brother Dezi. As to the book . . . I am not as offended as you most likely think. I admire any artifact from a lost civilization.”

  Dezi’s face darkened with blood. “Lost civilization? Last time I looked we were all here for breakfast and none of us are lost. We just live in a new location, that all. With all due respect, Mr. Forbation, I trust you not to use those words around any of my family if ya please.”