The Gray Serpent, Tundran Space, Standard year 404

  Alanna curled up closer, comforted by the feeling of James’s arms wrapped around her. “Hey.” She murmured.

  “Hey.” He said in return, the sound of his voice in her ear sending a thrill along her spine.

  “I’m coming.” Alanna said. “I’m coming as fast as I can. I’ll get you out.”

  “I don’t believe that.” James said quietly.

  “You do! Of course you do! You won’t give up, James. I know you won’t. You never do.”

  “I renounced. You know what that means.”

  “Fine.” Alanna said stubbornly. “Maybe you did give up just this one time. I don’t care. I’m coming for you anyway. And I don’t see why people even care. It’s like we’re not even the same species sometimes, James. I don’t understand why they care.”

  “You cared. When you said those words and renounced.”

  “Yes well, that’s because I knew everyone was going to believe them. I told Sarayan central command to fuck off on several memorable occasions by then. It’s different when it’s me. But for you? You’ve been nothing but loyal your whole life. You gave everything for them.” Alanna sat up angrily, pushing off his arms. “How dare they question you? How dare they?! You deserve to be saved. You deserve…”

  “I know sweetheart.” James said, pulling her back down. “I know.”

  “You’d better know.” Alanna muttered angrily.

  “You’re coming for me because we’re family.” James said. “Not for Tundra or Saraya or anyone else. That’s why it doesn’t matter what I said. We’re still family, no matter whose side we’re on. But you can’t do it alone. You need other people to help you. You need them to risk death to save me. And for that you will need their patriotism and their loyalty. And loyalty given must be returned. I renounced, and that means I gave up. It means I don’t think anyone is coming. I don’t think anyone should. I’m making it easier for you all, to give up on me.”

  “Not going to happen. I love you, James.” Alanna whispered, taking his hand and lacing her fingers through his.

  “I love you too. But I can’t help you.”

  Alanna’s hands tightened. “But I need help, James. I need your kind of help. You’re better at this than I am!” Alanna said, panicked. She did need help, dammit. She wasn’t arrogant enough to think she could do this on her own.

  “You know where to get it.”

  “No.” Alanna said stubbornly, dropping his hand.

  “Yes. The mission objective is all that matters. You must do anything and everything to achieve the mission objective. Or you will fail.”

  Alanna opened her eyes, staring up at the bunk over her head, which squeaked slightly as whoever was laying above shifted in their sleep. “Fuck.” She said expressively. And then she got up to go find Tony.

  ---

  Phoenix Penitentiary, Saraya, Standard year 404

  The shrill sound of Lorelai’s voice faded into the background as James drifted off. He was lying in his own bed back home, Alanna curled up at his side as the lights of the city below flickered beyond the window. The howl of a Tundran storm whistled through the room, coming through in spite of the triple layered windows.

  “That was amazing.” Alanna murmured, pulling his arm down towards her hip.

  “Let’s go again soon.” James said with a satisfied smile, pulling her closer.

  “James, I have something to tell you.” Alanna said, the soft sound of her voice as soothing as the feel of her along his side.

  “What’s that?” James asked, pulling the blanket up over her bare shoulder.

  “We’re having twins. A boy and a girl. I have no idea how it happened but…”

  “Twins would be all right.” James said, smiling happily.

  “Really?” Alanna asked dubiously. “Would it? I’m not sure I can handle twins. Especially not if they’re your…”

  “You’re lucky they’re mine.” James said firmly. “I was a perfect child in every way. Just ask my mother.”

  “I’ll be sure to…”

  “Well don’t ask her right away.” James amended. “Just, you know… later. Much later.”

  “Uhuh. I am going to need a lot of help.”

  “I’ll be here. I’ll always be here.” James said, putting his cheek on top of her silky soft hair. “You don’t have anything to worry about. Go back to sleep.”

  ---

  “Dad, will you take us to Magic Mountain again?” The little girl asked, her wide green eyes looking up at him hopefully.

  “Yeah.” The boy nodded, his icy gray eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You promised.”

  “Of course I will.” James agreed. “We’ll go today. As soon as your mom is ready.”

  “Breakfast first.” Alanna said, smiling at him as she added bacon to his plate. “Then we’ll all go together.”

  “This first.” James said with a grin, pulling her down onto his lap before she had the chance to get away.

  “Daaad.” The little boy said, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

  James tried to focus on her face, the texture of her hair under his fingers, but everything blurred, parts of the scene erased by darkness and twisted wood.

  “Stay with me.” Alanna whispered, but one side of her face was no longer there, one of her bright green eyes replaced by the pale skin of a corpse. James blinked, staring down at Henry’s dead body.

  “You’re back.” Will said. He coughed, the sound of his voice thick from whatever had occurred earlier. “My condolences.”

  James nodded slightly. It took a great deal of willpower to get his head to move.

  “I don’t have anywhere to go.” Will said, his voice sounding more normal now, conversational.

  “Cameras.” James said.

  “So what?” Will shrugged. “She knows you’re dreaming of your beautiful fiancée, just like she knows I have nowhere to go.”

  “Give nothing.” James said.

  “You should give her something.” Will said, his face turning towards James, his voice intense. “You have to give her something, before she gets bored.”

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  James didn’t reply. He was perfectly happy to let Lorelai get bored. He was done.

  “James.” Will repeated, more insistently. “You don’t want her to get bored with you."

  "That would be terrible." James muttered sarcastically."

  "Hold on." Will said intensely, physically leaning towards James, as if he wanted to grab and shake him. "Hold on, James. Give her something."

  James frowned, forcing his mind to focus in spite of the heat, weakness and pain. Will was trying to tell him something. Will, thought there was hope. Of course, Will thought publicly running for the presidency against Lorelai Achly was a swell idea. James was fairly certain that Will, was certifiably insane. But... "What if an asteroid hit my ship?" He said out loud.

  "Huh?" Will asked.

  "That's what she said." James explained. "Alanna. She said what if an asteroid hit my ship? Would I give up?"

  "Would you?"

  "I don't give up." James said.

  "Then don't."

  And then, with an absolutely monumental force of will, James forced his legs to hold his weight. Will thought someone might come. Will was certifiably insane but... but. Lorelai saw him as a threat. There was something there. Something about Will, standing with all his chains. And Will thought there was hope. James moved his feet in place, taking one step, two steps... three. When the time came, James would walk. He needed to walk.

  "Good." Will said. And then he threw back his head and laughed, a distinct note of hysteria in his voice. "Good." He repeated.

  ---

  The Gray Serpent, Tundran Space, Standard year 404

  “Plausible deniability.” Alanna explained to Tony, her wide green eyes looking at him with deep intensity. “You need to give the president plausible deniability. Because he promised James to keep me safe and obviously… well…”

  “Obviously that’s not happening here.” Tony finished for her.

  “Right. But he needs to know what’s happening, Tony. I…” Alanna took a breath, biting her lower lip. “I…”

  “Hurts, doesn’t it?” Tony said with a grim smile.

  “I…”

  “If you want me to play, you’re going to have to say it.”

  “I need his…”

  “Uhuh.” Tony nodded patiently.

  “I need his help! I need the president’s help. All right? Are you happy now?”

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  ---

  Phoenix City, Saraya, Standard year 404

  Daren looked down, watching with a certain degree of fascination as blood flowed from the wound in his shoulder. The shoulder was supposed to be a good place to get shot. No vital organs, and you always had the other hand. It was even his left shoulder, and he was right handed. This was practically a good thing, he tried very hard to convince himself.

  “Ice.” Sophia said quietly. “Would you like me to apply it or…”

  “I can…” Daren blinked, waiting for a moment until the dizziness passed. “You do it.” He relented.

  “Daren.” Sophia began somewhat uncertainly. “It might be easier if…” She blinked as Daren materialized. The fact that he was completely naked should have disturbed her. And it did. It definitely disturbed her. Just not quite as much as the fact that people with guns had come into her home, looking for her. After carefully positioning the ice over the open wound, Sophia turned away, covered her face with her hands, and started crying.

  “Later.” Daren offered. “Sophia I promise you can have hysterics later. Right now, I need your wrist comm and the detailed schematics for Phoenix Penitentiary and the presidential palace. It’s important, and we don’t have much time. We need to save Will.” Daren said, as much for his own benefit as for Sophia’s. Whatever he was experiencing now, was nothing compared to what Lorelai would do to Will. Was doing to Will, he corrected himself. He took the ice and the wrist comm from Sophia, pressing the ice harder against his shoulder and ignoring the pain. The cold needed to penetrate his thick skin, helping the blood clotting process. Just then, Daren couldn’t afford to bleed. He had more important things to do. He sent out a text to Robert, telling him what he knew of Will’s location. Just in case.

  Sophia nodded standing up, smoothing out her skirt automatically. “As you say.” Without another word, she walked towards her office.

  Daren sighed. Sophia was nowhere near acceptable parameters. Which made her grace under pressure all the more admirable. She wasn’t made for this. He waited a few more minutes to give his blood a chance to clot before getting up, using his hand to balance himself against the wall. “We must go.” He said quietly, walking up behind Sophia.

  “I have it.” Sophia said, pocketing the key drive. She turned towards Daren, looking rather lost as she picked up her bag.

  “It will be all right.” Daren said with a reassurance he was far from feeling. “But we must go.”

  Sophia nodded, and followed Daren’s still naked form down the hallway towards the outside. She paused momentarily to pick up what minimal hiking gear she had and throw several bottles of filtered water into her bag before running to catch up with Daren. In spite of the damage he had taken, Daren sped up his stride, his focus already on the vehicles outside.

  “Would you prefer to go together or separately?” Daren asked, gesturing at the two motorcycles standing outside her door.

  “Whatever you recommend.” Sophia said automatically.

  “Together.” Daren said, speeding up further. Without pause, he grabbed Sophia by the arm and pushed her towards one of the motorcycles. Sophia would not yet hear the sound of helicopters in the distance, but to his more sensitive ears, the sound was quite distinct. He positioned Sophia in the front. If he chose to blend with his surroundings, the back of his body would block most of the motorcycle from the view of the helicopters above, as well as protecting Sophia from any stray shots. And his arms were still long enough to guide the machine. They were off the instant his hands touched the controls.

  It took only a short time before Sophia decided to close her eyes, leaning her head down to give Daren a better view of the road ahead. They were weaving through traffic like mad. Angry beeps and screeching tires followed their progress as they headed up towards the mountains at breakneck speed. Daren, still visible and stark naked, leaned sideways, letting the motorcycle careen dangerously to make the sharp turn necessary to avoid a large truck directly in their way. A moment later, he leaned the other way as a large and slow moving van blocked their path. The sound of sirens blended with the sound of helicopters, and the angry drivers all around them as they continued to make their way out of the city.

  There were three police cars and two motorcycles chasing them by the time they veered into the jungle, and an uncertain but significant number of helicopters overhead. Daren went invisible the minute they entered the jungle, but he fully realized that they may be able to track the motorcycle even if they could not see it. Presumably, there was a GPS located somewhere on the vehicle, and he didn’t have the time to remove it. He could only hope their tracking capabilities did not rise to the level of precision necessary to complete a tactical strike. And they were close, he thought wistfully. In the grand scheme of things, they really were quite close to the ship. Perhaps 30 minutes through the jungle… He heard the sound of motorcycles in the distance, clearly following their trail.

  There were two of them on a motorcycle that must have an embedded GPS signal. The machine would move slower with two people than with one. Daren did some quick calculations in his head and pushed down on the breaks. Grabbing Sophia by the arm without pause, he dragged her away from the machine that was being tracked and deeper into the jungle. The sound of the motorcycles faded slightly, but the helicopters overhead, did not.

  “Paratroopers.” Sophia whispered, terror in her voice. She had seen them first, looking up at the sky while Daren was focused on the jungle around them. At her words, Daren glanced up. And saw the paratroopers. Many of them. With the wound on his shoulder no longer bleeding, alone he could blend into the jungle effectively enough to avoid their trackers. But Sophia, could not.

  Clearly, Sophia had the same thought as he did. She grabbed him by the arm, forcing him to stop. “Daren. The key drive.” She held it out. “Take it. Rescue Will. And please remember that I helped. Please? I want this to be remembered. It’s important to me.”

  Daren froze.

  “Go!” Sophia said, more insistently. “None of this will help if you don’t get out of here. Go help Will.”

  Daren sighed. It simply wouldn’t do. It was somewhat unfortunate, of course. But then, between Jane’s video, in which she repeatedly proclaimed that the aliens were coming, Bernard Bernhard’s accusations that something on Titan had stopped him from doing whatever it was he intended to do, and everything else that had been happening, perhaps this was unavoidable. It was time. Robert would give him no end of grief over it, of course. Robert always did. But Robert would just have to deal with it. Daren pressed down on the inside of his elbow, where the chip was embedded under the skin for just such an emergency. And then he grabbed Sophia and pulled her against an out of the way tree, ensuring she was pressed very close to him to avoid any misunderstandings on the part of the ship that was controlling his shuttle. It would take a few minutes, but given the short distance, it would not be long.

  The helicopters fell out of the sky first. The thundering sound of their blades stopping mid-spin as the EMP pulse hit, taking out all electronics within a mile of their location. The laser strikes came next, targeting all human life forms with surgical precision. Daren sincerely hoped there weren’t any hikers in the area. The ship was fully updated on the events taking place over the past few days, kept in the loop over quantum comms. Which meant the ship knew about Will going missing. Which meant that on top of everything else, the ship was pissed.

  “Daren?” Sophia whispered, her voice trembling as another laser strike took out someone who must have been quite close to their position.

  “Hold still for just a bit longer.” Daren suggested. “The ship is not in a good mood, and I don’t have the means to provide detailed recommendations. She’s just targeting all the humans in the area at the moment.”

  “S-she?” Sophia stuttered.

  “Oh yes. The ships are always female.” Daren explained, as if it should be obvious.

  “A-and… recommendations?” Sophia asked even more nervously.

  “Of course.”

  “But… but shouldn’t you give orders?”

  “Oh no.” Daren shook his head. “You can’t give her orders. She won’t like it.”