Risen In Light - CC - ADULT - {COMPLETE}

Finished Canon/Conventional Couple Fics. These stories pick up from events in the show. All complete stories from the main Canon/CC board will eventually be moved here.

Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Forum Moderators

Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Chapter 8

Living Room, Michael’s Apartment, 22:20

Michael and Maria were in bed that night, she had slipped out after her mother had come back from a date and soon found herself in Michael’s arms. As they made their way to the bedroom, the young couple undressed each other. It was at the worst possible moment, just as they had reached the bed and they were both in their underwear that the doorbell rang out.

“Ignore it.” Maria whispered as she pressed her body against Michael’s

Michael smiled and wrapped his arms around Maria. She started to run her fingers over the hard muscles on his upper arms.

** ring **

Michael ignored it; he ran his hands over the skin of her back. The feel of her body against his was getting to him as he trailed the back of her bra. Michael was almost desperate to find the catch and started to get a little frustrated when he couldn’t find it.

“It’s on the front Michael.” Maria whispered in his ear

“Typical, a guy get used to taking the damn thing off, he puts in the practice and can even do it one handed…now you go and put on one that has it at the front.” Michael said

“Really, one handed? I’m impressed.” Maria said

** ring, ring***

“Okay that’s annoying now.” Maria said

** ring, ring, rinnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggg **

“I think there might be a problem.” Michael said as he looked toward the door and then back to Maria, “I should see what it is, stay here and get dressed.”

Maria reluctantly nodded. She slumped herself down on Michael’s bed and watched as he pulled on some pants and a t-shirt before closing the bedroom door. She started to pull on her clothes.

Michael pulled open his front door and saw Max standing there with Liz.

“Max what the hell are you doing here?” Michael asked

“Alex and Isabel called, something big is up.” Liz said just as the others came around the corner.

“What took you so long answering the door?” Max asked, just as Maria opened the door and walked out buttoning up her blouse, “Oh, okay.”

Liz smiled as she saw her friend, “You two having a good time?”

“No.” Maria said, her irritancy came through loud and clear

“Oh my, my, my.” Isabel said as she saw Maria do up her last button, “Michael tempting the wrath of Amy Deluca. I never thought I would see that.”

“Ha, ha Isabel.” Michael said, “What’s going on?”

“Well I was having a very good night until these two saw something that freaked them out.” Isabel said

“Like what?” Kyle asked as he came in the open door holding a cup of coffee, he was dog tired but perked up when he saw Tess, “Hi.”

“Hello.” Tess said

Alex’s eyeballs shifted back and forth between the two until Isabel’s hand wrapped around his wrist. He looked back into her eyes and just looking into them calmed him.

“Could we cut the googily eyes?” Michael said, “My home has been invaded again when we had a nice relaxing night planned.”

“I bet.” Alex said as he looked at the dishevelled appearance of both

“You’re one to talk.” Tess said, earning a look from Max

“And that means?” Max asked

“That Alex and I had an incredible date.” Isabel said

“Okay so what’s going on?” Max asked

“Tonight I spotted a couple of stars out of position. One’s called Patheriacil and the other is Nal. They are apart of a particular form of star called Gravites. The gravity they emit is one thousand times more powerful than any star in the universe.” Alex said as they all sit down. “Okay, first of you need to know that the universe is not just a collection of stars, planets, ice and rock with a big empty void between them.”

“It’s not?” Liz asked

“No, the universe is…well…” Alex mumbled

“The universe is intelligent, there is a conscious mind behind it.” Tess said

“As in…God?” Maria asked

“Not so much; no.” Alex said, “Like everything else, like us, dogs, cats, this planet, the universe is a living breathing entity. The Big Bang, I suppose you could say that was the conception of that life and like us it was born, it grew and developed. My people, well the original Shao’li were the first creatures created. The more we learned, the more the universe learned and as we became sentient so did the universe.”

Michael yawned, “Interesting Alex but what does that has to do with two stars out of place?”

“Yeah, that bit is a little more complicated. You see, well a human being fills up only so much space, forget about different sizes or weights we’re all basically the same, and we’re confined by out bodies. The body of our universe has only so much space and it needs to get rid of some matter or reuse what it has. It uses the Gravites by positioning them, once in every 240 million years, in places where that gravity is focused on certain regions of space. It tears planets or asteroids or whatever apart and sucks them into a null space, a neutral level of existence that is completely empty. Think of it as a galactic garbage bag that’s about to be filled up and then thrown out.”

“So the universe desperately needs to take a dump and is heading for the bathroom?” Kyle said

“Delicately put sweetie.” Tess said

“And the problem?” Isabel asked

“The problem is that the level of space, that null zone, is where the World Ships are. Folding space intersects that zone during transport and that’s where the ships are stuck. When the Alignment happens it purges null space, effectively wiping out the ships. Usually the matter in there gets recycled, maybe reformed as other planets and life forms.” Tess said

“240 million years, so we have a little time.” Max said as he looked at Alex and Tess, “We don’t have time.”

“Not really.” Alex said, “The Granolith calculated the next Alignment to be in eighty years. Now since we have about forty years before the tidal forces in there kills the Antarians we didn’t worry about an Alignment being a factor. Unfortunately the Universe has decided to go a little early.”

“How soon?” Liz asked

“Well there are some differing factors…uh, maybe three weeks.”

“Three weeks?” Max asked, “What can we do?”

“We don’t do anything, I’ve got to get out to Atlantis.” Alex said

“Alex, we’re going with you.” Isabel said

“Oh I don’t think so.” Alex said

“Alex?” Isabel said

“It is far too dangerous and I’m not letting you walk into danger.” Alex said

“Oh like the other thousand times we’ve done it.” Isabel said

“Alex, what’s in there? What’s so dangerous?” Maria asked

“We don’t know exactly.” Tess said

“And that alone should scare you.” Alex said

“What are you talking about? How many time have you guys said that you know what everything that the Antarians knew?” Max said

“So long as the Shao’li that have that knowledge can mix with the rest of us. That mixing never happened because the only Shao’li that were on Atlantis were inside Antarians and no Antarian ever left it...let alone survived it.” Alex said

“None of them lived?” Liz asked

“It was a massive meteor strike. Most ships were destroyed trying to leave the area; the ones that weren’t destroyed were severely crippled. Anyone that lived through the strike would have either been killed when the underwater rock structure collapsed and caused earthquakes or when the land started to sink.” Tess said

“So how do you know that anything is left?” Isabel asked

“Each building was encased in skin tight shields. Besides even if the out structures were breached the internal ones are very strong.” Alex said

“Well…we’re still going.” Isabel said and everyone agreed

Alex looked at Tess.

“Try and stop her.” Tess said, “You’d fail every time if you tried to keep her from you.”

“I know.” Alex said as he turned back to Isabel, “Okay. But you all watch your backs and the second you spot something you speak out.”

“Deal.” They all said together

“So…how are we going to get out there?” Alex asked

“Actually I’ve been thinking about that.” Isabel said and then proceeded to explain her plan.

A few minutes later they all left for home. Maria, resenting what the interruption caused her to miss, slapped Alex on the back of his head as they left. Michael smiled as he rubbed the sore spot. As his home emptied, he locked the door and left to his bathroom. Maria caused a slight problem in him that she was no longer present to take care off and that he dad to relieve by himself.

Dinning Area, Crashdown, 09:00am

“And this is the Crashdown.” Isabel said as she opened the door and showed Jesse inside.

“Nice. I guess I showed have expected something like this given this town’s history.” Jesse said, “Oh yeah, I guess I never did thank you for giving me the tour.”

“You’re welcome but my dad asked me to.” Isabel said

“Any reason?” Jesse asked

“Yeah, he thinks I spend too much time with my boyfriend. Dad’s get a little nervous about things like that.” Isabel said

Jesse chuckled, “So tell me, this boyfriend…Alex, how’s he doing since his abduction. Things like that can’t be easy to get over?”

“They’re not but Alex is doing okay.” Isabel said, “It would be nice if the F.B.I would disappear…the press as well for that matter.” She said as she passed a couple of people who were sitting having coffee. Isabel knew their faces; she knew that they were reporters who were still trying to get an interview from any of the Whitman’s.

As Isabel walked by them, they looked at each other and got up from the booth. Isabel smiled as she watched them leave through the door.

“I guess they don’t like being spotted.” Jesse said

“Yeah, they’re like vultures. They buzz around until there’s something on the menu.” Isabel said, “We’ve actually got a plan on getting Alex and Tess to get from them for a while, that is if our parents would go for it.”

“Go for what?” Tess asked as she came up behind Isabel

“Our little trip.” Isabel said

“Oh yeah. I still think mom won’t go for it, not now that she’s…got…us back…” Tess started but for the first time she’d gotten a good look of Jesse. “Uh Isabel, could I have a word. In private.”

“Sure.” Isabel said as she got up.

The two girls walked back and through to the backroom.

“What’s up?” Isabel asked

“Stay away from that guy.” Tess said

“Excuse me? Tess he’s my dad’s new partner, I’m showing him around and he’s a nice guy.” Isabel said

“Isabel, as a friend I’m saying stay away from that guy. As Alex’s sister, I’m saying stay the hell away from that guy.” Tess said with concern

Isabel looked at Tess and became worried, “Why, what’s going on?”

Tess looked through the door and back at Jesse, “He’s…Alex.” She said not finding another way to put it.

“You wanna run that passed me again?” Isabel asked

“Alex told you about our vision thing, that we can see right down to something molecules if we focus had enough?”

“Yeah, and that’s a little disconcerting. I mean if there are people who can just look through a girls clothes…”

“Alex, and none of our people would ever use it like that.” Tess said

“I know Alex wouldn’t but there are some people out there…anyway yes, he did tell me.”

“Well, that guy…Jesse? Well Jesse’s molecules are configured almost identically to Alex’s and I gotta say if you and Alex hadn’t…bonded last night, you’d probably be doing Jesse right now.”

“Tess! I’ve only just met the guy and I would never cheat on Alex. You know that.” Isabel said, anger beginning to show its head.

“I do know that but I also know that molecular patterns are unique, no two are even remotely close but there’s Jesse right out there.” Tess said

“Could he be Shao’li?” Isabel asked

“No, he’s human through and through. God this isn’t fair, the universe has thrown the two of you enough curve balls lately and you’ve done homeruns on them all. Now this.”

“Tess, you make it sound like I’m not going to be able to resist him?” Isabel said

“You are a bonded woman, you I trust implicitly as a friend and with my brother. Him I don’t know, I don’t trust and he, technically, shouldn’t exist. On top of that, he is very attracted to you.”

“Tess, he’s got to be at least 6 or seven years older than me.” Isabel said

“Like age difference has ever stopped someone from following their heart…or their libido for that matter. Look Isabel, please just trust me.”

“I do trust you. Hell you’re practically my sister in-law.” Isabel said

Tess smiled, “Yeah I am aren’t I?”

“You know, Tess, I hope you don’t mind me saying this but you seem to be a little on edge the last couple of days.” Isabel said

“Hmm…let’s just say that I have an itch that needs scratching…really needs scratching.” She breathed out in desperation

“Yeah, Alex told me that those who belong together have a time that is supposed to be…for them I guess you can put it. That if it’s fought or rushed it could be bad. When is you’re time with Kyle?”

“I don’t know. I know it’s soon but to be honest I don’t know how soon. This is driving me nuts.”

“Just out of curiosity, what would happen if you did rush it?” Isabel asked

“There would be a disruption in our relationship, despite a bonding between the two of us we could grow to have problems, maybe even hate each other. Same with fighting it.” Tess said

“What about doing it at that time?” Isabel said

“As you know…” Tess said with a sly smile, “…it’s perfect. Also, if Alex didn’t use protection, you would be pregnant right now.”

“What?” Isabel asked

“You two did use protection last night, right?” Tess asked

“Uh, yeah.” Isabel said, “But nothing’s 100%, there’s a chance.”

“There’s always a chance but you cut it down.” Tess said

“Okay so last night I could have gotten pregnant. I’m not so lets move on.” Isabel said

“At least I can tell you there will be other perfect times, Alex has the experience of every guy in our family in his head. You should be a very happy woman.” Tess said

Isabel blushed brightly and couldn’t look into Tess’s eyes.

“You’re really not comfortable talking about this are you?” Tess asked

“With the sister of my boyfriend? Lets see why could I have a problem with that?” Isabel said

“Oh that is a point.” Tess said, “Okay, from now on you wont think of me as Alex’s sister. It’ll be like before we found that out…a friend.”

“I’d like that.” Isabel said as they approached the doors again

“Just remember, stay away from Jesse.” Tess said

“Yeah.” Isabel said as they passed through to the restaurant, she saw Jesse sitting at the counter waiting for her. She knew she couldn’t just disappear; her father would kill her so she moved over to him,

“Hey, everything okay?” Jesse asked

“There is something, small but it’s there. I have to go deal with it so I wont be able to finish the tour. You’ve seen almost everything worthwhile anyway. Sorry.” Isabel said

“No need to apologise, I’ll head back to the motel. I’ve got to get ready to see an apartment in town anyway.” Jesse said, “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, uh sure.” Isabel said while she was actually thinking ‘yeah, right’.

At the door Tess waited for her and together they headed out. At least now Isabel had time to meet up with Max and their parents so they could get permission for their trip.

Outside the Director’s Office, F.B.I. Regional Headquarters, Same Time

“Nervous?” Rooks asked Agent Franks as the young rookie paced back and forth

“I feel like I’ve been called to the principle’s office.” Franks said

“Oh he’s not that scary.” Newman said

“Yeah.” Rooks said

“Yeah?” Franks asked

“Yeah, he’s about 15…not 20, 20 times worse.” Newman said

“Oh thank you.” Franks said

“You three, get your butts in here!” the director yelled from his office.

The two senior agents stood up and straightened their suits before opening the door. All three stepped inside and stood before the desk. The director, Special Agent Winslow, was sitting behind his desk putting his signature on a stack of paperwork.

“You three want to tell me why I have a complaint against you?” Winslow asked

“Sir…” Rooks said

“Don’t pull that Sir crap. The Whitman’s sent this to me, they say you’ve been harassing their son and daughter, continually asking the same questions over and over again…basically the usual parent nonsense.”

“Sir, harassing is a bit strong. We’ve dried up most of our leads, we think that Alex and Tess…that’s the kids…we think that they haven’t told us everything.” Rooks said

“Really?” Winslow said, “From your last report they seem to have given you pretty detailed accounts of what happened. A little vague on the directions they took after they escape but that’s to be expected. The profile of this cult must have brought up something?”

“Yes Sir, the profile has tagged about fifteen cults in the continental U.S. and another 20 or so elsewhere. However, none of those match the specifics given to us by the Whitman’s.” Newman said

“I see. And this Whittaker connection?”

“Congresswoman Whittaker’s home town is completely abandoned, her family can’t be located and to be honest…the only option left to us was to watch Alex and Tess.” Rooks said

“By an unauthorised op. Franks, you’ve been quiet.” Winslow said

“Sir, it’s not my place…”

“That’s a load of crap, you’re a trained agent.” Winslow said as he sat back, “You are new to the job, I take it you’ve been taking the lead of these two?”

“Yes Sir.” Franks said

“But you still have the training behind you, what’s your opinion?” Winslow asked

“Sir, I’ve looked over the files, I’ve read the reports and I have to say…I think they are holding out us. It might just be that they don’t want to talk about it, maybe something traumatic, maybe something else.”

“But?”

“But I think they’ve been directing us. I think they’ve been giving us enough to look at things more closely than we have been. Sir…a few of the cults that got red flagged, they’re also under investigation by the ATF.”

“ATF? Why?” Winslow asked

“In the last ten or twenty years they’ve stocked up on weapons. They are heavily armed to the point where they could hold back any assault of quite some time. They certainly have substantial rations to hold out indefinitely.” Franks said

“And you two think your leads have dried up?” Winslow said

“Sir, we’ve looked at those cults. We have a contact with the ATF whose is continuing to send us information on them. As for Alex and Tess directing us, I agree with that assessment. They’ve given us enough to look but not much else.”

“Is it possible they have told you everything they know?” Winslow asked

“Possible sir but not likely.” Newman said

“Well then you’ll want to see this.” Winslow said as he slid a photo across the desk.

Newman picked it up and showed it to Rooks.

“Who is he?” Newman asked

“Hey I’ve seen him before…where…” Franks said trying to place the face.

“His name is Nicholas Whittaker. He is Congresswoman Whittaker’s younger brother. That photo was taken out near Boston. After he left our people went in and found some kind of base. It was built into the caves in the area, nothing was left and the upper floors were completely collapsed. Aside from that it was completely empty.” Winslow said, “And here’s the kicker…he flew out to Nevada and was met by several people. We lost contact with him after that, they drove out to the desert and just disappeared.”

“Nevada?” Rooks asked

“One of the cults is out there aren’t they?” Newman asked Franks

“Yeah. One of the quiet ones. No problems, no apparent brainwashing techniques to recruit members, and no guns…hell they even pay their taxes.” Franks said

“The region does match up with what the Whitman’s told us. Alex did specify heading east across the desert to get home.” Rooks said

“Nevada is west of New Mexico.” Franks said

“Sir, where did you get this photo? An observation operation?” Newman asked

“It was sent through the mail. It’s from a source I have in L.A…he helps me out now and then. Beyond that I don’t know much about him other than the fact that he never wastes my time. He said that this guy was important to this case.” Winslow asked

“We’ll catch the next flight out to Nevada.” Rooks said

“Gentlemen, the media is all over this case because this kid said that they’ve been abducting newborn triplets. That makes it high profile…don’t screw up.” Winslow said, “And leave the Whitman’s alone. If you need to speak to them again then go through me first.”

“Yes Sir.” Rooks said as the three agents left the room.

When the door was closed Winslow unlocked one of his drawers and pulled out a phone. He activated the only speed dial on it and held it to his ear.

“This is Eye.” Came Erik’s voice from the other end

“It’s Winslow. I’ve given them the photograph.”

“Good. It is essential that the cult is located. Nicholas must be terminated at all costs.” Erik said

“Eye, you know I trust you but why?” Winslow said

“He is in charge of the cult…and it’s arsenal.” Erik said

“Our intelligence said they have no weapons.” Winslow said

“They’ve kept their true agenda hidden for a long time Winslow, keeping weapons a secret isn’t hard. In any event, they are the enemy. Nicholas will not hesitate to terminate as many people as he can.” Erik said

“Very well. I will see what I can arrange.” Winslow said as the line went dead, Erik had hung up and then so did he.

Kitchen, Evans Residence, 10:00am

Max and Isabel walked into the kitchen so see their father frying some eggs while their mother was looking for some oregano for seasoning.

“Hello everybody.” Isabel said happily

“She wants something.” Philip said

“Uh huh.” Diane said

Max smiled until Isabel looked at him.

“What makes you think I want something?” Isabel asked

“Because we know you.” Philip said

“So what’s up?” Diane asked

“Well this is as much Max as it is me. You see, Alex and Tess have been having a bad time of late.” Isabel said

“Oh?” Diane asked

“Yeah, the F.B.I keep hounding them and the press don’t back down for anything. Then there is all the mail they’re getting.” Isabel said

“Mail?” Philip asked

“Yeah there are some families, of children who were abducted, out there who are…well they’re just flat out demanding that Alex stops lying at lead the authorities out to the cult.” Max asked

“I thought Alex told them everything?” Diane said

“He has, but it doesn’t stop them thinking otherwise. It’s just getting on top of them and we thought that they could use a vacation.” Isabel said

“And?” Philip asked

“Well we, which is Max, me, Michael, Maria, Liz and Kyle want to take them on a road trip.” Isabel said

Philip chuckled, “No.”

“But daddy…” Isabel said

“I am not going to let my daughter go off with her boyfriend on a road trip. And I’m sure Jeff feels the same.”

“Dad, I’m not going to be alone. We’re going to take Tess and Alex and make them relax on a beach. Sun, sand and surf. What can be wrong with that?” Isabel asked

“Skin cancer, skimpy bikini’s and over amorous teenage males.” Philip said

“Dad!” Isabel said

“Dad, relax. I wont left anything happen to Isabel or any of the others, we just want to help them forget about their problems for a couple of weeks.” Max said, “Mom?”

“What has Charles and Mary said about this…and Amy, Jim, Jeff and Nancy for that matter?” Diane asked

“Well we haven’t asked them yet. Isabel is going to see Alex and Tess and I wanted to meet up with Liz when we ask her parents. I want to assure them that everything will be okay.” Max said

“When would you be leaving?” Philip asked

“Assuming we can get a hold of a big enough vehicle…Friday.” Max said

“Two days?” Diane asked

“Yeah. And we’ll head for Mexico. It’ll be nice and quiet for them and for the rest of us.” Isabel said

Philip and Diane looked at each other. It was the sputtering of his eggs that drew Philips attention away. He took them off the heat and turned back to his kids.

“You really want to do this?” Philip asked

“Yes.” Isabel said

“We’ll think about it.” Philip said with his hand scratching behind his ear

Isabel smiled and hugged her father, “Thank you daddy.”

“Thanks dad.” Max said

“I said I’d think about it…not yes.” Philip said

“But you scratched behind your ear. That always means yes.” Diane said, “They know us as much as we know them.”

Philip groaned and slumped down in his chair, “This does mean rules.”

“Of course, you won’t regret.” Max said, “I better go see Liz.”

Max left and Isabel soon followed, she needed to head over to speak to Alex, Tess and their parents.

*****
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

*****

Living Room, Parker Residence, 10:30

As Max slipped in the back door to the Crash, he met up with Liz. They briefly hugged each other and took hold of each other’s hands as they headed upstairs.

“Ready?” Liz asked

“Ready…wait…he doesn’t have a gun does he?” Max asked

“Who…dad? No. Not a big one anyway.” Liz said, “Nothing that you couldn’t stop.”

They moved inside and saw Nancy and Jeff sitting on the sofa, reading their papers while watching the news.

“Well how are the lovebirds this morning?” Nancy asked as she saw them enter.

“Mom.” Liz complained as she blushed

“Max, how are you?” Jeff asked

“Fine sir, for the moment.” Max said

“Oh coming down with something?” Jeff asked

“Oh no Mr Parker, it’s uh…just nerves.” Max said

“And what would a fine upstanding clean cut young man like yourself have to be nervous about?” Jeff asked

“Usually the girlfriends father.” Max said

“Ah, yes.” Jeff said with a smile

“You know you two look a little guilty.” Nancy said

Jeff looked at the two, “You’re right, they do look guilty. Liz?”

“Dad, remember how I told you that Alex wasn’t doing to good with all the stress and attention he’s been getting?” Liz asked

“Yeah.” Jeff asked slowly

“Well Isabel came up with a plan to help him and Tess relax and we all want to help.” Liz said

“And this plan would be?” Nancy asked

“A road trip. Leaving in a couple of days, down to a nice sunny Mexican beach, just Alex, Tess and the rest of us.” Liz said

“They’ll relax if it kills us.” Max said as he looked at Liz and they both nodded

“Hmm…okay.” Jeff said

“Okay?” Liz asked

“Okay.” Jeff said

“You mean I can go? With Maria, Isabel, Alex, Kyle, Tess, Michael and Max…my boyfriend.”

“Yes.” Nancy said

“Okay, I’m missing something.” Max said

“You’re missing something? I’m downright confused; this is too easy. You have no problems with it?” Liz asked

“No. I trust Max to return you unharmed, as you are now and utterly protected.” Jeff said

“I’d protect her with my life sir.” Max said

“I know…and as much as it scares me, it comforts me.” Jeff said

“Dad…I honestly don’t know what to say.” Liz said

“Well, how about you two go write up a plan. I take it the Whitman’s and your parents are okay with this Max?”

“My parents yes. I don’t know about Alex and Tess’s parents.” Max said

“Well then I want to see a road map with your route, your plan and any emergency contingencies.” Jeff said

“Okay.” Max said

Together he and Liz headed for her bedroom.

“Where are you going?” Nancy asked, worried about their direction.

“Balcony. Sunny day, chairs, table…we’ll come up with a plan.” Liz said quickly

“Okay.” Nancy said

Once the teenagers were out of sight, Nancy moved over to her husband. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes. I’m actually surprised something like this hasn’t come up sooner. And it’ll give me the chance to find out how serious Max is about my Lizzie. Besides, it’s fun to see them all confused like that. It always gives us the edge back.” Jeff said

“And if something happens to Liz?”

“They’ll be safe. Besides, we can’t protect her forever…as much as we might like to. I’d prefer not letting Max be out there but this is for Alex and Tess, I’d like to think I can trust them being alone.”

“You trust them being alone together about as far as I can throw them.” Nancy said

Jeff wanted to contradict his wife, “Yeah…you’re right, I know.”

“But you need to learn to trust them.” Nancy said

“Yeah.” Jeff said, then he collapsed into his chair, “I’m not going to last two weeks…can we take it back?”

“No.” Nancy said with a smile

“Damn it to hell.” Jeff said

“And you’re not going to be phoning her every five minutes.”

“Every 10?”

“20.”

“15 minutes…I’m a father in pain and feeling stupid.”

“Deal.” Nancy said

Out on the Balcony…

They were listening in. Max and Liz had their ears against the wall and Max used his powers to amplify the sound.

“Yeah…your dads cracked.” Max said

“Hey, he’s my dad.” Liz said

“So do you think he can trust us?” Max said

“Not a chance.” Liz said before kissing him. When she broke the kiss she looked at him, “Does that make me a bad person?”

“Not from my perspective.” Max said

“We really should work on him trusting us with each other.” Liz said

“We should.” Max said, “So why don’t I want to?”

“Because as much as you respect my dad, you are in love with me.” Liz said

Living Room, Deluca Residence, Same Time

As Amy walked about the living room doing the housework, Maria followed her.

“Please?” Maria begged

“No.” Amy said

“Please?”

“No.”

“Please.”

“No.”

“Please, oh please, oh please and please once more…”

“No, no, no and no.”

“Pweasssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…”

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…”

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo about what?” Michael asked as he stuck his head in the window

“Is this your idea?” Amy asked

“Is what my idea?” Michael asked

“Mexico road trip.” Amy said

“Oh, that was Isabel but it’s for Alex and Tess.” Michael said

“Oh really? And the fact that you and Maria would be in a cramped tin can for a couple of weeks hasn’t entered you’re head?” Amy asked

Michael’s eyes shifted back and forth.

“Ha.” Amy said

“Amy, I’m in love with Maria but I swear nothing will happen.” Michael said

“You mean nothing that hasn’t already happened.” Amy said

“Well…” Michael said

“Exactly.” Amy said, “I’d prefer my daughter didn’t have the opportunity to sleep with you for a couple of weeks.”

“You know I’m right here.” Maria said

“And it’ll be completely separate beds…single beds. Girls will be completely away from us.” Michael said, “Mr Parker, Mr Whitman and Mr Evans would kill us otherwise.”

“And me.” Amy asked

“And you.” Michael said, “It’s you that I fear the most.”

“You have no idea how comforting that is to here. So if one requirement of me saying yes was lockable doors?”

“Then we’d get lockable doors.” Maria said {not that they’d stay locked} she thought to herself.

“I’ll think about it.” Amy said

“Please.” Maria and Michael said together

“Oh god, now it’s in stereo.”

“Please.” They said again

“Maybe.”

“Please.”

“Maybe.”

“Please.”

“Maybe.”

“Please.”

Amy rolled her eyeballs and looked up to the heavens.

“Please. Please. Please.”

“Oh okay.” Amy said, “You know you two deserve each other.”

“Thank you.” Michael said as he gave Maria a quick peck on the cheek. “Come on, I’ll help.” He said as he started waving his hand over the surfaces and removed the dust.

“Good with his hands.” Amy said

“You have no idea.” Maria said huskily

“Excuse me?” Amy asked

“So not the way it sounded.” But it was.

Living Room, Whitman Residence, 12:00

“How are my favourite twins?” Isabel asked as she came into the living room. Charles had told her she was welcome to come in any time and after a little hesitance she did just that.

“Bored.” Tess said

“Very bored. The press did there usually round of phone calls today…yet again. How are you?” Alex asked

“Not bad. Mr Whitman, how are you?” Isabel asked

“Feeling better after I yelled at the F.B.I. That was fun. Unfortunately the press keep throwing the publics right to know back in my face.” Charles said

“Well, what if I could take some of that away for a while. Let these two relax for a couple of weeks without those vultures around?” Isabel asked

“Oh yeah. How do you plan on doing that?” Mary asked as she came in

“Well, I could drag these two away on a road trip to Mexico. We’re all going to keep each other company and keep an eye on each other. And, well, Alex and Tess are in desperate need of a holiday before they explode.” Isabel said

“I agree but Mexico?” Charles asked

“Mexico. Long sandy beaches, cool calming waves, great sight seeing…” Alex said longingly, pretending to be lost in a daydream.

“Hot guys in tight swimsuits…” Tess said, and then shook her head, “If I wasn’t dating Kyle that is.”

“And my incentive to let you go is?” Charles asked, staring at his daughter

“Oh dad please, Alex and Kyle will keep me on the straight and narrow.” Tess said

“You better believe it.” Alex said

“Maybe I should just lock you up in your room?” Charles said

“Ach, now where’s the fun in that?” Tess said

“It’s not actually that that’s the problem.” Mary said

“You’re afraid that they will come after us.” Tess said solemnly

“They’re still out there.” Charles said, “They robbed us of Tess’s childhood, turned Alan insane for all intent and purpose, and made us think that Alex died.”

“Mr Whitman, I know what you must be feeling…I don’t think I could stand it if they got Alex again but we’re all going, if they tried it they would regret it.” Isabel said

“Isabel, I know you have the best intentions but…” Mary said to the young woman she knew would be her daughter-law.

“Mom, we’re in just as much danger if we stay here. They don’t care about anything other than their supposed mission, if Tess and I were locked up behind a solid mass of steel they would still find away through to us. Being here…they probably have us being watched until they decide to move and that could be today or five years from now. They are very patient.” Alex said

“I see.” Mary said

“Besides, we really could do with some time off.” Tess said

“And all those guys you’re interested in?” Charles asked

“There is only one guy I’m interested in and that’s Kyle. And having Alex along will be like having my very own personal chaperone; you know how protective he is. I promise, I’ll just sit on a beach sun bathing or swimming.” Tess said, “Besides I’ve been cooped up by Nas…that cult my entire life, I like the freedom I have now…and I like having family around. Nothing’s going to happen to us.”

“I suppose having you all looking out for each other is a good thing. I’ve seen how much Kyle…grr…cares for you and he is protective of you. I assume Alex will help make sure the two of you stay at least five feet apart.”

“Hell if I could swing ten I’d do that but it’s going to be cramped as it is.” Alex said

“And you can be assured that Max and I will do our very best to put a similar restriction on you and a certain blonde who’s less that five centimetres from you just now.” Tess said with a smile

Alex looked at his sister and shifted his jaw, “We’ll work something out.”

Tess nodded, “Yeah I’m sure a deal can be found. We’ve still got a couple of days.”

“So can we? Even an hour away from this…stuff would be a relief.” Alex said

“And there is always the plus of having the house to yourselves for a couple of weeks.” Tess said

“Please?” All three said together

“I take it you have your parents permission?” Mary asked Isabel

“Dad is reluctant, same reason as another dad not five feet away.” Isabel said with a smile, “But yes, they have agreed.”

“Okay.” Charles said, “But there are going to be a few conditions.”

“Absolutely.” Mary said

Tess’s Bedroom, Whitman Residence, 14:00

A while later Tess was in her room, sorting through some things she was going to take with her. Alex knocked on her door and soon entered.

“Hey brother. Glad that Granolith worked, I was concerned for a minute.” Tess said

“Yeah, making our parents agree to what we wanted is something I would have preferred not to do. I almost had to use double the dose on Mr Parker to get him to agree.” Alex said

“And according to Liz he agreed in about five minutes flat.” Tess said

“Okay well maybe I used too much manipulation.” Alex said with a smile

“Well it worked and now we’re going to have a blast.” Tess said

“Business first. We get to Atlantis before fun.” Alex said

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Tess said, “So for the beach, what swimsuit? I have daring red.” She presented Alex with a red bikini, “enticing black,” then showed Alex a black bikini with thongs bottoms, “slut black,” she showed Alex a bikini that was nothing more than three triangles with thin straps, “and then virginal white.” She showed Alex a one-piece swimsuit.

“You’re really talking to me about this?” Alex asked

“Yeah, come on which one? Turning on Kyle is a plus on this.” Tess said

“In that case…virginal white.” Alex said

“The white one? Really, you are sure?” Tess asked

“Yeah. It covers a hell of a lot more skin than the others.” Alex said

“Good, this is my first choice anyway.” Tess said with a wide smile

“Come again?” Alex said

“It goes see-through when it gets wet.” Tess said, “It’s like being completely naked.”

“I walked into that one didn’t I?” Alex said

“Totally.” Tess said

“Don’t you ever get enough of thinking about sex, I mean I thought that was supposed to be my job?”

“Hey, you’ve had sex. You’ve taken some of that edge off but I’m still horny. And I gotta say, getting hornier by the second.” Tess said

“Tess.” Alex warned

“Alex, please. I’m going insane…I can’t tell for myself but I know you know. Please just give me a clue, just a hint of when my time with Kyle is.” Tess begged

“No.” Alex said

“Alex, stop being protective. I mean I love it and I love you for it but this is going to happen.”

“I know that, and I know you’re in love with him. Still doesn’t help.” Alex said and then took a deep breath, “Okay…be at his place…by…by twenty to three.”

“Really? That soon?” Tess said as she looked at her watch, “Oh god…oh wow…I better get going.”

“Tess.” Alex said, “Be…be careful.”

Tess moved closer and hugged him, “Hey, I’ll be great…I hope.”

“He hurts you and I’ll break him apart molecule by molecule.” Alex said which earned him a peck on the cheek from his sister

“Awe that’s so sweet. Oh god that reminds me, Alex there’s a new guy in town. He works for Mr Evans and has a thing for Isabel.”

“What?” Alex asked seriously

“Listen, if you and Isabel weren’t bonded you’d have something to worry about but you are and it’s safe. It’s just this guy, Jesse…well the set up of the molecules in his body is identical, well nearly identical to yours.”

“Tess that’s impossible.” Alex said

“More impossible than the universe having an Alignment eighty years early?” Tess asked

“Point taken but it is impossible for him to be identical to me. I mean for it to even be remotely possible he would have to be Shao’li and he’s not cause I don’t know about him.” Alex said

“Hey if I could explain it then I would be a god, listen just be careful around him until we know why he’s here.” Tess said

“Count on it.” Alex said, “I guess leaving for a couple of weeks is a good thing now more than ever.”

“Yeah, but what about when we get back?” Tess asked

“We’ll worry about that later. Listen, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, if you’re going to…go…you better go now.” Alex said

“Oh right.” Tess said she hugged her brother tightly before running out the door.

Kyle’s Bedroom, Valenti Residence, 14:40

It was in the middle of the afternoon. After her talk with Alex she felt the pull to Kyle and she couldn’t resist. Her body was on autopilot was she walked through the streets between her home and the Valenti’s. She passed people she knew but they never said anything to her, they could see there was something infinitely more important on her mind.

Eventually she arrived at Kyle’s house and moved round to the back. She eventually found his window and looked inside. Kyle was lying on his bed, his pants were around his ankles as he gripped his cock and moved his hand up and down furiously. Tess looked over to his television and saw that he was watching a porno but another quick look back at showed that his eyes were closed.

“Tesssss…” she heard Kyle gasp and she smiled.

Quickly she opened his window and slipped inside. Kyle didn’t hear her enter; he was too wrapped up in his fantasy. As she moved closer to his bed Tess pulled off her top and dropped it behind her. It was only when her shadow dimmed the light through Kyle’s eyelids that he realised someone was in his room.

“Tess!” he said urgently and very surprised but without saying anything she climbed onto the bed and kissed Kyle.

Her whole body pressed against his as their tongues felt each other. Kyle wrapped his arms around her back and felt her skin that wasn’t covered by her bra. Tess could feel his erection as her leg pressed against him and in seconds he was even harder, being here with the genuine article was a lot better than the fantasy. Tess’s hand slipped across his chest and down to the button on her own jeans. She unfastened them as Kyle’s hand joined hers and then pulled down her zipper.

“Make love to me Kyle.” Tess said

“But what about rushing?” Kyle said, he didn’t want to stop but he knew it would be bad if they rushed their union.

“It’s time for us Kyle, I know you can feel it as well.” Tess said, her voice husky and filled with anticipation of what was to come.

Kyle nodded. He could feel it, it’s what drove him over the edge to using a pornographic tape rather than seek her out in case he was wrong and it was his lust controlling him. His hands slide around her skin, moving over her waist and pushed her jeans down a little. Kyle exposed her underwear; she was wearing white cotton panties. It wasn’t what she was planning to wear for her first time, she had bought some silk lingerie for the occasion, but she didn’t have much time to change before coming here.

“Kyle…” Tess gasped as she felt his hands on her ass, his lips pressed against her throat.

Kyle rolled Tess onto her back and moved up so that he was on his knees. He pulled off his t-shirt and kicked off his pants and boxers leaving him completely naked. He looked down at Tess and watched as her breasts rose up and lowered under the confinement of her bra. His eyes lingered over her tight stomach, his finger reached out and circled her bellybutton and caused her to gasp. The audible sound drew Kyle’s attention and their eye’s locked.

Without any thought his hands held onto the waistband of her jeans and slowly drew them down and off her legs. As he tossed them back and over his shoulder, they denim fell against his door but never touched the ground, they just hung their on his doorknob. Kyle looked down at Tess’s body; he’d never wanted anything more badly than this, right now, right here. He placed his hands on the tops of her thighs and slid them up her body as he leaned over her.

Kyle planted his hands on either side of her arms; he looked down at her and leaned down to kissed her. He could feel the cresting peaks of her breasts against his chest as they kissed. Their blood had a fire burning within it, increasing in temperature the more they kissed but then Tess pushed Kyle off her gently. Slowly she leaned up and reached back. She unclasped her bra and pulled it off, letting the straps slide down her arms.

Kyle couldn’t resist. He reached out and cupped her breasts; his thump ran back and forth over her nipples as she leaned back down against the pillows. Kyle went down with her; he slowly kissed her skin, moving down to her breasts and suckled on her nipples like a baby. He flicked her with his tongue, gently nibbled on her with his teeth and increased the pleasurable pressure on her tits by sucking harder and harder. She was moaning just like his fantasies.

“Tess?” Kyle asked with an unspoken question as he moved to her side, resting on the bed as his hands moved to his panties.

“Please…” Tess begged

Kyle pulled them off leaving them both completely naked. Both had had enough foreplay and wanted to be with each other now. They didn’t want to wait any longer and Tess eager spread her legs for her lover. He reached over to his bedside cabinet and opened the top drawer. Kyle pulled out a box of condoms that had Tess raising an eyebrow.

“How many times were you planning on getting lucky?” Tess asked

“Uh, actually dad bought them.” Kyle said, very embarrassed

“Your dad bought you condoms?” Tess asked

“He saw how close you and I were getting, he said he was far too young to be a grandfather.” Kyle said

“Well then, I guess we should use them.” Tess said as she took one of the many foil containers. She opened one and squeezed it out before placing it at the head of Kyle’s cock. Tess rolled it down the length of him and his eyes rolled back into his head with each millimetre she covered. “Did you like that?” she asked innocently

“Oh yes.” Kyle said as he moved between her thighs.

Kyle was about to reach down to position himself but Tess stopped him. Her own fingers wrapped around him and pulled him closer. The second he felt her soft folds against his cock Kyle pushed his hips forward. He slipped easily inside of his mate and with the one thrust was completely engulfed within her. He was a little surprised but didn’t want to question it, Tess on the other hand felt like she had to explain the lack of resistance to Kyle’s penetration.

“I took care of that a while ago.” Tess said, “I didn’t want you to be worried about causing me any pain.”

Kyle caressed her cheek; she was flushed with passion as she felt him inside her body. Slowly he eased back and then pushed forward, they only time they didn’t look at each other was when they had to close their eyes from the overwhelming sensations. Tess pressed her thighs against Kyle’s body; the feel of him sliding against her body, between her legs was exhilarating.

“Ky…Kyle….” Tess gasped as he continued to move slowly.

He kissed her, hard and fast. It was enough to leave her completely breathless as he started to move faster. Then Tess pressed Kyle onto his back and swung herself around to straddle his hips. She wasn’t sure if she should do it or not, but she remember how good it had felt when she had been sitting on him in the pool with his cock rubbing against her pussy. Grinding against him through their swimsuits had sent bolts of pleasure surging through her then, so she wondered how much better would it feel with nothing between them. Tess lowered herself until Kyle’s cock was nestled between her lips. Bracing her hands on his abdomen, Tess rocked her hips forward.

“Oh!” she moaned. The contact felt incredible. Even Kyle’s eyes went wide at her first movement. She continued to slide back and forth on his rod; each movement had white-hot fire raging through every vein in her body. As her moans started to drop in tone, her hips ground harder against Kyle’s pelvis, his cock was completely inside her and her upper body began to move. Tess’s back arched and fell, her head tossing back and forth. Eventually she couldn’t take it anymore, she left her left hand where it was to brace her body while she reached up with her right and began playing with her breasts.

Kyle’s breath caught in his throat as he watched her get off on riding his cock, watched her as she completely embraced her passionate side. The expression on her face was mind blowing and her moans sounded were like music to his ears. He reached up to help brace her so that she could be free to work her body however she waned. Her body snapped across his hips like the flick of a whip, coiling and uncoiling in a continuous wave of movement. He found himself moving with her, thrusting up and making sure his cock was always in contact with her pussy, especially with her clit. Tess’s moans descended into growls and from there they went into whimpers of frustration. She was succeeding in getting herself off but not enough to reach her orgasm. Tess suddenly sat up and her left hand wandered down to rub her clit. She was panting, gasping for air around her groans; she was on the verge.

Kyle could feel the tightness in her body when suddenly he decided to regain control. He flipped them back over and started thrusting as wildly as Tess had been. He thrust in over and over and each time his dick bottomed out but Tess wasn’t idle. She continued to roll her hips, grinding against Kyle with each thrust. Her hands were on her breasts, mauling them, playing with her nipples and driving her insane. Kyle couldn’t resist and his hands joined hers.

As Kyle pumped her harder, his hands moved from Tess’s breasts to her clit. Her bucking became wilder, her hip thrusts more frantic. He felt a tightening in his own body, felt his cock ready to shoot his seed. Tess thrust herself hard against him as yet another fiery spasm raced through her body. When her orgasm hit, Tess’s head whipped back and she started fucking Kyle even harder. Seconds later, it was Kyle’s turn to bite back a shout as his body was consumed in a fiery eruption of pleasure. His body jerked in short quick spasms as he filled the condom.

Both were out of breath, panting heavily to fill their lungs. The two collapsed against each other and rolled onto their sides. Their arms wrapped around each other, neither saying anything as their hands gently stoked each other. Kyle’s limp organ slipped out of Tess and both groaned at the loss of contact.

“My god.” Kyle said with heated breath

“Hmmmm…totally agree with that sentiment.” Tess said

“Why on Earth did we have to wait so long?” Kyle asked

“To all things…”

“Yeah, yeah, to all things there is a time.” Kyle said, “But why now, why not sooner.”

“Some things even my people don’t know.” Tess said

Kyle rolled onto his back and Tess rested against him.

Half an Hour Later…

As they lay in bed together, Kyle gently stroked her hair.

“So did you ask your dad?” Tess asked

“Yes.” Kyle said, “He said it’s okay with him so long as I’m careful and that I looked out for you.”

“For me?” Tess said

“Well, look out for everyone but I’m focused on you.” Kyle said

Tess smiled and leaned into her lover.

“What about you?” Kyle asked

“Mom and dad said okay. Of course he’s a little worried about his sweet innocent little girl being along with her boyfriend in tight quarters.” Tess said

“Well I’ll certainly do my best to protect his not so innocent anymore little girl.” Kyle said

Tess reached up and kissed Kyle. “Definitely not innocent.” She said

“Come on, we better get dressed before dad gets home.” Kyle said

“Pity.” Tess said. They slipped out of bed, Kyle offered her the bathroom first but declined. As he left Tess closed her eyes and focused, her body became encased by a thousand tiny sparkles that cleaned her body.

A few minutes later, Kyle returned and they watched each other dress. They went out into the living room and sat down to watch television for a while before Jim came home.

Outside the Crashdown, Noon, 2 Days Later

After a couple of days of shopping for the trip, Philip and Jeff rented a large Winnebago for the group. They made sure that they picked one with enough space for all eight of them and they made damn well sure that their daughters would be away from their boyfriends as much as possible. Inside there was a kitchen, bathroom and enough single beds of each one of them.

On the day of departure, the Winnebago was parked outside the restaurant. Bag by bag they dumped them inside on one of the beds before their parents called them to the sidewalk. They all lined up in a straight line on the concrete, going boy girl and starting with Max and Liz. Before them stood their parents, each one looking concerned and none more so then the Whitman’s. They were concerned that the cult might take the opportunity to take their children again.

“Okay…” Philip said, “Cell phones out.”

Each one of their kids pulled out their cell and showed their parents.

“24 hour emergency call out numbers.” Jeff said

Max pulled out a notebook with phone numbers written in it and then Liz did the same with the backup book.

“Gas money?” Charles said

“$100 here.” Max said

“With $100 emergency.” Michael said

“Travellers cheques.” Nancy asked

“American Express. Put in the safe inside.” Maria said

“Credit cards…emergency only.” Jim said

“In wallets, in pockets.” Alex said

“Spare keys?” Jim asked

“One on each of our key rings. With another secured in a hole above the door.” Kyle said

“This thing has a car alarm and a main unit inside. The alarm code?” Amy asked

“2-6-3-2-7-3-0-9-7-2-1.” They all said together.

“G.P.S?” Diane asked

“Personal or navigation?” Michael asked

“I know the navigation is on the dashboard Michael, personal.”

“In our jackets.” Tess said

“Okay, what else? Passports?” Philip asked

“In a bag in the glove compartment with other documents and things. Change for toll booths in a box right next to it.” Max said

“Spare on the back is good and there’s a toolbox in the trunk.” Liz said

“There wasn’t a toolbox.” Jeff said

“I bought one just in case.” Liz said

Jeff smiled at his daughter.

“Okay then. I guess you’re all set.” Philip said

“Yep.” Max said, “All ready.”

The parents grabbed their children and hugged them. Michael was the only one left out but was surprised when Amy grabbed him into a group hug with Amy.

“You take care of my daughter.” Amy told him

“With my life.” Michael answered

“Okay then.” Liz said, “Shall we?” she asked Max

Max and Liz held hands and walked inside the vehicle. Soon everyone was inside and the door was closed and locked but within seconds the windows opened. For the first shift Max was behind the wheel with a map to his side.

“BYE!” the teenagers called out over and over again, Maria pressed her lips against the glass and left a big kiss mark as the engine started and the Winnebago started to drive off.

“Do you think we did the right thing?” Diane asked

“Letting them leave? They all have gone through a lot this year, they could do with blowing of steam before the end of summer.” Nancy said

“They’ll be alright. Max and Liz are the most responsible kids I’ve ever met, they’ll keep them straight.” Jim said

“That’s high praise.” Jeff said, “How about you two? How are you doing?”

“If that cult tries anything and I mean anything to get to them, there isn’t anywhere on this earth they can hide.” Charles said and his wife nodded

“You can count on us helping.” Philip said

“They just better behave themselves.” Jeff said while looking at Philip who then looked at Charles who then looked at Jim. The three of them were all worried about the fact that their daughters were out on a road trip with their boyfriends.

“Amen.” Everyone said together.

1200 Miles South East, 21 Miles Down, Same Time

In the cave that held the oily black gestation sacks of the mutated Bramus worms, the heat from the molten rock beneath the sack fed energy to them. All of a sudden the started moving, their contents were writhing around inside. A few of the sacks were strained to breaking point and some even billowed out some steam from small openings caused from the strain. Then, just as quickly as it started, it stopped. The sacks were still, the worms inside stopped moving as the alien creature they originally came from lay decomposing by their side.

To Be Continued…
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Chapter 9

Five Miles Outside Roswell, New Mexico…

The vehicle was now on its way. Max was behind the wheel and was heading south to the boarder. Alex then came into the front of the Winnebago and sat in the seat next to Max.

“Okay, we’re clear of the town. You can pull over now.” Alex said

“What?” Max asked

“Hmm? Oh I forgot to tell you. Sorry. In that case you definitely need to pull over.” Alex said

Max just nodded and pulled off the road.

“Okay what’s going on?” Max asked

“We’re not heading into Mexico just yet. We’ve got other things to do first.” Alex said

“Like what? I thought we needed to get to Atlantis as quickly as possible.” Max said

“We need to pick up the control crystals from L.A. and there is also some people you need to visit.” Alex said

He looked at the map on the dashboard. It had a big black line on it that marked their route. Alex waved his hand over it and the line started to sparkle. It moved all over the map until it marked a route through Arizona to a location in the south of Nevada that had a circle around it. From there it moved through to California and Los Angeles.

“Uh okay. That’s a nice trick.” Max said, “So what’s in Nevada?”

“That’s what you’re going to do.” Alex said

“That council of yours.” Max said

“Yeah.” Alex said, “When I told them we were heading to Atlantis they made arrangements to meets us at a Safe House we set up. It was supposed to be used in the event that…”

“To be used if you got exposed.” Max said, “Skins or humans?”

“Both.” Alex said

“Okay…” Max said as he trailed his finger over the new line, studying the roads he had to follow, “…Nevada here we come.”

“Good, remember…two hours behind the wheel then one of us takes over.” Alex said

“Two hours.” Max said

Alex then got out of the seat and then headed out into the back. Max started the engine back up and pulled out onto the long, empty road. At the first opportunity Max turned west.

Back Area of the Winnebago, Immediately Following

“Okay, we’re all set.” Alex said as he came back into the room.

Everyone was sorting through their bags and placed them in a cabinet or on their beds. Isabel had found Max’s bags and placed them on his bed. Much to her and Alex’s disappointment, Max had chosen a bed next to Alex’s. That way he could keep an eye on him and make sure that there were no sneaking out of bed.

The second Isabel learned what max had planned she chose to have a bed near Liz. Max just grumbled a protest when Isabel told him but then turn about is fair play. Isabel smiled at him and whispered in his ear that she was open to some renegotiation. Max never said anything.

Once they were all done with their unpacking, they sat around the table and just relaxed. They had enough books and magazines to keep them going and there was a television above the door into the driver’s cab.

**ring, ring** Maria’s cell phone rang out

She rummaged through her bag to find her phone; once she did she pressed the button and answered it.

“Hello.” Maria said

“Maria, it’s your mother.” Amy said

“Oh hi mom, what’s up?” Maria said

“Nothing much, just calling to check up on you.” Amy said

“Mom?”

“I’m worried about you.” Amy said

“Mom, I only just left like five minutes ago.” Maria said

“I know, but I’m your mother and I have the right to be worried.” Amy said

Maria smiled, “I know.”

“Well, I’ll let you go and have fun. Be good.” Amy said

“Oh I’m being good mom.” Maria said and then smirked, “It’s Michael who’s being bad.”

Michael heard it and looked up to Maria.

“Oh?” Amy asked

“Uh huh, I had to strip him and handcuff him to the bed.” Maria said

Michael jumped up, “Give me that phone.”

“Maria?” Amy said down the phone

“Oh yeah mom, he really likes wearing his little studded leather collar. Especially his leash.”

Michael dived over toward Maria to grab the phone from Maria’s hand. “Give me that phone!” Michael yelled as Maria started to run around with Michael in hot pursuit.

“But that’s what he gets for spanking me.” Maria said

“MARIA!” Michael yelled and caught the phone. He held it up to his ear, “Amy, I swear…”

“Michael what the hell are you and my daughter doing out there?” Amy yelled down the line

“…She’s kidding.” Michael finished

“Michael Guerin!” Amy said

“Amy, I so did not spank her and she has not handcuffed me to a bed and I certainly don’t wear a collar and leash.” Michael said quickly, as he looked over at Maria she had a smile on her face.

Just then the line went dead.

“Oh she’s gonna kill me, she is so going to kill me.” Michael said, “What the hell were you thinking?” he asked Maria

“Just having fun.” Maria said

“Okay, now you are getting spanked.” Michael said as he moved after Maria

Deluca Residence, Roswell, Same Time

As Amy hung up the phone she smiled. Hearing Michael so panicked and flustered was very satisfying. She knew the second that Michael grabbed the phone that Maria had been just playing.

Back in the Winnebago…

The others just shook their heads as they watched Maria run from Michael. There wasn’t a lot of space so he quickly caught her. In seconds he had her pinned on his bed, their breathing was hot and ragged as they looked at each other.

“Well…” Maria said

“Well what?” Michael asked

“You said you were going to spank me.” Maria said

Then Liz cleared her throat. It provided enough of a reminder to Michael and Maria for them to break out of their trance. Quickly they got off the bed and moved back to the table.

“Okay, who has got the cards?” Michael asked

“Right here.” Kyle said, “Poker?”

“As long as it’s not strip poker.” Isabel said

“Aw, you guys are no fun.” Kyle said

“So, Alex. What’s up with this guy Jesse?” Liz asked

“Could we please not talk about Mr. Man Who Shouldn’t Exist.” Tess said

“Tess.” Alex said

“Sorry but he shouldn’t and all this weirdness is even starting to freak me out.” Tess said

“Why don’t you like him anyway?” Liz asked

“Cause he has a thing for my brother’s girlfriend.” Tess said

“Oh.” Liz said

“There is also the fact that he really shouldn’t exist in the first place.” Michael said, “If what you said about those patterns being unique is correct.”

“Oh it’s correct alright.” Tess said

“Trillions of species and no two people of anyone of them have molecules in the same configuration. And now, all of a sudden here is me, Hierarch of the Shao’li and Jesse Ramirez new lawyer in town.” Alex said

“Coincidence?” Liz asked

“First thing a Shao’li learns is that there are no coincidences, no accidents.” Tess said

“If he exists…which is plainly obvious that he does, he exists for a reason.” Alex said

“Well, whatever it is we’ll find out what that reason is and deal with it.” Michael said as he started to deal the cards

A.T.F Field Operations Base Camp, Somewhere in Nevada, 12:30

The A.T.F had set up a temporary command post. It was nothing more that a dozen or so tents, a generator and a bunch cars and vans. In the middle of the whole camp was a transmitter that was hooked up into a bunch of gear in a tent.

“Sir, there’s a car approaching.” Said one of the agents to the Scene Commander

“Where?” Agent Orson said

“Out of the Northeast.”

Orson turned and picked up his binoculars. As he looked through them he spotted the incoming car. “Oh crap.”

“Sir?”

“It’s the F.B.I. I was told they might show up, they’re the agents working on the Whitman case.” Orson said

A Few Minutes Later…

The car pulled up and Rooks, Newman and Franks got out of the car. They flashed their ID’s to the agents around them.

“Agent Rooks, Agent Newman. I’m Agent Orson.” He said as he shook their hands.

“Good to meet you. This is Agent Franks…he’s just joined us on the case.” Rooks said

“This way gentlemen.” Orson said as he showed them into the main tent.

Inside there were agents manning equipment, turning dials, brewing coffee and eating donuts. Everything needed for a good stakeout.

“So, I got a call from my boss who got a call from your boss. I’ve been told to co-operate fully so I’m co-operating.” Orson said

“Not liking us much are you.” Newman said

“Nothing personal but I’ve had problems before with F.B.I stepping on my toes when I try to get things done.” Orson said

“We’re not here to cause you any problems but we are trying to solve a case. We got a lead that this cult you’re looking at maybe the ones we’re looking for. So, why don’t you tell us what you’ve got?” Rooks said

“Okay. This cult calls themselves the Star Children. Until we got told to check them out we thought they were more or less harmless nutcases.”

“But?” Newman asked

“But, lately there has been a lot of activity. In the past week there have been five times the amount of deliveries into the group. Mainly food and medical supplies, and we have checked first hand before you ask. As far as we can tell there are no weapons what so ever in there and if there are we can’t see how they got them in. To date we’ve tried five times to get someone inside, they’ve all failed.”

“I have a question.” Franks said

“Yes?”

“Well according to this map, this base is 20 miles from the Cult. Also you’re marked observation points aren’t much closer.”

“Yeah…we’ve been closer to the target but they’ve always made us…somehow. We’ve had to pull back this far and so far they haven’t found us.”

“How can you be sure?” Newman asked

“Every time they found us they sent one guy out, dressing in white robes and straight into the middle of camp. He asked us quite nicely to leave.” Orson said

“Oh…that’s…odd.” Rooks said, he’d never heard of a surveillance subject willingly walk into a base.

“You’re telling me.” Orson said, “Anyway, a few days ago this kid showed up. We have absolutely nothing on him but they treated him like a king.” He said as he pointed to a photo on the notice board.

“Nicholas Whittaker.” Rooks said

“Who?” Orson asked

“We got it from a source. He’s Congresswoman Whittaker’s younger brother and she was supposed to be heavily involved with the target cult. Him being here is a good sign that this is the place.”

“That and the local topography. Those rock formations look similar to the ones Alex and Tess Whitman described.” Newman said

“We’ll need a warrant to go in there.” Franks said, “I don’t think we have enough for one.”

“No, but given this is high profile a judge might give us a break.” Rooks said, “Anything else?” he asked Orson

“Yes. Listening to what’s happening in there is difficult. We can’t get a clean signal, possibly because of the rocks but we have managed to pick up on a few things. Apparently they considered your young friend Alex to be dead. They were very surprised to see him alive and kicking. This is supposition but I think they want to bring him in for some kind of examination. There is also some chatter about a worm. They can’t find it and are afraid of what that kid would do to them.”

“We should call the Whitman’s, let them know to be on their guard and we should get some agents out there.” Newman said

“Yeah.” Rooks said, “But not yet, we’ll need more information if we’re going to get the boss convinced.”

“And worm? You’re sure they said worm?” Newman asked

“Yeah.” Orson said

“Well…assuming we do get a warrant, how do we get inside?” Rooks asked

“I think Alex might have told us.” Newman said, “He said the hut he was kept in was against the rocks, he loosened a wood panel and got out by following a crevice in the rocks. A small stream was supposed to flow through it.”

“A stream? In the middle of the desert?” Franks said

“I know. Is there any water sources nearby?” Newman asked Orson

“No…except…there is an underground lake nearby, the cult tap into it for their water. That stream could come from a pipe they installed to bring the water to the surface, from what we have seen they like their water features in there. There’s more green in there than in the whole of the desert.” Orson said

“That stream Alex described could be from a crack in the pipe. If we find that opening then that’s out way in.” Rooks said

“That’s a lot of territory to cover. The formation base is very big and if we send more than one or two guys out then they’ll be seen for sure.” Orson said

“Then we do it slowly, two guys out and we keep them together in case they are hostile in there. Send them in a night and let them have a look around before we pull them out.”

“Good,” Orson said, “I have a couple of guys who’re perfect for the job. They’ve been trained in being sneaky bastards.”

“And?” Franks asked

“And they’re very expendable.” Orson said

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Newman asked

“They’re assholes. Nobody likes them, they’re impossible to get on with and they enjoy breaking things. However, when needed they can be as quiet as a mouse.” Orson said

The Cult, Concealed Location, Nevada, Same Time

Inside the collection of extremely large rocks was a small Zen-like village. Wooden huts were everywhere and the complex was divided into threes. Each one of the triplets that they had quietly taken over the years had been assigned to each. None of them ever met their siblings, didn’t even know what they looked like or even if they had brothers, sisters or both.

Carved right out of the main rock was the main building and entrance to the village. Inside was the leader and his followers who raised the children they had abducted. On the surface, everything looked like a normal cult (if anything about them could be called normal). It was what they kept hidden that was the problem.

“Master.” The leader, an elderly man calling himself the Light, said

Nicholas smiled at being called Master as he walked through the carved building. “Status my child.” He said

“We have gathered many of those whom you specified. They have been raised according to your teachings.” The Light said

“Excellent. Have they begun to breed?” Nicholas asked

“Not yet. The majority are over 15 years and many have paired up.”

“Our Lord Kivar requires a pure population of this world. The children you have gathered over the decades are to be the mothers and fathers of a world filled with light, it is essential that the next generation be born as soon as possible.” Nicholas said. As much as he wanted to see all humans dead, Kivar had ordered that some humans be spared to create a slave population for his own uses. He had to admit, Earth did have a few natural resources that would be worth mining.

“Lord Kivar will not be disappointed. They have each been raised with his teachings are very loyal. If it is Lord Kivar’s desire that they begin, I will place them together this evening.”

“Good, I assume you still have the green crystal I gave to you?” Nicholas asked

“Of course my lord, it is kept in the inner sanctum.”

“Remove it and place it in the centre of the village. It will activate their reproductive systems, increase their fertility.” Nicholas said, “Now, what of the facility?”

“It is built to your requirements my lord. The people you sent to us have excavated the region and installed everything as requested. Your new command facility is waiting for you.”

Nicholas smiled. They walked down the stone corridors to a large, empty chamber. The floor was panelled; lines were cut along the length and width of the room. The Light showed Nicholas to one of the panels. The alien stood on it and was engulfed with light as the panel descended at a rapid speed into the earth.

Command Facility…

As Nicholas arrived in the chamber, all the Skins that had arrived knelt to the floor and bowed their heads.

“General, welcome.”

Nicholas stepped from the panel and it rose back up to the surface. He looked around the room, “Acceptable, very acceptable with what you had to work with.”

“Thank you general.”

“Stand Golloth.” Nicholas said

Golloth did as he was ordered, “General, I relinquish control of this base to you.”

“As commander of this sector, I take it. Your orders now come from me, your lives are in my hands.” Nicholas said loudly and all Skins nodded

“Your orders General?” Golloth asked

“First, I want to know where the Bramus is. Kivar left a sequence of orders before we lost contact. He has ordered it’s immediate recapture…he wants it shipped off world to another planet in this sector he had planned to annex. They are very susceptible to mind control given the right circumstances; the worms will provide just what we need. Kivar is sending us something more…painful to eradicate the humans.”

“General…” Golloth started but paused

“Speak Captain.” Nicholas said

“Sir, we have been unable to locate the Bramus Worm. The tracking implant in the creature stopped transmitting. At first we through it was passing through extremely dense material but there is nothing, not even a faint signal.”

“Impossible. Where was the last location?” Nicholas asked

“A geological fissure…a cave 21 miles beneath the surface. Far to deep for us to get down there with the resources we have.” Golloth said, “Sir, the tracking implant was designed to take power from the electrical current within it’s body. The only way it can go offline is if…”

“No…” Nicholas said

“If it’s dead.” Golloth said

“No…Kivar will kill me. He wants that Bramus. What could have killed it? The Bramus can survive 18 times the pressure and heat that’s down that far.”

“I know. We’ve scanned the area as much as possible but we haven’t found anything unusual…except for this…” Golloth said as he brought up a read out on the monitors, “There is a thermal signature filling the cave. It looks as though the Worm’s offspring have survived.”

“No, newborn worms automatically come to the surface. It’s instinctual. These are stationary.”

“Well not exactly, there is some movement. It’s like their contained in something.”

“Well in that case I am really dead. Unless I can give Kivar something else…contact all units. I want Zan’s head. I want him dead…and the others…and those humans he keeps close. I want them all dead.”

“But sir, Lord Larek’s decree. To attack those in possession of the Granolith…”

“NEVER MENTION THAT NAME HERE. That traitor will get what’s coming to him but Kivar is ruler now. It is his decrees that matter and he has declared Zan, Vilandra, Rath and Ava as enemies of the State. I’ve just never been given the opportunity to implement it. Arranging for them to kill each other is easy but to do it directly…”

“But how General? To kill them could expose us to the humans, and we’ve been out of contact with the World Ships for some time now. We cannot get confirmation from Kivar.”

“We do not need it!” Nicholas yelled, “Send a team to Roswell and kill them, kill them all. Wipe out that whole town if you have to!”

“Yes General.” Golloth said, “But Princess Vilandra, her relationship with Kivar.”

“Exaggerated. Our Lord has good P.R., as the humans would say. In truth he desired her but she refused to even be in the same room with him unless protocol demanded it. She may have drawn the attention of many males but she always moved quickly away from them, always looking for someone.”

He turned and moved over to the communications system and transmitted the orders to a team of Skins.

“I’ve had enough of them walking around when they should be dead.” Nicholas said as he paced back and forth, “I don’t care how just kill them, put them in the ground.”

“General, I’ve instructed a squad of our people into Roswell to eliminate the Royal Four and their associates.”

“Oh, and prepare a medical laboratory for an autopsy. Once their dead bring that boy, Alex, here. Our operative told us she killed him due to extensive mind warps yet he’s back and giving the human enforcement agencies descriptions of this cult and the others we use.” Nicholas said

“Yes, I’ve monitored his statements. He and Lady Ava now advertise themselves as brother and sister, no-one is questioning it…they even have documentation to support her birth as a Whitman.”

“They obviously have help. Their guardian is dead, there are no other species on Earth…who’s helping them?” Nicholas said.

On the Surface…

The Light walked out of the rock building and pressed a button. It summoned all the people in the three segments of the village to a monitor in the corner of their enclosed areas.

“My children. Today we are honoured to have the great Emissary of our Lord Kivar among us. He was sent is most beloved servant Nicholas to us with a message…the time of the great Purge is upon us. The darkness of humanity will be cast out from this world and you; the children of purity and light will go forth and begin again. It is his word we follow and his word is to multiply. My children join together and couple. This day you will begin new life, the life of your children. All those who are 16 years of age know whom the partner is that have been assigned to you please, go to your homes and begin. All others who are below that age please; attend your studies as usual.”

Without question, without hesitation, all the people who were old enough in the enclosures sought out their assigned mates. They took each other’s hands and walked to their huts where they undressed and started to have sex. The Light placed the crystal on the top of a central pole that was in the middle of all three metal divisions. The glow from the crystal spread all over the area and permeated the huts.
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Shao’li Safe House, Western State Line, 15:00

The Winnebago pulled up to a one-story house in the middle of nowhere. One all sides and as far as the eye could see was desert. Completely unknown to the Skins were how close Max and the others were to them but then Max didn’t know either. The Shao’li knew the Skins were close; it was why they picked that location for a Safe House. They knew the Skins would never look this close to them, that and it was in the middle of the desert with very little moisture around, their husks would never survive if they tried to attack.

“Well, we’re here.” Alex said as they all climbed out.

The house was nothing more than a cube in the desert, four white walls and a flat roof.

“Okay, so what now?” Max asked

“This way.” Tess said as she moved up to the front door.

They all followed and Alex knocked.

“GO AWAY!” yelled a voice from inside, “WE DON’T WANT ANY VISITORS!”

“My name is Alex Whitman.” Alex called back

The door quickly opened and the man inside had his head bowed, he was dressed in military green fatigues and looked like a survivalist. “Forgive me Hierarch, I didn’t sense your approach. Please come in.”

“We’re travelling low key, Jasper. Have the members assembled?” Alex asked as he stepped inside

“Yes Hierarch. They have been waiting since your departure from Roswell was reported.”

“Anyway, Max, Liz, Isabel, Michael, Maria and Kyle. This is Jasper; he’s an attaché to the Council of the Shoa’li. Jasper, this is everyone…and Max is King of Antar.”

“Majesty.” Jasper bowed with respect

“Jasper.” Max said, “Eh…just out of curiosity, are you one of Alex’s people who have a problem with me?”

“No Majesty, while many blame Antarians for their lack of action, my…problem as you put it is with Kivar and his people. Besides, the problem is never with you or your fellow hybrids. You were already killed by the time Kivar started wiping us out.” Jasper said

“Thank you Jasper. I guess we better go see them.” Alex said

“Very well Hierarch, this way.” Jasper said

“He led them down into the buildings basement. There were guns on every wall but Jasper moved directly to one in particular. He twisted it back anti-clockwise and then moved it around clockwise two times. There was a click and a door slid open.

Jasper let the eight teenagers into a corridor that slanted down. It looked more like a mineshaft than anything else, the roof being held up by big, thick beams of wood. As the moved into the darkness Max cupped his hands together and formed a small orb of light. Isabel and Michael learned the same trick from Max and followed his actions, and then Alex smiled. He shattered himself into the dust cloud and each particle of him reflected the light from the others, it spread through a lot of the shaft.

“Show off.” Tess said with a smile

“Hey just because I can do it and you can’t…” Alex said

“I can’t yet.” Tess said as she waved her hand, she sent a spark that charged through Alex like a small electric shock.

“OUCH! Tess!” Alex said

She just smiled.

“Tess, if you caused any physical damage…” Isabel said

“Relax he’ll still be…fully functional.” Tess said with a sly grin

“Could we stop talking about this?” Max said as she looked at Isabel.

Then they came to a dead end and Alex reformed himself. The light dimmed significantly as a result but Jasper opened another hidden door. That lead into a triangle shaped chamber and in the middle of it was a table of the same shape. The eight council members sat around the table and there were to empty chairs at the top of the triangle with six empty ones alone the bottom.

As they moved into the room the Council stood to their feet and Alex and Tess moved to their seats at the top of the table. Alex then indicated to the chairs at the base, “Everyone, please sit down.”

Max and the others sat down as did the Council while Alex remained standing.

“First of all I want to thank the Council for coming here together. It is good to feel your energy once more.” Alex said

“Likewise Hierarch.” Councillor Ferris said, “It has been too long.”

“Well then, introductions. Max Evans, Liz Parker, Michael Guerin, Maria Deluca, Kyle Valenti and Isabel Evans…” He said pointing to each of his friends, “…this is Councillor Karen Ferris, Councillor Adam Johansson, Councillor April Kennedy, Councillor Franklin Guevara, Councillor Joanna Reeves, Councillor Paul Devine, Councillor Anna Robertson and Councillor Bradley Harmon.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Max said and all nodded before he stood up, “I don’t have anything prepared for this and I honestly don’t know what to say, everything I come up with seems completely inadequate. One of my species attempted to wipe out your race and for that I am truly sorry. However, I am even more sorry that nothing was done to prevent this tragedy, especially after Kivar killed the Zan before me. For the losses you have experienced, you have my condolences.”

He couldn’t think of anything else to say, how could anyone. Apologising for genocide, the almost complete eradication of a species was something no one could apologise for. Max looked at Alex who nodded and Max sat back down, Liz took hold of his hand and held it reassuringly. Then Councillor Kennedy stood up.

“Thank you for words Majesty.” She said

“Yes but as you said, inadequate.” Councillor Devine said, “Trillions upon trillions of Shao’li are no more. We bonded with humanity in order to survive and are no longer or reproduction in our method. Instead we must reproduce through human methods which greatly limits our numbers.”

“Which is something no one here had anything to do with. By the time the genocide started the original Royal Four were dead.” Alex said, “And now we have new lives.”

The council members looked at him and nodded.

“Yes of course, there was nothing that you cold have done about it and as you carry the Seal of the Antarian Empire you do speak as their king. The Council of the Shao’li accept the apology of Antar…and we too apologise. If we knew that Kivar would have taken the actions he did we might have been able to warn you.” Devine said

“Yes, Kivar did manage to keep this knowledge from us somehow.” Harmon said

“You guys have had sixty years to come up with answers and you don’t know?” Michael said

All the Shao’li looked around to him sharply. Alex and Tess just smiled.

“Sorry.” Michael said

“Actually it’s not been that long. It has been 60 years since the incident but we had to wait for the Awakenings before we knew who we really were. There was only one, a human named Kane who accepted the last Shao’li colony into him back when we first arrived. They changed him so he could detect and home in on Awakenings but he died shortly before mine.” Alex said

“I see Rath’s personality is still around.” Robertson said

“It’s my personality. He may be apart of me but I am just me.” Michael said and the councillor nodded

“Of course.” Robertson said

“Now, we do have other matters to discuss.” Alex said

“The impending Alignment…early alignment.” Devine said

“Definitely unusual.” Ferris said

“Yes but there is also…there is a man, he recently moved to Roswell. His molecular configuration is very, very close to mine.” Alex said

“That is not possible.” Reeves said

“Yeah, we’ve been hearing that a lot.” Max said

“Hierarch please share your knowledge with us.” Ferris said

All of them stood up, max and the others looked back and forth at them as their eyes started to glow and in seconds they were all glimmering dust particles shining with a multitude of colours. Alex looked at Tess and smiled, “Care to join us?”

“Really? Cool.” Tess said as she took his hand.

Alex fed his ability to break himself apart into Tess and her body accepted and adjusted the energy so she could use it. Together the dusted themselves and their clouds mixed in with that of the other Shao’li. Particle after particle touched each other, the knowledge of one was shared with the others until they reformed themselves.

“A unique dilemma.” Reeves said

“We will look into this matter.” Devine said

“Wow.” Tess mumbled, “That’s almost better than sex.”

Kyle looked at her quickly and she smiled, “Almost…I said almost better. It’s still got a long way to go.”

“Tess, we may not have the same issues with this as other humans…aside from me not liking you doing it but we still have the etiquette of not discussing it among company.” Alex said

“True…okay sorry.” Tess said.

“Well, we’ve still got a long drive ahead of us. I thank you all for coming here and goodbye to all of you.” Alex said as he stood up and so did Tess.

The Council stood up and bowed their heads to Alex and then faced Max. They bowed again and the group left through door and back up to the surface.

Back in the Winnebago…

“Well I think that could have gone better.” Kyle said as they all got back inside

“Actually, not really. They are always like that; it’s the way they are. Especially when the subject of our people being wiped out is brought up.” Tess said

“Oh. Well that’s good to know.” Max said, “Would have helped if you told me that before going in.”

“Maybe, but they consider any coaching to be a sign of disrespect. With the council, first impressions count big time.” Alex said

“Okay, so whose turn is it behind the wheel?” Michael asked

“Yours.” Maria said

“And I take over about an hour before we hit L.A.” Max said

“Oh well.” Michael said as he shrugged his shoulders, “Better get to it.”

Michael moved through the vehicle and into the cab. As he got behind the wheel Maria came up behind him and sat down.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Michael asked

“Keeping you company.” Maria said as she gave him a quick peck on his cheek

“Okay then, buckle up.” Michael said as he started the engine and took off.

Freeway into Los Angeles, 17:00

After a while Max returned to the driver’s seat. They had arrived at the freeway into Los Angeles just in time for a nice big traffic jam. There was a truck carrying a load of milk that had spilled its contents all over the road and as a result Max wanted to bang his head on the wheel.

“Hey.” Liz said as she came through and sat next to him.

“Gnnnnn…” Mac groaned

“What’s up with you?” Liz asked

“I hate traffic jams.” Max said, “I mean how can anyone live like this? And look of all that smog out there.”

“It does look kinda hazy.” Liz said

“Kinda Hazy?” Max said

“Okay you need to relax.” Liz said

“Huhmmm…you’re telling me.” Max said, “Got any ideas?”

“Actually I have one.” Liz said

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” Liz said as she reached over and quickly unzipped his jeans.

“Liz!” Max said shocked

Liz didn’t say anything as she continued to unbuckle his belt. He was terrified of being caught given that his sister and friends were right behind the door but as Liz dived her hand inside his jeans his dick snapped to attention. She reached into his boxers, grasped his burning cock and pulled it out. Max gasped slightly as the cool air that was being let in by the open window hit his hot skin. His fingers dug into the steering wheel as she moved up onto her knees so she was in a better position. Then, placing her head under his arms and holding onto the door to steady herself, she lowered down to his waiting cock.

Max bit hard on his lip as she engulfed his cock in one swift motion of her head. He choked back a shout as Liz began to work her mouth up and down his throbbing organ. Holding his cock by the base with her free hand, she pulled it toward her and licked around his head, her eyes closed as she heard Max’s gentle moan.

The steady, almost cat-like licks against only his cock-head would have had his back arching if he hadn’t been sitting down in a confined space. She was rolling his cock around in her hand, squeezing hard on his shaft. The head of his prick was swollen and red and she was taking so long teasing him, he knew that when he finally did come, he was going to have a massive ejaculation.

Liz slid the point of her tongue beneath his glands, tickling the ridge of the flesh. Max was biting so hard on his lip; he could almost taste the blood under the skin. Then she opened her mouth and slid down his cock, allowing Max a moment to breathe. It still felt good, but when she concentrated just on his tip, it felt like his entire body was about to explode. Max let go of the wheel and placed his right hand on Liz’s head, stroking her hair as she worked on him.

Max was fighting hard to keep his groans in check. He couldn’t believe how excited he was getting just from a blowjob out in the middle of a freeway traffic jam. Liz’s technique was extraordinary given she didn’t have much experience but then he didn’t have much experience to compare it to.

No longer was Liz teasing him. Soon she was fucking him with her mouth as his hand moved up and down with the movement of her head, his fingers teasing the back of her neck.. Max’s hips were slightly bucking up out of the seat and she fought hard to stay with him. Max could feel the cum boiling in his balls as he gripped the wheel tightly and bit down on the inside of his cheek as what was definitely the best orgasm he had to date surged through him. Liz took Max as deep as she could, knowing there was nothing else to do with his seed but swallow it. She didn’t want to let it get on the seats, their parents would never get the safety deposit back.

“Hmmm…oh ffuuu…Liz…oh my go…here is comes Liz…oh here it…” Max moaned as quietly as possible, “Ughnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn…”

Max’s hips bucked against her face as his balls emptied themselves down his girlfriend's throat. It seemed to go on forever, spurt after spurt he shot until finally he was finished and he sagged tiredly against the seat.

Seconds later after Liz kissed the tip of his rod she moved back up into the seat beside Max and zipped him back up.

“Where…where did you learn that?” Max asked

“Just a book I borrowed from Maria.” Liz said, “Feeling better?”

“Much. Thank you.” Max said as the traffic started to move

“Well, my work is done.” Liz said as she got out of her chair

“Hey, where are you going?” Max asked

“To brush my teeth. Don’t worry I’ll be back. I just don’t want Maria getting close enough to know what I did in here.” Liz said

“Oh.” Max said

As soon as Liz disappeared the traffic was moving at a good pace now and they were heading downtown. Liz arrived back and sat next to him as they watched all the landmarks go by.

Jericho Publishing, Downtown L.A, 18:00

They found a motel near to Jacob’s office and checked in, leaving the Winnebago in the parking lot as they went to see him. They walked down the busy streets, each staying in pairs and using the telepathic connections between the aliens to guide them to the building. It was the only way they could get through the streets without getting lost.

As they approached the enormous glass building, Alex and Tess showed them in. With each step through the lobby they drew looks from most of the people there. Any of the human workers knew Alex and Tess simply because their boss practically rolled out the red carpet for them. They had no idea of the truth but the Shao’li knew everything and the last thing they expected was to watch the Antarian king walk by them.

“This way.” Alex said as he walked by the receptionist. He nodded in her direction and she nodded back as they went to the private elevator.

“Are all these people?” Max started as they waited

“No.” Alex said

“A lot are but some are ordinary workers who don’t know anything.” Tess said. Then the doors opened and the eight all stepped inside.

Jacob’s Office, Immediately Following

“Alex.” Jacob said as his young leader entered with the others. “Tess. Welcome back to both of you.”

“He didn’t call you Hierarch.” Kyle said

“No. I told him not.” Alex said, “Hello Jacob, this is the guys…guys this is Jacob.”

“Hello.” They all said together

Jacob took one look at Max and bowed his head, “Your Majesty, welcome.”

“You know me? Oh you would have seen a picture of me or something.” Max said

“Actually no. Your aura, for lack of a better term, is definitely that of a king.” Jacob said

“Jacob has an ability to see a person’s aura, it’s not a unique talent but Jacob does have more control over it.” Alex said

“Oh, well it’s good to meet you.” Max said and the two shook their hands.

Just then there was a ripple on the wall and a 20-something year old man came out. “Dad, I’ve just checked on…oh sorry I didn’t know you had…company.” He paused with the last word as he looked at Alex and Tess and knew immediately who they were. “Hierarch, I apologise for my intrusion.”

“Alex, Tess, this is my son and recent addition to the Shao’li, Stephen.” Jacob said

“Stephen, welcome to the species. How’re you adapting?” Alex asked

“It was strange at first, especially finding out that my dad is alive. I wish I could tell my wife that I’m okay…”

“But…” Alex started

“But I can’t. I know. I don’t think she could ever adapt to me being alien and we can never risk exposure.” Stephen said and Alex nodded

“At least your sister will join us someday and your wife will too.” Tess said

Everyone looked at her, “Oh I did a little checking when I heard you went through the Awakening.” Tess said

Stephen smiled and closed his eyes. He missed his wife so much that when he woke up at night he had to force himself to remember why she wasn’t next to him.

“Well, your all on limited time so lets get down to business.” Jacob said as he moved up to the statue in his office. He activated it and the wall shimmered, allowing him to pass through it. Alex and Tess followed and after a little hesitation so did the others.

“Wow. Hi-tech.” Kyle said as he looked at the massive monitor that circled the room.

“All of this tracks everything that happens on the planet. We primarily use it to track the disruptions that occur when one of us Awakens.” Alex said

They walked down the path to the command post in the middle of the room. Erik was there monitoring another disruption while keeping an eye on Skin activities. He didn’t here them enter but jumped up when Jacob put his hand on his shoulder.

“Hierarch, my apologies. I didn’t here you enter.”

“That’s alright Erik, what’s going on?” Alex asked

“There is a disruption, another Awakening is about to occur. I’ve tracked it to Moscow and dispatched someone to guide them back to us.” Erik said

“Good. What about the Skins?” Alex asked as he spotted a display off to the side

“Well…Nicholas has taken control of the primary cult he’s been manipulating. From the intelligence I’ve gathered, it looks like they are creating a subservient caste of humans.”

“Slaves.” Alex said, “Well I expected that sooner or later. Anything else?”

“Yes. I intercepted a transmission. He has ordered the death of your friends here, and you. They are very interested in your resurrection and would like to examine you.” Erik said

“Oh well that’s not going to be happening any time soon.” Alex said

“Wait, what about our families?” Max asked

“They aren’t in any danger. Nicholas did order that if necessary, wipe out the town to get to you.”

“How the hell can you say they aren’t in any danger?” Michael yelled

“Because I intercepted the signal and sent a different one to the Skin units. They think they’ve been ordered to Vancouver to observe a hockey game.” Erik said

“A hockey game?”

“Yes I made them think that some gangsters who have rigged the game also have captured a Skin. Their orders are to terminate all members of the gang without risking exposure or harm to the general populace.”

“Wait…tonight’s hockey game?” Michael asked

“Yes.” Erik said

“I’ve got 50 bucks on that.” Michael said

“You, what about me I’ve got 60.” Kyle said

“Aren’t you two too young to be gambling?” Tess asked

“Well…I…” Michael said

“It’s just a little friendly bet that goes on between the sports teams at Roswell High.” Kyle said

“Then how’d you get involved?” Maria asked Michael with crossed arms

“I usually give good tips. They let me bet as well because of it.” Michael said

“Hmmmm…” Maria simple said

“Uh, well…you are do have to get to Atlantis and you’ll need these.” Erik said as he picked up a metal case from beneath the desk. Alex opened the case saw the Granolith crystal and the four other control crystals inside. “It’s set so that only a Shao’li can open it and the case and lock are both impenetrable.” Erik said

“Good.” Alex said

“Well, we’ve got a long drive a head of us.” Max said

“Actually there is one more thing I brought you here for.” Alex said, “You better follow me.”

They all followed Alex as he led them out.

Medical Facility, Five Floors Down, 18:00

Jacob had shown them back into his office and then into the hidden elevator in his office. As the doors slid back open they walked into the hospital ward-like room. Max looked around and then spotted him.

“Zan.” Max said

“I thought he was dead?” Liz asked

“A Shao’li spotted the ‘accident’ with Lonnie and Rath. He pulled Zan out and managed to get him on life support. He’s been like this since New York. I helped him a little but only enough to learn the location of the generator before he fell back into a coma.” Alex said

“Does Ava know?” Isabel asked

“No. She thinks he’s dead, there was nothing she could do for him anyway but I thought you might be about to do something.” Alex said to Max

Max nodded and moved beside Zan. He placed one hand on his head and another over his heart and focused on healing his double. The others watched on for half an hour as Max tried to heal his injuries. Then suddenly there was a sharp intake of breath from Zan and Max backed off.

“Zan?” Max asked

“You…me?” Zan wheezed

“Kind of.” Max said

“Ava? Where is she?” Zan asked

“She’s living in Seattle. She’s got a job behind a bar, a small apartment. Things are tight but she’s safe and happy.” Max said

Zan smiled and closed his eyes. All the vital-sign indicators to his side suddenly flat lined and Zan died. The others moved closer quickly and the med-techs moved in to try to revive him but Max stopped them. “Let him go.” Max said

“Max?” Isabel asked, trying to work out what happened.

“There was too much damage. He was only holding on to Ava, to find out if she was okay. That’s all the kept him going. No matter what I did his internal organs kept degrading, it was just the machines keeping him alive and that small spark left in his brain.” Max said, “He’s at peace now.”

Quietly Max stood up and Jacob pulled the sheets up over Zan’s head. “I’m sorry Majesty?” he said and Max nodded

“You’ll take care of…”

“Consider it done.” Jacob said, “I have some friends who can pull strings, I can arrange a funeral for tonight if you wish to attend?”

“Yes, thank you.” Max said

“You should all rest up.” Jacob said

“Yeah, we’ll head to the motel where we parked.” Alex said, “You’ve got our phone number?”

“Yes. I’ll call you when it’s time.” Jacob said

After a while they all left and returned to the Winnebago, Alex never kept a tight hold of the case that was in his trust. They rested quietly but none fell asleep.

Local Cemetery, Midnight

Lit only by the moonlight Jacob stood with the eight teenagers as they watched Zan’s coffin being lowered into the ground as a ring of Shao’li circled them. Jacob had taken care of all the details and no one would ask any questions about it. Max had called Ava just before the funeral, as much as she wanted to be there for it she couldn’t get down there soon enough and Max felt it would be safer if she remained hidden.

Instead the four hybrids opened their thoughts and formed a connection with each other. Once they were joined they projected the connection out toward Ava and as they watched the funeral so did she. Once the coffin was at the bottom of the grave, all the Shao’li took a step forward and closed their eyes, bowing their heads as the focused on pushing the loose soil back into the hole and covered the coffin. Each held their lovers close as they watched and neither saying anything. Jacob spoke only a few words, word that were only said at Antarian funerals and aside from them funerals on Antar were completely silent.

Once the Shao’li started to disperse, Jacob and the eight remained behind. Max kissed Liz’s forehead and let her go before he moved over to the headstone. Once there he knelt by it and pressed his hand to the marble. Once done, Max lifted his hand and revealed the Royal Seal etched below his name and date of his death.

“You okay?” Liz asked as he moved back to her.

“I will be. I’m just sorry I couldn’t save him.” Max said

“I know. At least he lasted to know Ava was okay and happy.”

“Come on. It’s time to go.” Alex said softly

“Yeah.” Max said

Together they all walked out of the cemetery. Jacob drove them all back to the motel where they parked their Winnebago. Once they were safely back inside Alex took the case that held the crystals and placed them under a metal panel on the floor. He used his powers to make the seams invisible and them placed the rug back over it. Once done they put up a sheet to separate the girls from boys so they could prepare for bed privately before they all slipped under their covers. They would head south to the boarder in the morning.

To Be Continued…
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Chapter 10

The Winnebago, 02:50am

The entire group was asleep in their beds, well almost all of them. Alex was wide-awake and only pretending. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked around to Max, his breathing was slow and he looked as if he was in a state of deep sleep. Alex very slowly lifted the covers of him and even slower got out of the bed to pay a visit to Isabel who was just as awake and looking at him. Alex started to creep along the floor when all of a sudden a hand grabbed his leg.

“Don’t even think about it.” Max whispered with his eyes still closed and his breathing just as slow, “And don’t try that glowy dust thing you do.”

Alex sighed and shrugged his shoulders toward Isabel who smiled back at him before putting her head back down on the pillow. Alex got back into bed and just mumbled incoherently before falling asleep. Isabel also then fell asleep, they always had their dreams and Max couldn’t do anything about that.

07:00…

After they woke up, showered and had breakfast, Max glared at Alex who couldn’t help but look down at the floor. It wasn’t until Isabel crossed her arms and looked at Max that he stopped. Liz just looked between all three and smiled. She knew that either Alex or Isabel attempted to visit the other in bed and that Max stopped them.

“Okay, Max chill. You know they’re seeing each other.” Liz said

“Yeah, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop being her brother over it.” Max said

“No but do you really think that they would…while you’re five feet away?” Liz asked

“Uh….”

“Exactly.” Liz said, “They probably just wanted to spend the night together like we would have done if you’d let Alex move.”

Max’s eyes went wide as he looked at Liz and quickly kicked himself. “Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.” Liz said

Alex and Isabel smiled but quickly turned away and headed into the cab.

“Hey…where do you two think you’re going?” Max called after them but they already closed the door.

“It’s Alex’s turn behind the wheel.” Liz said, “Remember?”

“Oh.” Max said

“See, you need to think before you stop your sisters boyfriend from doing things.” Liz said

“Yeah, yeah.” Max said as he sat down and pulled Liz onto his lap, “So you would have paid me a visit last night?”

“Oh you better believe it, I was hoping on Isabel being distracted and so was Tess and Kyle.” Liz said

Meanwhile in the cab, Alex had moved behind the wheel and Isabel was sitting next to him. They were both looking over the map before them and one of L.A. They were trying to find a way out of the city and when they found it Alex started the engine.

“Well, we’re off to see the wizard.” Alex said

“Oh lets not go there.” Isabel said, “Things are already weird enough with us visiting Atlantis.”

“Just be glad we’re not taking up residence.” Alex said as they pulled out of the parking lot and headed out down the streets.

Temple of Inscriptions, Palenque, Mexico, 11:30

The boarder crossing was no problem and the drive to Palenque was uneventful. Soon they arrived at their destination and parked the Winnebago in the woods. After Alex retrieved the case containing the crystals, Max and Michael used their powers to cover the vehicle completely in the local foliage. By the time they were done it was completely hidden and no one would be able to find it.

They had backpacks with them, filled with spare clothes, food and anything else they might need. None of them, even Alex, didn’t know how long they would be gone.

“Now that’s impressive.” Michael said as they temple came into view

Each of them gazed at the moss-covered walls and intricate stonework of the temple. Alex looked around and then at the stairs. It was a long walk to the top and he started heading up it. The others paused before they realised he was on his way and they quickly started after him.

“Alex this place…it’s just…” Isabel said

“Incredible, I know.” Alex said as he touched the stone with his hands. There was a gentle glow that quickly vanished and Alex smiled. Even after all these millennia, the residue of Antarian craftsmanship, the powers they used in construction, was still there. It gave him hope that Atlantis might still be mostly intact.

Then they got to the top of the stairs and the entrance to the main chambers. Thankfully there were no tourists about but they didn’t want to take the chance. They pulled out flashlights and headed inside. They looked around, staring at the carvings; the pillars but Alex and Tess were looking over the symbols, looking for a particular sequence.

“Gotta love humans.” Alex said

“Well, yeah since we are partly human.” Tess said

“No, that’s not what I mean. Their archaeology guys, always getting things mixed up. Can you actually believe they think this place was a burial chamber? I mean just because some ancient king guy decided to have himself buried here…”

“Well, I think that kind of explains how they mixed things up a little.” Isabel said

“Well yeah but they used that for the basis of translation, they practically made all this say what they wanted it to say when in fact right here it says, this way to Atlantis.” Alex said

Everybody shifted their torches over to Alex and then to the wall that he was looking at.

“You found it?” Tess asked

“Oh yeah. Just like we remember it.” Alex said as he touched the glyphs, “God, it wasn’t even the Hierarch Colony that was in the Antarian that made this but…it feels like yesterday we were in here.”

“And then there’s all the other places that have been forgotten.” Tess said

Alex smiled, “We’ll set that right.” He said as he looked at his sister, “Max, could you wave you’re hand over this sequence here.”

“Sure.” Max said and then did it.

Several symbols began to glow with varying shades of silver. The glimmer of them was gentle but filled the room with light. Quickly Alex then pressed them in order from the brightest to the dullest shade. Almost immediately there was a rumble and a segment of the floor began to sink until there was a staircase formed leading deep into the earth. All but Alex and Tess had been holding their breath and smiled as their friends exhaled very audibly.

“If you guys are going to hold your breath like this every time, you’re not going to get passed seeing Atlantis.” Alex said

“That good?” Max asked

“You have no idea.” Tess said as they started to descend the dark stairs.

Access Terminal, Antarian Transit System, Immediately Following

They moved from the long stairs and through a doorway. They looked around and say nothing but a cave around them with an oval shaped opening before them. Kyle moved forward and looked very unimpressed as he went to the opening. He was about to put his head through it when Alex and Tess quickly pulled him back.

“Kyle, no!” Alex said

“What?” Kyle asked, “It’s just a hole.”

“Uh, no. Not so much.” Tess said

Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a Quarter. He tossed it through the opening and it immediately vanished, it was completely disintegrated.

“What just happened?” Kyle asked

“That hole leads to a tube, it’s through that that the transport spheres travel through and while it may look empty it’s not. The speeds in there can obliterate anything that steps through it.” Alex said

“Yeah but this isn’t right Alex. Where are all the controls? The readouts? Hell, I’d even settle for a blinking light.” Tess said

“There should be something here.” Alex agreed, “20 thousand years of dust?”

“It’s possible I guess.” Tess said

“What?” Liz asked

“Well this place hasn’t been used in 20,000. In that amount of time the dust and debris could have hardened together on the equipment, become nothing but rock…at least in appearance.” Alex said

“So how do we clear it?” Maria asked

Alex smiled and in seconds he dusted himself. His particles started spinning around the room. The centre was completely clear and calm but against the walls the rocks were beginning to crumple. Alex was moving incredibly fast, the area against the rocks was almost like a hurricane and the others were in its eye. As the minutes passed, the debris broke way from the panels and they were exposed. When they were all clear Alex returned to his human form and looked around, he stumbled a little but Max caught him.

“Easy there, you okay?” Max asked

“Yeah, just really dizzy.” Alex said

“Yeah I’ll bet. You do know that if you went faster…” Tess said, almost angrily

“I know.” Alex said

“What? And you better answer.” Isabel said as she looked at her boyfriend

“He could have gone fast enough to loose a lot of particles, enough to prevent him coming back. He have a speed limit and he just exceeded it by a whole lot.” Tess said

“Tess, I know my limits. I was okay.” Alex said

“Oh yeah just wait till I get through with you.” Isabel said, “I have no plans for attending your funeral for a second time…at least not this soon.”

“Yeah, okay. I’m sorry.” Alex said as he hugged Isabel, “I really am.” He whispered

“Just don’t do it again.” Isabel said

“Okay.” Alex said before kissing her and then moving off to a panel on the walls.

After pressing a button the entire chamber lit up and all the controls activated. Alex spent some time making sure everything was still fully functional and when that was done he pressed his palm to a square on the side of the opening. The entire opening was filled with a blinding white light. It looked like liquid was now in the doorway but Alex and Tess just stepped up to it.

“It’s okay. Trust us.” Alex said as he looked back to them and then to the light. He stepped inside and then Tess did. Hesitantly the others all stepped into the light.

In seconds the light vanished as their journey began, shooting off down the transport tubes.

“OH SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!” Kyle yelled, his voice echoing everywhere.

Transit Sphere…

While the outside of the sphere was a blinding white light, the inside was completely transparent. It was almost like a glass bubble and the travellers were standing in mid air in the middle of the sphere. Alex stood at the front, his arms out stretched before him with his hands resting on two glowing discs that controlled the direction of the sphere.

His reflexes were like lightening as he manipulated each disc, sending the sphere down different tubes to the left or right. Everything was moving by so quickly that by the time they had saw the access to different tubes they had already gone through one of them. After a while they had adapted to the speed and their hearts started to slow down.

“Calmed down now?” Tess asked her lover

“You guys should market this thing as a roller coaster. You’d make a killing.” Kyle said

“Financially or through people having heart attacks?” Isabel asked

“Both. Definitely both.” Kyle said as they passed through something that caught his eye. “What was that?”

“Geo-magnetic rings.” Alex said

“They keep everything in the tubes travelling at the same speed without variation. It’s safer that way.” Tess said

“So, how long before a toilet stop?” Maria asked

“Told you, you should have gone before we left.” Michael said with a smirk

“Oh like you didn’t need a change of underwear when we took off.” Maria said

“Uh could we stop talking about this?” Alex said suddenly needing the urge to go himself, “Anyway, we’re due to arrive in…30 minutes. Please sit back and enjoy the ride. If at anytime you want to throw up…well there’s nothing we can do.”

Deep in the Jungle, Zaire, Africa, 30 Minutes Later

Across the ocean in the middle of Africa, a tribe relatively untouched by the world was dancing around a roaring fire. The jungle was filled with their chanting along with the sounds of hundreds of monkeys and insects. Off to the side was a small rock formation with a hole that led to a staircase. Beneath the whole village was a cave similar to the one beneath the Mexican temple.

All of a sudden there was a thunderous roar and a blast of light from the hole. Minutes later the group emerged and looked around as they were all on their knees bowing, with their heads down on the ground and their arms out in front of them.

“Oops.” Alex said

“What do you mean, oops?” Max asked

“Uh, I kinda took a wrong turn.” Alex said

Tess, Liz, Isabel and Maria were all doing their best to keep in their laughing. Michael and Kyle didn’t have much luck and laughed their asses off. The girls soon joined and were leaning against the rocks. Alex and Max looked at each other.

“Well…it happens.” Max said with a smile

“Come on.” Alex said as he led them back down the stairs and into the transit system again.

“Oops…wrong turn.” Maria laughed

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Very funny.” Alex said

“It is you know.” Liz laughed

Alex couldn’t help but smile as he reactivated the system and they set off again.

Transit System, 15 Minutes Later

“Okay…left a bit…right a bit.” Alex said, “Lets get it right this time.”

The sphere travelled down the tubes, travelling deep into the Earth.

“Uh oh.” Alex said

“Uh oh what?” Liz asked

“There…there is a block in the tube. There was a cave in…we’re approaching fast…you better hold on.” Alex said

“Hold on to what?” Kyle asked urgently

The sphere rapidly approached the block in the tunnel and in seconds it impacted it. Only it didn’t crash, the sphere kept on going, melting the rocks and sand as it went. Everybody had their eyes tightly closed when the contact happened and all expected them not to open their eyes.

“Okay, now I need new underwear.” Michael said

“Yeah, me too.” Maria said

Tess moved quickly up to the front of the sphere to Alex, “Shouldn’t we be dead?” she whispered

“At the very least the rings and sphere should have disengaged so we’d be in the tunnel.” Alex whispered back, “This shouldn’t be happening.”

“Unless this isn’t a rock barrier we’re passing through.” Tess said

“Oh my god they really did it.” Alex said

“Did what?” Max asked

“The Antarian scientists. They were working on actually growing synthetic granite that can be easily moulded for construction. Their last report was that it wasn’t possible but it looks like they did it.” Alex said

“And for some reason they used it to block off this tunnel.” Tess said as the pod burst through into the ocean, “Oh that explains it.”

“What?” Max asked

“While Atlantis was sinking some of the inhabitants might have tried to escape. The transit system is the most logical way out if the meteors were taking out their ships. They used the fake rock to block the tunnel to prevent flooding.” Alex said

The group moved to the edge of the sphere and looked out into the ocean, sunlight was non-existent this far down but the sphere was providing it’s own light. Just then a large pod of whales swam passed them. They moved with the sphere, swimming along with it and their song could be heard through the barrier of the sphere.

“Oh wow.” Isabel said

“And it’s not just them.” Tess said as she pointed up.

They all looked up and saw several groups of dolphins come together. They never went deeper as they were at the limit of their tolerance to the pressure. The sphere was so deep that the dolphins looked like little lines swimming but their clicks and whistles was as clear as the whale song from around them.

“This is just…” Liz said

“Thinking about taking up marine biology?” Alex asked his friend

“Oh yeah.” Liz said

“What is all this?” Michael asked

“They know we’re going to Atlantis.” Alex said

“Why would animals care that we’re going there?” Kyle asked

“Because once upon a time, when Atlantis was at its peak. Human civilisation wasn’t even a glimmer in the eyes of our ancestors. They were coming into the awareness of themselves but whales and dolphins were a tad more intelligent. Many were actually taken as pets by Antarians. They’ve been here waiting ever since they left.” Alex said

“That’s so sad.” Maria said

The sphere continued to move forward and down, moving away from the whales that pulled back as the ocean pressure began to get too much for them. They all moved beside Alex and looked out.

“I’m not seeing anything.” Kyle said

“He’s a question. What if it’s not there anymore?” Michael asked and everyone looked at him

“Trust me, its there.” Tess said

“We’re almost there.” Alex said

“Well…I’m not seeing anything.” Max said

“You can only see it if you approach from a particular angle.” Alex said

“What?”

“Why did you think that this place hasn’t been discovered until now?” Alex asked hypothetically, “There is a cloaking field over the city, completely hiding it. It’s one of the security measures to hide it from any other aliens that might be looking for it.”

Alex then pressed on the controls and the sphere stopped dead in the ocean before it moved around to the left for a few miles. When it stopped again, the group could see a ripple in the water with some structures just beyond it.

“Ready?” Alex asked as he moved the sphere forward.

There was a slight judder as they passed through the field but as it did, the group looked out on to the ancient lost city. They were all in awe, even Alex and Tess. Around them were building covered in a crystal coating that illuminated the entire area. It was an eclectic gathering of architecture from the ancient world. Smaller pyramids surrounded the outer rim of the city while a larger one stood proudly in the city. Every other pyramid on the outer rim was completely flat on top as though the tops had been sliced off. All of the buildings had roofs very similar to an oriental style; pillars were carved with grooves like Greek or Roman and the dwellings looked Mayan and Aztec.

The rest of the city was looked as though it was divided into two sections, the central area was elevated on an unnatural cliff – even after thousands of years of water erosion it still looked to flat and smooth to be natural. On the edge of the raised segment, crystal spires rose up. All through the city, in both sections the result of orbital bombardment from the meteor shower was evident as columns lat broken on their sides, holes were in the smaller buildings if they remained standing at all but most looked intact.

“This place is looking better than I expected.” Tess said

“Yeah I kinda expected more damage if the Antarians had to abandon it.” Max said

“Well the crystal on the main buildings preserves them, almost perfectly. Erosion and meteor impacts would have done damage over the millennia but not much. The main damage was done to the geological structures that supported the island and city.” Alex said as the sphere continued over the city.

“What about the two sections? I don’t remember that being in the original designs.” Tess said

“I don’t know. But the colonists definitely wanted to be kept separate from whoever was living there.” Alex said

“Human inhabitants?” Tess asked

“It’s possible. If the Antarians wanted to study how varying human tribes interacted then bringing some here would allow that in a safe environment.” Alex said

“So what’s our move?” Max asked

“Well the surface is just what it looks like, a city. All the research was done in several underground labs. They should be intact; they were made of a very thick and strong metal with a layer of the crystal compound from the surface buildings. The damage around the central pyramid isn’t too bad; we can latch onto it and cut our way inside. Any other way and we risk flooding everything.”

“Okay then. Let’s do that.” Max said

Alex guided the sphere over to the pyramid and went as low as the debris would allow. As the bubble touches the edge of the pyramid, Alex altered it and cut the sphere in half leaving it with a completely flat edge that he pressed up against the side of the building. As soon as it was airtight, Alex asked Max and Michael to use their powers to cut through the crystal and metal of the building. When a big enough opening formed they all left.

.
.
.
.
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

..
.

Research Levels, Atlantis, 14:00 (Local Time in Roswell.)

Everyone walked around the cold and empty halls with Alex leading the way. Despite the overwhelming urge to explore, none of them wanted to go far from the others. From the moment they found the entrance to the research levels of the city all but the natural humans felt a tingle, like insects crawling just above their skin. While most thought it was just from being in this ancient place, Alex and Tess couldn’t place the sensations although it seemed familiar.

“You feel that?” Tess whispered

“Yeah.” Alex said, “It’s coming…yeah, a few floors down.”

Suddenly he and Tess stopped dead.

“What?” Michael asked

“Around the corner now…move.” Alex said quickly as he moved around and hid in a side corridor with Tess, quickly the others followed.

They peaked around the corner just as a mass of glowing tentacles floated down the to long hall. It stopped at the entrance to the corridor they were hiding in and span around. They pulled back in time to hid from it and soon it moved away.

“What the fuck was that?” Kyle asked

“Security guard.” Alex said

“You mean overkill don’t you.” Tess said, “If that thing had seen us it would have killed us without any problem.”

“But it was still active, after all this time.” Alex said

“Is that a problem?” Liz asked

“The power systems should have depleted centuries ago. But it’s still going, enough for that thing to keep running. The lights and life support are on minimal…this shouldn’t be happening.” Alex said, “Come on. It should be safe now…just keep your eyes open.”

Alex led them out of hiding and down the halls.

Power Generation Room, 14:10

Instead of leading them to their principle goal of the space folding equipment, he headed straight for the main generator a few floors down of the entrance. His curiosity had gotten the better of him and the second he entered the room he was taken aback. All of the equipment was jury-rigged. Wires and cables coming from places they shouldn’t be with panels ripped off and everything still very active.

“Alex?” Liz asked

“This is…everything has been reconfigured. The original generators power unit was bled dry, it’s completely dead even after who ever did this put it onto minimal usage. That kept it going for a few more centuries after they all left the city but it’s been altered. When the generators output dropped to just above zero, it kicked in a backup system. This is generating power directly from the oceans currents.” Alex said

“But that means someone survived the meteors.” Tess said

“Yeah.” Alex said

“And they wanted power to keep something running indefinitely.” Max said

“Yeah.” Alex agreed more solemnly.

“Is there enough power to do what we need to do?” Isabel asked

“Yes. It looks live several labs were set up to get power while all the others were powered down.” Alex said, “Ours is one of them. It’s all going to the lower level labs, life support and security.”

Laboratory, 14:20

Soon they continued o their way down to the lowest levels of the facility.

“We can cut through here.” Alex said as they came up to a door.

He opened the door and Michael just shook his head, “Don’t these people know of locks?”

“Actually no.” Tess said, “Common courtesy, don’t go into another scientists lab.”

Alex then activated the lights and the entire chamber lit up. “What the…” he said as he looked over the room. It was like a military hanger filled with small fighter ships. “The Ghost Fleet.”

“I think I’m gonna need more information.” Max said as he looked down into the room.

“Advanced class of fighters, at least back in the day they were advanced. They can be flown in two modes, the first is with a pilot and the second is that they can be controlled remotely from the lead fighter. These things disappeared 3 months before Atlantis sank.” Alex said as they moved to the fighters

“Disappeared?” Michael asked

“No-one knew what happened to them. They were out on a mission, it was successful and then the Antarian High Council lost contact with them.” Tess said

Alex opened a panel on the lead fighter and started to examine the technology inside. “It looks like these have been upgraded. They all have miniature space folding generators in their engine cores. Extreme short range, maybe limited to within a solar system.” Alex said

“What would that do?” Kyle asked

“Well, tactically its huge. Imagine you’re in a dogfight, with this you can disappear and then appear on an enemies rear. You’d take him, her or it completely by surprise.” Alex said. Then he started accessing its computer log, “From what this said, the Atlantis Control Board ordered the diversion of the fleet to Atlantis.”

“Did they have that kind of authority?” Max asked

“Not even close.” Alex said, “What the hell’s going on here?”

Bio-Genetics Lab, 14:30

They left the hanger and came to another lab and this one did have a lock, much to Alex’s surprise. He asked Max to use his handprint to open it since all royal energy could access all secured areas on Antar. Max did it and seconds later the doors swung open and they all went inside. Everything was still active with although there were several cracked monitors and equipment. They all dispersed as they looked around the lab, Alex spotted one of the intact panels and moved over to it before he started to access the records.

“I am Doctor Alar, Chief Bio-Geneticist of Atlantis. This laboratory has been commissioned in the advent of the discovery of the Shoa’li microbes within all our people. Many of our citizens are concerned of this, especially of the Shao’lis apparent intelligence.

**static**

It is the 42nd day of Curakis, just a few minutes after dawn. I have been here a mere twelve days and the research conducted on the Shao’li microbes within my own body has progressed remarkably. I have discovered that the Shao’li are genetically neutral, it is possible for them to exist in all life forms even though there are some environmental conditions that will prove fatal to them.

**static**

Against my recommendations, the Control Board as ordered my department to begin experimentation of the local indigenous population of Earth. They call themselves human. These people are barely aware of themselves; they live mostly in caves and aside from the occasional grunt they don’t speak. One day they may become technologically advanced but not within the next few thousand years. Several thousand have been tagged in various locations around this world and are awaiting collection. The outer segment of the city has been prepared and isolated from our sections.

**static**

Council has…

**static**

Day 12 of Dural, the board in their infinite wisdom has ordered the immediate activation of a new project, a group of the human population of Atlantis is to be selected for genetic enhancement. This is in no way something that we should be involved with but…

**static**

39 Dural, I have continued with the Shao’li project despite the distractions of the Board. It is incredible…76% of the genetic markers present in the Shao’li are within Antarians. While they may have arrived on Antar after life began, I have no doubt that their arrival and introduction to our eco system made the development of our people inevitable. They sparked the intelligence in our race. They don’t even know this.

**static**

My discoveries did not go over well with the board; I think they are personally offended by the idea. All of my involvement with the Shao’li has been terminated until further notice. I have been ordered to focus my work on the human research…I have no idea what’s going on…

**static**

I am beginning to suspect that House Kiris is involved with more than half of the board…

**static**

I’ve just found out, the board assigned my assistant to me. He’s been using my research on human and Shao’li D.N.A. He has injected a group of the enhanced humans with a retrovirus containing the Shao’li material. I have managed to get these people into isolation in a restricted lab, only I have access. So far there has been no response, in fact they appear to have suffered some sort of brain damage and entered some sort of retardation.

**static**

I’ve been here for two years now…we were wrong, very wrong. The retardation of the humans was fake - they actually tricked us. I believe that from the moment they were injected, they started to learn at a geometric rate. But the best thing, the best thing is that they’ve been sneaking out at night. They got out of their isolation tubes, passed security and out into the human section of the city. They’ve been teaching the other humans on the colony. The only reason we know this…last night, they didn’t come back. To the best of our knowledge they left Atlantis, probably through the transit network.

**static**

The escape of the enhanced humans let me find out what’s been going on. One of the Nobles chose the board members to support his policies and as I suspected it was Lord Kiris, he wanted a method to eradicate the Shao’li from our bodies. Introducing them to humans was to create a control group that we could subject a variety of radiations and bio-toxins to since something they are weak against. They never anticipated an escape…” Then in the back ground loud explosions could be heard and everything shook violently.

“It has been…two…maybe three weeks since my last entry. There was massive bombardment of the island, meteors. No warning. Most of the structures survived and the field is intact but the surrounding ocean floor was badly damaged, Atlantis will sink in a week or so. There are about 200 human survivors, 3 Antarians. We hope that some of the ships that launched got through but I don’t see how. The remaining three of us…we’ll get the humans off and back to their original homes, they will no doubt carry some stories of this place but that doesn’t matter now. Maybe what the enhanced humans and we’ve taught them can be passed to the rest of the world’s population. Still no sign of the enhanced humans, I doubt I ever will. This is the last entry…” There was a long minute of static before the monitor cut out and started to repeat the sequence.

“Shao’li enhanced humans.” Tess said

“I wonder what happened to them?” Liz said

“The genetic bonding the Antarians did was not pure, not like the method we used to bond.” Alex said, “More than likely they would have been unstable and sterile. Probably died not to long after they left. However…”

“The other enhanced humans.” Tess said

“Thousands of years of breeding with other humans. Those enhanced sequences of genetic material would have been passed to a lot of humans. People like Copernicus, Newton, Einstein…all results of them more than likely.” Alex said

He looked at his friends and then left to a door opposite the one they entered.

Adjacent Lab, 15:30

As they entered the second lab, they found it to be used as nothing more than a storage area but Max spotted some cables coming out of a wall and moving round the corner. Alex realised that the cables had been tapped directly into the power grid. As they followed the cables around the corner they were saw a cannon like machine shooting out blue energy. The beam was impacting against an Antarian, the perfect description of a Grey but instead he wasn’t small. He was six feet tall and had slight muscles. The energy wrapped around his body, snaking it’s way around the aliens skin.

“Projected stasis field.” Alex said, “It’s keeping him in stasis.”

“Antarians back then didn’t have this technology.” Tess said

“I know. But this is the reason of the power modifications. He wanted to last as long as possible and he had know idea when or even if he would be rescued.” Alex said

He moved up to the cannon and deactivated the system. The alien fell to the floor and everyone but Liz, Maria and Kyle recognised him as Alar, the doctor from the recordings. Isabel, Max, Michael, Alex and Tess were all able to tell the difference between him and other Antarians.

“Max this stasis wasn’t perfect, I think you better heal him.” Alex said after checking the alien’s vitals.

Max nodded and moved to his knees by Alar. He placed his hand over the aliens chest and focused. Alar’s large black eyes blinked as he woke up and looked down at the silver handprint on his chest. “Zan.” He said before bowing his head.

“Uh…how’d he know your name?” Liz asked

“Oh only the first born male of the royal line can heal and Zan, directly translated is king. It was the title used.” Alex said

“Um…so what was my name?” Max asked

“You didn’t have one. The first born male was called Zantar until he took the throne at which point he became Zan.” Tess said

“Nooshani Moraki nalari Zan molocj sejerisd.” Alar said

“Come again?” Maria asked

“Oh I used my powers to translate those records, back then, English didn’t exist.” Alex said after waving his hand over Alar’s head.

“What happened?” Alar said, “Zan, you look human.”

“A lot has happened since you’ve been away.” Max said, “I think I better fill you in.”

Max held out his hand and Alar took it. When that was done Alex then filled him in on the Shao’li situation. The second Alar heard it he became worried.

“What?” Alex asked

“The Shao’li, your people…can you go back to what you were?” Alar asked

“No, this is who we are now.” Alex said

“You saw the records, Shao’li are the reason Antarians exist. Without them in our bodies we will die. I was able to complete my research, we need the Shao’li to live.” Alar said

“In that case you’re carrying your peoples last hope.” Alex said

“I don’t understand.”

“Being in folded space would delay the effects of being without the Shao’li.” Tess said

“But you’ve been in stasis all during Kivar’s actions. You carry pure, original Shao’li. A little behind the times but just as good, and I can fill them in on everything else. Any one person of your size can carry trillions of my people, it’ll take only one to start creating new colonies in the rest of the Antarians.” Alex said; he knew that was what he was feeling earlier, the pure blood of his race.

“So if we bring the World Ships out and send Alar back then they’ll all be safe?” Maria asked

“That’s it.” Tess said

“Well then let’s get them out.” Michael said

“We need equipment, an experimental generator in a nearby lab.” Alex said to Alar

“Yes, I know the one.” Alar said, “This way.”

“Oh by the way, Alar, where did you get this thing? It’s way beyond your level of tech.” Alex said

“Yes I know. The Shao’li within me took control of my body, I know it’s against your law but they knew it was the only way and I let it happen. The used me to construct that stasis device and…”

“And?” Max asked

“That can wait until we’re finished with the laboratory.” Alar said while his gaze shifted from Max to Liz and then quickly back to Max. Thanks to the look of his eyes, no one saw the shift in gaze. They all followed Alar out of the room and back out to the halls. Soon they found their goal.

Space Fold Lab, 16:00

Alar open the door for his king, it was weird seeing a hybrid as king but given the circumstances he could accept it. At least he hoped he could. From his perspective he saw humans as little more than cavemen just five minutes ago and now the king, his sister and Second was half human. The future queen was human and the Shao’li were no longer microscopic. Despite it all, his gaze kept locking on to Liz. He could see great potential in her as well as a great sense of familiarity with her face. He recognised her almost immediately, the Shao’li that had possessed him burned the image of her into his mind.

As they all entered the lab, they stopped dead as the looked at the generator. There was a giant crystal protruding from a deep pit in the floor and from bottom to top and side-to-side, there were metal strips running the length and width of it. At the top of the room three much smaller crystals were on a metal ring that aimed down to large one.

Alex wasn’t expecting anything like it, the whole thing looked alive as it shimmered in the light. He moved over to the base of the crystal where a second smaller ring circled the device. Alex pressed his hand to it and a control panel emerged from the ring. He then opened the case and laid the five crystals on it, the one from the Granolith was last. In seconds the system locked onto the five World Ships inside folded space.

“Alex, can you tell if they’re still alive?” Isabel asked

“No, the sensors aren’t powerful enough. They’ll have to be in normal space…assuming they come out in range…oh no.” Alex said

“What?” Max asked

“Well this thing is experimental, its range is limited.”

“How limited? Can it reach the ships?” Alar asked

“It can. In folded space there is no distance so range isn’t a factor. It’s the exit that’s the problem, they’ll come out inside the solar system.” Alex said

“Oh. Five planet sized ships. I think people will notice.” Maria said

“Unless I can bring them out on the other side of the sun.” Alex said

“That’s precision work, can you do it?” Tess asked quietly

Alex just looked at her and she nodded, he wasn’t sure about anything with this and the look he gave Tess conveyed that to his sister. He started working on the controls; setting it up to do the job he wanted it to do. When he was done he pressed a button and the whole thing came to life. The ring on the roof started to spin, causing the crystals attached to it to circle around the device. All of a sudden the three shot out beams of energy against the large crystal. The metal strips started to glow bright blue. The crystal hummed and four crystals appeared from the walls at the four cardinal compass points and also shot energy to it.

“Max.” Alex said

As he was previously instructed to do so during their road trip, Max went to the device and touched it with his hand to release the energy. There was a brilliant yellow glow as a beam shot out through the levels of the facility, through the depths of the ocean and out into space. It lasted for only a second and when it stopped, on the other side of the sun in a straight line were the five world ships of Antar.

“YES!” Alex called out; the relief over came him as he slumped on the panel. Everyone patted him on the back and clapped before Isabel hugged him.

“Never make me do that again, that’s not good stress.” Alex said

“Is there such a thing?” Maria answered as she offered him some Cedar Oil, which he promptly inhaled.

“Okay, life signs…scanning.” Alex said

The panel blinked and beeped as Alex pressed button after button. The crystals reacted along with his commands, emitting sounds and energy that scanned the ships on the opposite side of the sun. “Life signs are very minimal…on four of the world ships. The populations are still alive but wont be for much longer.” Alex said

“You said on four right?” Max asked

“On one ship…Kivar’s ship, all are dead. Population 6 billion give or take a few hundred thousand.” Alex said solemnly

“I think that comes under irony.” Michael said, “Don’t get me wrong I’m sorry they’re all dead but it’s Kivar and his lot that has cause us all the problems.”

“Still doesn’t make it right.” Tess said

“Hey, it’s you two that keep on saying there are no accidents, that there is a reason the universe does the things it does.” Maria said

“Yeah, maybe this is the universe taking its pound of flesh for what they did to you. You did say that the Shao’li and the universe were intimately connected.” Isabel said

Alex looked at Tess and both nodded. Despite being saddened at the loss of life, as all Shao’li would be they could not deny their friend’s statements. “Well then, I guess we better get you home.” Alex said to Alar

“There is one more thing I need to show you all, you in particular Hierarch.” Alar said to them all but focused on Alex.

He led the teens out to a room at the top of the pyramid on the surface. There they found, carved directly into the walls with Antarian powers, was a sequence of pictographs. One in particular drew their attention – Liz’s face. Directly below it was a picture of her lying on the floor with someone leaning over her with his hand over her and two men running away. On the chest of the one leaning over her was the Antarian royal seal. It was exactly like the day of the shooting. Alex and Tess looked over the rest of it. They knew it all by heart but they had never seen it drawn out before. For them communication was in thought and idea and what they were seeing had never been displayed like this.

“This is what…22 thousand years old?” Isabel asked

“How’d you know about this?” Max asked Alar

“I didn’t. When the Shao’li took me over, they did this.” Alar said

Max turned to Alex, “What is this?” Alex closed his eyes, as did Tess. Neither wanted to acknowledge what they were looking at. “Alex.” Max said louder

“It’s a prophecy.” Alex said, “The first thing any Shao’li comes to know, something, a flash we saw for an instant when we were first created at the big bang.”

“Prophecy of what?” Isabel asked

“The end time. The end of life, the end of the everything - take your pick.” Tess said quietly

“Why haven’t you told us about this before?” Kyle asked

“Because we’ve never see the images before or the events, the people or even how it would happen. We saw it as concepts, thought processes and blurry afterimages. This is the first time we’ve seen the pictures as clear as this.” Tess said

“And it all starts with this.” Alex said as he pointed to the depiction of the shooting.

To Be Continued…
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Chapter 11

Prophecy Room, Central Pyramid, Atlantis, Immediately Following

They all looked over the carvings of the Shao’li prophecy. Tess reached out to touch it but her hand stopped sort of the wall and she pulled back, she was afraid to even touch it and Kyle spotted it in her. He put his arm around her and held the blonde.

“So…what’s this?” Kyle asked as he pointed to a scene of nine people.

“That is us, us looking at this wall.” Tess said

“All of these are events from the last two years.” Alex said, “Finding the orbs, the white room, Whitaker, Copper Summit…everything, even my death.”

“Alex what are these?” Michael asked as he pointed to a carving of serpents.

“Those are what we called the Kol…anti-life. Our interpretation of the prophecy was that the Kol would come and feed.” Alex said

“How would that end the universe?” Max asked

“Everything is in balance, it has to be or existence wouldn’t be possible. Life gives of energy just as entropy does; when the Kol feeds entropy grows stronger because there is less life. If all life in the universe is gone then the universe falls apart.” Alex said

“Do these snakes look like any species your familiar with?” Kyle asked

“No. I mean their similar to the Antarian Bramus but the ones on these…they have features I don’t recognised.” Alex said as he looked at Tess who shook her head

“And this starts because of that day.” Liz said as she walked away

“Liz?” Max asked as he moved over to her

“I’ve been through this already Max. End of the world because we’re together…now it’s the universe.” Liz said and Max held her close

“No Liz.” Alex said, “The shooting was just a…a signalling event. It led to others and then others that resulted in the Kol. You’re not responsible.”

“So you’re saying that if Max didn’t heal me this wouldn’t be happening?” Liz said as she looked at her friend.

Alex couldn’t answer it, as much as he wanted to. He didn’t even know where the Kol would come from. “I don’t know Liz.”

“Exactly.” Liz said

“Liz, I love you more than anything but you can’t be responsible of everything.” Max said

“He’s right Liz, you are just a high school girl. We both just happen to be caught up in something bigger than we are.” Maria said

“Yeah.” Liz said, “Smallest of small town girls.”

Max looked down into her eyes and smiled, “Maybe when I healed you, but not anymore.” He said

Liz smiled as he cupped her cheek, over his shoulder she saw another panel. “What’s that one about?”

Alex looked over to the panel she was looked at, the last panel in the sequence, and saw a small picture of a figure standing alone against the worms.

“One to fight the dark night.” Tess said, “It was a part of the prophecy.”

“We’ve always known what would happen if the Kol came, but nothing of what we knew ever said that it would happen.” Alex said

“Something could stop it.” Tess said

“What?” Max asked

“I don’t know but it looks more like who.” Alex said

“What could one person do against all of that?” Michael asked

“No clue, but they’ll need a hell of a lot more power than I’ve got.” Alex said

Alex waved his hand over the panels and they came away from the walls. They span around the room and shrank before coming together in a sphere that fit into the palm of Alex’s hand. All the group just gave him a look, “What? I thought I’d study more later.”

“What I don’t get, is that if you guys have never seen this prophecy like this then how did Alar’s little guys do this?” Kyle asked and everyone looked at Alar

“Oh well after they took control of me and built the stasis generator, before they could activate it…it was like something took control of them.” Alar said

Tess and Alex looked at each other and smiled. They instantly knew that if there were anything that would want them to see the details of the prophecy then it would be the one thing that gave it to them in the first place – the universe itself. After all, its existence was at stake. The others looked at their smile but decided to let it pass, they were obviously satisfied and that was enough for them.

Alex looked at the sphere before placing it in his backpack and turned to Alar, “There is something I have to do…you’ll be fine but…”

“But you need to prepare the colony within me.” Alar said

“Yes.” Alex said

“What do I do?” Alar asked

Alex took a step back and broke himself down into particles that circled the spot where he stood, “Nothing.” His voice echoed, “Just stand where you are.”

Alar looked at the cloud and stared in amazement; he’d never seen anything like it. Then his body stiffened and from the pores in his skin, the Shao’li poured into the room. They were original specimens, no blending with outside genetics and as a result the colour was brighter and richer. The two clouds came closer together until they where swirling together.

Alex shared all his knowledge with them, each particle passed the information on and everything was covered from the last 20,000 years. The colony was completely updated on everything and the power of each cell unit was altered to compliment the variety that existed before Kivar’s coup. When all was done the clouds separated and Alex returned to normal while the other cloud returned to Alar.

“I…I feel different.” Alar said

“Kinda tingly, full of energy? I know.” Alex said

“There are different power levels operating in you now. Once they leave your body one will remain in you to recreate the colony you had while the others go into other Antarians to do the same. When that happens you’ll feel like your old self.” Tess said

“Then I suggest we return to Antar quickly…but I don’t know we’re going to get there.” Alar said

“Well, fortunately there is a fleet of fighter ships in a hanger down in the labs.” Max said

“Ships that haven’t been used in thousands of years.” Isabel pointed out

“Don’t worry, the built them to last back then.” Tess said

“And their upgraded space folding abilities means we don’t need to move through the oceans. We can fold into orbit of Antar and descend without even being picked up by Earth’s radar.” Alex said

“Let’s go.” Max said as he took Liz’s hand and left the room.

Ghost Fleet Hanger, 18:00

“Are you sure you can fly these thing?” Max asked as Alex activated the powers systems on the ships.

“Reasonably sure.” Alex said

“Oh that’s a confidence builder.” Maria said

“Well it’s the best I have. I know the general gist of how to pilot them but zero on experience.” Alex said. He pressed the final button on the panels and all ships buzzed to life. In the cockpits the lights came on and all lifted off from the floor so that they were hovering just a foot up.

“These look like they hold two people.” Max said

“Yeah, I can tie them all in remotely and control them from my ship.” Alex said, “Okay, everybody in.”

They all paired up in their couples and got into the ships with Alar taking one by himself. Alex was over by one of the control panels entering several commands while Isabel waited in their ship. Then he ran over to the ship and jumped inside just as a voice called out from the speakers…

“Self destruct in 4 minutes 59 seconds.”

“Self destruct?” Max asked through the ship-to-ship communication system

“Sooner or later humans will discover Atlantis. The technology here is too advanced, believe me you don’t want humans to get a hold of it until they’ve grown up a little. No offence.” Alex said while looking at Liz, Maria and Kyle.

“None taken.” They all said together

“Hold on.” Alex said as he activated the ships engines and the entire fleet disappeared in a field of purple and blue energy.

Meanwhile the countdown continued and when it hit zero a blast of energy shot from the central pyramid. When it hit the cloaking field it bounced back on itself taking every building and the underground facilities with it. Everything within the field was gone, including thousands of tons of water that resulted in ocean levels around the world dropping a little. Without anything to sustain the field it soon collapsed as well and then there was nothing for humans to find.

Antar - Central World Ship of the Antarian Empire, Five Minutes Later

A few minutes later the fleet, including the unoccupied ones, emerged from the spatial fold. They were on the opposites side of the sun from Earth’s position and were completely hidden from view of any satellites or telescopes that might be observing the star. All five World Ships were close together, but Alex knew which one was Antar and started the descent to the planet.

When they came in contact with the atmosphere, there was a ripple of energy as they passed through the force field that kept the air contained. As they flew through the sky, they passed over the few cities that were on the surface of the artificial planet and they could see hundreds of people lying unconscious on the ground.

“Hey Alex, what’s with the mountains?” Max asked

They all looked out of the windows to see that the mountain ranges were all connected with a series of smaller ranges. They were all over the planet, ringing the surface.

“The large peaks are weapon emplacements. The smaller ranged are the power conduits and tracking systems. Every ship needs a way to defend itself.” Alex said

“It’s hard to believe there is a trillion tons of metal under all that.” Isabel said

“And it’s only twenty meters under the soil.” Tess said

“You know, I’m seeing people in the streets but I thought there would be more.” Max said

“During a fold everyone goes underground for safety. Only a fraction of the population stays up top.” Alex said, “We’re coming up to the largest city, that’s our landing site. There are hundreds of access points to the ship from there.”

“Lead the way.” Max said

The ships flew over the city and landed in a field just outside of it. After removing one of the folding generators they began their trek to the city. As they moved through the city, their first instinct was to help the comatose people but Alex stopped them. He told them that they would be taken care of soon but there was nothing that could be done just now.

They moved through the streets of the city until they came to a spire with a single door in its base and Alex led them up to it. “You’re up Max.”

Max opened the door with his handprint and the door vanished, they all passed through the now empty arch and proceeded down a long set of spiralling stairs.

Royal Thrown Room, Antar, 18:30

As Alex described, the entire ship was one big sphere. Layer on top of layer with an environment on the surface. However, the halls were wide and open much like the streets of a normal city. They were made of metal with doors all along it leading into different areas and rooms but everything was decorated. After a few centuries of cold grey the inhabitants of the world ship placed curtains and carpets of varying fabrics all over the place to liven the walls and floor up and just like on the surface, their were comatose bodies lying everywhere.

Eventually they entered another transit system and made their way deeper into the ship and walked through the walls. They came to a giant open space that enclosed a garden. Everything was growing from the floor, walls and ceiling. It was weird seeing trees growing upside down and they all tilted their heads in a vein attempt to make it look right. In the area gravity had been adjusted so that a person could walk full circle from the floor, up the wall, across the ceiling and back down again.

On the other side of the garden were two large double doors, taken from the original palace before Antar blew up, that lead into the throne room. There was no specific palace, there was no need for it but there was a need for the rulers of Antar to have a place to rule from. Max looked around as they approached the doors, the closer and closer they got to this location everything seemed more familiar, he felt at peace being here, a sense of being surrounded by caring people that loved him. He felt almost at home. The only time he’d ever felt like this was when he was with Liz.

Then as he touched the door he got an overwhelming sense of fear and terror as he caught a glimpse of Kivar’s attack. Seeing it all, having it forced into his brain in less than a second caused Max to keel over and fall to the floor. Liz moved to his side as the sudden headache calmed and the painful images sorted themselves out.

“Max…” Liz said with worry

“I’m okay. I saw…I saw our deaths.” Max said as he spat our some saliva, he could taste blood in his mouth. The memory was like reliving the entire event and everything seemed real. Liz helped him back to his feet and he reached out to touch the door again. He was relieved that this time there was not vision and he pushed the door open.

As they stepped into the throne room and looked around, everything looked regal. The hall was massive, even bigger than the garden before it. Rich, vibrant colours covered the walls and were adorned with the symbols of the royal house. At then end of a long carpet that cut through the middle of the room, on a raised platform were two crystal thrones. Before the thrones and on each side of the carpet where two curved tabled that seated the members of the council.

Moving further into the room down the carpet, the group passed a break in the carpet. It was the perfect size for the base of the Granolith. By the time they got to the thrones, they could see several people around the tables with an Antarian on the throne.

“Kivar?” Isabel asked

“Yeah.” Max said, recognising him from the vision.

“Is he dead?” Michael asked

“I don’t even know where to look for a pulse.” Max said

“Oh I do.” Tess said as she moved up to the thrones and moved beside Kivar. She placed her fingers on the curve at his shoulder and neck. “Yeah…he’s alive.” Tess said disappointedly

“Okay, we’ll deal with him later. Let’s do what we’re here for.” Max said, “Alex…”

“Yeah, right.” Alex said. He moved over to the mark in the carpet and stood in it. Alex closed his eyes and soon he was completely lost in concentration as his thoughts drift back to Earth. Everyone just watched him and then at Tess as she two had her eyes closed, using her thoughts to enforce Alex’s on their journey.

After just a few short minutes Alex’s body started to glow. White light rippled along his body, his eyes emitted light that could be seen through his closed eyelids and a little sweat formed on Tess’s brow as she strained to continue her focus. On Earth, Alex’s thoughts made contact with the Granolith and it activated. It vanished from it’s long hiding place and reappeared around Alex who simply walked out of it as though it wasn’t even there.

With the appearance of the Granolith Tess stopped her efforts and almost fell but Kyle caught her. She looked up at him and they smiled at each other. “Are you okay?” he asked

“Yeah.” Tess said breathlessly, “Alex?”

“I’m fine. Just let’s not do that again.” Alex said

“I hear ya.” Tess said as she sat back against the platform.

“Are you okay?” Isabel tentatively asked her lover

“Yeah. I’m just going to need a few days off to recoup my powers.” Alex said

“Sounds familiar.” Max said

“Yeah…you spent your powers healing kids in a cancer ward, me, I drain mine by thinking.” Alex said

“Somehow I think there was more to it than that.” Liz said

“There is but we usually have help doing things over this kind of range…and through a star. That really didn’t help.” Tess said

“No it didn’t.” Alex said, “But you don’t need to know the rest.” He looked at Tess and thought, {They don’t need to know any of it.}

{Alex we could have died pulling off that stunt.} Tess thought

{But we didn’t and it’s okay now. They don’t need anymore worry in their lives.}

{Okay but we’re the only Shao’li who could have done this and look how much it’s drained you.}

{I know, I know. It was a strain and if I…we could do it then we would have found another way.} Alex thought as he moved over to the generator he removed from the fighter. “Let’s do this.”

He attached the generator onto the Granolith. He worked for nearly an hour as the others sat around and watched. When he was done he checked over each of the hundred connections into the Granolith and turned on both machines.

A mist of energy formed before the Granolith as it and the generator folded together points in all of the ships that still had people alive. Once more Alar’s body stiffened and all but one Shao’li microbe left his body. The cloud moved around the Antarian until they were out of his body and then separated into four separate clouds. They moved over to the mist and then turned as though they were looking at Alex for permission and he simply nodded. Three of the clouds entered the field and were transported to each of the other three ships while the fourth cloud moved around the room and then out into the halls of the ship.

With each Antarian they passed over, the clouds left one of their microbes inside the bodies, including Kivar and his allies. It had been agreed between Alex and the colony that rather than let them die, they would rather see punishment first for what he had done to their species. As soon as the Shao’li entered, they started to multiply and repair the damage to done by the lack of their presence. New colonies were formed and after a few hours the populace of all four ships were starting to recover.

“Well our job is done.” Alex said

“Good, now what do we do with him?” Max said

“Simple…follow me.” Alex said as he walked back to the Granolith. “Put you’re palm on it and repeat after me…I Zan.”

“I Zan…”

“Ruler of Antar by passage of blood.” Alex continued

“Ruler of Antar by passage of blood.” Max repeated

“Reclaim the throne taken from me.”

“Reclaim the throne taken from me.”

“And declare Kivar and his allies traitors to the true line of kings.”

“And declare Kivar and his allies traitors to the true line of kings.” Max said and as he did the Granolith shot out a light that ensnared Kivar and lifted him from the throne. The machine held him upside down in mid air and completely unable to move.

“Proclamation acknowledged.” The Granolith boomed, “Kivar is traitor and awaits evidence to be formally presented to the council by the kings representative, punishment to be decided. All holdings of his house are hereby turned to the royal house to do with as they see fit.”

“Does that mean that we now control his ship?” Isabel asked

“It is one of his holdings…and I wouldn’t imagine any problems since it’s now a…” Alex started

“Morgue…tomb…place that’s filled with rotting corpses?” Tess finished

“All the above.” Alex said, “But it should be cleaned out when the automatic cleaning systems kick in.”

“Well, time to go home.” Max said as he moved closer to Alar, “Alar. I’m putting you in charge until the council is back on its feet. If Larek wants a chat, he knows how to find me.”

“You’re not staying Majesty?” Alar asked

“No. I’m going to go home to my parents, worry about being a teenager, enjoy dating Liz and be scared of her father. In short I’m getting on with my life for as long as I can until the next emergency comes up.” Max said

“I’m all for that.” Isabel said

“Me too.” Alex said as he turned the Granolith back on and reset the co-ordinates on the Folding generator. “Faster way of getting there instead of getting up to the surface and finding those ships again.”

He took Isabel’s hand and walked into the field and was followed by the others. They all vanished and as the last couple passed through the doorway of energy closed.

The Winnebago, Palenque, Mexico, Earth, Immediately Following

With slight disorientation, they appeared right next to where their Winnebago was hidden. Max and Michael used their powers to uncover it and they all stepped inside. As Kyle closed and locked the door, they sat on the chairs around the back of the vehicle. Alex took out the sphere and sat it on the table.

“So what now?” Liz asked

“How about we worry about what’s on that sphere.” Maria said

“Those things could appear any time, we really don’t know.” Michael said

Alex looked at the orb and fixed his vision onto the image of a lone figure standing before the serpents. “Screw it.” He said causing everyone to look at him, “Even if all this does happen, it might not be for years. I say we get on with our lives…for as long as we have it, and we live how we want.”

“How? I mean we know everything is going to go to hell.” Kyle said

“Simple, we have fun.” Alex said, “Tomorrow we forget about everything else, find a nice secluded beach and have a week long vacation where we do nothing stressful.”

Everyone smiled, “Now that’s the best idea I’ve had in a long time.” Max said as Liz yawned

“In the meantime, we’ve being doing a lot of travelling. I say we have and early night and go to bed.” Alex said

They all moved around and did their usual routine for getting ready for bed. There was only one slight difference, when Max and Liz were ready they gravitated towards each other. They needed to be close to each other and slipped under the covers of Max’s bed without saying a word. They all needed to be close to each other and they all paired up and fell into bed with their lovers. Max noted that Alex and Isabel were in bed but didn’t say a thing; Liz wrapping his arm over her and then holding his hand might have had something to do with it. However, Isabel also gave him a look.

Alex also watched as his sister got into bed with her boyfriend but Kyle looked back at him. An understanding passed between them and Alex rested his head down on his pillow, he knew that nothing would be happening tonight. All spoke quietly for a while before falling asleep.

East Coast Beach, Mexico, Dawn the Next Morning

As the sun came over the horizon the Winnebago pulled up to a small stretch of beach that was enclosed on either side by a large outcrop of rocks that stretched out across the shore for half a mile in either direction. The whole area was relatively isolated with only an overgrown dirt track the only access. The only reason they found it was because Tess’s human donor once found it.

“That is so beautiful.” Isabel said as she watched the sun from the window

“Oh I can think of something more beautiful.” Alex said as put his arm around her

“Alex, I’m in love with you. You don’t need to turn on the Whitman charm.” Isabel said with a smile

“Well normally I wouldn’t.” Alex said but then moved up to whisper in her ear, “But it really turns you on.”

Isabel smiled as Alex moved over to the door and looked at him in his Speedos. “That’s not the only thing that turns me on.” She mumbled but Alex heard her loud and clear.

After a light breakfast of cereal and orange juice, the eight teenagers left the vehicle in nothing but their swimsuits. They placed towels on the sand that was rising in temperature and started to enjoy themselves. They swam in the ocean, chased each other on the sand and built a whole heap of sandcastles. Max and Isabel even recreated the whirlwind symbol in the sand as they had the last time they visited a beach when they were much younger.

Tess also wore her white suit, and as she told Alex before they left Roswell it became almost completely see through when wet. It was much to the delight of Kyle and torment of Alex when he saw Kyle’s face. He was the only one Tess let see anything as the couple drifted off to their towels and started kissing. Meanwhile, Max and Liz were looking up at the rising sun.

“Hard to believe there are five planets on the other side of that that no one know about.” Max said

“Well, if something screws up and they speed up in their orbit then everyone will know about them.” Liz said

“Well Alar can keep that from happening and Larek isn’t stupid enough to risk exposure.” Max said

“How long do you think it will be before they all wake up again?” Liz asked

“Alex said anywhere from 5 hours to a month.” Max said, “The ones that can wake up first can help with the ones that don’t. They’ll be spending most of their time getting up and around so I doubt we’ll be hearing from them for a while.”

“And Alar has a little catch up learning to do.” Liz said

Max smiled, “He’ll be in school longer than us.” Both laughed and rested on the sand against each other.

3 Hours Later…

The strip of beach was still empty although they could hear the distant sounds of a nearby resort. The voices carried over the rocks but thanks to those formations the group remained hidden from them. They could do anything they wanted to do and never be discovered. Alex and Isabel were over by a pile of rocks the rose up to the cliff. They were close enough to the shoreline to feel the spray of water on their bodies.

“That prophecy has you worried.” Isabel said

“The Kol, not even I’m strong enough to stop them. If they arrive without a way to stop them…but, that’s for then.” Alex said

“And for now?” Isabel asked huskily

The two young lovers looked at each other, their hands touched and Isabel ran hers up Alex’s arm. Alex brushed aside some of her wet hair from her face and kissed her, gently at first but then he parted her lips with his tongue. Their tongues slipped against each other as Alex put his hand on the back of Isabel’s head.

“You taste salty.” Alex said as they parted

“So do you.” Isabel said

“Are you sure? We’re not exactly alone here.” Alex asked

“They’re all…distracted.” Isabel said as they kissed again.

Alex placed his hand on her side and gently caressed down to her hip. He found the tie on the side of her bikini bottoms. Isabel’s eyes shifted over to the others and saw them all in heavy sessions with each other; she looked back at Alex and nodded. Gently he pulled on the material and the knot became undone. Her bottoms fell to the ground and Isabel pulled Alex a little way behind a small outcrop that would most of what was going on.

Isabel reached down and cupped his hard dick that was poking out of his tight Speedos. She massaged him gently and Alex’s eyes rolled upward. Alex cupped her left breast through her top, he circled the outline of her nipple with his thumb and she gasped.

“Allllexxx.” Isabel gasped

Gently she pushed down his swimsuit until his straining dick was free. Her fingers wrapped around him and Isabel gently started to stroke his length.

“Back off a second.” Isabel whispered

“Huh?” Alex said as he did as he was requested

“I just want to turn around.” Isabel said and she did so.

Alex caressed her back as he exposed and kissed her ear. Isabel could feel his dick against her ass and reached back to touch him.

“Take me Alex. Now.” She breathed as she leaned forward, presenting her slit to him

“I love you.” Alex whispered

He took hold of his rod and aimed it at her hole, gently parting her soft folds with the head of his cock. He ran it up and down causing Isabel’s whole body to shudder. He smiled as she looked back at him with her eyes tightly closed and desire in her face. Gently he pushed a little in and waited for the gasp. Her grip on the rocks before her tightened as her head bent completely down, her hair cascading over her face.

“G…God, Alex…don’t tease me…please.” Isabel begged quietly, not wanting the others to hear them.

Alex caressed her thigh and hip before sending his hand up her back and around to her breast. “Hmmmm…and I thought you liked teasing.”

“Pllleaasee Alex.” She begged

Alex gave only long hard push and entered his lover’s body.

“Aughnnnnnnnnn…” Isabel sighed for a long time as he touched deep inside her

Their bodies joined and Isabel looked back at Alex as he slowly withdrew but he pushed back inside. Their bodies started to move together, gently rocking with each slow and loving thrust of Alex’s hips. Isabel planted her long legs in the sand, keeping them straight as possible so she wouldn’t collapse despite the fact that she knew Alex would catch her.

“Oh…Isabel.” Alex said quietly, he wanted to say more and say it loudly, wanting Isabel to know what she was making him feel but the wrath of her brother was 20ft away.

“Alex…please…more.” Isabel gasped repeatedly

Their thighs slapped together, Alex moved his long, hard dick in and out of his princess. She pushed her hips back to meet his, both moving completely in time with each other but Alex knew he wasn’t going to last. His thrusts got faster and faster but remembered that he didn’t have a condom, a realisation that they shared at the same time.

Isabel’s body suddenly froze and then every muscle quivered as her orgasm rolled over her. She had to bite her lower lip to keep from crying out.

“Ugnnnnnn…Isabel…I’m gonna…oh god.” Alex breathed out

Quickly he pulled out of his lover. He didn’t want anything to happen that they weren’t ready for but as he did and fell against the rocks, Isabel moved to him quickly and dropped to her knees. She may have had her pleasure but Alex hadn’t and she’d never leave her lover wanting…he made sure she never did.

Before Alex knew what was happening, Isabel’s mouth was wrapped around his cock. Her tongue caressed him, her mouth sucked and her fingers jerked him off. Her head bobbed back and forth in time with the movement of her hand. Alex was already close and Isabel didn’t have to wait much for her reward.

“mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…” Alex strained out as quiet as possible as his seed spurted out into her mouth.

As Alex relaxed, Isabel’s mouth remained around his cock. She cleaned off his dick, licking every drop he gave her and swallowing it eagerly. When she was done, Isabel brought her head up and stood to her feet. They both looked at each other and wrapped their arms around each other, kissing passionately and fiercely.

“You’re amazing.” Alex said

“So are you.” Isabel panted.

Alex pulled his Speedos back over his now limp dick and bother were about to walk about out when they remembered Isabel was without her bottoms. Alex quickly retrieved them and Isabel put them back on, tying the side of them again. When she was done they walked back out into the water for a quick dip in the water.

*_*_*_*_*_*

As Alex and Isabel made love, Michael and Maria were in a lovers embrace. They were in the water, up to Maria’s ribs. As they kissed passionately, under the water, Michael’s hand slipped into Maria’s bikini bottoms. His finger trailed over her outer lips causing Maria to look with fire into his eyes.

“Michael…” Maria gasped as his fingers penetrated her

“Does that feel good?” Michael asked

“You damn well know it does.” Maria said as she held onto Michael.

His fingers slid in and out of the blonde, his thumb pressing against her clit, sending pulse after pulse of electricity flowing through her body.

“Uhmmmmmmmmmm…” She sighed as she moved up onto her tiptoes under the water. She kissed his naked chest, scraping her teeth over his skin as her blood boiled. “M…Michael…fuck me.”

Michael smiled lustfully at the girl he loved and removed his hand from her core. He gently pushed aside the fabric and left her slit exposed. Both his hands moved round to her ass and lifted her up a little. Maria grabbed his cock and spread her legs enough to get his dick at her opening and as he lowered her down, he became engulfed within her body.

The lovers stayed like that, Michael kept her raised with his hands on her thighs and Maria’s hands on his shoulders. Her legs wrapped around Michael’s waist and they let the water carry them away. With each incoming wave their raised slightly and Maria lowered back down. Neither had to do much work, the ocean did it for them. They held on to each other gently, looking into each other’s eyes.

“Oh…oh…uhnnnnn.” Maria gasped

“Hmmm…Mar…oh yes…” He strained out

He slipped in and out of her body but the tight grip of her inner muscles had him fighting to remain standing. If it weren’t for the water buoyancy they would have fallen together. Maria was panting heavily, her forehead rested on Michael’s as the waves kept coming into shore, raising and lowering their bodies again and again.

“Ugaaaaahhh…Michael…oh god Ugnnnnn.”

“Oh baby…ughhhhh…I think I…ugnnnnnnnn…”

“Oh yes…oh yessss…”

Both moaning quietly together as they approached their climax. They embraced tightly when all of a sudden they both froze, their eyes locked and Michael released his semen into her body. With each jerk of his cock there was another spurt and she felt each and every one of them that set off her own orgasm. They desperately wanted to cry out but they just stared at each other with their jaws hung open.

Neither wanted to release their lover and for long minutes afterwards Maria still clung to his body. It was only when his cock lost its erection that it slipped from her body and she slipped back down onto her own two feet. It was then that they saw Alex and Isabel walking hand in hand into the waters. Maria quickly adjusted her swimsuit back into position. After a minute of soft touched and loving whispers they swam over to join the other couple.

*_*_*_*_*_*

It had become very obvious to Max and Liz that the heavy make out sessions that their friends were engaged in were rapidly increasing into sex. All Liz had to do was look closely at Maria’s movements and she could see that the bobbing of her body wasn’t from the waves coming into shore but rather from having sex with her lover. A quick look over to Alex and Isabel resulted in the same conclusion from the position of their bodies.

Their blood was heating up and the sun wasn’t responsible. Liz pushed Max onto his back and rested her whole body on him. Max ran his hands all over her back and looked at each other longingly before they kissed. Her hands were all over his chest; his moved down but stopped short of her ass. He was a little self conscious of being out in the open with six other people nearby.

Liz sensed it, she could hear it clearly as if he was speaking. Slowly she pulled away from him and stood up. Max got up as well, the look in her eyes was filled with love as she took his hand and led him back to the Winnebago. Once inside, Max closed the door and they moved by one of the beds. Gently they caressed each other, never breaking eye contact as Max reached around behind Liz and unclasped the top of her bikini. His hands glided up to her shoulders and then slowly pushed the straps off her body, letting the garment fall to the floor.

Max stared at her breasts before reaching out to touch the soft mounds. They moved closer to each other and Max leaned down to kiss her. He descended with each kiss until he took a nipple in her mouth, Liz gasped as he sucked the little pebble into his mouth and then moved onto its twin. His hands glided over her body and carefully pulled off her bottoms and then removed his own.

Their eyes lingered over their lover’s body. Both smiling and ready for each other. Liz moved to the bed and sat down on it as Max opened a cabinet and pulled out a condom. He quickly took it out and put it on before moving to mount Liz. He lay on top of her and kissed passionately, the feel of heat from the each other’s body aroused them even more as they pressed against each other. Their hands moved everywhere giving gentle, loving nips and touches. When their kiss broke, Max raised his head up and looked at his girlfriend.

“I need you Max.” Liz gasped

“I know.” He answered

Liz bent her leg, brushing her knee along his body. The move was enough for Max to spread her thighs and get between them. They looked at each other, Liz’s hands move along his chest and down to his erection. Her fingers moved around his length and pulled him into her. They both gasped at the initial contact and Liz let him go. He pushed in further and their hands clasped tightly as he filled her.

“Uhnnn…Max.” Liz sighed

Gently he pulled out and pushed back in, in and out, building up a rhythm of loving strokes that stoked the fires within their souls. His hard member reached deep into her body and with each penetration her grip on his hands tightened but never once was it painful it Max.

“Max…Ugnnnn…I love you.” Liz gasped

“I…oh god Liz…ugnnnn…I love you too.” Max said as their bodies moved in tandem

Their exertions pulled at the bed sheets, pulling them off the bed. Max circled his ass and hips, Liz responded with cry after cry of pleasurable bliss. Her leg came off the bed and wrapped over Max’s. The friction was incredible to them both and their bodies started to sweat. The faster they moved the more sweat they produced; both loved each other and loved the feelings they sparked in each other.

“Max…ugnnnnnnn…aghhhhhhhh…” Liz gasped

“Liz…I…oh god…ugnnnnnnn…” Max cried out and filled the condom as the contractions of Liz’s inner muscles rippled over his cock.

Max gently pulled out of Liz and both gasped at the loss of contact. As Max rolled onto his back and pulled Liz into her arms, she removed the condom from his dick and put it in the trash. Then she rested in his arms, both holding onto each other with Max planting a gentle and loving kiss on her hair.

“I never want to leave here.” Liz said

“Neither do I.” Max said

“Wanna go for a shower?” Liz said quickly

“Thought you’d never ask.” Max said

Both jumped off the bed and ran naked into the shower cabinet where they used the last of the hot water.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Kyle and Tess hadn’t stopped kissing since they emerged from the water and rested on their towels. Although Tess was very aware of what was going on around them and after Kyle caught a glance of Max and Liz walking hand in hand to the Winnebago, he didn’t need to do much guessing.

“Have I told you how much I like this swimsuit?” Kyle said as his finger trailed over the fabric

“No, but this did.” Tess said as she reached into Kyle’s Bermuda shorts and caressed his erection

“Hmmm…Tess…don’t.” Kyle groaned

“Why not?” Tess asked

“Cause our friends and your brother are 20ft from us.” Kyle said

“They’re all busy Kyle. I want us to make love.” Tess said

“But…”

Tess put her finger over his lips, “No, buts.” She said as she pushed down his shorts, “There is a big chunk of driftwood right there, no one can see us.”

They kissed each other, Kyle’s hands moved all over Tess. He pushed her onto her back and gently pealed her suit down a little, just enough to expose her breasts while she spread her legs and wrapped them around her lover. Kyle probed her with his dick, gently pushing the crotch of her suit between her lower lips.

“Ghrrrrr…” she practically growled.

Tess’s hands left Kyle and moved between her legs where she pulled her suit aside and allowed Kyle access. As her legs locked behind his butt, he started to push into her body. Inch after inch entered her core and once he was fully inside her she flipped them around so that she was now straddling his waist. Kyle’s hands rested on her thighs as she gently moved her hips, grinding herself on his cock.

Her new position was above the driftwood hiding her and her lover and the last thing she wanted was for her brother to her like this. Quickly she covered her breasts back up but Kyle was pleased that he could still see them clearly through the suit. Gently she continued to move, lifting her hips up and down.

“Kyle…so gooood…” Tess gasped

“Ugnnn…yeah baby…Tess…” Kyle groaned, looking down to see his dick slipping in and out of her body.

Her body was straight up, her hands ran through her hair as her skin became flushed, her breathing heavy and giving off gently whimpering sounds.

“Uggnnnnn…Kyle…” Tess quietly gasped as she leaned forward, burying her hands in the sand on either side of her head.

Her hips were moving faster and faster, the tips of her hair strands were tickling Kyle’s face as his hands moved up and down her upper legs before moving to her hips and moving in time with her.

“Uhnnn….unnnnnn…oh god…” Tess panted

Then Kyle flipped them over so he was back on top. He thrust into her at the same pace she had set, her legs waving in the air. The couple kissed each other passionately, their tongues intertwined as they groaned into each other’s mouths.

“OH…goddddddd.” Kyle groaned as he felt the first shot of his seed rising and quickly pulled out. His load shot out over the sand as Tess raised herself up on her elbows and looked on. “Sorry.” He said breathlessly, “I…I couldn’t stop.”

“That’s okay honey.” Tess said

“No it’s not.” Kyle said as he pushed her back and buried his head between her thighs. His tongue lapped at her eagerly, the tip of it tapping against her clit again and again until her hips her grinding against his face.

“Uhghhhnnnn…Kyle…god…oh god right there…ughnnn…more…UGHNNNNNN!” she groaned as her back raised off the sand, her hand pushing Kyle’s head in deeper between her legs as she climaxed.

As they spotted Max and Liz leave the vehicle and head to the water line, the other two couples came out of the sea. Tess and Kyle made themselves presentable and joined the others to enjoy a good few hours of lazing in the sun.

Around the Table, Winnebago, 13:00

When they all got hungry, the group arrived back inside for lunch. They all sat around the room with goofy smiles on their faces but a lot of tension from the discovery of the prophecy had been significantly relieved. There were subtle loving touches and gentle caresses as Alex and Isabel made sandwiches for them all.

“Grub’s up.” Alex called out as he placed the large plate of food on the table and quickly emptied, “Yeah…leave some for the chefs guys.”

“Sorry.” Max said with a mouthful

“Yes well judging from the state of your bed spread you did work up a bit of an appetite.” Isabel said

Everyone almost choked on their sandwich and Tess laughed, “Hey that’s usually one of my comments.” She said

“I know.” Isabel said with a smile, “Thought I would give it a try.”

“Yeah, lets not have any more of it.” Max said

“Oh I don’t know, there is a certain kick in getting under my brothers skin.” Isabel said

“Alex…” Max strained out

“Tess, you’ve…” Alex said

“Created some fun. This will be good for you Max, she’ll keep you on your toes.” Tess said

“I can certainly vouch for that.” Alex said

“Iz.” Max said almost pleading

“Don’t worry Max, I’m just teasing.” Isabel said as she sat down and picked up a sandwich and the Tabasco

“That kind of teasing could be trouble Honey.” Alex said, “Just ask Tess.”

“What? You’ve never caused me trouble.” Tess said

“Oh no? I still owe you for that…that photograph.” Alex said

“What photograph?” Maria asked quickly

“Oh just a baby picture I gave to Isabel.” Tess said

“You mean…this one.” Isabel said as she reached into her bag and pulled out the picture.

“Awwwwww…” Liz and Maria sighed together as they saw the picture.

“Oh I’m so gonna kill you.” Alex said to his sister

“What, she’s the one who brought out the picture?” Tess said

“You gave it to her, besides, Isabel I love…it’s not like I can kill her.” Alex said

“Oh but you can kill your cute, loving twin sister?” Tess asked

“In a heartbeat.” Alex said, a comment that earned him a sore head when a light plastic cup suddenly fell on him. “Ouchhh…Tess.”

She just smiled as she took another bite of her sandwich.

“Alex, trust me. From a sister, you deserved that one.” Isabel said

“Maybe, but that just hurt.” Alex complained

“And thanks for the warning.” Max said as he looked up and made sure nothing was there to ‘suddenly’ fall down.

“So, how long are we staying here?” Liz asked

“Well I’ve been thinking a week.” Max said

“A week? Yeah, it’s a nice break time. We have a nice beach to enjoy and I say we break out the barbeque.” Michael said

“Barbeque…I can go for that.” Kyle said

“We need beef. A whole lot of beef.” Alex said

“Pork and chicken too.” Isabel said

“And my dad’s barbeque sauce.” Liz said

“Where’s the nearest store?” Maria asked

“About five miles down the highway and there is that resort we’ve been hearing. They must have stores nearby.” Tess said

They all looked at each other, their mouths watering. “Get dressed, I’ll drive.” Max said as they all dived about.

“Meanwhile, I’m going for a shower to get this sand of me.” Isabel said, five minutes later there was a loud scream, “Who the hell used the last of the hot water?” she yelled

Max and Liz looked at each other, “Uh oh.” He said

“I’ll lock the door.” Liz said as she locked the door that separated the cab from the rest of the vehicle.

Outside the Crashdown, Roswell, 09:00am, 8 Days Later

The teens phoned ahead and pulled up in the exact sport that they had left. Their parents were also in the same place and looked as though they hadn’t moved an inch. Max and Liz were the first ones off and were immediately snared by their parents in a bear hug. The others were hesitant to leave once they saw it; they wanted to keep on breathing but they knew they had to leave. As expected, they were all grabbed in to hugs.

“Welcome home.” All parents said in one form or another as they released their kids

“Hey you got a tan.” Charles said to his son, “I hope you used sun screen out there.”

“Yes dad.” Alex said

“How was your trip?” Philip asked

“It was great. We got a lot of snap shots, we saw this old temple…it was just incredible.” Isabel said

“And the beach we stayed on was beautiful.” Tess said

“Some times we slept out under the stars…mom, you would have loved it.” Maria said

“I’m assuming no laws were broken.” Jeff said, “Or any rules.”

“No, no laws or rules.” Max said as he looked at his girlfriend’s father, {Well…almost.} he thought

“Come on, let’s get your stuff inside and you can tell us all about it.” Nancy said

They unloaded all their gear from the Winnebago and carried it into the back room of the Crashdown. It was all dumped there as they moved into the main room of the restaurant. There wasn’t any customers given the time of day and it was coming to the end of the tourist season. They all sat around and started to talk about the kids’ vacation, minus the details of the other journeys to Atlantis and Antar. Jeff gathered their cameras and removed the film; he removed the films and placed them into a bag to get them developed later.

Worm Cave, Same Time

In the bowels of the earth, through miles and miles of rock, the dozens of black oily sack dripped ooze to the ground of the cave that melted holes. Inside the worms writhed over and over again, pushing against their confines. Then a sack split a little, liquid poured out to the ground and a worm found the hole and pushed its way out, widening the hole. As it fell to the floor of the cave a few more worms also fell.

Then sack after sack burst and the entire cave floor was covered in writhing black worms. The no longer looked like the Bramus that they originally came from. Their foot long bodies were covered with the same glowing crystals from the creature their mother encountered but also had sharp spines running from head to tail. Between each spine was a wafer thin flap of skin and they were all secreting a fluid that could literally melt an elephant in seconds.

The cave became filled with the sounds of shrieking that drew the attention of the larger creature. It came into the cave through the old tunnels it had already dug and the second the newborns saw it they recoiled. The snake was preparing to strike but the mass of worms coiled their bodies up into a spiral and leaped of from the ground. The skin flaps between the spines acted like wings, allowing them to glade through the air. They shot like bullets onto the snake and latched their mouths onto it.

It screamed in pain as the worms bit into it. They almost doubled in size with each bite they took of the creature and their coating melted the creature’s flesh and bone, aiding in the digestion. The creature slammed its body against the wall, trying in vein to scrape the worms from it but their grip held true. It cried out again and again until it couldn’t but by that time almost half was melted and other worms that were just coming out of their sacks were downing the liquid that was left. After a few minutes they were much, much bigger and they were even hungrier. They coiled their bodies once more and shot up to the roof of the cave, the rock crumbled on contact and they started to dig their way to the surface.

Crashdown, Same Time

As they were talking, Alex, Tess and ever other Shao’li out there felt something that caused them to stop speaking and turn their head to look at the ground.

“Hey, you okay?” Isabel asked

“Yeah.” Tess said cautiously

“I just…it felt like…I don’t know; like someone walked over my grave.” Alex said

“Me too.” Tess said

All of the Shao’li felt it, a tremble that rippled through each and every one of them.

“I don’t know…it’s probably nothing.” Alex said dismissing it but the others looked at him and his sister, they knew something scared them to their core and they had the same looks on their faces when they saw the prophecy on the walls.

The Cult, Nevada, 1 Hour Later

The people of the cult were moving around doing their daily routines. Whether they were in the open space, in the wooden huts or in the cut-out rock building, none were aware of the impending danger. In the base that had been taken over by Nicholas and the Skins, one looked over his monitoring system and then suddenly a warning indicator activated.

“What the…system, analyse incoming life forms.”

“Negative match on all known life forms.” The computer said

Then, on the monitor, the blips on the screen breached the surface and stopped. In seconds the walls of the facility dissolved and the worms came crashing in. Each one targeted a Skin and attacked. Not even the organic husk was left in the wake of the worms.

On the surface each and every human was targeted by the worms and were either melted and the worms drank the fluid or were devoured a chunk at a time. As Nicholas watched the slaughter around him he activated a shield around the room he was in. The worms slid around the corridors eating what they could and growing in size. When one spotted the Skin general it moved over to and looked the fearful alien in the eye.

Nicholas used his powers to attack the worm through the shield but there was absolutely no effect. The worm moved closer and tapped the shield and it instantly became coated in the worm’s secretions. It failed two minutes later and the worm dived at Nicholas, swallowing him whole without any effort. The worms scoured the area they emerged until there was nothing left alive before descending back into the Earth.

ATF Field Operations Base, Observing the Cult, Same Time

“Sir, you better listen to this…” one agent said as he pulled the plugs on his earphones and let the sounds come out of the main speakers.

“Arghhhhhhhhh…OH MY…NOOOOOO…AHHHHHHHHHHHHH…” voice after voice screamed through the speakers.

All the agents at the post gathered around and looked at each other when the voices suddenly stopped. A loud shriek could be heard across all the miles between the cult and the base. Everybody looked in the general direction.

“What the fuck was that?”

“Rooks.” Newman said

“Yeah?”

“Put together a team, full tactical. We’re going in…” Newman said

Myrtle Creek, Oregon, Same Time

It was a small mountain town. Buried among several low level mountains and all around it, even climbing part way up the mountainside was a thick forest that teamed with life. Its main industry was logging but it was nice and quiet. The town itself only had a population of around 3000 people but for the last few days over ten thousand had gathered for the first of an annual rock festival being held in a nearby farm field. The town had made thousands and was making more and more each day much to the delight of the town council and local businessmen whose income only got a boost at the tourist season.

On the day it was to start, at the very hour the first band was playing a second group of the worms burst through. They moved over everything, taking who or whatever they could and spraying their digestion acids over everything else. The concert was stripped of life in less than thirty minutes, they town was done ten minutes later and everything else, the animals, plants and the forest itself was all gone.

They entire valley had been stripped of life and everything was dead. Buildings, streets and everything that was inorganic in nature were all untouched. Even under the weight of the worms the stage at the concert was still standing. Even the television cameras were all left intact although the people operating them were now dead but didn’t capture anything of it. After the worms returned underground there was zero evidence that anything had happened, except for the fact that over 13,000 people vanished and that television stations waiting reports from their on site reporters never came.

The Cult…

As the squad of agents burst into the cult with heavy weapons drawn and ready to fire, they ran through the corridors ready, expecting to take prisoners almost immediately but there was nobody. They moved through all the halls until they reached the centre of the area where the cult members stayed.

Everything was stripped bare, no grass, no fish in the pond, no trees and no people. All that was left was sand and dust. The agents didn’t lower their weapons as they continued their search but moved a lot more cautiously. After reporting that there was nothing in the formation of rocks they were recalled back to their base.

Crashdown, Roswell, Immediately Following

Alex and Tess had fallen to the ground. A wave of pain burst through into their minds and all they could hear was a piercing sound. To the siblings it sounded as though thousands of screams were exploding from deep within them and as a result they were on the floor, writhing in pain. If the sound wasn’t in their heads it could have shattered the thickest sheet of glass.

Their parents, Isabel and Kyle were by their sides in a heartbeat and soon followed everyone else.

“Alex…”

“Tess…”

“ARGGGGHHHHHH…” they screamed over and over again, the pain growing each and every second. It was coming from every direction, it was coming from all over the planet in random locations but in every place that it was happening the result was the same – life, in all its forms whether animal, plant, amoeba, virus, bacteria and, of course, human…it suddenly and abruptly stopped.

To Be Continued…
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Chapter 12

Jericho Publishing, Los Angeles, Same Time

In every room, on all floors of the building, people had collapsed to the floor in pain. All but the humans in the offices felt it and were by their colleague’s sides with no idea what was happening. Jacob, his son, secretary…all Shao’li were affected as Alex and Tess were.

Oval Office, White House, Same Time

The president was in the middle of signing documents when one of his Secret Service agents suddenly collapsed crying out in pain, clutching at his head. He wasn’t completely Shao’li; he had the potential for it in his D.N.A but had not yet undergone an Awakening. Soon other agents were by his side as was the president himself.

“Agent Mathews!” said one agent

“Call a doctor.” The present said as an aide moved to the phone.

*_*_*_*_*_*

All over the planet, Shao’li and potential Shao’li were experiencing the searing pain as the Kol worms emerged in isolated regions of the world and fed on anything that was organic and alive. Everything was stripped bare leaving the soil as nothing more than sand. In total, hundred of thousands of people were consumed by the creatures, farms were decimated, ancient forests were gone and deserts grew.

Crashdown, Roswell, Ten Minutes Later

After the worms fed on an area the returned underground and as the last batch descended the pain subsided. Alex and Tess stopped crying out as the tormenting scream in their head lifted. Their eyes opened and they looked at each other, both with their fists tightened.

“It’s started.” Alex said causing their friends to look at each other.

“Alex. Tess, what happened? Are you okay?” their mother asked

Alex and Tess looked at each other and to their friends; they all knew that they weren’t getting out of this without an explanation. Carefully they stood up, as all others who were affected got back up.

“Yeah.” Max said, giving a single nod to his friends

“Mom…dad…everyone, with the exception of Liz, Maria and Kyle…no of us are, what you would call, completely human.” Alex said

“What?” the parents said together except for Amy and Jim who already knew.

“And even Liz and Kyle is kind of a grey area because of something that happened.” Tess said

With that they all sat down and for the first time told their parents a lot of their story. Tess not being born to her parents was left out.

Later…

It had been a good few hours since the reports of the collapsing people were reported. Many of those who had not yet Awakened were taken to hospital by their loved ones who had no more of an idea of what was happening than the people who were suffering. Just as those reports were coming in, the lack of broadcasting from the Myrtle Creek concert drew attention from the media outlets that were scheduled to air the event.

In one news studio, an anchor sat behind her desk in front of the camera. “As we reported earlier the concert at Myrtle Creek in Oregon and all communications with the town has stopped. Cody Irons was due to broadcast from there but was delayed due to a technical malfunction, he is now approaching the town in a helicopter…over to you Cody.”

“Thank you Judy, we are now passing over the mountain ridge…and there, Myrtle Creek. The town appears intact but…there are many cars that have crashed into a few buildings, engines are still running. Bicycles are just lying on the ground; everything in the town looks like it’s been abandoned. I can’t see any people. The forest that covered this region is completely gone, there is no grass, no plants…there isn’t even a bird in the sky.” Irons said as the camera panned over the entire town and surrounding area. “We’re now approaching the field were the concert was to take place and…” he stopped when he saw the entire place in ruins. All the temporary structures that had been built were completely mangled. The grass on the field and surrounding ones were gone, livestock was gone and there was no sign of the tens of thousands of people.

“Hey what’s that…over there at eleven o’clock.” The pilot said pointing out the direction. The cameraman pointed the unit and spotted a ripple in the ground as though something was moving beneath it.

Just then from directly under the helicopter one of the worms sprang up from the ground and dug its way into the helicopter.

“Oh my god…what is that…oh go……” the crew cried out as the worm devoured them. The camera never got around to see what attacked them but it kept filming.

“Cody?” the anchor asked, “Cody, are you there?”

There was nothing but silence as the camera view pointed out the door of the craft. Everyone watched as the helicopter started to fall to the ground without anyone to control it and the second it hit, there was nothing but static. Everyone in the studio just kept watching the monitors in stunned silence.

“Judy, we’re still on the air.” The news director whispered.

“Yes,” she said as she turned back to the camera, “We…we can now report that Myrtle Creek is not alone. In total, there have been 46 towns across the globe have suffered similar fates at a loss of over a hundred thousand people. There is also the strange phenomenon that resulted in the collapsing of thousands of people occurred around the world in various towns and cities. Also, this incident appears to have occurred at the same moment as the Myrtle Creek Incident. So far there has been no explanation to the relationship between the events.”

Situation Room, White House, Immediately Following

The president sat in the room with the Joint Chiefs of Staff watching the report as it aired. His hand covered his mouth when he watched the helicopter go down.

“I want to know what the hell is going on.” He said

“Yes sir.”

“Don’t give me that sir crap, is this some sort of attack?”

“Sir right now we don’t know anything. We have a Biological and Chemical Weapons Mobile Unit on the way to Myrtle Creek now. One hundred and fifty soldiers on route to a training op had been diverted to the area. They’ll set up quarantine that’ll be in place in half an hour.”

“What will they do when they get there?”

“They’ll go in under full hazmat gear. They’ll search the building for survivors and take samples of the soil, air, water…all the usual places where contamination could occur. Each will carry video equipment and will transmit everything they see to the main unit and back to the Pentagon for analysis.”

“I take it they’ll be heavily armed?”

“They’ll have enough firepower to take on a small army, yes sir.”

“Thirty minutes?”

“Approximately sir.”

“Call me when they arrive.”

The president stood up and all his advisors did so two as he walked out of the room.

Crashdown, Roswell, 10 Minutes Later

The group was relaying their story almost day by day to their parents. The only break they had was when Michael called them over to the television as the news report started. Afterward, Alex told his parents the actual circumstances surrounding his death and subsequent resurrection as a Shao’li. As proof, Tess mind warped everyone so that doors and windows into the room they were in vanished. Alex broke himself up once again, his particles drifted around the room for a few minutes as he continued to speak to his parents and the others before reassembling himself.

“The Shao’li, well the original Shao’li found women who were incapable of having children or who would have miscarried. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be here right now and we’re still you’re children…it’s just that it’s not all we are.” Alex said

“And Liz?” Jeff asked

“I would have died if Max didn’t step in, he’s the only reason I am still arrive right now. Any side effects that will come along, I’ll deal with.” Liz said

“How? No one is qualified to help you with this.” Nancy said

“Mom, I’m surrounded by the only people who are qualified. Max, Isabel, Michael, Alex and Tess can help me with anything I need.” Liz said

“Mr Parker…I am sorry that we’re hitting all you like this, especially now but I couldn’t stand by and let Liz die.” Max said

“No, of course not.” Jeff said

“What I would like to know is how you could live with us this long and not tell us.” Philip said

“We don’t tell anyone.” Isabel said

“You told Liz.” Diane said

“Only after he healed me and I got a look at some cells under a microscope.” Liz said

“After that, it is kinda hard to come up with a good excuse.” Max said, “But there have been little things over the years…that kitchen fire for one.”

“So you did do something then.” Diane said

“Yes.” Max said, “For what it’s worth, Isabel has wanted to tell you for a long time but I’ve been afraid to.”

“Afraid of what?” Philip asked

“Afraid of…” Max just left it hanging but his parents knew what he was trying to say.

Off to the side, Michael was still watching the news. “There gonna repeat that clip forever.” He mumbled then something new came on, “Uh…guys. I think you better take a look at this.”

They all gathered around the television just as another reporter was starting his feature.

“It looks like another reporter was in the area. The military is moving in and this guy beat the quarantine.” Michael said

“This guy does know what happened to the last guy right?” Kyle asked

“Kyle, no one knows what happened to the last guy except us.” Max said

“Yeah well this guy is in by himself with a camera.” Michael said as the view looked over the wreck of the helicopter. “He’s already gone down and taken a look at that wreck, he didn’t find anything…or anyone there.”

Just then there was a tremor, not just in Myrtle Creek but also everywhere on the planet. It lasted a few seconds but as the reporter turned his camera upward to their sky. There, for the entire world to see, was another planet. One of the World Ships had folded into local space, orbiting the Earth just outside the orbit of the moon.

“Antar.” Max said, recognising it immediately

“That is Antar?” Philip asked

“Yeah, the other four must still be on the other side of the sun…what the hell is Alar doing?” Max said

“I think we might be about to find out.” Kyle said

From the direction of Antar, a mass of black dots swarmed out of the sky. The closer they got the clearer they became, eventually they could tell that it was the ghost fleet from Atlantis returning. Each ship flew over the town, almost blowing the reporter of his feet from the turbulence. He did his best to keep his view on the alien ships as they disappeared in the distance but in seconds they were flying over the town. Half flew over saturating the area with blue energy that leached into the ground and drew the worms out. Each one was much larger than when they first emerged from their sacks, they were three times the size of a whale and still growing. As they arose, the reported shifted his camera to each worm and then back up to the ships.

They all started to fire at the worms. The blasts impacted deep into worms, burning holes into their flesh but they kept on moving like they were unaffected. Pulse after pulse of yellow energy was fired into the town and surrounding area but soon the worms stopped taking the hits and started striking at the unmanned ships. They caught the vessels in their crushing jaws, whipped them with their tails and shot up from the ground and rammed headfirst into the hulls.

Alar piloted the fleet from the lead ship, commanding each one to continue firing at the worms. Some even managed to hit a worm enough to shoot the creature half but there was no celebration as both halves re-grew their missing bits, resulting in the creation of yet another worm. The worm soon turned their attention to Alar’s ship. Three at once dived towards it but Alar managed to avoid them, but not the forth Kol that lashed his ship with it’s tail.

Alar’s ship spiralled down into the mountain just above the position that had been taken up the reporter, a trail of smoke leading right to it. Everyone watching the television watched a shaky image as the reporter ran over the mountainside. Soon they arrived at the crash site just in time to see the ship explode and all other ships in the fleet stop suddenly and descend to the ground. The reporter fixed the camera onto Alar and the world watched as the alien crawled along the ground from the burning debris. Alar collapsed, face down onto the ground and lowly the reporter moved in. He fixed the camera onto the ground as he moved to the alien and after placing his hand on the alien’s shoulder, he turned him over and the camera saw the face.

“Please…” Alar said to the reporter, “I must speak to your leaders…your world is infected…danger.”

*_*_*_*_*_*

“What the hell is Alar doing?” Michael asked

“You know…him?” Nancy asked

“Uh yeah, we met him just recently.” Max said

“And he’s one of your people?” Philip asked

“Pure Antarian through and through.” Isabel said, “Were as we…”

“Are half human.” Jeff said, “I think I need an aspirin.”

“Oh hello.” Maria said getting all their attention to the television.

They were just in time to watch dozens of solders come over the ridge. The reporter ran for his camera, grabbed it and got the faces of several soldiers before they smashed the camera. As the screen filled with static and flicked back to the studio, the soldiers took the reporter and the alien into custody. Max quickly tensed up at it and Liz felt it.

“Max?” Liz said

“They better not…”

“No Max, they can’t. Thousand…millions of people just say what happened out there, they can’t put him in a White Room without repercussions.” Liz said

“Especially not with a giant planet in orbit.” Tess said

Their parents looked back and forth between their children as they talked. “What’s a White Room?” Philip asked

Max just looked at his father with pain filled eyes. He had hoped not to bring this up, the memories were bad enough but to relive it and relay the story to his parents…that was something else entirely.

Situation Room, White House, 1 Hours Later

The president burst into the room with his Chief of Staff in toe and everyone inside jumped to their feet.

“Where is it?” he asked as he moved to the head of the table

“We have it secured at a nearby military facility. We were able to retrieve one of the crafts…it was empty. It’s been moved to Area 51.”

“And the reporter?”

“We had to let them go.” A general said

“They broke a quarantine.” The C.o.S. said

“Well technically the quarantine wasn’t in place when they got inside.”

“Besides, this is out already. The damage is done.”

“Mr president…” said a lieutenant on the phone, “The feed is up sir.”

Everyone turned to the screen on the wall and everyone sat down.

“Holy shit.” The president mumbled, “Can you hear us?”

“I can.” Alar said as he looked into the camera, he was sitting in a chair with his hands restrained to the armrests.

“Who…what are you?”

“My species is Antarian, our world which is in orbit of yours just now is Antar. My name is Alar, a genetic scientist of the empire.”

“What’s a genetic scientist doing piloting an attack fleet?” A general whispered

Alar heard him, “A medical emergency detained our regular military, however they are recovering.”

“Why did you attack us?” the president asked

“I did not attack you, I attacked the Kol.” Alar said

“Kol…those worms? What are they?” The president asked

“We do not know much of them. The origins of these life forms are not known but all we know is that an old and very wise race known as the Shao’li greatly fear the Kol. These worms feed on everything that lives and will not stop until all life is gone.” Alar said, “You’re world is the first to be infected, we must stop them here. I did not count on my weapons being so…ineffective.”

“What happens if you can’t stop them here? It’s not like they can get off world.”

“They can. These worms don’t need air, sunlight or water. Existing in the open void of space will not affect them any more than they exist now. They can plant their young onto your spacecraft…your shuttles. All they need to do is get into orbit.” Alar said, “Our only alternative is to destroy your world.”

That got everyone’s attention even more.

“What?” the president asked

“It is an option before the council. Your concern is for your country and on some level the Earth itself. Their concern is the universe.”

“I see.”

“However, our king would never agree to it. This world is special to him, his sister and Second.” Alar said

“Why?” a general asked

“They are half human. Our King’s beloved, the future queen of our people is human. They are very close to a group of humans.” Alar said

“Excuse me?” the present all but laughed

“You are not ready for their story. And I will not risk their safety, especially after their last encounter with officials of your government. I believe you call them F.B.I.” Alar said

“I can order the men around you to make you tell us.” The president said

“And if you did, what would be the result?” Alar asked, “I suggest you return to your office and look out the window or turn on your media.”

“Your planet?”

“It is a ship, a world ship. It is a great feat of engineering even by our standards, and we have four more nearby. Their weapons are unsurpassed.” Alar said, “Do not assume that you can control this situation. My concern is for my king and for preventing the spread of the Kol. No more of your species must be allowed to perish before them. Right now they have retreated to the depths of your world to adapt before resuming their feeding.”

The president nodded as he looked to his advisors who looked cautiously back at him. “These worms…your said another race told you of them.”

“The Shao’li.”

“Yes the Shao’li. Can they help?” the president asked

“We do not know. The most powerful of them, their Hierarch is afraid, as is his sister. Their Council…their power is nowhere near that of the Hierarch.” Alar said

“I see.”

“However, they do have a prophecy. A glimpse they had of the future that first warned them of the Kol, it stated that there would be one that will stand before the Kol to fight them. As of yet the identity of this person is not known.” Alar said

“Can you fight them?”

“I don’t know, but I can try. At the very least I might delay them.” Alar said

“General Trask.”

“Yes sir?”

“Take our guest to the ship you retrieved, have it diverted to meet him midway.” The president said

“Sir?”

“Do it, if he can buy us time then so be it. It beats the alternative.”

“Yes sir.” Trask got up and moved to one of the phones on the wall and called up the commander of the facility where Alar was being held and then got on to the driver of the truck transporting the fighter.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a press conference to prep for.” He said, got up from behind the table and made his way up to his office. Once there he opened the glass door and stepped out, moved out into the open and looked up at Antar.

Crashdown…

They had been watching the television and turned it off when he finished his speech. As expected he asked for calm and explained what Alar had told him. He told them the name of the planet above their heads and why they were there. He told them of the Antarian half human king and what little he knew of the Kol but he said what Max was praying to hear, the president had released Alar and sent him back to his ship.

“Thank god.” Max breathed out

“See I told you.” Liz said

“Half human king? That would be you?” Jeff said

Max looked up, “Didn’t mention that part did I?”

“No.” Philip said

“Oh sorry, given everything we’ve been through that didn’t seem to be important.” Max said

“Not important?” Diane asked with disbelief

“Well…” Max started as he looked over at Alex.

He was looking at the sphere, examining every detail as closely as possible.

“Alex?” Max asked

“I can stop them.” Alex answered. All of a sudden everything in his head was aligning, he was becoming aware of an understanding of everything and knew what everything was about. He knew his purpose.

“No you can’t.” Tess said

“I thought you said you weren’t powerful enough?” Michael asked

“I’m not…not unless I…”

“You son of a …sorry.” Tess said as she turned to her mother and then looked back at Alex, “You really do have a death wish don’t you?”

“No I don’t.” Alex said

“Oh really, all the things you’ve done recently…the super speed dust thing you did at the transit system entrance, putting your head on overdrive to contact the granolith when we were on Antar…”

“Tess!” Alex complained

“I want to know what’s going on right now.” Isabel said

“The only way Alex can win is if he dies.” Tess said

“What?” Liz asked

“I need to put everything I have into it. All my power…everything I am. The chances I’ll survive are small.” Alex said

“And that’s a load of crap. The chances of you surviving are zero…none what so ever and I am not going to loose my brother.” Tess said

“Tess…” Alex said calmly

“No, I don’t want to hear it.”

“Everything that’s happened has been for a reason. Everything has lead to this.” Alex said and got a look from everyone, “You guys end up on Earth, the place where the Kol emerge. I die and wake up as a Shao’li Hierarch, a child of the universe itself. Antar gets caught in a space fold when the universe gets ready for a clean out 80 years early. That forces us to go to Atlantis early and find Alar and the prophecy, which tells us that the universe controlled the Shao’li in him to write out the prophecy visually for us. The universe doesn’t want to die and needs someone to fight for it…which explains that Jesse guy.”

“What about him?” Max asked

“A human with the exact molecular configuration as my own, that doesn’t raise an eyebrow? He’s my replacement.” Alex said

“With whom?” Isabel asked

“You.” Alex answered her.

Isabel shook her head, knowing that if Alex went out there he wouldn’t be coming back. “No.” she said

“Isabel, if the universe put people into place…it knows what has to be done. You wont be alone, that’s why he’s the way he is. The universe sent him here for you when I couldn’t be.” Alex said

“I don’t care. I don’t want to be with him, I want to be with you.” She said, a tear running from the corner of her eye.

“So do I.” He whispered as he moved closer to her. He cupped her cheek and wiped away her tear before he kissed her. Isabel suddenly froze and fell asleep, collapsing onto the sofa.

Max and Michael ran to her side as did her parents. “What did you do?” Philip asked

“I put her to sleep. She’s the only one who’s ever influenced my powers…she could keep me from going. This way…she’ll live.” Alex said, “You know I’m right.” He said to Tess

“I can feel it but this is wrong.” Tess said

“You really don’t think we’ll let you leave.” Charles told his son

“The only person who could stop me is asleep.” Alex said solemnly as he looked from his father to Isabel. Quickly he put on his coat and raised the hood before putting on a pair of shades. His face was almost completely obscured and in seconds he was in his particle form. In a gentle aura of light he vanished from sight.

“ALEX!” Tess called out

Isabel then woke up and looked around, “No…no he didn’t. He promised he wouldn’t leave me again.”

Tess thought for a moment, looking to each of her friends before running to the phone.

“Tess?” Max asked, “What are you doing?”

“I might not have been able to stop him but I can keep him from getting himself killed.” Tess said as she dialled. “I’m gonna make sure he’s not alone.”

She waited patiently as it rang and when it answered, “It’s me…Alex needs your help.”

Myrtle Creek, Oregon, Thirty Minutes Later

Back in the area outside of the town, Alar had arrived with the ship recovered by the military and had activated the other surviving ships of the Ghost Fleet. He had resumed his attack after drawing the worms back to the surface. This time even more worms surfaced, the mass that had been previously attacked had met up with other groups and had brought them up with them.

Blast after blast of energy struck the worms; Alar used every tactic in the ships database and learned from mistakes from the last attempt. However the worms kept healing themselves and those that were significantly damaged ended up in halves that regenerated into new worms. It kept on going and going.

In the cliffs of the mountain a team of soldiers was filming everything and broadcasting it back to the government. At the same time, one of the news vans at the perimeter of the quarantine zone had picked up on the frequency they were using and was relaying the signal through their satellite dish to their main studio.

Then the camera fixed onto a glow on the ground. They initially passed over it but when it caught their eye they did a double take on it. With a swirl of light, Alex appeared with his face still hidden from site. His arrival drew the attention of the Kol who turned to him, their tails moved like a rattlesnake. They felt power from him and they hesitated instead of diving to consume him.

“Come on, choke on me you bastards.” Alex mumbled, “COME ON!” he yelled out

The worms dived to him and in that split second Alex to dived forward. He changed form and attacked with his particles. The first worm he came in contact with smashed about as the shining dust spiralled around it. It tried everything it could to rid itself of Alex and as the minutes passed; Alex wore away at the worm until it collapsed on the ground. The outer skin was almost completely stripped away and the worm’s blood poured out. Eventually the worm could not heal itself and it died.

Alex floated away from it and landed on the ground in his human form. Even taking out that one creature had weakened him and left him panting for breath. However, the work still had to be done and as the other worms started to attack him, Alex struck at them. Attack after attack after attack, they kept coming and Alex kept on fighting. If it wasn’t for Alar continuing his attack and distracted the beasts, he wouldn’t have lasted long.

After 14 worms had fallen and their corpses littered the landscape, Alex collapsed to the ground and completely unable to use his powers any more. He needed to rest and wanted nothing more than to be in bed with Isabel by his side. He knew he couldn’t go on but there was still many worms to go and then the worms moved together. The Kol intertwined, wrapping themselves around each other and gave of a single deafening scream. It was the kind of thing only heard in nightmares and the awful sound travelled the globe. All the Kol heard it and dived beneath the ground and only emerging at Myrtle Creek.

Alex looked around as another two-dozen worms surrounded him. “Fine.” He said as he struggled to get to his feet. The young man stood before the army of beasts and stretched out his hands. He tried in vain to must every last ounce of strength he had and focus it all into one place – the palm of his hands. The result was less than hopeful as all he succeeded in doing was causing the Kol pain.

He fell to his knees, utterly spent and every muscle in his body crying out in pain. He looked up at a worm moved before him, looking up into the creature’s eyes as it looked down at him. It’s jaws parted, it’s saliva dripped out before Alex and then, as it was about to strike and Alex had no hope left to succeed his thoughts turned to Isabel. With a smile on his face he was prepared to surrender to what was about to happen.

The Kol descended its head but just before it could take Alex into its mouth there was a blinding and giant blast of light that filled the whole valley. All of the Shao’li stood behind Alex and each one had their face hidden behind hoods, they all knew they were one camera and had no intention of exposing themselves – especially to people they once knew. Max, Liz, Isabel, Maria, Kyle, Michael and Tess all arrived as well and were as equally hidden.

Tess quickly saw what was about to happen and quickly changed forms. Her particles shot forward and surrounded Alex; she carried her brother away as fast as a bolt of lightening back to where the others were. The group moved around Alex, Tess did what she could to feed energy into her ailing brother and Max took care of the rest.

“You see what happens when you go off alone. What kind of half assed Hierarch gets himself into this position?” Tess said

“Yeah. And I end up with a pissed off girlfriend.” Alex said

“So you think this is funny?” Isabel said, standing over Alex with crossed arms.

“Not in the slightest…I’m sorry.” Alex said looking deep into her eyes

“We’ll talk later. Right now…” Isabel said indicating to the mass of worms.

Max helped Alex stand back up and they looked around as the thousands of Shao’li stood as an army. “You brought them all?” Alex said

“When I told Jacob what you did he called the council and then everyone else. These are our lives as well.” Tess said

“Then lets do it.” Alex said

Each and every one of the Shao’li looked to Alex and nodded. Soon the entire valley was filled with Shao’li particles and swarmed the Kol. Alar continued his attacks from the ships; Michael used his abilities to blast the worms as Max used his shield to block their attacks. Tess also got in on things by creating mind warps to divert the Kol’s attention. Isabel’s powers weren’t much good in this situation but she allowed her power to travel into Michael to strengthen his shots. Seeing her do this, Liz and Kyle tried the same. They focused on the energy that had been placed in their bodies when Max healed them and sent it back into him.

All of them: human, Shao’li and Antarian were fighting together as one. Each shao’li reinforced the energy of the others, each protecting the others from fatigue. Worm after worm fell, but more emerged from the Earth.

Liz and Kyle were feeling the strain, so much so that Maria had to pull them away from Max in order for them to take a break. She helped them both out of the way and they rested on a small hill. That was when one of the worms saw them and focused its gaze onto Liz. Everyone else was busy fighting their own worm and spotted its dive to Liz too late.

“LIZ!” Max called out; Isabel and the others followed his gaze to the attacking worm.

Liz and the others looked up just in time to see it but could do nothing. Liz instinctively raised her hands in defence but nothing happened, not until the creature actually touched her skin. At that point her whole body glowed and gave off a brilliant white light that grew into a protective sphere around her, Maria and Kyle.

“That’s new.” Isabel said

“No kidding.” Michael replied

They all watched as the worm started to disintegrate from touch the light. All that was left was a long trail of ashes. Alex saw it and smiled, an understanding came over him and instantly knew what to do. “Oh my god…everyone, focus your power into Liz.” He called out

They all looked at him, the Shao’li obeyed without question and reformed themselves into their human shape. Each moved to Liz, one had their hand on her shoulder and the others all touched each other forming a network strait to Liz. Max looked at Alex with concern.

“It’s okay Max, she can take it. Trust me.” Alex said

Max nodded and moved to his lover. He placed his hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes as the other hybrids moved to touch him.

“Alex, what’s going on?” Liz asked

“You are. I should have seen it…when Max healed you…he filled you with life.” Alex said, “Now, focus on that life…focus on that day.”

Liz did as she was asked and remembered the day she was shot and then healed. She focused on that instant that Max pulled her away from death. The light encircled her again and all the worms recoiled from it. Then she let all the people who were now connected to her in, all their power rushed through her body and soon her eyes glowed brightly like a Shao’li.

The sphere of light blasted from her body, creating a wall that spread outward and disintegrating each worm it touched. It never stopped, heading all over the planet, covering it, penetrating it until nothing was left untouched by Liz’s protective light. All of the worms were destroyed, even their original gestation sacks did not survive and eventually nothing remained of the Kol. The light did not end, even after the others broke their link to Liz. Her body still produced it and the military team on the ridge saw it all, so did everyone else.

“Can someone tell me what’s going on?” Maria asked as she touched Liz’s arm and felt a pleasant warm crackle throughout her own body.

“Simple, the prophecy happened. One stood before the Kol, we all fought together but when we connected to Liz…someone filled with pure life energy, we as fought as one. The one.” Alex said as he watched Alar’s ship fly upward and out of the atmosphere.

“Uniforms…heading this way.” Michael said as an APC headed down towards them

“I guess that’s our cue to leave.” Max said

Alex looked to his people and in seconds they all vanished. Michael sent out a blast to the APC and broke one of the tracks, forcing them to stop where they were. It gave Alex and Tess enough time to gather the others close together and they stood on either side of them. They focused together and transported them all to the Granolith Chamber where Liz’s light subtly began to dull. It took a good few hours for it to go out completely but when it did they returned home to their parents where they had watched the events in Myrtle Creek. They were terrified for their children but very happy to have them home.

To Be Continued…
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

Chapter 13

Crashdown, 2 Days Later

All five families were hold up in the Crashdown. High in the sky, Antar could still be seen but on the ground life had become a nightmare. Things had gone from bad to worst in the last 2 days and all felt that being in the same place added a sense of security, that and their kids refused to be parted. They were once again watching the television; the screen was filled with images from multiple cities and all with burning buildings.

“There have been riots in New York and all major cities in the U.S.” said the reporter, “Gun sales have exceeded all records and heavily armed militias have taken to the streets.”

Max then flipped the channel, “Gangs have been reportedly taking blood samples from anyone they meet at gunpoint on the rumour of aliens hiding among humans.”

Then there was another change in station as Liz pressed a button on the remote “In many locations martial law has been declared and the National Guard has been mobilised to quell the rioting. So far they have had little success. Most believe that the giant worms creatures were released by the aliens either on Earth or by accident. As of yet the aliens have not yet acknowledged all our attempts to communicate…”

They couldn’t watch anymore and Jeff turned off the television. In everything they had seen there was nothing but chaos and destruction.

Oval Office, The White House, Noon

The president sat with his advisors around him, all looking over reports on what was happening, not just in their country but everywhere else as well.

“Mr President, the alien planet has been sitting in orbit for over two days now. Since the worms were defeated they haven’t moved.”

“What are they waiting for?” the president asked as he walked across the seal in the carpet

“Sir, I recommend that we launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike on that planet before they hit us.” Said another general

“Sir they came here only to stop the spread of those worms before they got off world.”

“Then why are they still here?”

“Mr President, launching now could be a mistake, a fatal one. We have no idea of their defensive capabilities and they did say that their last resort was to destroy Earth, so we know they have that ability.”

“And that we only have their word for. I believe that ability was just a bluff to get us to back down.”

“And if it wasn’t? Besides, do you honestly believe our nuclear missiles could reach Antar?” The president asked

Then another general who kept quiet stepped forward, “Sir, we do have a new weapon at our disposal. Extreme range missiles called Proteus that can deliver a payload of anything we choose…” he stopped as another tremble in the earth could be felt.

“What the…”

One of the president’s assistants ran into the office, “Mr President…outside…”

The president moved over to the doors and opened it, all the other followed him and they looked up to see another ship in high orbit. In the office a phone rang and a general picked it up.

“My god.” The president said, “What kind of technology lets people build a planet sized ship?”

Then the general who was on the phone came out, “Mr President, NORAD is currently tracking a total of four planets around Earth, the new three are matching the orbit of Antar.”

“Mr President, we have to launch. We use the generals new missile systems. If a nuclear strike wont work then we can use a compound called…”

“I am not ordering a strike until we have a better understanding of their intentions. We let the alien Alar go because we needed his help in removing the worms and I believed him when he said that they were not responsible for these Kol.”

“Mr president we are effectively surrounded. Look at the damage they have already done.” The general said pointing back to the television with the images of riots.

“Yes I know but given our extremely limited space travel capability, a ship half the size of Antar could have us surrounded. And as for the damage they have caused, they just showed up, all that damage is at the hands of our own people General.” The President said, “Keep us at DEFCON 3 for the moment, but if something changes with the ships I want to be informed immediately.”

“Yes Mr President.” All the generals said together.

Beneath the Pentagon, 20 Minutes Later

The general who wanted to attack had arrived at the pentagon and immediately made his way to corridors beneath he building that were rarely travelled. A lieutenant met him and together they walked to an emergency command bunker.

“He wont do it.” The general said

“Sir?”

“The president’s a politician, he’s too weak. Our nation will be in ashes or we’ll be slaves by the time he’s done.”

“Sir to act now would violate the chain of command…”

“We won’t act now, we’ll just get ready. What’s the status of YD3-15?”

“Sir…”

“What is the status?”

“The chemical has been transferred to the Black Point missile facility in Alaska. Launch capability is strictly from that location, no one can access their systems not even NORAD.”

“Good. Place the chemical into the warheads and arm the Proteus missiles.”

“Yes, yes sir.” The lieutenant said hesitantly.

The two reached the bunker and the lieutenant got on the phone to Black Point. It didn’t take long for the general’s order to be carried out and once it was done the general sat back in his chair and waited.

Crashdown, 13:00

After a while Jeff turned the television back on, with the arrival of the other three ships they knew there would be something about it on. Unfortunately the riots had picked up on intensity. It had even started in Roswell, up until the newest arrivals in the sky things had been quiet in the town. People had simply locked their doors but now there were masses of people in the streets.

Most of them weren’t even natives to the town. They had been drawn to Roswell thanks to it’s alien history and now, after recent events, they decided that there was some truth to the old stories. Jim called his deputies and ordered them to make themselves scarce, to protect their families. He, Jeff, Philip and Charles started to get wooden planks and boarded up the windows. The diner was based on the alien theme; it was an obvious target to the insanity outside.

“This is nuts.” Michael said

“And here I thought humans were better than this.” Kyle said

“Hey, you’ve got the Buddhist thing going, you think everybody’s better than they are.” Maria joked

“Hmm…must explain why I like you guys.” Kyle said

Then they heard a noise from the back room of the restaurant. It soon became clear that someone was picking the lock to the door to the alley. They all looked at each other, their mothers were upstairs making lunch and their fathers were busy with the windows so they Max, Alex, Michael and Kyle moved to the door. Kyle picked up a baseball bat and stood by. Tess stood at the stairs, ready to use a mind warp while the others picked up whatever else they could.

There was a click as the door became unlocked and the handle started to turn slowly. As the door opened everyone prepared to strike, Isabel put her hand on the handle and pulled it open quickly to surprise the person behind it. Alex was the first to see his face but Kyle was already swinging.

“No!” Alex called out as he dusted himself and surrounded the intruder, blocking Kyle’s attack.

Alex reformed himself, “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Said the intruder

“Alex, what the hell are you doing?” Max asked

“Max, everyone. This is John Beck, he’s the guy that dug me out of my grave.” Alex said

“Oh.” Max said, “Sorry about…you know.”

“Given how things are out there, understandable. Speaking of which, I hope you guys have a good plan for surviving this.” Beck said

“Actually…no.” Alex said

“So,” Isabel said, “Are you Shao’li?”

“Uh no.” Beck said

“John got caught in the middle of my people and some Skins. He took on the legacy of a Shao’li called Kane whose duty it was to be present at the Awakenings to help. John did that for me.”

“In that case, thank you.” Isabel said as she moved beside Alex

“You’re welcome.” John said as he looked at the couple, “But eh, I think we have more important things to discuss.”

“Yeah.” Max said

“And introductions would be a good place to start.” Jim said as he and the others came in.

“This is a friend of mine, Officer John Beck of the Denver P.D.” Alex said

“Police?” Philip asked

“Yeah but not anymore. Half the police out there have abandoned their jobs, most are sticking it out with the National Guard but the riots and those…blood-sucking gangs are overpowering them. I must have lost at least a pint of blood just getting out of Colorado. As soon as those worms showed up I knew something was up and then Antar appeared. I stuck it out as long as I could but when the riots started…I hoped the Hierarch here had a plan.” Beck said

“Unfortunately there is only one choice.” Came a voice from storage room.

“Brody?” Max said

“Larek.” He said as he closed the door

“How’d you get in there?” Liz asked

“I used the sewer systems to move without being seen. It was the safer option.” Larek said

“Well, it’s good to see you again. I take it everyone’s recovering?” Max asked

“Yes, thanks to you all. The new colonies of Shao’li have stabilised our people and all are, as you say, up and about.” Larek said

“Anyway, you were saying about only one choice?” Isabel asked

“You cannot stay on Earth, it is no longer safe.” Larek said

“That is not an option at all, I am not leaving Liz or my parents.” Max said

“And I’m not leaving Alex.” Isabel said

“I think you’ll get a response like that from all of us.” Michael said

“Of course, Liz and the others are all welcome as are you’re parents and anyone else you wish to come.” Larek said

“That includes the Shao’li?” Tess asked

“Of course.”

“Antar has enough space for them?”

“Yes but then that wont be needed.” Larek said

Alex smiled, “Kivar’s old World Ship.”

“It’s under my direct control now and there isn’t anyone left alive on it.” Max said, “Alex…uh…it’s now all yours.”

“Thanks.” Alex said, as there was a knock on the door.

Alex looked at everyone and they all prepared themselves as Jeff went to answer it. After a second he opened the door fully and the Shao’li council arrived.

“Oh boy.” Alex mumbled

“You are the boss.” Isabel said

“Hierarch.” They bowed to Alex

“What can I do for you?” Alex said

“Hierarch, we are concerned about current events.” Said one

“Well we were just discussing that. We have a nice big empty world ship waiting to be populated. Do you think our people will mind?” Alex asked

“To escape these problems, no.”

“Wait, we can’t just leave.” Liz said, “They could kill themselves.”

“That is the probable outcome.” Larek said

“And if it is their fate then it will happen.” A Shao’li said

“You’re kidding right?” Maria asked

“No, they’re not.” Tess said

“Oh don’t start with the universe’s consciousness deciding everything.” Maria said

“It doesn’t decide what happens, just what could happen. It can make mistakes just like us but it also decides when a species has had its time.” Tess said

“Besides, we can’t rid an entire planet of fear and they wont stop until they’re sure there are no aliens on Earth.” Alex said, “Just look at the news.”

“I guess.” Liz said, “It’s just…”

“I know.” Max said as he held her hand.

“Hey, what about the Shao’li who haven’t had an Awakening yet?” Kyle asked

Alex looked at Tess.

“That’s a dangerous idea?” Tess said

“It’s our only option.” Alex said

“And that option is?” a council member asked

“We use the Granolith. I can send out a signal that would Awaken them all like I did with Tess. The only problem is that it would expose them.” Alex said

“Kinda hard to hide the blast of light that comes with it.” Tess said

“Understandable but they will understand, at least once they’ve Awoken. Besides anyone that has our D.N.A will be trying to get out of the danger areas anyway.” Alex said

The Council members looked at each other, communicating solely through a private telepathic link as they discussed the situation. “We have consensus. The Awakening of the dormant members of our race is the best option. However, if they all mass here then we will get a lot of attention and someone will put the pieces together. There needs to be away of securing them so they can be moved off world.”

“I believe I can help with that.” Larek said

“How?” Max asked

Larek smiled, “I can arrange for emissaries to arrange for transport locations to be set up around Earth. I’m sure those locations can be sent with the signal?”

“Yes.” Alex said

“Transport locations…you mean for being picked up by ships? Cause that could cause problems if they get picked up on radar.” Michael said

“Actually…we have something a little better.” Larek said, “I better go get it taken care of but I think you might have something to tell Brody.”

“Yeah.” Max said

Larek’s eyes closed and he fell to the ground but Max caught him. “Max?” he said as his eyes reopened.

“Hey Brody…uh…I kinda have something I need to talk to you about.” Max said

“Could you…tell me what I’m doing here to begin with?” Brody asked

“Well that’s a part of what I wanted to talk to about. You see…” Max started and told Brody everything. It took over an hour for Max to explain to Brody who he and the others were and how Brody fit into it all.

“Oh…well…that answers some questions.” Brody said

Abandoned Military Facility, Ohio, 14:00

Several well-armed men were sitting around on old packing crates. Each of them was cleaning their guns and checking their gear while a woman in a white coat moved around the room. They had taken over the base late last night, it was the best location this particular militia had found on their maps that wasn’t falling apart and that could be easily secured.

“Hey doc.” Said one when he came in through the doors holding a roll of blood filled syringes.

“Frank.” The doctor said, “How’s tricks?”

“How many times have I asked you to call me colonel?”

“Well I would…but you were never in the military.”

“A technicality. And given what’s going on out there I don’t think people really care.”

“So what’s up?” the doctor asked

“Got 15 more new recruits, do your tests on them.” He said as he handed her the syringes. “What happened with the last batch I bought in?”

“That group was clear. All human with zero anomalies. You can release them and give them nice big guns anytime.”

“Good, we need an army to kill every one of those aliens.”

“Yeah lets just hope bullets work.”

“Oh come on doc, one bullet to that big head of theirs is bound to do some brain damage.”

“Any plan for those planets…ships whatever the hell they are?”

“Oh I’m sure there will be one or two incidents that will convince the government to launch a full strike against those things.”

“I’m about to take a squad out to check out a nearby town, wanna come with?”

“No thanks. Something still feels off about forcing a needle into someone.”

“Hey, greater good remember. Earth for Humans.”

“And that’s why I’m hear doing these tests.”

The colonel picked up his gun and gathered the rest of his men. The rag tag squad of goons were made up of bikers, neo-Nazis, gang-bangers, bankers, builders, engineers and lawyers. The fear of the situation brought out the worst instincts of every one of them and had brought them together, but not in a good way.

Oval Office, White House, Same Time

“Mr President, every one has their military on the alert. The Chinese and Russians have all their jets in the air flying recon. The second something happens…at the very least some of our allies are waiting to see what we do but anyone with launch capability has their finger on the button. France, Germany and a few others, unofficially they believe that we knew about this before it went public.” Said a general

“You’re kidding right?”

“Unfortunately no, it’s all coming through back channels.”

“How could they think that…I mean, okay we don’t always come clean on everything but…”

“Sir, they mentioned the Roswell incident.”

“I thought that was just a weather balloon?”

The generals just looked at him.

“Not a weather balloon?”

“Given what we now know…the possibility of it being an actual alien encounter has increased considerably.”

“And that Alar did say his king was half human, he never did specify on that. Anyway, still no response from the Antarians?” the president asked

“No sir, our signals are reaching them but…well they’re just not answering. It could be that they are still recovering from this medical condition that the alien we apprehended told us of.”

“Then how come there are three more ships in orbit?”

All of a sudden the air around them became highly charged, the lights flickered and a part of the room rippled. As everyone in the room looked at it a wall of energy appeared and from it Larek, in his true form, and the Antarian Noble Council emerged. The secret service had been tripled in the room since the worms attacked and all agents drew their guns. Their aim was directed towards the alien’s heads but Larek raised his hand and generated a shield before them.

The agents started firing but their bullets impacted harmlessly against the green energy before falling to the ground. Another of the council raised his hand and all the guns came flying out of their hands. The firearms floated in the air and very much to the surprise of the humans who all stepped back.

“If this is how you treat people who come in peace then no wonder you’re having problems.” Larek said as he lowered his shield. The other Councillor lowered his hand and the guns fell to the floor to join the bullets. “I am Lord Larek of Antar, we are the Council of Antar and we greet you with the respects of our king.”

The president looked at his advisors for a second before moving forward. “Welcome Lord Larek. I apologise for this but you caught us by surprise.”

“Indeed. We have come as representatives of our King, a young man named Max Evans who lives in Roswell, New Mexico as well as the Hierarch of the Shao’li called Alexander Whitman who also resides there. We are here to tell you that we are leaving your solar system.”

“I understand.”

“Our king, his family, friends and the Shao’li will be joining us as it is quite clear that Earth is no longer safe for any of them. That is why I told you their names by the way, they will be gone very soon.” Larek said

“I would like to know why you’re ships are still in orbit. The worms were defeated two days ago.”

“The method of killing the Kol was unknown to us. They were ultimately defeated by one of your own race that is…quite unique. We had to be sure that all the Kol were dead before we moved on.”

“And that’s taken two days?” a general asked

“Yes. Sending a scanning beam to penetrate an entire planet down to its core takes time, even with our advanced technology.” Larek said, “That is why we called in the other three ships, we monitored the events down here and wanted to finish quickly.”

“How long before you break orbit?”

“Soon, no more than two days after nightfall this evening. We have a great many people to evacuate this world.” Larek said, “My king has requested an audience with your United Nations. He will appear before them within half an hour whether they will welcome him or not.”

“I assume he will be protected?”

“And in more ways than you have seen here today.” Larek said as he turned around, “For what it’s worth I personally hope your species pulls it together, but none of us will be holding our breath. Many of the humans who knew of us before the Kol are greatly disappointed by these actions.” He said as he pointed to the images of rioting on the television.

“Well hopefully they wont be disappointed in the days to come. They’ll get to see a new world emerge.”

“Actually they wont see it. They have requested to come with us and we will welcome them with open arms.” Larek said, “They refuse to leave their fate with what is happening outside and I can’t blame them.”

With that Larek and the Councillors stepped back into the energy field and vanished. The president moved over to his desk and picked up the phone, “Put me through to the U.N. Secretary General.” He said

“Mr President…”

“I don’t want to hear it general. We’ll give them some time but if they’re not gone by the end of their time estimation then by all means you all will be given a free reign to do what you want.” Then his attention turned back to the phone, “Mr Secretary, this is President Bishop. In less than 30 minutes representatives of the aliens will come before the general assembly…Yes Mr Secretary they will undoubtedly be under heavy security and if what I just saw in my office was any indication to move against them would be suicide, for all of us. I don’t know specifically what they’ll tell you but they said they will leave soon. Goodbye Mr Secretary.”

The president hung up the phone and looked at his generals. “Okay, this is what I want happening now. I want all troop on foreign soil to be returned to the U.S. immediately. I want all military out on the streets soon to put those riots down and to stop those…vampire gangs. Get the senate and congressional leadership of both parties out of whatever bunker they’re hiding in and in my office by the end of the day. We’re going to pull this county together…even if we have to crack a few skulls in the process. With immediate effect, Martial Law is no longer restricted to those hot spots. Its national until the emergency is over. I don’t know about you guys but I don’t like a bunch of aliens saying that they’re disappointed in us.”

“Yes sir.” The generals left to contact their particular branch of the military and relayed the president’s orders.

United Nations, New York, 20 Minutes Later

The assembly of foreign ambassadors were yelling at each other, debating on what action was to be taking and various other things. Cool heads were not prevailing, either here or outside the building. After the phone call from the president, the Secretary General came running back into the room. He informed them of the immanent arrival of the alien dignitaries.

The yells almost deafened the man. Most had armed guards there beside them given the emergency and immediately ordered them to draw their guns. He tried to calm them but fear and confusion reigned today. Then everything silenced as the field of energy appeared in the middle of the room. In seconds there was a pull from the doorway as all the guns flew from the guards hands and entered the field.

Everyone sat in stunned silence as alien after alien emerged. First it was Larek and the council who stood before them and for the first time they all saw an alien that wasn’t on the television screen. As the council stood before them, more people emerged but these were the Council of the Shao’li. They were in their particle form, glittering light filled the room as they moved around. It wasn’t until Max and Alex emerged from the field that the Shao’li returned to their human shape.

All members of both councils bowed to the two young men as they stood before the mass of humans. All of the assembly were stunned to see people before them who looked as human as they were but were little more than children, at least in their eyes. It was then that Alex’s eyes started to glow brightly and Max’s seal lit up so that it could be seen clearly through his shirt.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Max Evans, king of Antar.”

“And I am Alexander Whitman, Hierarch of the Shoa’li.”

“And we are both half human.” Max said, “In the past couple of days we have seen the worst aspects of humanity take hold throughout the planet. While your first contact with beings from other worlds did not occur under the best of circumstances and many thousands of people died, your reaction has been to randomly hunt your own people in the futile attempt to find aliens among you. And the interesting thing is, we’ve been here to help you.”

“Alar was captured by the U.S. government when he attempted to protect you’re species from the worms. He knew that it could very well have been a suicide mission and wouldn’t succeed but he still tried. We know all to well the effects of fear and distrust but that’s been taken to a knew level.” Alex said

“We have been on Earth for a long time, we have been raised as humans from day one by loving parents who even now, after learning the truth themselves, have not turned their backs on us. You should take some lessons from them. We have seen the best of you but mostly we have seen the very worst.” Max said

“Unfortunately it is no longer safe for us to be here and so we will be leaving. Later today we will transmit a signal that will summon all those who will be leaving and their families. There are a group of humans, full blood humans, who have decided to come with us. Many are close to us on a very personal level and we will welcome them as honoured friends.” Alex said

“We will leave orbit as soon as we are all evacuated. Any attempt to stop any of our people and you will regret it. You want us gone so we’re granting that wish. Nothing of us will be left here. The next time we see you we hope that you’ve made progress for the better, until then you have our best wishes…and we do wish you good luck.” Max said

The two councils then turned back into the energy doorway, Max and Alex turned to enter the door as well but Alex stopped and turned back to the crowd, “Oh, uh, next time you tell your kids to grow up and act their age…think back to this and tell it to yourselves.” He just couldn’t resist, Alex had to say it before he left and as he arrived back home he fell on the couch laughing with the rest of the others who were watching on television, all except the parents who looked at him with their arms crossed. They knew they wouldn’t have much time so they shook it off and left.

The ambassadors just blinked as the door closed.

“Now we’ve lost any potential advancement from alien technology.” Yelled one ambassador.

The Secretary General just collapsed back into his chair with a splitting headache as they all started back up with their yelling, {I hate politics.} He just couldn’t win.

Granolith Chamber, 16:00

Alex, Tess and Liz gathered in the chamber with their parents by their side. The elders mainly stayed off to the side as they watched their children work on the device. Alex tapped away at the base of the machine with Tess. Liz watched closely as her two friends taught her about the workings of the device.

“So what are you doing now?” Liz asked

“Cross linking the outer plating to the optronic circuits. That would let…” Alex said

“Let your mental interface be magnified several billion times.” Liz said

Alex and Tess looked at her and then back at each other. “How’d you figure that?” Tess asked

“What? I paid attention.” Liz said

“Next chance we get, I’m giving you an I.Q. test.” Alex said

“Why?” Liz asked

“Just curious.” Tess said as she and her brother stood up.

“Okay, that’s it all done. I can transmit the signal anytime.” Alex said, “Now, are you sure about this?”

“Alex, everything has gone to hell. What happened…the Antarians helped up and they’ve just turned into animals.” Charles said

“It’s like every positive advancement made over the years isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” Jeff said

“Yeah, well panic has a tendency to do that, destroys everything that people cares about.” Tess said

“Right now there are people hunting down other people and taking blood from them, more than likely by force. They’re probably even doing it to their own families.” Alex said, “Nothing changes, except home.”

“Well, where you stay may change,” Liz said, “but as long as you’re with the people you love…”

“Since when did you start having thoughts that old?” Charles asked

“Our kids are growing up.” Nancy said proudly

“Anyway, yes. We are all very sure about leaving.” Alex’s mother said

“Besides, I’m not leaving my children to live it up as royals on another planet. You are all getting parental supervision.” Nancy said

They all shook their heads and smiled as Alex pushed his palm into the Granolith and closed his eyes. A glow started from deep within the machine that grew brighter and brighter until it burst outward. Around the world all those Shao’li that didn’t know who they were suddenly knew everything. They and their children had Awakened and felt an irresistible pull to locations around the planet, to the New Mexico Desert and other remote regions in their own countries. Their spouse, if human and not connected to the Shao’li, also felt the pull. It was passed through to them due to the relationship they shared and their emotional connection.

When it was done and the glow died down, Alex picked up his stuff and they all left the room. The parents still couldn’t believe what was around them but it didn’t matter as much as their children’s safety. Tess also had to resort to a mind warp in order to hide with existence of the fourth pod, while she was sure that one day she would reveal that she wasn’t her parents biological daughter she wasn’t ready to do it just now.

Pod Chamber Mountain, 20:00

While Max and Alex were in New York giving their speech, the parents and the others had returned to the homes and packed up everything they could carry. It was mainly clothes but they also took some personal items like photo albums. Their cars were packed up and quickly drove out of town once Max and Alex returned. They knew that as soon as people got over the shock of seeing to teenagers that they knew on television telling the world that they were aliens that there would be knocks on the door…or a brick through the window.

Luckily they got out without anyone seeing them and Valenti had arranged for his deputies to be elsewhere. Their escape was clean and thankfully uneventful. As soon as they were outside the city limits they breathed a sigh of relief. The only thing that they regretted was that the Crashdown and many other things that the five families had built up over the years had to be abandoned.

At the base of the mountain, Larek was using Brody as his host for the final time and stood there with Sydney. As the young girl sat on their luggage, Larek placed three stones into a triangle 10 feet apart on the ground. Other possessed humans set up similar sites around the world. As the final stone was placed, Larek waved his hand over it causing all three to glow red before it stopped.

“There.” Larek said as his eyes closed. He fell to the floor and Brody reasserted his control. He had told his daughter what to expect and she wasn’t scared when it happened. “All done Sweetie.”

“Daddy, why do we have to go?” Sydney asked

“Because it’s dangerous to stay. And you get to grow up in a place so beautiful and that will always look out for you.” Brody said as the cars pulled up.

As Max and the others got out they all moved up to the triangle. “Hey Brody. Are we all set?”

“Apparently.” Brody answered

“Brody…are you sure?” Max asked

Brody just looked at his daughter as Maria hugged the child, “I’m sure.”

“Well, Larek said that all we had to do was step into the triangle.” Max said

“Yip.” Alex said as the looked to the first car.

As Max’s mother and father stepped out of it, Max, Michael and some of the others got behind it and pushed it with all their belonging inside it into the triangle. In seconds it glowed brightly and then vanished.

“Now see, isn’t that easier than unpacking the car again?” Michael said

“Yeah, yeah Babe. You had a good idea.” Maria said

They placed each car, one by one, into the triangle and each vanished the same way. On Antar, the vehicle reappeared and the Antarians waiting there moved the car out of the way. Then came the next one and the next and the next until all the groups belonging were all on the World Ship.

“The granolith will follow once the last non human is through the portals.” Alex said

“Well then…” Max said as he took a last look around the area.

“Yeah.” Liz said

“The last time we were in a position like this, of all people I was the one who decided to stay.” Michael said

“For me.” Maria said and Michael nodded as he held her hand and looked at Maria’s mother.

“Unfortunately none of us have that choice now.” Isabel said.

They looked at each other and stepped into the triangle. After the last of them entered, the glow started and soon they all reappeared under the Antarian sky.

Through the night the Shao’li started to arrive at the New Mexico site and the others around the world. They passed through the portals and arrived on Antar. Through the next few days it became obvious to some of the gangs that masses of people were heading to the state and started to follow the arriving families. They lost them long before they reached the transport site but they never stopped looking, many were eager to face and alien.

...
..
.
Tharos
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 407
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2001 10:43 pm

Post by Tharos »

.
..
...

Throne Room, Antar, 30 Minutes Later

Max was escorted through the halls of the ship. All the people stopped what they were doing when they saw the heavily guarded king and his family come. Each bowed their head as Max passed them and looked up again. None of them had seen him before and were very curious.

When they arrived in the throne room they saw all the members of both Councils present. Larek made introductions for the Antarian council and Alex introduced his council to the others.

“First, Majesty, we wish to convey our regrets about the events on Earth.” One Antarian said

“Thank you.” Max said

“What’s the status?” Alex asked his people

“Our people are arriving safely here and are being transferred to Kivar’s old ship.” A Shao’li said

“How are things over there?” Tess asked

“The bodies have been removed by the ships automatic systems and everything has been cleaned. Hierarch, with your approval our people request to primarily remain on the surface of the world ship. The engines and other internal machines can be taken care of our engineers when necessary.”

“That’s fine.” Alex said, “But last I checked…”

“No, there are no cities on the surface of that particular vessel. It is our proposal to build them ourselves.”

Alex smiled and nodded, “Sure. That would be great. We could certainly get the raw materials we need easily enough.”

“Thank you Hierarch.”

“Hey listen have you found Ava yet?” Liz asked

“Yes. As you are no doubt aware, Seattle was heavily stricken with riots…in fact much of the city is in flames. I regret to say that Ava was killed during an explosion, it would appear that a petrol bomb detonated near a gas main in the building she stayed at.”

The group all closed their eyes; Michael’s fist tightened and all immediately regretted not pulling Ava out of Seattle the second the worms appeared.

“Hierarch, we have secured her body and brought her with us for burial on our new world.”

“Thank you.” Alex said as he looked at his sister. They had already told their parents that Ava was a clone of Tess so that when it was brought up they weren’t surprised by her similarity to their daughter.

“We should be leaving. We will greet our people as they arrive.”

“Yeah…about that. I’m going to remain on Antar for a while. I just don’t want to leave just yet.” Alex said as he looked at Isabel

The council looked between the two and understood, “Of course Hierarch.” Then they left. They went to a chamber near the throne room and were sent to their new home.

“Well, you all have had a long day. I suspect you’d like to get some rest.” Larek said

“Yes.” Max nodded, “That would be great.”

Larek turned to a set of doors off to the side and the others started to follow him, “The royal chambers are this way.”

Max and the others stopped dead. Larek turned back and looked at them, “You are royalty you know.” He said

“Yeah.” Max said

“It’s uh…just beginning to hit home.” Isabel said

“Anyway, this way.” Larek said

He led them to their new bedrooms; their parents were shown to rooms nearby that were held in reserve for honoured guests. Max’s room was by far the largest but all had white bed sheets that were made of a frictionless fabric that felt like silk but was much thinner. The nightwear of the group was made of the same material; each was specially made given the differences between the Antarian and human bodies. The men wore pants and no top while the women wore long, thin robes that hung from their shoulders.

While the married couples were given rooms together, everyone else was given one by themselves but they were all close by. Liz, Maria, Isabel and Tess were completely pampered while the guys were all waited on hand and foot, each of them was made to feel like royalty – Larek made sure of it, especially Liz. He wanted to make sure she felt like the queen she was going to be.

Alaskan Electrical Relay Station, Midnight

The local area was wracked by an intense thunderstorm. Lightening flashed everywhere in the snow-covered region. The station was providing power to a few local towns and one military base that was appeared to be nothing more than an airfield but buried deep under a mountain within the perimeter, there was a lot more. Then all of a sudden two bolts truck the station and blew it to bits. In seconds the local area was dark.

Black Point Missile Facility, Same Time

As the elevator in the mountain reached the bottom level, the doors opened and out stepped the general who wanted to launch against the Antarians.

“General, we’re honoured to have you here.” The base commander said

“It’s not the time for that. What’s the status?” the general asked

“All the missiles are armed with the chemical compound YD3-15 and are all fully fuelled in the silos. We just need the presidents’ authorisation.” He said as they both walked down the halls.

Then the light’s blinked out and everything went pitch black before the emergency lighting came on. Alarms blazed everywhere and both commander and general started to run to the base’s command centre.

“What happened?” the general asked as they entered the room

“Power from the main grid has been severed, we’re tracking it down now but emergency power is on-line.” Said a sergeant

“Sir, communications are also off line. Whatever took out the power has fried the comms.” Another said

“This is their doing, they cut us off deliberately…probably done it everywhere and isolated our military assets. They’ll start attacking any minute now.” The general said, “Start the launch.”

“Sir, we can’t. Not without authorisation.”

“For all we know Washington is in rubble right now. Insert your launch key now.” The general said

The commander removed his key from around his neck and inserted it into the consol. He sharply turned it and the system became active.

“All missiles are active, sir.”

“Good, 15-minute count down.” The general said

The sergeant imputed the countdown and set the target for four World Ships in orbit.

“15-minute count down set. Awaiting final order.”

“Code: 3-5-8-Alpha-Alpha-Charlie-Echo-1. Activate.” The general said and the commander turned the key again. The sergeant imputed the final codes and the countdown started on the screens.

20 Minutes Later…

The missile had launched from their hidden silos and in the command room they all watched the tracks of the missiles as they left the surface of the planet and headed out into space. One monitor even showed a missile-eye view from a camera mounted on the nose of the lead missile. The general smiled as he watched.

“Sir, communications are coming back on line…oh my god.”

“What?” the commander asked

“Sir, there was no attack. The local electrical station was hit by lightening, it blew out our power and the massive charge took out our comms. They haven’t done anything to us.”

“Christ…activate missile self-destruct.” The commander ordered

“What the hell are you doing?” the general asked

“Doing what I can to prevent a war that we’d probably loose. Self-destruct now, and take the general into custody.”

A couple of military police in the room stepped forward as the general looked around. “You wont get away with this.”

“Sir, missile wont obey the self-destruct…they are out of range.”

“God help us.” The commander said as they watched the dots on the screen moved closer and closer to the planets.

Royal Bedchamber, Antar, Same Time

Max lay on his new bed unable to sleep. His mind was going over everything that was happening on Earth and he couldn’t do anything about it, and that was what frustrated them the most. He just wanted to do anything to stop it, to do anything that would prevent them from blowing up their own world.

Soon the door opened and Isabel stepped in, “You sleeping?” she asked

“No, you?”

“I’m here aren’t I?” Isabel said

“Yep.” Max said as Isabel stepped inside and looked around

“Big room.”

“Yeah, it’s covers the same floor space as our house…that is, old house.” Max said

“It’s going to take time to get used to that.” Isabel said, “Old house.”

“Yes.” Max said

“And here I thought you might be asleep.” Liz said from the door

“Come on in Liz.” Max said as Isabel sat on the bed.

Liz moved in and sat on the bed as Max slid up so that his back was flat against the headboard.

“How are you doing Liz?” Isabel asked

“Well…feeling weird about all this pampering.” Liz said

“Are you kidding? I loved that.” Isabel said

“You would.” Max joked

Then one by one the others started to arrive until only Maria was absent. She initially went to Liz’s room but soon guessed where she was.

“Got room for one more?” Maria said, as she looked at all the others sitting on the bed.

“Always.” Max said

For a long time they just chatted away like they were sitting in a booth in the Crashdown. Each of them took time to describe their rooms and how the people around them had treated them. Liz and Maria had been very surprised at their treatment. They almost felt like they’d be treated like they were lesser beings but Larek had taken care of that problem, especially when they learned that Liz had been crucial in taking our the Kol.

“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Maria asked

“I’m guessing pizza’s out.” Kyle said

“Yeah…” Max said slowly, “I don’t think they deliver this far out.”

“Apparently Larek is going to let us get settled in before he starts bringing us up to speed on the politics.” Michael said

“Oh well that’s good.” Isabel said

“Oh how’s Brody getting settled in? And Sydney?” Max asked

“Are you kidding? Those two are having a blast. Syd’s so excited that I doubt Brody’s got her to bed yet, she was a little scared at first but…” Maria said, “Larek’s set them up in a place up in the city.”

“Our parents will probably want to move to the surface as well. They know we know that they’ll be watching.” Liz said

“That’s a safe bet.” Max said as he looked at Liz

“There is actually something we do need to talk about.” Alex said

“Oh yeah?” Isabel asked

“I…I should…I’ll have to go with the Shao’li.” Alex said

“What?” Maria asked

“I have a responsibility to them as much as Max does to this place.” Alex said but Isabel remained silent.

“Well, you know I’ll be there in a heartbeat.” Tess said

“And like hell you’re going anywhere without me.” Kyle said as he looked his girlfriend in the eye.

“So we’ll all be separated?” Liz said

None of them liked that and everyone could see it on the other’s faces. Alex looked at Isabel and could see pain in her face.

“You know I can’t and wouldn’t ask you to come with me Isabel. And we both know your place is with Max for the moment.” Alex said

“I know. But I want to go with you…” Isabel said

“And if you want to you should.” Max said

“What?” Isabel asked

“I think I can handle things without my sister for a while. Besides if you two are separated for a long time I have no doubt that everybody here will be paying the price when you go all…”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Isabel warned as the others all had smirks on their faces.

“Hey if it makes you feel any better, as your king I’m ordering to go.” Max said

“But she’s not going to.” Alex said

“Excuse me? You’re telling me that you don’t want the love of you’re life to go with you?” Maria asked sceptically

“No, I want her to be with me no matter what.” Alex said

“But Alex and I have got a lot of work to do as you and Max does.” Tess said

“I don’t get it?” Michael said, “You’re taking your boyfriend.”

“Alex will be spending most of his time in his other form and mixing with the other Shao’li. It’s the best way for us to share knowledge and it’ll be easier to build homes and other buildings.” Tess said

Isabel looked back and forth between the brother and sister, “Okay what aren’t you telling me?”

“You might as well tell her now.” Tess said

“Yeah, I’m getting that.” Alex said, “The council has told us that my people don’t exactly like the idea of moving around the universe for long periods of time. In our history we’ve always been nomadic but now, the Shao’li in the Antarians can continue that but my lot want to find a nice empty star system and settle down.”

“It’s a safe bet that Antarians would want to continue moving.” Tess said, “If you stay here you will miss Alex. If you go with Alex then you it’ll be a very long time before you see Max, Michael and your parents.” Tess said

“And you were what…not wanting to give me the choice?” Isabel asked

“No. We were going to tell you tomorrow. But I could never ask you to choose me over them. It’s a loose-loose situation.” Alex said

“I guess we’ve got some talking to do tomorrow with mom and dad.” Max said

“Yeah.” Isabel said

“Hey, no matter what you choose we can always talk everyday over the communication system.” Alex said

“It wouldn’t be the same.” Isabel said just as there was a hurried knock on the door.

An aide then came in and bowed before his king, “Apologies Majesty, Lord Larek sent me. We are under attack from Earth.”

“What?” Max said as he jumped up

“They have launched multiple missiles from the surface. Lord Larek requests that you and the others join him in the command centre.” The aide said

Max jumped up off the bed and grabbed a robe. They all followed the aide out of the bedroom and down the hallways. Given what was happening, none of them cared about a little thing of getting dressed in more presentable clothing.

Antarian Command Centre, 5 Minutes Later

“What’s happening?” Max said as he came into the room.

Larek was standing with the council and military leaders looking at the images of the incoming barrage of missiles. “The United States launched 28 missiles containing a chemical weapon. When the other nations of Earth saw it, the ones with the capibility launched weapons. In total 64 missiles are incoming, nuclear, chemical and biological.”

“I thought those last two were illegal?” Michael asked

“Nice to see they’re obeying their own laws.” Tess said

Unknown to the others and to Liz herself, lines of white light ran through her body.

“Can we take them out?” Max asked

Larek shook his head, “Our defensive weapons are based on a full scale strike with space craft and energy weaponry. The designers never considered that we’d be under attack from weapons so…primitive. The defence screen can take out most but not all before they get too close. Once they are within 5 miles of the surface our weapons can’t reach the angle necessary to stop them.”

“Fighter craft?” Michael asked

“Our pilots are still out and we don’t have enough of the Ghost Fleet since the worms took most out.” A council member said

“I take it we are firing just now.” Isabel said

“Yes.” Larek said as he indicated to a monitor that showed the weapons firing into space.

They watched as the massive beams of energy shot down missile after missile but a lot were still getting through. Max then felt a tingle up his spine and soon the other felt the air become charged around them. They all looked back at Liz and were astonished by what they saw. She stood there with her eyes closed and head bowed but around her a field of brilliant white light. It was similar to the one that engulfed her at the conflict with the worms but this time it moved like fire around her.

“Liz?” Max whispered

Liz sharply brought her head up and opened her eyes to reveal an even more intense light that the one that surrounded her. “Enough!” She called out, her voice echoed. The others in the room didn’t just hear it, the felt it deep in their heads. As she spoke the light blasted out and covered the entire planet in less than a second before it was sent out into space.

As it travelled it encountered the missiles. There was nothing left of them as the wall of white light continued on its way. In the command room they watched as the incoming blips vanished. The light eventually reached Earth where it moved over the entire planet, encircling it, spiralling around as it did its work. Everything remained intact, military bases, silos, aircraft, ships, subs…all were practically untouched except for one thing. Every gun, bullet, missile and explosive on the planet disappeared. There wasn’t anything that could be classed as a weapon left.

When it was done the light around Liz stopped and she collapsed in the command room but was caught by Max.

“That was intense?” Liz whispered

Alex and Tess looked her over; their Shao’li vision let them see the changes in her. Max looked over to them with a questioning look as Larek summoned a doctor.

“What?” Max asked

“Whatever happened when you healed her did a lot more than put your energy into her.” Alex said

The doctor came in and Alex backed off. Alar did his scans of Liz, his eyes widened at what he saw. “Oh…okay, that I should have seen coming.”

“What?” Isabel asked

“Liz would appear to be descended from the humans I genetically enhanced on Atlantis.” Alar said

“Max’s power activated the dormant aspects of her genetic structure.” Alex said

“Exactly.” Alar said, “The humans of Atlantis surprised me with their progress and I always wanted to know what would be the end result if the experiments weren’t interrupted with the city was destroyed. Now I know.”

“Can I get up off the ground now?” Liz asked

“Of course.” Alar said as he and Max helped her up.

“How are you feeling?” Max asked

“Weird…defiantly weird but good.” Liz said, “Just…eh…what exactly happened?”

“You destroyed the missiles.” Larek said as he looked at the monitors

“But they still sent missiles…Alex, how long before your people are onboard.”

“They’ll be done by morning. They’re all moving faster than I anticipated.” Alex said, “The granolith will automatically return with the last of them.”

“Majesty, we must strike back.” A councillor said

“Uh no.” Max said, “I know it doesn’t look good but before we cross that line I’m going to find out what happened.”

“You’re going down to Earth?” Larek said

“Oh I don’t think so.” Michael said

“Well I’m going.” Max said as he stepped out of the room.

“In that case…” Michael said as he followed him along with Larek.

They went to a station near the throne room and activated the systems inside.

Oval Office, The White House, 01:00

There was utter chaos in the White House; people were running around with folders and papers in their hands. The second the missiles were launched they had been aware of it and everyone was terrified of a responding attack.

“I want that general stripped of rank and thrown in a cell of the rest of his life.” The president yelled at his generals

“Our forces have secured Black Point and are running down his location right now.”

The lights once again flickered and ripple appeared. Max arrived with Larek and Michael in tow; all three stared at the people around them. “Wanna tell me what happened?” Max asked

“One of my generals launched without authorisation. We are very sorry about what happened. Was there any fatalities?”

“No. You guys dodged that bullet.” Michael said

“Mr president, we understand that this is a terrifying time for your people but this can’t happen. You’ve got to keep a tighter control of the military, if this had happened without me being up there then Earth would now be little pieces of rock floating through the solar system.” Max said

The president nodded as his generals looked uncomfortably at each other.

“How did you stop the missiles? Our satellites picked up some kind of energy similar to the one from Myrtle Creek.” The president asked

“That would be me.” Liz said, as she appeared from the ripple, “The human girl from Roswell who was planning on voting for you this year. You just lost that vote.”

“You’re human?”

“Yeah, I was shot and Max healed me, couple of years of melodrama and now it turns out I’m descended from Atlantis.” Liz said dismissively

“Atlantis?”

“Long story.” Liz and Max said together

“Anyway, we just found out how extensive the changes are in me but my biology is still human.” Liz said

“We will be leaving, it is estimated that it shouldn’t take much longer passed sunrise.” Larek said, “But you now know that we’re out there, the next time our people meet we hope that kings like this wont happen again.”

“And in the non-polite way of putting it that I’m infamous for…Grow the hell up!” Michael said

Liz and Max smiled. “At the very least there aren’t any more weapons on the planet. So the odds of you blowing yourselves up are way down.” She said

“Maybe we’ll see you around but I doubt it.” Max said

All four then returned through the ripple and it vanished.

Streets of Antar, 09:00

The last of the Shao’li on Earth arrived and with them the Granolith returned itself it its position in the Throne Room. Liz and Maria decided to take a walk and get some fresh air. They journeyed to the surface and moved through the streets with a royal guard walking behind them who also showed them the sights. As they walked the people they encountered all bowed their heads. It certainly got the attention of the two girls who weren’t expecting it.

“What’s the what?” Maria asked the guard

“The people know who you are and of your relationship with the king. That in itself gains their respect.” The guard said as a signal came form his armband. “Ms Parker, Ms Deluca, His Majesty requests that you join him in the Throne Room.”

Liz looked at Maria, “Okay.”

They walked back to the access spire that lead beneath the surface of the world ship and the guard escorted them back to the throne room.

Throne Room, 09:10

“What’s going on?” Liz asked as she and Maria entered

“It would appear that the two Councils have been meeting all last night to discuss our current situation and have come up with a recommendation.” Max said

“Which is?” Tess asked, “Since we’re all here now you can tell us.”

“There is a star system nearby that humans call Alpha Centauri. While the other three ships may continue their travels, our two will settle there.” Larek said

“From there we can govern both peoples and we’ll effectively have a home star, one that’s close enough to Earth to allow continual monitoring.” A Shao’li said

“But more importantly,” Alex said with a smile as he looked at Isabel, “We all get to be together.”

“Yes we will.” Isabel said as she moved to her lover’s side.

A guard then arrived from outside, “Majesty, with respects, an unidentified human we have found requests an audience.”

“Unidentified? The only humans on board are the ones that came with us and the Shao’li families.” Max said, “Show them in.”

Everyone was stunned as Jesse came into the throne room. No-one knew how he could have possible have gotten off of Earth.

“What are you doing here?” Max asked

Jesse just smiled and without saying anything he disappeared right before their eyes. Alex, Tess and the Shao’li council felt a wrinkle of energy through their bodies. It was the same thing they felt when the universe first created them.

Then a voice from no where said, “You did good, all of you.”

“Was that…?” Tess asked

“I think so?” Alex said

“What? I don’t get it.” Isabel said

“Jesse was specifically created by the universe as a replacement of me with you.” Alex said to Isabel, “I think the universe just took him back.”

Royal Office, Adjacent to Throne Room, 10:00

Everybody, including the parents had gathered in the office. Max sat behind his desk and everyone sat around. Things had been overwhelming in the past few days and just needed a break; this was the only private place in the entire place. All of a sudden there was a gust of wind in the room and everyone watched on as Jesse reappeared.

“Jesse?” Max said

“Just the body, the mind is something…more.” He said, “I have to admit, I am proud of you. I never thought you’d survive but you did. And I am glad that Jesse is no longer necessary.”

“I don’t understand.” Isabel said

“I think Alex can explain it.”

“I told you once that the universe is aware, if that’s true then it could also have a body…a physical form.” Alex said

“Space.” Max said

“Exactly. The Kol were…they were like an infection in one of us but for this we acted like a…a…”

“An immune system.” Liz said

“Perfect analogy if I ever heard one.” Jesse said, “The Kol are to me as a cancer is to you. Unless you stopped it, it would have consumed me. I should have died but you prevented it and I thank you. However, I should leave you to get on with your lives.”

“Wait…what about Earth?” Liz asked

“Earth’s time has not yet come. But it shall, that is inevitable.” Jesse said as he vanished, “This journey is over for you, now, now and even scarier one awaits.” His voice echoed

“What?” Max asked as they all panicked

“Parenthood.” Jesse’s voice said

“What?” Jeff said as he looked at Liz, “Max!”

“Dad, I swear…not possible.” Liz said

“So you’re a…a…you haven’t…” Jeff said

Liz winced, her face told her father the answer to that question.

“Okay that’s it, king or not, I’m gonna kill him.” Jeff said as he gazed hatefully to Max

“Not the only one.” Philip said as he looked at Alex

“Dad, I promise I’m not pregnant.”

“Me either.” Isabel said

“Nor me.” Maria said

“I know I’m not.” Tess said

“And I’m the only one who gets to kill without causing a planetary incident.” Charles said gleefully. Kyle instantly took a step back and moved a little behind his father while Tess also took a step to his side.

“Well, you’re not pregnant just now.” Jesse’s voice said, “But after your next time together, you will be. I would wish you the best of luck, but that wont be necessary.”

Then there was another gust of wind and then nothing but the group.

“So, what now?” Kyle asked

“Well, Max, if you are going to get my daughter pregnant there is one thing I can recommend.” Jeff said

“Actually I’ve been thinking about that for a while.” Max said as he moved to Liz, “Liz Parker will you marry me?” Liz beamed; her smile was almost as bright as the light from before as she wrapped her arms around Max.

“Uh, I was thinking more along the lines of castration.” Jeff said

“So was I.” Philip said as he looked at Alex

“Maybe it’s a dad thing.” Charles said as he looked at Kyle.

All the guys backed off slightly, making sure they were all out of reach of their lover’s parents.

“Very funny dad.” Isabel said as she moved to Alex and planted a kiss on him, “try it and I’ll cause pain.”

“Ditto.” Tess said as she looked at her father while holding Kyle’s hand.

“My mom wouldn’t do anything like that.” Maria said

“Wanna bet?” Amy said, “You’re still young.”

“I think I’m gonna call in some security.” Michael said as he tried not to look at Amy.

“No, don’t bother. I should have seen this coming.” Jeff said, “Congratulations honey.” He said to Liz

“Too bad I didn’t get a ring while we were on Earth.” Max said

“Yeah, I’m kinda regretting that myself.” Alex said

Isabel looked at her boyfriend; “You’re not just saying that because of some obligation or something?”

Alex shook his head, “No, you Isabel Evans, I am madly in love with and if *he* said that I am going to get you pregnant soon then that’s all the better. I guess you will be moving with me.”

“Count on it.” Isabel whispered in his ear.

“If you’ll have me, Isabel will you marry me?”

“Of course I’ll marry you.” Isabel said excitedly

“Well are you two going to ask?” Jim asked his son and Michael

“No.” they both said together, earning a look from Maria and Tess

“What?” Liz asked

“I’m asking as soon as I’m out of parental range.” Kyle said, avoiding Tess’s father

Tess looked back and forth between Kyle and her dad & mother. She grabbed Kyle’s hand and dragged him out of the room and locked the door of the room they entered. In seconds the group heard an excited squeal of delight from down the hall.

Amy crossed her arms and looked at Michael, “Oh I’m just waiting to see how much Maria go nuts over this.”

Maria’s face was priceless as she hit Michael. “You jerk!”

“Hey, hey, hey.” Michael said as he grabbed her arms to stop them from hitting him, “I was kidding, I’m in love with you and of course I want to marry you…if you’ll have me.”

“No.” Maria said

“Huh?” Michael said as Maria started to walk out of the room, “Maria.”

“Nah uh.” Maria said

“Honey.” Michael said as he quickly followed

“How long do you think it’ll take for her to cave?” Max asked

“5 minutes of torturing Michael should satisfy her.” Isabel said

“Nah, she’s weak when it comes to him.” Amy said, “2 and a half.”

“Maria? Weak? That’s not the first word that comes to mind.” Max said

“I think she used the word Teflon.” Kyle said

“Oh that’s just for show.” Amy said

“Uh…maybe, but I’m going for another thirty seconds.” Liz said as she started count down, “and…now.”

“YES! SHE SAID YES!” they heard Michael call from down the hall.

“I win.” Liz said smugly.

1 Hour Later…

Max returned to the throne room when he received word that preparations for leaving were nearing completion. The Shao’li Council had gone with Alex’s parents, Kyle and his father to their new home world to get settled in while Alex made sure that the Granolith was okay to be used. After it was done Alex hugged Isabel.

“I’ll see you soon okay.” Alex said

“Yeah, just make sure you don’t get that chunk of metal stuck in Folded Space again.” Isabel joked

“I wont.” Alex said, “I’ll see you all soon.” He and Tess then left to journey to their planet.

Larek then arrived and bowed to his king, “Majesty, I have received word from all ships, our people have been secured for travel.”

“Okay.” Max said, “Alex said everything is okay on this end for it so…”

“So?” Larek asked

“What do I do now?” Max asked

“Ah, yes.” Larek said with a smile, he hadn’t briefed Max on everything yet. “Just give the order Majesty. The other ships will tie their systems into the Granolith by placing their control crystals into their engine systems. They will be able to travel freely afterwards. This ship will activate the systems for Space Folding once you place your hand on the Granolith.”

Max stood up and moved to the black obelisk before the throne, “All ships…begin when your ready.” He said not knowing how to word the word, he had some learning to go but he was looking forward to it. Max’s command was automatically relayed through the communication network between all five ships and Max placed his hand on the Granolith. The device buzzed into life and lights appeared inside it.

“We’re never going to see it again are we?” Liz asked as she looked at a picture of Earth on one of the screens

“Oh I don’t know, something tells me we’ll be in the neighbourhood someday.” Max said

In seconds all five world-ships vanished from Earth space and reappeared in the Alpha Centauri star system. After an initial scan of the system, the Antar ship and the Shao’li one moved into orbit of the star. Each took up a position that was close to each other and always allowed a direct line of sight, from their Max and Alex ruled over their respective peoples. After they were assured everything was okay, the other three Antarian vessels resumed their journey that had been cut off thanks to Kivar’s coup.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Within the week, word of the engagements had spread through the people and had an impromptu planetary celebration. Given the events that they had emerged from, many felt they needed a reason to celebrate and now they were given it. All the time everyone travelled between the two ships, they quickly learned that despite the distance between the ships, they were only a footstep apart.

Alex and Isabel spent many nights in each other’s beds and upon their wedding Isabel moved permanently to the Shao’li world. It wasn’t long before all four pregnancies were confirmed, in the middle of their eighth month for each of them the next generations was born to them. Then came a fifth after a year when Amy announced that she was expecting Jim’s child…very much to his surprise. Maria and Kyle were stunned but were happy about it, as they became a big brother and sister. Before their seventh year as married couples was complete, each girl had 4 children – equal numbers of girls and boys much to the delight of the new parents who never hesitated in showering their offspring with their love…it just wasn’t one tenth of how much the grandparents spoiled them.

Eventually, after much watching and careful debate, contact with Earth was attempted again after thirty years. This time it went a little better than the last. The weapons that Liz had removed had been recreated but on a much more controlled and limited level. The revelation of alien existence brought the humans closer together; while there was still tenuous relationships between many nations the perspective the new reality allowed them let it help them move beyond their problems. It was a slow process but soon ambassadors were exchanged but none of the humans who moved to Antar or to the Shao’li world decided to return to Earth, they were happy where they were and had many friends.

The End.
Locked