his host body and delve deep within the Earth’s surface to the aqua filters lying below. This I did not believe until I saw it with my own eyes. If our sensors are any indication, the shifter is quite proficient at destroying the enemy.
When the general heads for the exit, we all fall into line silently behind her. With a virtual army of warriors and a shapeshifting monster at her back, securing our tiny allies should be an easy task.
Protecting Secrets
Juliet
Our team moves out to several of the tiny fast-moving shuttles that I think of as hay riders. They are open air platforms with plasma-powered engines and a framework to hold onto. Flying through the air in one would be terrifying if it weren’t for the forcefield that protects us from enemy fire. I step on first with Borak at my back. We assume positions at the front. Borak’s been soldiering a long time, so I trust his navigational skills as well as him to have my back in a fight.
The shifter stands eerily still in the center of the platform with Draconian warriors ringed around him, each holding onto the railing going around the perimeter of the vehicle. There are two more transports that take up position on either side of us as a protective escort. I turn so I can see the creature, and grab the railing to steady myself. I hate having my back turned on it. A chill creeps up my spine, and I know it’s from having the shifter so close.
I absolutely loathe the damned thing. It’s an unholy abomination that can mimic the form of any being it touches. Well, he could, but after tracking the creature for days the last time he gave us the slip, they’ve reattached the device that keeps him from changing forms. I’m still leery of being touched by him. Just because he can’t shift with that collar around his neck doesn’t mean he can’t soak up an imprint of my DNA. The last thing I want is for him to be walking around looking like me. It’s also why I keep my daughter well clear of the beast.
As our vehicle lifts from the ground and begins gaining altitude, I see Chantel standing on the ground. Though her expression is blank, I can tell she’s pissed at being left behind once more. It’s unfortunate that she failed in her mission to collaborate with the Draconians. She panicked when faced with a new life form and tried to kill the one species on Earth that turned out to be our allies. Instead of being a commander, she’s now a civilian consultant.
The military sent me in to clean up what they considered my own mess. Though I couldn’t save her the humiliation of being stripped of her rank, I’m now in a position to ensure she remains safe, guide her through choosing an alien husband and getting the hell off this dying world. As much as I hate to admit it, there is nothing here for us anymore. The entire council is likely looking for a means of escape.
I nod as we move past her, and she tips her chin up just like I taught her. Poise and an air of dignity will get you into places; crying and complaining never will. She’s learned that lesson well in life.
I don’t know where that huge blade strapped to her leg came from, but since it’s covered in smooth gemstones, I can guess. I’ve told her time and time again not to accept gifts from these aliens. They’d probably consider accepting tokens of affection to be a prelude to courting. Once the war is over, we’ll have the time and energy to focus on finding her an appropriate spouse. Frowning, I realize our “taking one thing at a time” plan seems to be going to hell in a handbasket.
Borak rumbles beside me. It’s a deep, dark and almost feral sound that emanates from the back of his throat. I’m not sure exactly what his problem is, and I don’t have the time or mental energy to figure it out.
Instead, I glance warily back at the shifter. The warriors loaded strange metal cases onto the back of the platform before activating the shielding. The egg-shaped canisters are made of a tarnished silver colored metal. Mathadar reports they are housing units for the tiny aliens who have allied themselves with our cause. I see them more as refugees since they didn’t contribute much except intel