Saving the Earth
(One act at a time.)
My name is Margaret Anne Jones, my friends and family call me Maggie. I’m 16 years old, a junior at Jefferson High, a varsity cheerleader, an officer in DECA, and a lifeguard at the local YMCA. My life is busy to say the least, but this weekend instead of hanging out with my friends, working, or catching up on piles of homework, I’m attending a boring Science Fiction Convention with my family.
My brother, Drake, is a sci-fi freak and at the age of 13 he’s just hitting his stride. He’s watched every episode of Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, Red Dwarf, Battle Star Galactic, and many others I’ve forgotten the names of. He’s memorized the different locations they visit, the officer’s names and ranks, the maps of the star systems, along with all crew and guest characters. He even learned to speak Klingon and converses with his geeky friends, in the unfriendly sounding grunts and groans, over the internet and thank heaven on his cell phone in the privacy of his own room.
Nerd was not a word we were allowed to use around him, dad would ground me when and if I teased Drake about his off-world obsession. But really! What would you call someone who knew more about fictional alien cultures then about his own life? Drake even wanted us to call him Knockgochug (thats how it sounds anyway, I have no idea how it’s actually spelled). My parents refused and he just scowls at them whenever they dare to use his real name.
A few months back he entered a radio contest where he won four tickets to the Sci-fi conference at The New Age Convention Center. I suggested that he take his friends and make a day of it, but was shot down by my mother. She firmly believes that if Drake and I just spent more time together we would learn to love and appreciate each other. Right! It’s not that I don’t love Drake it’s just that he’s a constant embarrassment, at home and at school. I hate to tell you this, but I pretend not to see him if he happens to pass me in the hall at school. Popularity is hard to get and harder to hold on to once you achieve it, I don’t need my geeky little brother stealing mine away.
I hate science fiction and anything to do with it. I enjoy history, cop movies, mysteries, romance (especially about sexy vampires) and do not believe in extraterrestrial life. Aliens are people who come from other county, not from other galaxies. Aliens in the sky, or better yet infiltrating our government, please! What a bunch of bull. I tried to convince my parents that I had too much homework to spend a Saturday doing anything else. My dad understood, but my mother wanted to have ‘Family Time’. So with big sunglasses to hide my face and a hat on my head, we headed out for a day of misery.
On arrival costumed parking attendants greeted us at the convention center lot. A wookie directed us to an empty space and then a Strom Trooper gave us a map of different displays in the convention center, along with a list of shows and events with their times and places. Clipping our badges on, we were waved in by a tall shiny Cylon. Walking through the doors was like walking into Dweed central. I thought my brother was bad having worn a t-shirt that looked like a Star Trek uniform, but the costumed nerds milling around were amazing. Wolverine growled at Cat Women, Mad Eye Moody winked at Princess Leia sporting that famous bikini while Marilyn Monroe swished her famous white skirt at him. The place was full of oddities I’d only seen in books or in movies, many I had never seen before. I forgot to move and just stared at the parade of fictional characters moving about the booths. Mad Max, Bat Man, The Green Lantern, woman and men in Victorian dress with strange hats and accessories, The Flash, Wonder Woman, the list went on and on. I was amazed by the detail in the costumes. Drake’s T-shirt just paled in comparison.
“Ach hum…” My dad cleared his throat as Drake and I just stared opened mouth at the spectacle surrounding us. Adjusting the clipped ticket on his shirt, Drake blinked giving his head a shake and marched over to the first booth on our right. “Come on don’t just stand there.” He called back to us.
The first booth advertized itself as Weapons of Mass Instruction, it sold cheat code manuals to thousands of games. Drake picked up one and thumbed through it. I picked up one for Halo (one of the games I recognized), and that was when I was struck in the head by something small.
“Ouch.” Taking off my sunglasses I scanned the area, while I rubbed the knot growing on my forehead. What the heck? I didn’t see anyone watching me, but a creepy chill ran up my back at the thought. Great, this better not be some twerp’s way of getting my attention.
Drake picked up the Halo manual I had been looking through and put it back on the table, his face tight. “Don’t touch anything or embarrass me.”
“Hey, I’m here, okay. Don’t push it.” Rolling my eye I caught a glint from the floor. Bending down I found a small elongated silver disc. Picking it up, I found it warm to the touch but not hot. There was an H symbol pressed into one side and the other was blank. I glanced around for where it may have come from, but the place was huge and packed with people and booths, I could only see a few yards away. Putting the disc in my pocket I followed Drake and my parents to the next booth.
My mom paused to take a personal call while Dad stopped at the third booth to discuss weapon choices when facing a zombie army. The discussion focused on brains, blood, and gore making me ill, so I wandered to the next booth and the next after that.
My leg suddenly tingled when a cloaked figure brushed by me. I felt a funny tug to follow and having nothing else planned I did. He or she was dressed in a long cloak that swept the floor, a hood hid most of their head, but the face mask they wore was amazing. It was the shade of green/brown that you might find in a forest, their eyes were huge round black orbs that bulged. Wiry hair stuck out from the flat chin that seemed to drop straight down into their chest. Following close behind I tried to close the gap to get a better look at the eyes. The brief glance I got, made them seem like the silver balls in the ceiling that contain video cameras, but only the eyes were completely black.
I followed the creature by several booths. It stopped at anyone that sold space weaponry. Huge black guns, small hand held stunners, laser guns and pens, light sabers and wands covered the tables. The array was varied depending on the booth. My prey stopped at several picking up and handling the different offerings. At one I noticed him pocket a small silver decal without any notice from anyone but me. I was surprised he hadn’t turned and seen me following him yet, but he seemed oblivious to my presence.
His cloak swished as he walked and when it fell a certain way I could just make out a mark on the right shoulder. I couldn’t see the whole thing due to way he darted and side stepped around people. The part I could see resembled a bar you might see on military uniforms. As he rounded a corner I saw more characters dressed like him. The tingle in my leg grew and the pull to follow the group became stronger. I felt like my body was making the decisions and leaving my brain out of it. I tried to turn around, but I just kept walking towards the cloaked figures instead with their numbers growing as I followed. There were close to twenty of them now. One turned and my body yanked me behind a full-size poster cut out of Jacob the werewolf just as one of the cloaked figures scanned behind him. Staring out from under Jacobs arm I saw the group hurry into a side passageway. My body pulled me from my hiding place and I was forced to go along. Noticing a door swinging shut, I grabbed the handle and took a quick peek inside.
The room was long and narrow with a conference table in the center. More of the cloaked figures milled around, talking in hushed voices to each other. Their voices were low, but the words I could make out made no sense. A chill ran up my spine as one pulled back him hood and called the others to sit. Under his hood was a lumpy brown/green mass that pulsed and wiggled. It reminded me of Jell-O, the way it undulated when he spoke. Wiry hair stuck out from what I assumed were ears, the hair moved in the air making me recall science class. Snakes, insects, whiskers, um…I couldn’t quite remember. The whole scene made me slightly ill, backing up I let the door close silently.
“Are they in there?” I jumped at the voice behind me, turning I saw the owner of the highly decorated booth called ‘Alien Busters’. He claimed he could rid your place of those pesky aliens that lived everywhere now. He even dressed like a character from Ghost Busters, he looked like the gawky one with the glasses. I had lingered at his booth earlier watching his advertizing reel, he played a video with the Ghost Buster theme song but with different lyrics. It was quite funny.
“Who?” I asked not really sure I wanted to know.
“The aliens who plan to take over Earth.” He huffed out a breath. “Don’t you know anything?”
“I’m only here because I got dragged.” I wanted to add, ‘and I doubt anyone is trying to take over the Earth. Maybe if you got out more you would know that this is all make believe.’ But I didn’t instead I just stared.
Grabbing my arm he pulled me to the next door, and shoved me in. “Sit.”
“Hey, this is kidnapping you could go to jail.” I crossed my arms with a huff. “My parents will be looking for me.” When he didn’t respond I said. “My dad’s a cop and my mom’s a lawyer, they can make your life very difficult if you don’t let me go right now!”
“Whatever kid.” Walking to the table heaped with backpacks, he picked up one with a long nozzle attached to it. It looked kind of like the thing my dad used to kill weeds. Inside one pack he pulled out a remote control looking thing. “This is going to let us hear what’s going on next door.” Pressing the button, voices sprang from it.
“Ookkaayy”. I just sat staring at him not know what to do next. He grinned at the voices I didn’t understand. “What language are they speaking?”
“Flobaulationish.” He grabbed a pen and started writing. “They just mentioned a plan to…”
“Wait a minute is this Candid Camera or something? Did Drake set this up?” Glancing around the room I tried to see where the cameras were hidden. “Drake this isn’t funny. I never wanted to come in the first place. If you show this at school I will kill you. Drake I mean it.” Not seeing anything that resembled a camera, I started to worry. Gathering my strength I growled out. “Drake, I want to go home. Now!!!!”
“Shhhhhhhh…I can’t hear.” Writing again he pointed to the nozzle. “If something happens to me, you point this at those things in there and pull the trigger.” He continued writing as a frantic woman stormed in.
“Did you see them, there must be three dozen, can this thing handle that many Sean?” Pointing to the backpacks she wrung her hands. “What are we going to do, what if they catch on, why did I agree to this?’
“Pong settle down, you’re trained and know what to expect. Everything is going as planned.” He returned to writing ignoring the two of us.
Turning in slow circle, Pong stopped. “Who are you?”
Leaping out of the chair I stuttered. “I…I’m…just…um…no one…can I leave now?” My heart rate jumped with her stare, her eyes and face red.
“No sit down.” Pointing to the chair, she pulled out a small hand gun. “Down!”
Holding up my hands in surrender I sat. “I don’t know anything. My family is looking for me. I won’t tell anyone, I just want to go home.”
The door opened again and three Storm Troopers sporting black leather kilts strolled in. The blasters they held looked quite real. “Are we set?” The first in the door asked, noticing me he pointed. “Whose this?”
“She was following the aliens and I thought she might know something we could use.” Sean commented without looking up from his paper.
“I wasn’t, I don’t know anything and I…I just want to go hom….” My voice broke as tears filled my eyes.
Holding out a hand the first Storm Trooper stepped closer. “It’s going to be okay, we won’t detain you long. I’m Kiev, its nice to meet you and this is Tre, and Beamer. What do they call you?’
“Um…Maggie, I don’t really know what’s going on, can I go?” I tried a light innocent smile.
Kiev removed his helmet and smiled. His light blond hair fell over his piercing blue eyes, with a swipe to clear his vision he took the seat next to me. “I’m going to call you Mags, okay?”
I nodded nervously. “Okay.” His face had that rugged look guys get while in college, adorable dimples flanked his smile and I suddenly felt my body relax.
“Mags I know you’re scared but don’t be. None of us are going to hurt you, but we really could use another set of eyes and ears. We,” Gesturing with his hand at all the others in the room. “Are part of an underground resistance group. Alien cultures are infiltrating Earth. They are posing as government officials, and/or using mind control on those making decisions that will affect the future of this planet. They need to be stopped and that’s what we plan to do.” Pointing at Sean and then the pile of backpacks, he continued. “Sean’s in charge of weapon manufacturing and he has created a doozy this time. That nozzle connects to a collection container. When that trigger is pulled, an invisible beam shoots out and grabs on to every non- Earth based life, pulling it into the container. This weapon may be our last hope this time.”
“This time?” My eyes widen at his nod. As Sean wrote I took a good look at the backpack and nozzle thingy. It didn’t look like much and if Kiev thought our only hope rested on that, maybe it was time to call it a day or maybe the men in little white coats.
“We have stopped countless attempts over the years. This organization has been in existence since the 30’s. My father and his father were member and I grew up fighting aliens.” He chuckled as my eyes grew wider. “I know you think I’m crazy, but the threat of alien invasion is real. It’s time to step up to the plate.” He grinned, my knees shaking slightly.
“So you’ve been doing this a long time?” He barely looked old enough to vote, yet alone save the world.
“Yes, about five years for me, my father runs a group out of L.A. He trained me and has been at this much longer.” He sat back and sighed. “The aliens we are after today are the Flobaulations, they come from another galaxy and are looking for an additional food source. They have plundered many planets and we are just another buffet along the way. If they aren’t stopped from contacting their army, today, then life as we know it will cease to exist.” Watching my face he frowned at my creased eyebrows. “I know this is a lot to take in, but Mags I need to know you support us.”
“Why here? Why would they meet here?” My eyes blinked twice as Darth Vader stepped in the room, followed by Dumbledore and The Flash.
“The way everyone dresses and play acts at these conventions make it the perfect place to have a meeting. We have been tracking a few members for months now. We stole one of their communication devices and have been listening to them. The leader is one Flumoti, he calls the shots and the rest do his bidding. He sent scouts out from the main ship to investigate the viability of Earth. He then planned to meet here and discuss their findings.” Rubbing a hand through his hair he nodded. “Look around, would anyone notice a few aliens?”
“No, I… guess not.” My body had stopped shaking and Tre handed me a Coke. “Thanks.”
“Will you help us keep Earth safe?” Kiev asked his blue eyes pleading. “We are the last line of defense this time. Our sister organization was wiped out during the last invasion we halted. And the other cells have their hands full at present.” He smiled, displaying a line of white perfection, his eyes sparkled and my leg heated up. My body took over again and before I could stop myself I was nodding in agreement.
His focus left me when the door flew open. Kiev stood as Gandalf entered (at least that’s who I thought that was.) “Has everyone arrived?”
“No, I think at least two more must be in rout.” Kiev called back.
Sean cleared his throat and everyone glanced his way. “We can’t wait they have decided Earth is perfect for harvesting. They leave in an hour.”
“Do we know where the ship is so we can intercept?” Tre asked.
“No.” Sean answered his hand back on the pencil writing again.
Kiev frowned, his lovely blue eyes tightened into slits. His hand landed on the blaster attached to his waist. “We go in now.” Letting out a held breath he pointed. “Tre, you cover the front entrance with Jay. Beamer you and Ring cover the South, Pong and Guy cover the North. I’ll cover the West and Sean and Gun you hit the room. Ear pieces are in the front pocket of each pack.” His gaze dropped to my face. “You’re untrained, but I need you to backup Sean and Gun.” Taking a backpack from the table he handed it to me. “I want you to go out on the floor and mill around, if you see any of those aliens shoot and ask questions later. You’re our backup if anyone fails in their assignment. Can you handle it?”
“Are you sure?” Swallowing hard I felt a lump in my throat. “Shouldn’t someone else be the backup?” My hands shook as I took the pack. “What if I can’t do it?”
Kiev laughed. “Are you kidding, I trust that when push comes to shove you’ll be fine. You’re a fighter Mags, I know we’ve only met but I trust you.” Taking my hands he pulled me to a corner away from the others. “I know you’re scared, but you radiate a strength I have rarely seen in anyone.”
My heart fluttered as he pushed a stray hair behind my ear, his thumb lingering against my cheek. “Okay.”
Grinning he winked, checking his watch Kiev looked at each member. “Lets do this.”
Moving towards the door, the teams exited. Kiev stood tall and saluted everyone as they left. He may have been insane, but what a cutie. Pulling out a hearing aid looking thing, he pushed it in my ear. Turning he saluted me. “Mags I’m counting on you and so is Earth. Good hunting.” With that he left.
Putting on the backpack I held the nozzle out and found a small trigger on the underside. The pack wasn’t warm to the touch, but it gave out a small hum. Noticing I was alone, I pointed the nozzle at the door and whispered. “I know what you're thinking. Did she fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a funky nozzle thingy, the most powerful space weapon in the world, and could suck your head clean off you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk alien?”
I may not be a Sci-Fi fan, but I loved Dirty Harry movies. My dad and I spent most Sundays watching a movie or two. Laughing at myself I wondered what I had gotten caught up in. Looking around the room, I spoke loudly. “Drake if you put this together I will make it my mission in life to ruin you.” Turning around I pointed to the four corners. “Got that?” Feeling better about what I was about to do I trudged to the door, but was stopped by a whispered voice in my ear.
“Mags you’re not losing it are you?” Kiev’s soft voice made me jump.
“Um…no…I talk to myself when I get nervous.” Glancing around, I wasn’t sure if he could only hear or see me also.
“Me too. Get in position. Break a leg Mags.” With that, the conversation ended.
Walking out the door, I tried to conceal the nozzle in the crook of my arm. People, aliens and even a few cartoon characters milled around the booths, wait was that Officer Dangle? He walked just out of sight before I could confirm his identity. I scanned the crowd for the familiar cloaked aliens, but with so many people in costume it was hard to tell. My body hummed, pumped and alert, my leg warmed and I felt like I could take on the world. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, I turned walking down another aisle.
“Maggie.” Ahead of me Drake ran up. “We’ve been looking all over for you.” Following Drake my dad ran up panting.
“Don’t do that again. I thought you were old enough not to run off like that.” Dad leaned over his hands on his knees, taking in huge gulps of air. “I’m too old for this and your mother is looking in the parking lot for you.”
“Um...I’m sorry I saw something interesting and I lost track of time.” Scanning around them I didn’t see anything out of place. Well that’s not saying much, not with the line of Borg marching up the next aisle. “I..um.. ran into a friend.”
“Okay, but don’t run off again, my heart can’t take it.” My dad grinned grabbing my hand and giving it a squeeze. “What’s this.” He fingered the nozzle and then followed it to the backpack. “Did you buy something?” His face lengthened with his eye going wide at the question.
“No, I’m holding it for someone.” My eyes darted around as cloaked figure stepped out of the crowd. Grabbing the nozzle I stopped as the figure turned. My pulse spiked, but it was just a costumed Emperor, I should have figured it by his height. Taking a deep breath, I wondered if my heart could take this after all.
“Drake and I are hungry.” Pulling out his cell he called my mom to tell her they had found me. “We’re meeting mom for lunch. Do you want to join us?” Dad rubbed his belly. “I’m famished, what do you feel like?”
“I want pizza.” Looking at the map, Drake pointed to the spot. “Here, it’s by the south exit. This way.”
“I can’t go I told the owner of this that I’d wait here.” Nodding to the backpack I grinned. “He needed someone to watch it. I promise to stay in this area and anyway I’m not really hungry yet.”
Dad pursed his lips. “Okay, I want you to answer your cell next time.” Touching his chest he grinned. “You really scared me when I couldn’t find you and your phone just went to voice mail.” Checking his watch he groaned. “When’s the owner coming back and who is it anyway?”
“It’s a kid in my class, I made him swear that he wouldn’t tell anyone I was here or I wouldn’t hold this thing for him. He should be back in a half hour or so.” Looking at my watch I sighed, I hated lying to my dad. “About 25 minutes more.”
Drake tapped his foot and blew the hair out of his eyes. “Dad I’m starving.”
My dad glanced around, his eyes scanning the crowd. “Are you sure, you have to wait? Maybe he could just find you?”
“Dad I promised.”
“Okay, don’t leave this aisle. Call if you go somewhere else, otherwise we’ll meet you right here in a half hour or so. Are you sure we can’t get you something?”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay, I’ll let mom know we’ll be seeing you later.” Pulling me into a hug he patted my arm. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” Watching my brother and dad walk away I hoped it wouldn’t be the last time. My leg felt warm again, so I reached inside my pocket and yanked out the slim silver disc. It warmed my hand and sent a tingle up my arm. Rolling it between my fingers, a small round circle popped out. The circle was about the size of my finger, so I slipped it on. When it hit the base of my finger a jolt of electricity spun through my body sending a shiver up my spine. Swaying on my feet, I blinked and focused on the floor to regain my equilibrium.
“Mags, over.” Kiev voice spoke in my ear.
“Yeah, what?”
“The actions should start any minute, stay alert. We’re not the only ones with weapons. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.” My heart fluttered at his words. “Use your head and stay safe, I’m counting on you Mags.”
A warm sensation rushed up my neck and into my face, so glad that Kiev couldn’t see me. His voice and smile just made my knees want to buckle. I continued to scan the area around me and heard the battle start.
“I’ve taken out five.” Pong screamed, my head cringing from the noise. “Coming your way Beamer.”
“I don’t see them, are you sure?” Beamer spoke calmly and then swore. “I have a visual.”
More buzzing filled my ear and then a scream of pain. “My leg.” Jay squealed. “I’m out and they are heading towards Kiev.”
My eyes darted left and right and then I turned around and scanned the area behind me. Nothing out of the ordinary caught my attention.
“I don’t see them, Jay, are you sure they came this way.” Kiev’s voice was shrill and high. “I don’t’ see them. Anyone have a visual?”
Turning again I caught the edge of a familiar cloak. Grabbing the nozzle I fingered the trigger. At a jog I turned down the next aisle and saw three cloaked figures a few feet in front on me. “I have a visual and I’m taking a shot.” Lifting the nozzle I pointed at the retreating figures and pulled the trigger. I felt the nozzle buck slightly, and then the cloaks and their occupants shrank being sucked into the nozzle. The backpack gave a kick and then settled back on my shoulder. “I got three of them.”
“I knew you could do it.” Kiev spoke, a verbal smile I could feel in his voice. “Keep looking, Sean got fifteen of them in the room, we have about four to seven to go.”
My little display had been noticed, people, costumed and not focused on their map and schedule. One looked at the schedule and then at me and started clapping. “Bravo, great show. What booth are you from?” Another yelled. “Live long and prosper,” While the rest of the crowd broke out in loud applause.
Grinning I bowed. “Alien Busters.” Looking at the smiling faces, I sung. “Bustin’ makes me feel gooooooddd.” The crowd laughed clapping again. Chatter went on in my ear as I was asked to sign a few maps. I signed only Mags as I called out to the crowd. “Be sure to check out our Alien detectors, only 19.99 today.” At that I waved and strolled down the next aisle.
“Good job Mags, you’re quite the entertainer.” Kiev laughed and then called. “Two going towards the South, are you ready Beamer, Ring?”
No answer followed and Kiev tried again. “Beamer, Ring, over.” Waiting another moment he swore. “I’m on my way, is anyone close to the South entrance?”
Glancing around I realized I was only an aisle away. “I am.”
“Mags, no. This group has weapon.” Kiev yelled through the ear piece. “Stand down we will do this one without you.”
I wasn’t backing down, not if the world really needed me. Jogging around the throngs of people I turned the corner. Two cloaked figures stopped, their huge black eyes staring me down. Black weapons sprung from under their cloaks and as I lifted the my nozzle they shot. Sizzling strings of electricity snaked towards me. Squeezing the trigger I closed my eyes, if I was going down so were they.
The nozzle bucked and shot. Opening my eyes at the jolt, I saw the ring on my finger expanded into a clear bubble just as the electricity hit. When it smashed against the bubble it bounced off and absorbed into the floor. The ring shrunk back to normal as the aliens were sucked into the nozzle. Feeling the ring pulse as the backpack gave a slight kick, my knees gave out. Strong arms wrapped around me before I hit the floor. I glanced up into Kiev’s smiling face right before I passed out.
Applause and cat calls echoed as my eyes opened moments later. Costumed figures and regular people whistled and called out to me. “More, more, brilliant, where can I buy one of those rings… Amazing…Do it again…what booth again.”
Kiev gazed down at me. “Are you okay?” His mouth was a flat line, his face tight.
Nodding I tried to sit up. “I think so, can you help me stand?”
Kiev grinned. “No, you deserve to be carried.” With that he picked me up and turned towards the loudest section of the growing audience. “Thank you and please see what we have to offer at “Alien Busters.” Strolling off, he brushed away the numerous offers for his autograph.
“Did we get them all?” Tingles flew up my arms and legs, but I wasn’t sure if it was from the way Kiev held me or from the shock I just experienced. Reaching up I touched his face. “Did we?”
His eyes racked over me. He growled lightly. “Yes, what the hell happened back there?” Pressing his warm lips to my forehead he frowned. “I told you to be careful and you throw yourself into a fire fight?” Shaking his head, anger sizzled off of him. “I really thought we would have it under control and not need you. Man was I wrong. The two you just took out, shot Beamer, Jay and Ring. You’re lucky to be alive.”
His eyes scanned ahead then back to my face, their gaze dropping to my lips before he shot them up again. “Are they going to be okay?” I touched his cheek.
Shaking his head he groaned. “Ring will be okay, he missed the full jolt. That much electricity would kill an elephant. Pongs called an ambulance for him, but Jay and Beamer only need a hearse now.”
I stroked his cheek, a stray tear catching on my finger. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks, but it’s expected every so often. This line of work’s dangerous.” Looking at me again his eyes dropped as he nodded. “You sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah.” Hearing my name we both turned.
“Maggie, oh my … you were amazing. Why didn’t you tell me you were in one of the acts? The way you shot and then that bubble, and the way …” Drake stood gawking at us, his voice fading as I laid my lips on Kiev’s. Tingles collided, rushing through my body and my head spun again. His lips were like firm silk against mine. My body felt lighter than air as he increased the pressure, his mouth taking mine. With a low moan he tugged back.
Drake was still rambling when I resurfaced into reality. “And then the way that you fainted and this guy, who is this guy and then…”
“Mags, you’re amazing you know.” Kiev gazed into my eyes. “You saved countless lives, but I have to go.”
Grabbing my hand I wrestled with the ring. I pulled and tugged, but it wouldn’t come off. “Here help me get this off.”
Kiev covered my hand with his. “It saved your life and you will need it again.” Squeezing my hand he pulled it to his mouth. Running his lips over my knuckles, a chill followed while millions of goose bumps ran up my arms. “I want you to stay safe.”
“Okay.” My mouth felt like it was full of cotton and nothing else came out.
“You’re important to me, and you may be the key to saving Earth.” Setting me on my feet he grinned. Pulling out a card from his pocket, he pressed it into my hand. “We can use a warrior like you. Call me if you need anything and I’ll be calling soon, very soon.” Turning he waved at Drake and took a small bow.
“Wow, who was that and where did you get that ring? Can I get one?” Drake said as he stared after Kiev.
“Maggie, Drake. Are you two ready for the movie premiere? Our tickets are for the 1 o’clock show.” My mother waved as she and my dad emerged from the crowd.
Reaching us Drake started over with his one-man monologue of the fight they had missed. My dad laughed as he listened to him retell the battle and then smiled at me. “Really, Maggie why didn’t you tell us I would have liked to seen that.”
“I was a last minute fill-in, I didn’t want to ruin the surprise or anything.” Smiling I laughed. “Saving the world is a tough business.”
“Wow, Maggie you’re full of surprises.” My mother threw her arm around me and giggled. “I told you today wouldn’t be so bad.”
“You’re right.” Laughing lightly I commented knowing how much worst it really could have been. Walking towards the theatre I watched my family smiling and talking. Saving the Earth was now my priority, call me Mags.
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