Chapter 3 – Kerra
The faint scent ofhoneysuckle drifted on the early evening breeze as I exited the new gym I had joined after leaving Fitness Plus. I walked outdoors, greeted by the last vibrant rays of the setting sun as it disappeared over the shimmering horizon. June was in full swing and one of my favorite months. I closed my eyes briefly and smiled as I headed down the sidewalk toward home. I’d chosen to walk the two miles from my apartment with the pleasant weather and add a little extra exercise to my day after finishing my weekly yoga class. My body felt relaxed after the session and I nearly whistled as I turned the corner and strode by the many shops that lined the strip mall.
A warm breeze drifted across my skin and I sighed with contentment. For the first time, I felt the stress of the last few months melt away. I had several job interviews lined up for next week. My sister Kacie was coming for dinner tonight. Tony had picked up the last of his stuff and I had changed the locks afterward, happy to move on even if he did threaten to sue me for damages to his truck. All my worries were at an end. And the best part? Soon I would have my sister home where she belonged. I’d been counting down since her phone call nearly ten months prior. I missed Kacie more than I let on. Her role in the ISP kept her away far too much.
The Interstellar Space Program (ISP) was piloted by the U.S. a little over fifty years prior. Since its creation, a select group of bright, talented, and educated individuals have volunteered to travel into deep space and improve human relationships within the Galactic Conclave. Fifty-one different alien species belonged to this organization that enforced and upheld the Cardinal Edict, a prime rule of interaction between cultures and civilizations that were among those recognized as sentient beings and technologically advanced. Earth was denied entry for centuries until we finally proved we weren’t as primitive and vulnerable as was once believed.
My younger sister Kacie had always been fascinated by space travel and the prospect of alien contact. She was incredibly gifted with mathematics and high-tech machinery, her mind working in ways I could never imagine. Boldly reaching for her dream, I wasn’t surprised when she graduated with honors early and immediately applied for the Interstellar Space Program.
Two years later, she left on her first mission. Four years later, and she was chosen to pilot a new mission with the Tandorians. I hadn’t seen her since. Nearly fourteen months. Our communication was brief and sparse, but I brushed my feelings of loss aside and supported her as much as possible. Only when I heard of trouble among the Conclave did I truly worry. Rumors were sparse on social media but still managed to circulate. Kacie’s letter almost two weeks ago set my mind at ease, but I wouldn’t fully be at peace until my sister was home.
I was pulled from my thoughts when my cell began to vibrate in my pocket. I snatched the phone and swiped across, smiling when I saw Lexi’s name.
“Hey, Lex!”
“Hey, babe. You home yet? Heard from Kacie?”
“No,” I laughed. “To both. I’ll text you once I see her.”
“You holdin’ up alright?”
“Am much as I can,” I admitted truthfully, trying not to let my thoughts linger on Tony and our breakup.
“Listen, don’t worry about that piece of shit or his threats.”
“He does have a case against us,” I pointed out.
“No, he doesn’t. There’s no camera footage of that night at the bar. The lot was dark, and security found their camera lens was shattered by unexplained circumstances. There’s no proof. Only his word against both of ours.”
Frowning, I paused in my walk. “Are you saying that you’re responsible for the damaged camera?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she answered sweetly.
Uh huh. “Nice one, Lex.” There may have been more than a little sarcasm in my voice.
“Have a great night and don’t worry about a thing! Love ya, babe.”
She hung up before I could answer, and she would have to admit the truth.Sneaky.
The blanket of night had fallen by the time I resumed my brisk walk, startled by a strange noise. Slightly behind me and to the left, I heard creepy scratching and then what sounded like an odd, eerie groan. This neighborhood was relatively safe but that didn’t mean I wasn’t at risk. Crime rates were the lowest in decades and I never had issues walking home from the gym or any of the shops, but I wasn’t taking chances and picked up my pace. Something pounded on a nearby wall as I heard a thud, like a heavy object hitting the ground with force. Adjusting the strap on my bag so I could have my fists ready if I was caught by surprise, I noticed the front entrance of my building as it loomed ahead.
Nearly home now, it was only a few more yards until I was safe.
My heart pounded and thudded in my ears so loudly I couldn’t hear if anyone was following me or not. Once or twice I thought I heard running feet. I was almost to the security door when a calloused, rough hand wrapped around my throat and I was tugged backward so fast I lost my balance. My limbs sprawled ungracefully as I hit the ground and groaned with the violent impact.
A flash of red streaked by in my peripheral vision and I blinked, certain I had completely lost my mind. It wasn’t until I looked down that the horrible truth began to sink in. A long scaly tail was wrapped around my waist and shimmered a dark crimson in the faded glow of the streetlamps.
My entire body froze as terror gripped my muscles and I couldn’t move.
Was that analien?
The tail yanked my body out of the hazy, meager light and into the darkness. Something cool and sharp scraped along my skin as I heard a distinct and frightening rumble followed by weird noises and clicking. I fought to release the hold around my middle and yanked, pulling the tail loose as a red claw appeared and clutched my throat so hard, I sputtered and coughed. The alien seemed intent on choking off my airways.
