“Bet you looked smoking in them,” Reece added, giving her an admiring glance. It warmed her head to toe and made her wish they could head back to her room rather than to his office. But duty came first.
While Reece communicated with his AI, she borrowed a computer and began working through the details of the plan still forming in her mind. She already knew Reece wouldn’t find a way to destroy the Kukakk energy without causing damage to Earth. The resulting explosion of energy might spare flesh and even structures; however, the invisible effect on the magnetic field couldn’t be stopped. She said nothing, though, letting him analyze and run simulations while she prepped. She hated that they’d begun developing an intimate rapport and here she was, not exactly lying but also not revealing what she had in mind—because she knew he’d try to stop her.
Later, he’d likely understand, maybe even thank her. After all, if her idea worked, then not only would this planet and its people be preserved, she’d also save his life. Despite the short time they’d spent together, he’d come to mean so much to her, not unusual in cases where avincerosbond formed. Those who’d analyzed it theorized it had to do with two compatible spirits immediately accepting each other. Even without it, sherecognized his potential for future good, his deep sense of honor, an honor that would have had him embracing death to keep a promise.
She couldn’t go back in time and take back her impossible request, but she could ensure he never had a chance to try. Mars would have to remain a dusty inhabitable planet. As for those frozen in stasis? Time for them to wake and make a choice. Relocate to Earth and resume living or return to an eternal sleep.
Meeting Reece had opened her eyes to the fact she—and those who’d entered a stasis state—had chosen to hold on to a past that was forever gone. Seeing the Earth in the same peril might have brought back the unpleasant memories of her conflict with the Kukakk, but at the same time, she finally realized that, even given the outcome, she’d have still launched the bombs. Yes, the resulting blast killed Mars and forced her people to evacuate, but had she done nothing, her planet would have died anyhow and her people with it.
Earth now stood at the same crossroads with one major difference. Humanity, who carried the blood of her people, had nowhere to flee. The Kukakk had to be destroyed, and she had an idea of how to achieve that without ruining another planet.
When she left the toiling Reece that afternoon, under the guise of needing a break, she presented her plan to Aries. Someone should know the details of her plot, if only to explain to Reece why she’d kept it secret.
Aries listened and asked a few questions before saying, “Are you sure you want to do this? You’ve barely given Aquarius time to find another solution.”
She nodded. “It’s the only way. Every moment we delay, people die, and before you mention that prophecy, understand I am doing this to ensure it doesn’t come to pass.”
“You don’t want Aquarius to die.”
“I don’t want anyone to die for a planet that hasn’t had a future since the day the bombs went off.”
“In that case, good luck. If you need anything…”
She shook her head. “I shouldn’t. Between the Kukakk’s greed and its arrogance, it likely won’t realize what I’ve planned until it’s too late. The only thing I ask of you is to keep Reece busy so he doesn’t try and stop me.”
“You know he would.” Aries shook his head. “He’s going to be pissed, especially since I think he’s mentally prepared himself to be a martyr to save the world.”
“Because he’s a true hero.” Selfless, courageous, and confident. The kind of person who could do so much good still.
After Ishtar left Aries, she continued with her preparation. While she’d initially planned to set the plan in motion that evening, things didn’t work out that way due to a delay she couldn’t control. While she hated the fact innocents would die between now and the morning, it did mean she would get to spend one last night with Reece. One last moment before…
She refused to think about what would happen on the morrow, lest she lose her nerve. How ironic that, after eons of being alone, she’d found the will to live and be happy, only to face the loss of it after barely getting to enjoy it.
Early evening, she returned to Reece’s office. He whirled in his chair and greeted her with a smile. “Hey, Queenie. No luck yet on the bomb front, but in good news, the original Alien Jesus is dead. Leo blew him apart while he was live streaming. Within an hour of presenting his newly invaded body, Scorpio took him out. The internet is going wild. Some are now claiming he’s a false prophet, while others are convinced his resurrection in a new host is a sign of his godliness. I’m even seeing a few people start theorizing he’s an alien stealing bodies.”
Given his wide grin, she theorized, “I don’t suppose you began that last rumor?”
“Who, me?” He failed the wide-eyed innocent look.
She laughed and shook her head. “At least you’re keeping the Kukakk off balance. Bummer about the bomb, though.”
“Yeah, but I’m not giving up yet. You were right that the blast can’t be any weaker. It’s insane how much opposing energy is needed to break the Kukakk apart.”
“Have you run simulations on what effect the concussion from the energies colliding will have on Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere?”
“Yeah. and it’s not good. It will definitely fuck with our planet. I’m just not sure how bad yet. There’s apparently a forty-seven percent chance it will shock the Earth’s core into stopping. A seventy-two percent certainty it will shred a hole in our atmosphere so big all kinds of nasty stuff could happen. At least in that option, relocation would still be possible, and if we work fast enough, we might be able to repair the damage.”
“I’d worry more about the former. If the core ceases to rotate …”
“It would mean the end of us all.” His lips turned down.
“You should take a break. Let your brain relax. Get some food and sleep.” The next part emerged softer and shyer, “I took the liberty of asking Nimrod to serve us dinner in my room. That is assuming you’d?—”
“Fuck yeah.” He bounced from his chair. “Dinner with you is exactly what I need.”
His enthusiasm only served to concrete her decision. They headed to the stairs for a zoom, not to her room but to the rooftop, where Nimrod had outdone itself. A table set with candles and domed dishes awaited.
Reece glanced down at himself. “I feel underdressed.”
