Free Rise of Aen by Damian Shishkin Page B

the strength she had just to move enough off her chest to make her breathing easier, but she had to stop there to rest.
    Then she remembered the others that were stationed in the wing and began to call out to them. Her voice sounded like it was from miles away, but she continued to scream as the ringing in her ears began to slowly subside. Moans from about the room began to come from all angles letting her know that she wasn’t the sole survivor, but no one would answer her cries. Phillips was alone in getting herself free of this mess and the pain in her legs was starting to overcome the feeling of shock.
    Suddenly, her eyes came to rest on what looked to be the only thing untouched by the destruction; Subject Zero! The alien was sitting upright with her eyes open as they glowed with a brilliant blue. Her head was turned towards Phillips, but seemed to be looking past her towards the direction of the morgue. The Major strained to turn her head to see what the creature was looking at, but the position of her body and the rubble that held her down prevented it. Looking back towards Zero, she took in the calmness in the alien’s facial features, as it seemed unaffected by any of the chaos that surrounded them. Its chest rose and fell as it continued to stare beyond Phillips calmly, but with purpose. It was then at that moment that the shadow began to appear that let the Major know what the alien was intently looking at.
    From behind her and through the hole which once was a wall appeared Subject 54, or what she assumed was once 54. The man floated—naked and covered in dirt and crushed concrete—over her and slowly dropped to the floor in front of her. Phillips wasn’t sure if it was her position or if he had actually grown taller, but she was sure that his hair had grown since she released him to the morgue. The figure seemed to radiate energy as it walked calmly, but with purpose towards Subject Zero. As he neared the gurney, Subject Zero moved—the first time the Major had ever seen her do so—as she lifted her arms, like a child waiting to be held by a parent. 54 bent over and scooped her up in his arms almost robotically before turning back towards Phillips. The female had her head nestled in his chest with her eyes still open and glowing, staring off vacantly. 54 however, moved his head slowly until he now looked right into the Major’s eyes. Her head began to ache like never before!
    You have shown me such kindness over the years , the voice was not his; it was hers! Not like some others around here. I shall return that kindness.
    54 extended his left hand towards her and began to squeeze the air as if grasping something; all the while holding Zero’s body tightly in his right arm. Phillips mind raced fearfully until she felt the rocks covering her quiver slightly. As this new motion began, he lifted his hand slightly and the debris that held her down began to rise. She gasped in surprise—she had no idea he had become telekinetic! As the rubble was clear of her body, he quickly flinched his wrist and the rocks were thrown clear out the hole in the building. Her body was free, but now the pain rushed over her as there was no pressure on the wounds on her body.
    Help is close by, the woman’s voice echoed in her skull. But I implore you to leave once healed as this won’t be a safe place.
    “Why, when no one on the planet knows this place exists?”
    Your general has set in motion events that have drawn attention to your sleepy corner of the galaxy. Ours is one of many peaceful races amongst the stars, but there are many monsters out there and one has focused its eyes on you!
    “Can your people help us, or have we damned ourselves for the way we’ve mistreated you?” Her words were becoming increasingly difficult as the pain was immense. Every ounce of her strength was being used to not pass out.
    My people will come, but they will not come in time to prevent the attack. My son will be the key to your