Earth – New Beginning

Dragonlots aka Dana Bell

Chapter 10: Secrets

"We hunted two days to get that." Mira pointed at the untouched steak on Lucas's plate.

"I'm not hungry," he lied, handing the plate with the roasted meat over to her. "I'm going to take a walk."

He moved away from Mira, watching her disbelieving face, putting distance between himself and the others. His hunger grew with every step. At the edge of camp he ducked into the boulder maze, stacked like a mini jungle of coppery red for as far as the eye could see. The colors reminded him of the blood that had leak out of his body after Skye had shot him.

Lucas had lied to Mira about it letting her believe the vest had saved his life.

Vague memories crept into his mind as he walked in the shadows. The heat of the ground burning his injured body, the sharp cuts from the vegetation along his face and pebbles biting into his legs. His slow progress to safety, clawing at the earth to gain every pain filled inch. A shadow above him, yanking his head back, tearing into his throat and awful sucking sounds echoing in his ears.

Then nothing.

How long it had been he didn't remember. When he woke, a small nykorapter had something in his mouth, which he dropped before he lunged at Lucas. What happened after blurred in his mind. He stood in the clearing, above what must have been his grave, the dinosaur limp and dead with the bittersweet scent of blood filling his nose.

The only thing he knew to do was find Mira and the Phoenix Group.

Now, he was starving, yet nothing sounded good to him. He hadn't eaten in days.

He needed to figure out what he hungered for before he perished from starvation.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"I've spoken with Dr. Wilker," Apollo continued, trying to gage from the vague expressions, how the Council of Twelve was reacting to the news. "His best theory is that we've passed through some sort of time gate and are now trapped here." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Our fuel supply is low. Every micron our fleet is still flying, we run the risk of running out entirely."

"That has been confirmed," Siress Tinia championed. Today she'd piled her blond hair on her head and it complimented the matching gown she wore. Apollo had to admit she went for simplicity with her jewels. No wonder his father liked her.

"Surely," Sire Uri interjected, flamboyantly decorated in purple, green and gold. "Something can be done."

Sire Ubarri, a dark skinned man, who rarely spoke, shook his head. He wore a simple brown tunic. "I was one of those who confirmed. The world below is rich and there is plenty of room for all our people."

"So you're saying," Uri half rose out of his seat. "That we should settle on this primitive-"

"Primitive or not," Adama interrupted, attending in his dark blue uniform with silver trim. "It's the only option we have."

"Or we could sit here in space and watch each ship fail," Ubarri continued as he leaned forward resting his hand on the table. Apollo noticed he had a gold ring of varying designs on each finger. "Trying to hold onto the fragile life we've made for ourselves."

Tinia nodded. "Or we can take what the Lords have provided, and settle on the world below."

"What of the colony there?" Uri's serpent like eyes scanned the table, seeking an ally.

"We've spoken to them." Adama motioned his son to the door. Apollo nodded and took a place there listening. "They are not opposed to us being here. They did caution us that it would not be an easy life."

"Giant animals," Uri scoffed.

Apollo decided he had to be the most despicable man in the fleet. He certainly ate better than anyone if his body mass was any indictor.

"I've seen them myself." Tinia's voice cut across the room, reaching each of the council members. "They're not all dangerous. The Terra Novans are more than willing to teach us."

"Who knows." Adama smiled, his voice filled with wonder. "We could be the ones who found the thirteenth colony."

"Or the ones who destroy it." Uri glared at the commander.

Taking a deep breath, Apollo worked at controlling his temper. Not everyone in this room was short sighted like Uri.

"I would say," Ubarri's deep voice cut into further argument. "That each of us think on this and meet tomorrow to discuss the future of our people."

"Agreed," Tinia supported. "Go talk to the people and see what they wish to do. But remember this," she met the gaze of each council person. "We do not have the fuel to go anywhere and the other planets in this system are hostile."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"How come you got the best apprentice?"

Alona glanced up from the notes she'd been transcribing. "You're up early, Kelly."

"Don't change the subject." Dr. Kelly McKay, put her hands on her narrow hips, her short brown hair framing her round face. Her clothes looked slept in, which they probably were considering how much time she spent at the lab.

"She asked." She knew her housemate well enough to be straight forward.

"Asked?" Kelly sounded like she didn't believe it.

"Yes. Now, will you get out of my office, I have work to do."

"Asked." The scientist shook her head and headed out. "Hey, when did it start raining?"

She tried not to giggle, but Alona couldn't help it. Just proved how long Kelly had been holed up. "Just think of it as a cold shower."

"Right."

She heard the door slam as Kelly left. With a shake of head she went back to work, catching up her notes, which she could have left for Maddy, but wanted to finish herself. It gave her a strong sense of accomplishment.

"Morning."

Her head jerked up and Alona realized she'd fallen asleep.

"Brought you breakfast." Maddy put a fruit dish in front of her. "Were you here all night?"

"Pretty much." She picked up a piece and popped it in her mouth. The sweet juice tasted really good. "Heard you had some excitement."

The teen made a face. "Prefer not to talk about it."

"No problem." She'd heard enough scattered details from those who had come to work late. "Everyone is okay, right?"

"Yeah." Maddy grinned at her. "Where do we start?"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Commander Taylor greeted Laura with a smile, his eyes traveling to the large cat standing next to her. The woman's fingers rested on the furred back and the large fangs protruding over the feline muzzle were even more intimidating close up.

"My thanks for the cat's help. Saved a lot of lives."

"Her name is Sheba."

He didn't really need to be reminded, but decided to humor the woman. "Well, Sheba has my thanks."

"You're welcome." Her eyes glanced around. "Where's Mr. Shannon?"

"With his family." Taylor considered the young woman. Her unique talents had her working in both the medical and science departments as well as agricultural. They couldn't afford to lose her, yet he didn't have time to be tactful. "Do you know where your cousin went?"

She nervously bit her lip. "Not exactly. He said he had something he had to take care of."

"Any idea when he'll be back?" The man was a mystery and more of a fixture at the bar than the community.

"No." She said it so quietly he almost didn't hear her.

Her eyes told him she knew more, but he sensed she wouldn't answer if he asked. "When he gets back I'd like to speak with him."

She glanced down. "I don't know if he is."

"What's that supposed to mean."

"Just that. Do me a favor, Commander, don't ask me anymore questions. The Collins family has many secrets and most are buried in the cemetery in 2149. We'd rather they stay that way."

"Oh, really?" Her comment made him curious.

"Yes. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm expected for breakfast with my family."

He nodded and she left, the cat stopping to gaze at him, before following the woman out.

Damn! The Collins were as mysterious there as they had been in 2149.

Give him time, he'd probably figure it out. Questions was, did he really want to?