Season Two: Episode Seven (Molon Labe)
"Ben! Get down!" Tom shouted at them. Guns fired at the enemy as Ben ran for cover under a mass of rocks. Ericka ran by his side and fired at the Mech. He glanced over at her, shocked that she would have come for him after what he did. He practically betrayed her to Karen. Karen had disappeared and the Mech powered down, leaving the Overlord defenseless. The Skitters that hadn't been killed during the fight vanished. None of them wanted to risk their master's safety as Tom held his gun up to the Overlord. Ericka was lost; she didn't know what to feel for Ben anymore. Could she just easily trust him after he betrayed her like that? She didn't look at him though, she couldn't.
…
They arrived back at the hospital. The people were packing up as quickly as possible, some even faster if it was possible. If Karen knew their location, they had to move out immediately. Ericka hopped out of the back of the truck. Sitting near the Overlord made her want to shoot it even more, and if it wasn't for Dai, who that noticed her finger never left the trigger, she probably would have. Walking over to the main entrance, she passed Captain Weaver. "The next person to ask me that is going to get knocked upside the head with this cane." he hollered, clearly annoyed with everyone pressing him to lie down. "Noted." Tom replied to his friend. She smiled up at them. "Nice to see you out and about, Captain." Ericka added, passing them. Not once had she looked over to Ben, who was following closer behind. Quickening her pace, she jogged up the steps and entered the hospital. Another pair of footsteps had chased after her. She sighed with annoyance; Hal hadn't stopped pestering her about what happened earlier. She knew it was only, because he cared for her and he wanted to protect her. They were like family. "I'm fine, Hal." Ericka whispered, not bothering to stop or turn around. The footsteps stopped and a hand rested on her elbow. She froze by the sudden contact. This wasn't who had followed her. She knew his touch; it was the same touch that sent tingles throughout her body. The same touch she loved and longed for when it was gone. It was Ben. "I'm not_" Ericka cut him off, "I know."
He needed to know if she stood felt anything for him. Some of the things she said on that rooftop implied that they were done as a couple. Ben liked her, no he more than liked her, he loved her. Was it possible she could love him after all he's done? Could she ever forgive him for it? Or did he lose her forever?
"What do you want, Ben?" asked Ericka. There was no emotion in her voice; not anger or sadness, or even pain. That's what scared Ben the most. He didn't know if she was furious with him or hurt because of what he did. She hadn't turned to look at him, she still couldn't. Ericka felt heartbroken after what he did. When she woke up, she felt like the whole world crashed down on her. She hadn't felt that way since her family died on the day the aliens came. He ended the silence, speaking just above a whisper. "I wanted to know if there was still a…us."
He wanted the truth; he wanted to know if she loved him. And in a way, that's what he was asking her. Ericka jerked her arm away from his touch. "I have more important things to deal with right now." she answered, completely ignoring his question. She loved him and that's why it hurt so much when he decided to leave with her. She walked away, leaving him by himself. Honestly, all she was doing was helping the 2nd Mass get ready to head out for Charleston
…
She wanted to say something to him after his argument with Tom, but she didn't know what to say. What could she even say? He turned his head, spotting her. Ericka saw and heard the entire thing. When their eyes met, they slowing started walking to one another. Neither one of them could stand the silence, but they didn't know what to say. He was leaning forward almost like he was going to kiss her. Instead, he reached up and touched her cheek. "Why do I always mess up everything?" he questioned. She pursed her lips together. Then she shook her head, backing away. "You're…lost and you're trying to find yourself." she said, looking away from him. Ericka wanted him to stay here with her and with the 2nd Mass. There was no way to stop him from leaving, but she wished she could. "I'm sorry about everything." he added. She nodded, knowing he never really wanted to hurt her. "Me too." Ericka replied before turning and walking away.
…
Ericka's eyes studied every vehicle. They were almost ready to go. The snow started to gently cascade to the ground, covering the ground and the cars. She went to look for Captain Weaver. She knew that he went down to the access tunnels to check on Hal's progress. Instead of Captain Weaver, she found Tom, Ben, and Pope. "Uh…what's going on?" she asked. "Anne, Lourdes, and Matt were down in the basement. Jamil went after them, but they didn't come back. Hal found these creatures that are like spiders. They're harder to kill though." explained Tom. Pope raised an eyebrow at her. "What are you doing down here?" he questioned curiously. "Looking for Captain Weaver, everyone's almost ready to go." she replied. Her eyes darted to the vent when they heard a noise. "Let's give these critters something to think about." Pope snarled, cocking his rifle. There was an echoed cry. He pulled put his gun away as Tom and Ben hurried to open the vent. "Matt!" Tom shouted with joy and fear.
"The Crawlies were after me!" he screamed, rushing to climb out. "Where's Anne and Lourdes?" prodded Tom. "In the blood lab." Matt answered. Tom ordered Ben to take him upstairs as Pope knelt down, ready to shoot any Crawlies coming his way. Ericka went up with Ben and Matt. Once they were upstairs, she told him to go find Hanna and help finish packing. They walked outside just in time to see the Mech shoot Boon down. She gasped when Boon fell down in the snow. Karen and the Mechs disappeared in the trees. Tector opened fire, though there was nothing to really shoot at.
…
Ericka ran after Ben and Tom. He seemed fed up with all the crap that the aliens were putting them through. She got there a few minutes after him, just in time to see the Overlord stand up and break out of his chains. Her eyes widened as she held up her gun at him like Tom was. She noticed Ben's spikes glowing a bright blue. She muttered a few curses under her breath. "At last, we have the chance to speak again, Professor Mason. I'm looking forward to it." Ben spoke in a monotonous voice. She hated it seeing him being used as a puppet. "Ben?" Tom inquired, turning to his son. Ben looked to his father. "I'm afraid he can't hear you."
Tom gritted his teeth, glaring back up at the alien. "What do you want?" he screamed at him. As they carried on the conversation, she backed up. Ericka instructed one of the soldiers to get Captain Weaver, and told the others to get back. When she casted her eyes back over to Tom, Ben, and the Overlord, Ben collapsed. Ericka's blue eyes widened. Tom slowly got down on his knees beside his son. His nose was bleeding and he was panting for air. She knelt beside him. She didn't know what to do or how to help him. This was the Overlord who was doing it to him. In a panic, Tom begged for him to stop, but when he did Ben started to speak for him again. Out of nowhere, Tom shot him. The alien tumbled to the ground. He tried to help Ben sit up and catch his breath. "Get him out of here." he told Ericka. They helped him stand until he could walk by himself. She led him to one of the rooms. Ben went over to the sink and cleaned his bloody noise with some napkins and water. "Are you ok?" she asked concerned. Her eyes held worry for him. He nodded, wiping away all the blood.
He finished cleaning himself off and looked up to her. She was drawing closer to him. Ericka suddenly leaned forward, kissing Ben. As he kissed her back, a smile formed on his lips. Pulling away, she rested her forehead on his. Her eyes were still closed. "I'm not happy with everything you did, but I love you. Seeing you lie on the floor, and knowing there was nothing I could do to help was the worst feeling ever. I thought you were going to die and I would never get the chance to say that I love you, Ben Mason." Ericka finished, opening her eyes. He pressed his lips to hers, elated that she loved him too. They broke apart the second time for air. "I love you too." Ben added.
…
Ben and Ericka climbed into the back of the truck. It was freezing, but they didn't have time to pick and choose where they could ride. The med-bus was directly in front of them. That's where Tom and Matt were with Anne. Hal was a part of the scouting crew that would be driving ahead of the 2nd Mass, making sure the roads were clear. The couple took a seat near the window. She shivered at the cold, causing Ben to wrap an arm around her. Though she felt warmer sitting so close to him, she was freezing, even with the jacket she was wearing. He was thinking about something, which made her raise a questioning eyebrow. Ericka jabbed his side with her finger. He turned to look at her. "What are you thinking about?" Ericka asked curiously. He gave her an apologetic smile. "I was just thinking that we've never had a real first date." he spoke. She smiled up at him. Then she rested her head on his chest. "I'll make you a deal. When we get to Charleston, we can start over; first date and everything." she promised solemnly. He grinned, rubbing her arm. For the rest of the ride, they talked about how they thought Charleston was going to be paradise.
…
Ericka looked back to see Ben walking away from everything. He was leaving the 2nd Mass and no one could stop him. Her heart was pounding inside her chest, beating a mile a minute. She felt almost as if she were suffocating. Ericka dropped her gun, causing eyes to drift her way; although, her baby blues never left his quickly fading body. She ran down the pavement as fast as she could, not caring about anything except him. She didn't want to let him go, but she didn't have a choice. Before she could stop herself, she called out to him. "Ben!"
He turned around, seeing her running to him. Ben frowned and dropped his bag. It only took a matter of seconds for her to reach him. Ericka jumped into his arms. She chuckled at herself. "I'm such an idiot." she said flatly. He rubbed her back soothingly. Of all the remarks she could say, none of them escaped her lips. Instead, she listened to his soft voice in her ear. "It's gonna be ok. I'll be back, I promise. We'll see each other again."
"Ben, you know that's what people say before they die." she replied. She might have had one funny remark left. He laughed at her. It was only the truth though. Most movies and books would have people say that just before they died. She would admit it this once, just this once, that she was afraid. Afraid that this would be their last moment together, that she might never see him alive again; because dead bodies were showing up everywhere now. Ericka felt powerless; if she could do anything to make him stay, she would. They stood like that, him holding her. Neither one of them said a word, but neither one of them needed too. "I love you more than anything. You are all I can think about." he mumbled. She wanted to say that she was coming with him; to give him no choice, but to allow her to come with him. To escape and flee with him, wherever he goes. She pulled away from him. Ericka refused to cry right now. Although, she couldn't help as a stray tear fell down her cheek. Then she crashed her lips to his, kissing him as passionately as she could. Ben pulled her closer and deepened their kiss. It was so beautiful. Just as romantic as all the stories had made it out to be; sparks, fireworks, light-headedness; all of that stuff. Who could blame them? They were in love. When the kiss broke, she looked into his brown eyes. A chuckle escaped Ericka's lips. "I'm gonna miss those eyes of yours..." was all she said. He smiled at her as she cupped his cheek with her hand. "You better come back to me, because if you don't I assure you I'll die. Don't pull that, 'you'll move on' crap. It's not true. You and me are in it for the long run, Ben Mason." she added with a morbid smile. "Of course, I still have to take you on our first date." Ben joked, making her laugh lightly. She kissed him one last time and they parted. Ericka watched him as he grabbed his bag and continued to leave. Could she seriously let him go through with this? The love of her life was slowly fading away.
Falling one after another, she couldn't stop the tears.
She sunk to her knees, giving into the sadness. Her head had sagged downward as a hand rested on her shoulder, attempting to comfort her. Then the person pulled her into a hug. "It'll be ok, Ericka." Tom muttered to her. She shook her head "no". She wanted to believe that he would be back, but she couldn't.