THEY CAME PART 10
The other me swirled around in my mind, whispering what I needed to do. I started to close my eyes, but the voice told me not to. I had to always keep my eyes on the enemy no matter what. Even though we were about to battle with our minds, the aliens were better at this and could fight physically at the same time. The mind maimers usually didn’t have to fight. That didn’t mean they couldn’t.
I looked it in the eyes and went past that. In my thoughts, I traveled beyond his eyes, his windows. Inside, I could see the ship again but from a different perspective. This maimer clearly wasn’t as high on the food chain as the other one was. Silver hallways and floors blurred past.
Pain flared in my head as white lights flashed behind my eyes. It took me to my knees. Doug was there instantly to make sure I was ok. When I looked back at the alien, the corners of his eyes crinkled in amusement.
“Oh, hell no, you didn’t.” I stood and shrugged Doug’s worry off. This alien was not going to stand between me and my family. I went back in, faster this time. The alien jerked back in its seat. I really hoped I was causing it some pain.
I kept thoughts of my family out of my head just in case it could see what I thought. I didn’t want to give up my sole reason for doing this. Being inside its slimy mind left a stink I could actually smell. There weren’t enough baths in the world to get it out.
Trudging through its memories felt like walking in mud. Electricity shot through me this time. A different attack but just as painful. I cried out but refused to let go of my link.
“Someone get her a chair!” Whoever said it sounded like they were talking through a tin can. I barely registered hands on my shoulders gently lowering me to a metal surface.
Another attack came and another. I couldn’t breathe. It alternated between the sharp pains to my head and the electric shock running down my spine. There was no time to even retreat. I was stuck and it knew it. Soon, I couldn’t tell when one form changed to the other. It all blended together.
Now, I saw myself through the alien’s eyes. It wanted me to. It wanted me to see how I flailed and screamed. Anyone who dared touch me, received their own shock as well now. My heart thumped in my chest. Oxygen… I needed oxygen.
The thumping grew louder. Wait. That wasn’t my heart. Someone was thumping on the glass to get Chris’ attention.
I grit my teeth and tried to push back. The intensity lessened but did not stop the pain. I gained a little ground, though. My hands gripped the sides of the metal chair so hard, feeling began to leave my fingers. I needed to win this before Chris got in here. I refused to lose.
The hatch screeched open. I was running out of time. Pushing my mind as far as I knew how, I tried to break this alien’s will. I may as well have been trying to tear down a brick wall with a pool noodle.
Feet pounded the cement coming towards me. As soon as a pare of cold hands touched my shoulders, I was released from the torment and my body went limp. I was still conscious, but my body wouldn’t respond at first. When it did respond, they couldn’t hold me back.
I threw Chris and Doug off and ran for the alien. My fists were clenched for a fight. I was able to get one good swing to the side of its head before Doug tackled me to the ground.
“That isn’t going to help! Hey! Look at me!” Doug fought hard to hold my head so I would look at him. When I finally did, he continued, “If you kill it, you won’t be able to learn what you need to learn or find a way for us to get inside. Think, damn it, think.”
His words finally registered. As soon as I stopped fighting his grip, Doug let go. I sat there on the ground glaring at the alien. This wasn’t over. I was going to find the key to winning this battle.
