Healed Heart Part 2

by Kurt D. Springs

Agent Miranda McLeod felt the helicopter speeding toward the target.
“The Raiders have secured the perimeter,” the Green Berets colonel stated.
“He needs to surrender those two girls to the US Government,” she muttered, as if trying to convince herself.
The colonel raised an eyebrow. “We’ll leave you to fight your own battles, Agent McLeod. From what I hear, you may have one.”
That thought made her feel nauseous.
As soon as the chopper landed, she deplaned and marched toward the cabin. “Where is Master Gunnery Sergeant Drake?”
“In the cabin,” one marine corporal said. “Last I saw, he was reading Harry Potter to the girls.”
She nodded and walked toward the cabin. A marine exited as she brushed past. When she arrived in the living room, she stopped short.
The master gunnery sergeant had the book open in his lap, with the two girls curled up beside him. He had begun reading to them before he and the girls dozed off. Someone had wrapped a blanket around them.
They say that once someone is asleep, you can see into their soul. Miranda saw the children’s innocence and the retired marine’s protectiveness. She closed her eyes, turned, and crept out the door. She found the colonel talking to the Marine Raider company commander.
“I need to get in touch with FBI headquarters,” she said sheepishly. “My superiors need to do a rethink.”
The captain turned to the colonel, who reached into his pocket and handed him a fifty. “Marines. I should know better.”

After forty-eight hours, Myles’s property resembled a military outpost. Other special operations units arrived: DEVGRU SEALS (formerly Team 6), Rangers, and Recon Marines. Most of them rushed to help upon hearing the situation. To protect a veteran’s new family and check out two alien kids who looked cute when their antennae wiggled.
The intelligence service recognized that taking the children would not be practical. They sent Agent Caroline Neckus to assess the situation. A grandmother herself, she learned about the girls’ culture by making it fun for the kids.
Sheriff Mason returned with news that they had found Mark Levois’s body in Juneau. It was not for the squeamish.
They gathered around Myles’s table while the girls played with Rex under Corporal Brian’s supervision.
“As I saw things, Master Guns, while I could have made up an excuse, letting you kill him would have been revenge, not justice,” the sheriff explained. “Someone like him getting the death penalty… Well, with political ideologies shifting as they do, he would be on appeal for decades. Someone might have commuted his sentence, possibly even pardoned him. Now, letting those people believe he’d helped us round up the gang, well… what cartels do to people they think double-crossed them. I consider that justice for someone like Mr. Levois.”
Mrs. James nursed a cup of coffee. “So, what happens to the girls now?”
Miranda, who was also enjoying the coffee and one of Mrs. James’s cookies, shrugged. “Agent Caroline Neckus is a wily one. She realized these kids required something that only the master gunnery sergeant could provide. For now, she’s exchanging stories designed to give us a clearer picture of their culture.”
Myles gazed out the window as Pellera tossed a ball for Rex. He rocketed after it, caught it on the first bounce, and brought it back to her. Siraian was chatting with Corporal Brian. Suddenly, the two girls froze. Siraian grabbed her sister’s hand, and they sprinted toward the cabin, with Rex and the corporal close behind.
The girls burst into the cabin.
“Myles,” Pellera cried. “Momma is coming.”
This declaration hit Myles like a blow. “I guess you’ll be leaving soon.” He tried to sound as if his heart was not about to break.
Siraian caught her breath. “Koreg ships are orbiting near us. She’s coming as fast as she can, but—”
“We’re going to have to hold them off until then,” the sheriff stated.
Myles was already putting on his body armor and grabbing his H&K 416. “Mrs. James, you take my shotgun. Keep the girls safe.”
Siraian and Pellera grabbed him. “Please, Myles, the Koreg are monsters. They’ll kill you.”
Myles knelt and held them close. “My job is to ensure your mother can take you home. I’ve faced danger many times before. If these Koreg think this will be easy, they have another think coming. You two listen to Mrs. James, the detective, and Miranda.”
The three women guided the girls deep into the cabin. Myles met Agent Neckus as she entered.
“We have enemy aliens incoming,” Myles said. “Stay with the girls.”
The woman nodded and joined them. The rumble of approaching alien spaceships had everyone scanning the sky. While their enemy possessed superior weaponry, the various special operators were no strangers to defying the odds. The colonel issued orders with a glance. Everyone understood what they needed to do and where the enemy would be most vulnerable. Impossible odds were nothing new.
Myles stood beside the colonel.
“Do you think we can take them, Master Guns?”
Myles narrowed his eyes. “Their toughest armor would be for hostile worlds. Uncomfortable, but safest. No armor, suicide. What they’ll use will be equivalent to what we use. Protect the vitals, but allow them to move. Then, it depends on what compromises their technology allows. With luck, if 5.56 and .308 can’t penetrate their breastplate, joints and extremities would be vulnerable.”
A crack resonated, and a black ship materialized above them. An energy bolt struck down, perilously close to the cabin.
A Ranger hoisted a MANPAD anti-aircraft missile. A hatch on the ship opened and figures descended. The missile threaded the needle and exploded inside the ship. It veered away and augured into the ground.
“That’s what you get when you don’t respect private property,” the colonel remarked.
“There are more coming,” Myles noted.
“Two on the ground!” someone shouted.
They watched as the small arms struck the breastplate of the ten-foot-tall monstrosities. Confirming the strength of the armor, someone shifted to the face shields. After several rounds hit, the shield shattered, and the first alien fell. The second gurgled as a round found the joint in its neck.
“A good call, Master Guns.”
Additional enemy ships emerged above. This time out of the reach of the MANPADs.
“They won’t make that mistake again,” the colonel noted.
“Is everything set up as I asked?” Myles asked.
The colonel grinned at him. “Leave it to a Marine to want to water his snow at a time like this.”
Myles grinned back as more black shapes descended from the sky before the ships pulled back.
Myles pulled his helmet over his head. “Let’s let them know just how much we disapprove of bullies.”
The colonel thumbed his comm. “Break them open.”
The operators knocked over, shot at, or blew up various buckets, barrels, and barriers. Water rushed down the slopes surrounding the property, freezing by the time it reached the bottom.
Fire erupted again. Calls began ringing out as soldiers fell back to cover, presenting a tempting target for the Koreg. They raced after the fleeing humans, who knew the safe paths up and down the various slopes of the undulating ground.
Myles found his position and set the scope to maximum. A Koreg, decorated more than the others, roared orders. As the creature turned, Myles pulled the trigger, unleashing a short burst. Cracks formed a spiderweb pattern on the visor before it shattered. The creature slumped to the ground.
Enraged, the enemy charged ahead, only to lose their footing and slide down the hill. Realizing their danger, the next Koreg halted, but those behind them crashed into their back, sending even more tumbling down. M60 machine guns took over, the heavier bullets having an easier time penetrating the armor.
Just when the remaining Koreg thought the worst was over, SEALs and Green Berets emerged from behind, firing as they advanced.
The fight was not entirely one-sided. Advanced weapons did act as a leveling mechanism. Learning from their mistakes, the follow-up forces flanked the human defenders. Myles watched in horror as a small strike team, led by a Koreg in heavy armor, landed near the cabin and charged the door. The humans pivoted to hold them off, but it was too late. The aliens breached the door, and gunfire erupted in the house.
Myles was on his feet and running, his crampons making short work of his ice barriers. Trying not to think about the women who had attempted to defend them, Myles charged after a group of Koreg, holding two tiny, struggling forms. Stopping to take careful aim, he fired a bullet into the neck joint of the Koreg holding Pellera. The girl hit the ground and remained still. The leader and the remaining Koreg soldiers fled with Siraian. Someone emerged from the cabin and gathered up Pellera. Fire from Recon snipers further diminished the leader’s guard.
“She’s okay,” Detective Hunt called.
Myles did not answer. He raced after the Koreg, who had Siraian. Fury and desperation spurred him on. Their heavy armor and the struggling child slowed the Koreg. Myles took a chance and veered onto a path that he hoped would intersect with the Koreg. He knew where the nearest clearing was where their ships could pick them up. He also knew the trail went past a pond and that, not knowing the terrain, the Koreg would follow it as the path of least resistance.
Myles prayed he guessed correctly. His lungs burned, but he ignored it. His focus was on rescuing Siraian. The Koreg leader and one guard were all that remained. Myles realized he was out of ammo. He dropped his rifle and drew his FNX45. He aimed the red dot at the subordinate and fired three rounds. The heavier .45 ACP bullets shattered the faceplate and the skull of the Koreg. Myles never slowed down, even as the leader pulled Siraian in front of him like a shield.
Myles released the pistol as he barreled into the creature. Siraian fell to the ground.
“Run!” Myles stayed focused on his enemy.
The girl did not waste time arguing. She raced back to the cabin.
Myles dodged the blade that the creature wielded. It swung again, trying to cut him in half. With the creature’s back toward the pond, Myles ducked under the third swing and slammed into the creature again. Both toppled into the pond, the ice shattering beneath them. The Koreg’s weight dragged them both down. Myles defended his neck and drew his Kabar dagger as the creature attempted to strangle him. He slashed as its massive hand reached for him again. Bubbles erupted from the creature’s mouth as it tried to roar in pain. Myles wasted no time; he stabbed into the neck joint of the creature’s armor with all his remaining strength. The armor-weave resisted for a moment, then gave way. Blood gushed from the wound, and seconds later, the Koreg leader went limp.
Almost spent, Myles pushed to the surface only to be stopped by ice. He forced himself not to panic and searched for the entry point. His lungs were now on fire. There was a splash as another figure entered the water. Myles kicked over to it as his vision darkened. Someone grabbed his hand.
The next moment, he found himself gasping on the shore.
“A near thing, Master Guns,” a SEAL Master Chief Petty Officer said. “Good thing I thought to tie a rope to myself before I went in after you.”
“I have your rifle and pistol,” another SEAL called. “Wow! The old .45 still does nice work.
Myles nodded as shivering set in.
“Get him onto the stretcher,” the master chief commanded.
Myles shivered more intensely, wondering if he would ever feel warm again. He fought to keep from drifting off. Familiar cries of distress urged him to hang on.
“Let’s get him inside, into something dry, and something warm in him,” the master chief said.
“Mrs. James?” Myles managed.
“Those things grazed her,” he heard the colonel say. “Thankfully, she’ll recover. Miranda has a dislocated shoulder. We lost Caroline.”
The yard seemed fuller than he remembered. He fell back, the world pulling away.
“Stay with us, Master Gunnery Sergeant,” the colonel commanded.
“We’ve got a warm bath ready,” Detective Hunt sounded far away.
He felt rough hands stripping away his gear and clothes. The next thing he knew, people gently lowered him into something comfortably warm.
An accented voice said, “Drink this.”
Myles obediently sipped the beverage. Warmth spread through his limbs. He found Sheriff Mason, Captain Montgomery, and an alien that resembled Siraian and Pellera.
“The hypothermia is passing,” came the mechanical sound of the alien’s translator. “I am the chief physician for Lissara’s family.”
“Thank you, sir,” Myles replied.
The extraterrestrial doctor smiled. “No. Thank you, warrior. Once you’re rested, the Lady Lissara would like to speak to you.”
Myles looked at the sheriff. “How bad?”
“We suffered fifteen percent casualties,” Sheriff Mason said soberly. “We paid them back with interest.”
“You should have seen it,” the captain added. “They nearly captured Siraian again. Rex came out of nowhere. The alien didn’t know what hit him. I’m afraid we lost Corporal Brian.”
“What happens to Rex now?”
“We’re talking to our superiors about that,” the captain stated. “Since you’re in the bath, the girls are trying to comfort him.”
“Okay,” the physician said. “Let’s get him dry and into some clean clothes. Royal conversations can wait until tomorrow.”

During the night, Myles woke to find he was not alone. Siraian and Pellera had cuddled up next to him, and he also discovered Rex keeping his feet warm. Sensing Myles’s movement, Rex looked at him with a soulful expression, as if to ask, “What happens now?”
He reached down and stroked the dog’s head to reassure him. Then, as if by mutual consent, they drifted back to sleep.

Warm light flooded through the window. Myles’s movements woke the girls and Rex.
Siraian threw her arms around him. “We were so scared.”
Pellera mirrored her sister but remained silent.
“I’ve been doing things like this since I was eighteen,” Myles assured them. “I still have a few good fights left in me. Just like Rex here. Right, boy.”
Rex sat up and barked in agreement.
“You and Rex were so brave!” Siraian exclaimed.
“We were fighting for the people we cared about,” Myles told them, “and we weren’t alone.”
“Mommy is here to take us home.” Pellera gazed at him with an air of innocence.
Myles’s heart tightened. He reminded himself that this was only supposed to be temporary. Now that the moment had arrived, he wished he could be with them a little longer.
“Well, you belong with your mommy,” Myles assured them, trying not to sound sad.
The two girls gave him a curious look.
“Why don’t you go to the kitchen?” Myles asked. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m dressed.”
The two girls and Rex left the room. Myles put on his clothes and composed himself.

Upon entering the kitchen, he found Mrs. James making pancakes. Given that this was Alaska, she warmed birch syrup and served it to the guests, who found places to eat around the property.
“I wish I had a bigger kitchen,” Myles apologized.
“It’s worth it, Master Guns,” a SEAL said, balancing a tray with pancakes, coffee, and bacon. “Home-cooked tastes just as good outside.”
“I’ve got everything organized,” Mrs. James called. “Just grab a plate and relax.”
Rex chewed a biscuit between the two girls. A woman who looked enough like them to be their mother sat nearby with her own plate.
She set hers aside and walked up to Myles.
“I owe you everything,” the woman said. “My little ones have told me of your kindness and courage.”
Myles flushed. “It was my pleasure. I didn’t realize how lonely I’d been until they came into my life.”
The woman cocked her head and studied him, as if weighing his words. “Would you consider taking on the role of Dach’an and being their protector? It affords you a special place in the family. It will mean leaving Earth and coming to our home.”
Myles was at a loss for words. He scanned the room for guidance.
“It’s up to you, Master Gunnery Sergeant,” the colonel said.
Rex got up and nudged his hand, prompting Myles to stroke his head.
The captain cleared his throat. “We’re retiring, Rex. I was hoping you’d agree to give him a home wherever you end up. He seems to like the girls. I suggested a trainer review a few things with you. If you decide to accept this offer, he can be here before you leave.”
“Please, Myles.” Pellera took his other hand. “I told Mommy you need us to take care of you.”
Myles laughed and bent down to take her into his arms. “Okay, I accept.”
The girls and their mother gave him a smile that said he had not made a mistake.

Myles stood on the ramp of the alien ship, while Siraian had the honor of holding Rex’s leash.
The remaining operators from the various branches had said their goodbyes. The trainer stood with the sheriff, Mrs. James, and the colonel.
“Well,” Myles said, “this is it.”
“I’ll make sure the cabin stays in good condition,” the sheriff promised. “You might need a vacation at some point.”
“Take care of Rex,” the trainer said. “Remember what I taught you.”
“We will,” Siraian said. “He is a brave dog. He will have a place of honor among us.”
“Just make sure he doesn’t get bored,” the trainer warned.
Myles exchanged smiles with Lady Lissara. “We wouldn’t want him converting the palace into the latest in modern art.”
“His skills may prove useful from time to time,” Lissara agreed. “Thank you all for everything.”
Mrs. James hugged Myles and then embraced the children. “Take care of yourselves.”
They turned and walked onto the ship.
How much the ship surpassed anything he had seen in science fiction films left Myles amazed.
He sat down with the girls on either side of him. A signal from Siraian prompted Rex to lie at her feet. The ship’s engines came to life.
“Now,” Lissara turned to him. “It’s time to go home. I hope we can make it your home as well.”
Myles smiled as two tiny hands found their way into his.

Healed Heart Part 2

by Kurt D. Springs

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