Crimson Mercury Part 2: Invasion

By Kathrine Kautzman

Being married to Felix is the most awesome experience in the world! He's perfect and wonderful and beautiful. Life is perfect; at least it was, until Felix found out that more aliens were on their way to Earth. More aliens mean less time with Felix, since he's the new alien leader and he's already busy enough trying to come up with a synthetic cancer cure for the President of the United States.
To make matters even worse, we just found out that Wolfgang isn't dead but is clinging to life under the President's supervision. Felix is a genius doctor so I know he can heal Wolfgang but I was so looking forward to life without Wolfgang. I think I would be okay living with him if I didn't have this strange telepathic connection with him. He can sometimes hear my thoughts and I can sometimes hear his and I get the impression that he still wants me for his own.
I hope things don't have to be too different when the new aliens come but Felix and his people have been away from home for so long Felix isn't sure what to expect. I hope things go well but the thought of more aliens on Earth makes me uneasy. The thought of living with Wolfgang again makes me uneasy. I just wish we could live happily and quietly ever after.
Crimson Mercury Part 2: Invasion is the second in the series about a love triangle between a girl named Sid and two alien brothers; Felix and Wolfgang.
Look for book 3 coming summer 2015

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483550756

Book preview

9781483550756

Prologue

Wolfgang, come back! Felix cried. You cannot die! Felix threw himself across my body and wept. I watched from above as he mourned my death.

My death. Was I dead? How was I seeing this if I was dead? How was I watching from above? Where was I? Why was my body down there? I could not help but examine my lifeless body lying there below me, strapped to a table like a prisoner.

The pain was gone, although I could see silver blood all over the table under my body and all over Felix. I had been shot in the back by the humans while attempting to escape with Felix and Sid but now apparently I was dead.

What happened here? I heard the President yell as he came into the room.

The alien is dead, another human told him.

You killed my brother! Felix arose like a lion attacking his prey and went for the President’s throat. My brother will avenge me. Immediately a half a dozen military humans pounced on Felix. He fought valiantly but there were more of them. Humans always cheat! They pulled him out of the room kicking and screaming and I noticed through a window Sid lying unconscious or dead on a table in the next room.

What have you done? The President was livid and I did not understand why. My death should have been a victory for him.

They were trying to escape and one of the MPs shot it, a small, balding human replied. Now it’s dead.

It has a name, the President told him. His name is Wolfgang. You were not supposed to kill any of them!

Didn’t you just send the entire military to kill the rest of them?

I sent the military to recover my son, you idiot! They escaped before we arrived so we bombed their hideout so they wouldn’t be living in my country anymore but now that you’ve killed their leader how are the rest of them going to cooperate with me to get my son back? If I can’t talk some sense into his brother you are going to have to go personally among them and return my son. We’ll see if they treat you the same way you treated their leader! The President turned and stormed out of the room.

I didn’t actually kill it, the human lamely spoke to himself. It was one of your army minions who killed it.

Amnon, I heard her sweet voice call my name. Amnon, it is so good to see you again. I have missed you.

I looked in front of me and saw her, my beautiful, angelic wife, Jael. She was more perfect than I remembered her. She was more beautiful than our daughter Stella with her smooth white skin and her clear violet eyes. My first instinct was to go to her and kiss her, but then I remembered the rest; she betrayed me. Jael, I said. I really must be dead.

You are, my love, but not for long. You must go back. You are not finished.

What?

You have to go back. You have to take care of Sid.

Sid? I questioned. Why must I take care of her? Felix is in love with her. He will take care of her. She does not need me.

She will not always have Felix, Jael said. "She is your destiny."

My destiny? She does not love me and I do not love her. I was in love with you and you betrayed me.

I did not betray you, Amnon. I betrayed our people. I loved you, Amnon. I loved you more than I loved anyone or anything, even Stella. I made a mistake and I will forever be sorry. I blame myself for all of the pain I have caused you. I love you, Amnon. Please let go of the pain and move on. Sid needs you. Our people and her people need you to love her.

I could never love her. She is human and she belongs to Felix. Why should I believe anything you tell me? I do not trust you.

I do not blame you for not trusting me, she said as she came closer to me. She then reached out her hand and took mine and every feeling I ever had for her came back to me. I had missed her. She was the reason I was born but she was also the reason I had been in agony for so long. If you cannot forgive me it does not matter to me. I will always love you and someday I will be able to prove my love to you. She put my hand on her chest over her heart and I longed to be connected to her again. Right now I need you to trust me when I say that Sid is your destiny and you need to live in order to be with her.

Sid is not my destiny! I argued. She is Felix’s destiny! She is human! She is inferior! You are my wife. I loved only you.

She is your destiny, Jael persisted.

No! I argued but then I felt pressure on my chest.

The pain in my back was overwhelming! I was back on the table inside my injured and broken body. I opened my eyes and screamed in pain; as much as I could scream. There was something wrong with my right lung. I tried to move but I was weak and breathing caused pain to shoot through my entire body.

It’s alive! said the small human who was now looking down on me. CPR works on aliens!

I am going to kill you, I tried to threaten the human but I was not very threatening in my weakened state.

I’m not too worried about it, the small man said. Even if you could get up you’re so weak you couldn’t hurt me.

Pain, I said. Something for the pain.

I could see the small man deliberating in his head. Morphine, he finally said. I don’t know exactly what it will do to you but it might take away the pain. He went away and came back with a small syringe then found my arm and shot me with it. Your skin is so thin but you’re so big you’re probably going to need an IV.

Do you have any idea what you are doing? I questioned.

I’m a doctor but I admit I’ve never worked on one of you before.

Perfect, I said cynically as I felt sleep overtaking me. I may die yet.

You may, he said. But I’ll do my best.

Chapter 1

Welcome home, Felix said as he helped me out of the flying saucer into the dark cave. 29 days ago I, Sid Katz, married the most magnificent creature in the universe; Felix, an alien from a faraway planet with a German accent and he is absolutely perfect. He’s tall, skinny and beautiful with a pointy chin and chevron shaped eyebrows. His hair is dark and fir-like, his skin is pale, smooth and he even has a kidney shaped birthmark on his back right where his kidneys should be, but my favorite part about Felix is his violet eyes with the black vertical slit down the middle. At first they were frightening but the more I got to know him the more I loved looking into those warm violet eyes. I fell in love with him last winter after he and his people abducted me and now he was their leader, since his brother died, and we were going to be living with them. Now we were married and he was mine…all mine.

Where are we? I asked.

Welcome to the south pacific.

Like Hawaii?

Further South, he said. And this island is not on any map.

Why not? Did you make it?

No, we did not make it. We have erased it off any maps or images.

How did you do that?

Cloaking device.

But we can still see it, I said. How do you hide it?

There are thousands of islands here, he explained. We found the most out of the way Island and claimed it before anyone else could, then we covered it with a crude cloaking device that distorts the island from a distance.

When did you do that, last month after the U.S. blew up your last home?

We have had this island for half of a century.

You have?

When our ship degraded and we were looking to settle on the surface we picked more than one location. This has always been our main base.

You told me you were rebuilding. Did you mean here or somewhere else?

We have been expanding here but we are still trying to find another good spot to relocate near civilization.

Why not just stay here? I asked.

We cannot afford to have all of our eggs in one carton.

Well, I can’t wait to see it in the morning. I’m sure it’s beautiful here.

It is, Felix said. A beautiful place for my beautiful bride.

You’re cheesy, I told him.

I am just in love. There is no shame in that. Let me show you to our home.

He took me down a hall to outside where the almost full moon was shining down brightly. I could see lots of palm trees swaying in the breeze and a couple of small huts off in the distance. This place seemed almost as magical as our honeymoon place and I couldn’t believe we were going to be living here. I was so excited. As we walked I began hearing waves crashing on a beach.

Are we living on the beach?

Not exactly, he answered.

We walked along the beach for a while in the moonlight and the anticipation was getting to me. Are we there yet? I impatiently asked.

Almost. He turned off the beach through a grove of palm trees then when we came out the other side he stopped. I could see a calm bay in the moonlight. In front of us was a small pier. As I looked out to the end of the pier I saw a small hut resting just above the water in the middle of the bay. The moon hung just over the grass roof like it was volunteering to be a chimney. This place was magical.

This is it? I questioned excitedly.

Yes, he answered. Do you like it?

It’s amazing! I told him. I can’t wait to see inside! I dropped his hand and went quickly up the pier to the hut. I went inside and was not disappointed. It was an elegant, tropical oasis with modern furniture and flowing curtains on a huge glass wall looing out into the ocean.

I love it, I said to him as he came in behind me. I turned to put my arms around him and kissed him. I never expected aliens would have such impeccable taste.

I am glad you like it, he said after he kissed me. This place reminds me of home.

Your home was a tropical island?

The entire planet was a tropical oasis, he said. If you like it here you will love it there.

Are we going there?

No, he said. But if we did, you would like it.

I love it, I kissed him on his neck that was covered in grey spots. Because his alien skin is so thin all the kissing has given him grey bruises on his neck that is supposed to go away after a few months of marriage. I love you, Felix. I kissed him again. Thank you.

Anything for you, he kissed me. I love you, Sid.

So when do I get my armband so I can be one of you? Do I get an armband now? I asked as I continued to kiss him. Or will you re-issue me another prisoner GPS for my ankle?

I am offended that you would even suggest such a thing, he said between kisses. Of course you will get a GPS.

What? I pulled away.

I am joking, he said. You will have your armband soon. He made me smile.

How did I get so lucky to have you? I asked. I still can’t believe I finally get to keep you. I never would have imagined being here a year ago.

Because a year ago you had just been abducted by aliens?

Because a year ago I had just married Jeremy and you were a scary creature from another planet keeping me prisoner.

I am grateful you gave me a second chance.

So am I. I never imagined you were so wonderful and perfect. I never knew I could be so happy.

I hope I will always be able to make you happy, he said.

I hope I will be able to make you as happy as you’ve made me.

You already do.

***

A very loud bird was crowing outside. The sun was shining brightly outside and I could hear the water moving under the house. This place was serene and I was filled with peace. I turned over to watch Felix sleeping but he wasn’t there. I sat up and looked around for him but he wasn’t here.

Felix? I called. Where are you?

Nothing.

I got out of bed and went looking for him. I searched inside and outside but he wasn’t there then I found a note on the kitchen counter next to a small silver box.

"Sorry I had to leave so early.

A captain’s job is never done.

Call me when you awaken.

Love, Felix"

Honeymoon’s over, I muttered to myself as I picked up the box, opened it and smiled. It was an armband. It was my armband. I took it out and immediately put it on opposite the former GPS anklet bracelet Felix made for me when he set me free last year. The armband beeped but I didn’t know what I should do next. I didn’t know how to work it.

Good morning, sleepyhead, I heard Felix say.

Hey. Where are you? I thought I was supposed to be shadowing you for a while.

I am about to be debriefed, he said. I am sorry I left without telling you but you looked so peaceful sleeping this morning. I thought you could use the rest. I want you to take care of my baby.

So far this morning I’m feeling better than I did yesterday, I told him. You aren’t going to let me do anything while I’m pregnant, are you?

I am sorry that I care for you so much. The thought of losing you or my baby is making me crazy.

I’m not going to die, Felix, if I follow you around.

I will make something for the morning sickness, he said. Until then, rest as much as you can.

I said I feel fine now, I told him then I change the subject. How did my armband contact you? All I did was put it on.

I programmed it to automatically contact me when you put it on. I will come out there after the debriefing to show you how it works and to show you around the island.

I can’t wait, I said. I miss you already.

I miss you too, he said.

The honeymoon wasn’t long enough.

No, it was not, he agreed. But we accomplished what we were supposed to. I am going to take you to the hospital today to be scanned to confirm the pregnancy.

Will the new replacement doctor be there? Who is your replacement? Is it Cook’s son, Jason?

Yes, he said. I have to go. I will see you in a few hours.

I have to wait that long?

I am sorry. I will miss you.

I’ll miss you too. I love you, Felix.

I love you, Sid. Good bye.

Bye.

I examined my new armband with pride; I was now one of them. The thought made me so happy.

After fixating on my armband for a while I decided to check out our new home. It wasn’t very big, just the bed room, bathroom, main living area and a small art studio but it was perfect inside. I loved my little art studio and couldn’t wait to start painting in it, although it would have to be a nursery soon. This place was exactly what I would have picked; if I could pick any place in the world. The sun was shining brilliantly overhead so I decided to take a look outside.

I looked out of the front of the hut to the beach. The sand was bright white and the water was crystal clear. I felt like I was in a dream. I walked around the portico to the back side of the hut and looked out into the vast ocean. Suddenly, I felt small. Was I going to like living on an Island? I’ve always loved the ocean but now I was surrounded by it. Maybe with the saucers living on an Island wouldn’t be so bad. I could get just about anywhere on the planet in a matter of minutes so it didn’t matter where we were.

I took a deep breath and tried to take in as much as I could. This place was awesome and I was going to be living here now! The thought thrilled me. I couldn’t believe how content I was. Life couldn’t have been better. I was so happy I couldn’t help but smile then it hit me; the nausea was back. I felt like a big greasy brick was in my stomach so I made my way back inside as quickly as I could and barely made it to the couch before I began getting dizzy.

Why am I so sick all of the sudden? It’s just cause Felix mentioned it. It was only a matter of time before I was going to hurl so I crawled my way into the bathroom and laid on the cool tile floor. It felt good so I smashed my cheek right down on the tile. It actually helped me feel a little better. Maybe I wasn’t going to hurl.

I heard a knock on the door but I didn’t want to get up.

Hello, I heard a woman call. Was it my sister?

I’m in here, I called out.

Sid? Where are you?

I’m in the bathroom… on the floor.

Sid! Livy was shocked when she saw me. Are you okay? What are you doing on the bathroom floor?

I think I’m going to die, I told her.

Oh my gosh, Sid! What’s wrong?

Morning sickness. It started three days ago. What on earth are you doing here, Livy?

Morning sickness? Oh my gosh! You’re pregnant! Have you told mom and dad? They’re going to be so excited! She paused. Maybe not. It’s kind of creepy when you think about it. You’re pregnant with an alien baby.

What are you doing here, Livy? I asked again. Shouldn’t you be in school or something?

Schools over for today, she informed me. It’s like, eight at night there right now. I took a saucer after my last class.

You flew a saucer?

No. I was picked up.

To welcome me back? I doubted.

I came to visit my sister, she said. I haven’t seen you in a month.

Since when have you missed me that much? Why are you really here?

I’m visiting Jason, she quietly admitted.

Have you been dating him? I was not happy.

I love him, Sid! I want to marry him!

Livy, you’re only eighteen and you’ve only known him for a month! I knew I would regret pairing you two up at the wedding.

I’ll be nineteen in January, she reminded me.

Have you been kissing him?

Yes, of course.

Don’t trust your feelings, I told her. Their touch can be extremely persuasive.

I know, Sid. I know what I’m feeling. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

I never pictured you wanting the doctor type. You’ve always gone for the more creative – rebellious type.

Why don’t you trust me? You fell in love with an alien. Why can’t I?

I was in love with Felix long before I ever kissed him, Livy. I just think you need to give it some time. You’ve only known him a month.

But I see him almost every day and he’s taking me to Aunt Kathy’s Halloween party Thursday.

Do you come here every day?

No, she said. When I don’t come here he visits me but sometimes the time zone difference catches up and we need to get rest so I don’t see him nearly enough.

What do mom and dad think?

They think if I date him too much longer, I’ll get pregnant.

Exactly, Livy! I agreed. Are you sure it’s not just the alien touch you are feeling? There is something magical that happens when an alien touches a human. It’s an intimate connection that brings our spirits together so strong and deep. It creates such a bond that our spirits cannot be kept apart. I like to call it magical, spiritual, healing, and even sexual. Whatever you call it, it’s most definitely addicting.

I love Jason and he loves me! He’s half human anyway; I don’t think he has the alien touch.

Did he tell you he didn’t have it? I was mad.

He said he didn’t think he did.

He does, Livy. I think Jason has some growing up to do before he can get married and I’m pretty sure you do too. I have a feeling he’s a lot more human than he wants you to believe. Don’t get too serious with him and please, whatever you do, don’t have sex with him.

Why not? We know what a condom is. He’s only half alien. He’s not going to kill me if I get pregnant.

Have you been receiving alien blood injections?

No.

Then it will kill you.

Stop worrying about it. I can take care of myself but you look like you could use some help right now. Do you need me to get you something or do you just want to lay there on the bathroom floor?

The cold tile feels so good.

What works for morning sickness? she asked. Doesn’t Felix have some kind of pill that gets rid of morning sickness? He has a pill for everything else.

You would think, I said. But their women don’t get morning sickness. Abby hasn’t gotten morning sickness and we are the first pregnant humans who haven’t slept through this. I’m sure if I just give Felix some time, he will be able to come up with something.

I’ll go check the kitchen for something. She left the bathroom.

Is there food here? I asked.

Yes, a little, she called from the kitchen. I guess you’re not as close to the mess hall as you were in the other compound.

She returned with some crackers and I eagerly began stuffing my face; anything to make this nausea go away. She hung out with me for a while and told me all about her relationship with Jason. Just because she is out of high school she thinks she is so mature. She is just about as mature as Jason even though he’s ten years older than her. They both need to grow up. I was going to have to have a talk with him. He’d better be good to her.

Once I felt good enough to take a shower she hurried off to find Jason. She was pathetic. As the hours progressed I began anxiously waiting for Felix to show up. I was pathetic. How did I ever live without him? He had only been gone a few hours but it was the most time we had spent apart since he took me away from my Aunt Kathy’s house to get married just over a month ago. I missed him. He was my other half. He was the reason for my existence. Yes, I was extremely pathetic.

***

I had Rolf make yours, Abby’s and Maddy’s armbands special, Felix told me as we left the hut for my tour, after he gave me a new potion to help with the morning sickness. "Because the three of you are human yours are in English. You just push this button on the side when you need to talk to someone then you say their name and identify yourself. Everything else will appear on the screen only when you touch it. You are the only person who can remove it. Everything is in English so it is self-explanatory."

Thank you, I kissed him. I love it. I love you.

I love you, he told me then he kissed me. We are sappy.

I know. I smiled. It didn’t take long for my tour of the island. It wasn’t very big; about three miles across. We started on the residential side. Felix and I had the best hut in the best, most private location; those are the perks of being in charge. Then it was just a short walk to the main compound that consisted of a cluster of shall futuristic buildings nestled under the trees in the center of the island. The whole island was filled with dense tropical vegetation and it seemed the only place you could get a clear open shot of the sun was on the beach.

On the other side of the compound was a short volcanic looking mountain where they parked the saucers. Felix told me the volcano was inactive but it still made me a little uneasy. The high dark cliffs were intimidating. Then he took me to the hospital building, which consisted of a small lobby, a large open exam room with four beds and a nurse’s station, five private rooms, and an office for the doctor which I guessed belonged to Jason. Abby and Rolf, another human/alien couple, were there and had just finished Abby’s ultrasound to find out if their baby was a boy or girl.

It’s a girl! she said in her Australian accent. Felix is a genius!

I did not have anything to do with this baby, he corrected her.

You gave me the transplant, she said. I wouldn’t be here without it.

You’ve gotten huge, I told her. I’ve only been gone a month.

Remember, Sid, what you say to me now I will be able to say to you in two months.

What are you doing here, Felix? Jason asked. Don’t you have captain things to do?

I would rather be here, he told him. How is Abby’s transplant holding? he asked Jason who then pricked Abby’s finger and squeezed out some gold blood.

Good color, Jason said. The transplant appears to be holding this time. He gave her a tissue to wipe her finger. Everything looks good. You two are free to go.

Sid, come by as soon as you’re free, Abby said. We need to catch up. We haven’t talked since before Felix set you free. I have so much to tell you.

I’ll come over as soon as I can. I’ve missed you. With that, Abby and Rolf were on their way. This is great news! I said. Another girl!

Soon there will be a third, Felix reminded me.

How do you know our baby is a girl? I asked.

I do not yet. It is just a feeling.

Or a hope, I said.

We will see, he said.

Right now? I asked. Is that what my scan is about?

No. We are just scanning to confirm the pregnancy and make sure it is developing the way it should.

Do I get to do it or are you possessive about your wife? Jason asked. I know how much you still wish you were the doctor.

Be my guest, Felix told him.

I lay down on a table; Jason pricked my finger and squeezed out my blood. It was gold like Abby’s. We were the only ones who had survived the alien bone marrow transplant procedure; it was the only way Felix could get rid of our cancer. All of the humans abducted had cancer that the aliens would harvest out of us. Usually, Felix would just inject the human with silver alien blood and it would gather up any cancer cells to be easily removed, but not our blood type. If he injected us with the alien blood and removed our cancer it would quickly return until he gave us the transplant. So far this transplant idea of his had worked, once he got the bugs out.

Is there a chance the transplant will fail again? I asked.

There is always that chance, Felix said.

Jason started my scan. Felix looked over his shoulder the whole time. You are defiantly pregnant. Everything looks good, Jason said. Right, Felix?

Yes, everything looks normal. Maybe Jason has been learning something in-between all of his dates, Felix interjected.

How do you know I’ve been dating? You’ve been gone.

I am the captain, Felix informed him. It is my job to know everything and your neck is covered in yellow spots. His neck was covered in yellow spots so everyone knew Jason had been making out with my sister.

Yes, Jason, what have you been up to with my sister? I asked.

She’s the bomb!

Why did you tell her you didn’t have the touch?

I didn’t exactly tell her that, Jason tried to come up with an excuse.

Don’t you dare get her in bed with you! I told him.

Don’t worry about it, Sid. I will take care of your sister, he said. I really like her. I’m addicted now.

You’re dangerous, I told him. Where is she now?

She’s with Stella looking for costumes for you aunt’s Halloween party. Are you two going?

I don’t know we haven’t talked about it yet. I looked at Felix.

I do not care if we go, he said. But do we have to dress up in a silly costume?

You don’t like Halloween either? I asked. I already knew he wasn’t a fan of Independence Day.

I do not mind Halloween as long as I do not have to wear a costume.

Party pooper, Jason called him.

Well, we’ll have to figure something out cause I want to go, I said. Is that it? Am I done?

Yes. You can go now, Jason said.

Where to now? I asked Felix.

I want to take you to my office. He took me to the command center building next. There were lots of aliens there looking like they all had very important things to do. He showed me straight to the captain’s room. I was so excited to see his new office. As soon as we walked in the door Felix locked the door behind us. He had a fancy desk to the right, to the left was a huge board room table and there was a huge wall of windows opposite the door that looked out to the bottom of a steep cliff up the volcano. His office was really nice and the view was a spectacular. I was looking up the side of the cliff when