Falling Skies: Chimera Skies, #4

By Sharlene Healy

My companions and I are navigating a treacherous world on the brink of annihilation. As our once bustling cities crumbles under the weight of destruction, we embark on a perilous journey to reach Bunker 3. With time slipping away, we encounter a group of meras who have chosen to fight alongside humanity, and Max and I find ourselves drawn to their cause.

 

Bound together by a shared desire for human freedom, my newfound allies and I rally in a relentless rebellion against the forces of tyranny and despair. With unwavering determination, we ignite a spark of hope in the hearts of survivors, inspiring a revolution that could change the course of our shattered world.

 

Amidst epic battles, devastating sacrifices, and stunning revelations, I must discover the true strength that lies within me and the power of unity in the face of unimaginable adversity. As the final confrontation looms, I must summon every ounce of courage to confront my fears and secure the future of humanity.

 

"Falling Skies" is a gripping tale of resilience, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of the human race. With heart-stopping action, unexpected alliances, and a breathtaking climax, this thrilling conclusion to the Chimera Skies series will leave readers on the edge of their seats, racing to the final page to discover the fate of Sam and her world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hailstorm Publishing
• Release date: Jun 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215137208

Sharlene Healy

Sharlene Healy has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. After many twists and turns, her life road led her to her husband, who encouraged her to participate in NaNoWriMo 2013 while their son was still a baby. She now has four kids and spends most of her time juggling them as best she can. She lives on the West Coast after slowly migrating from Pennsylvania. She loves to read, craft, and generally cause mayhem. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and TikTok. If you'd like to discuss her books, join her Facebook Group: Can't Stop Won't Stop Reading or her Discord Channel: Sharlene’s Book Club.

Book preview

Chapter One

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I gripped Max’s hand as Nate swerved the bus, avoiding the chunks of debris falling around us. The meras had been on a tirade since we had been trying to leave the city. I noticed Max wince out of the corner of my eye and I loosened my grip.

Sorry, I said. He winked at me and stared out the window.

Hang on! yelled Nate. He jerked the bus onto the sidewalk before cinder blocks fell down next to us, broken pipes smashing gloriously into the asphalt. If it had been meras attacking, we’d at least be able to do something. There was nothing we could do with falling skies. I didn’t even know if June’s machines had that far of a reach.

I grinned. At least I could try. Quickly, I rummaged around in my trusty backpack and pulled out one of the new machines. I leaned across Max to look out the window, seeing if any meras were in the sky.

Ah hah. I found one. It was kicking the side of a building, ripping chunks out with its talons. I narrowed my eyes and pushed the button. Nothing happened.

With a grimace, I waited another minute, when we were closer, and hit it again. Blue electricity surrounded the mera as it turned into a human and dropped from the sky.

Ella, start using the machines.

Ella jumped out of her chair and found the other two machines, handing them to the hollow soldiers. Max and I switched seats, and I stared out the window, waiting to spot another mera.

Two flew next to each other right ahead, and my hollow soldiers and I jammed the button frantically, aiming for the meras.

Again, blue lightning covered them and they dropped from the sky. Wow. June’s machines have really improved, I thought.

The other meras, close enough to see their comrades fall, flew higher into the sky, roaring as they moved. I chuckled. I bet they hadn’t expected that. It was nice, every once in a while, to surprise the meras.

Debris stopped flying around us, and Nate finally navigated us out of the city. I pressed my face against the window, watching as the damaged buildings gave up and collapsed. With a shudder, I sat back. Max put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed. I looked up at him and he gave me a sad smile. It’s going to be okay.

You said that already, I said, reminding him.

He grinned. Yep. And I’ll keep on saying it until you believe me.

Should we go help at least?

Max shook his head. Not here. Ms. Jane will send some people in.

I curled my lip up in disgust at the mention of Ms. Jane. If she even bothers to answer you.

Max puffed up his chest. She’ll answer me because I’m her favorite child, obviously.

I laughed and leaned my head against his shoulder. Ben popped up from his seat in front of me and I jumped, a little yelp escaping me.

Ben grinned evilly at me. He slowly moved to glare at Max. I’m watching you.

Thanks, Max said, batting his eyelashes. Now I know I’ll be protected.

Ben grunted, then turned around. I guffawed at Max, and he winked at me. He was acting extra silly right now, and I wondered what the reason was. The week at the rental house in Arkansas had been mentally intense. All of us, including Max, had woken up multiple times from nightmares. We all had needed to grieve, though, after what had happened. Max was the only one who had to face the death of a parent, however estranged his dad had been. He definitely had been the opposite of silly, a sad shell of himself.

Of course, I was glad that he had pulled himself out of it, but should he have? I didn’t know enough about mental health to tell him otherwise. Hopefully, someone could help when we left Bunker 3.

The road ahead of us had no cars, but as soon as we reached a rest stop right outside the city, Nate had to stop completely. Vehicle after vehicle lined the road, traveling slowly. In the wake of the destruction, people left and caused a traffic jam. It really seemed like my life was a series of traffic jams at this rate.

The line started moving, speeding up, before slowing down again. We continued in this ebb and flow, Nate keeping a sharp eye on the road.

At this rate, we’ll be in New York next week, Ben said.

Why didn’t you invent a flying bus yet, Ben? Nate replied.

Ben snorted, and I laughed. I leaned forward and tapped Ben on the shoulder. I have a book you can read.

Gagging sounds were my only reply, and I giggled as I sat back down. For the next few hours, we entertained each other with car games. Zeek refused to play, claiming that he was too old for games. He did, however, draw sketches of the mera battle, putting to page the scenes of horror that haunted us all.

Soon, we were crossing the Mississippi River. Only sixteen hours left. I banged my head on the seat in front of me, causing Ben to yelp. It had jostled his phone, accidentally restarting his episode. Oops, sorry.

Ben grumbled in response, not even bothering to turn around and glare at me. The punk. I looked out the window, and Max leaned back to give me more room. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, not wanting to be obvious about it, but he saw me anyway.

I’m okay, I promise, he said.

I narrowed my eyes and pursed my lips. Are you, though? You just killed your dad. You only have one.

Max sighed and ran his hand through his hair. Then his face lit up. You never know. Meras might have multiple dads!

I elbowed him in the gut, and he grunted. Kidding, kidding, he said, holding onto his stomach. I don’t know how I feel. My dad wasn’t a good person. But you’re right, he was my only dad.

Are you going to call your mom?

Max’s eyes saddened at the mention of his mother. He turned to stare out the window, pausing before answering me. She already knows. I left her a message.

Do you want to call her? To actually talk to her?

Max shrugged, still staring out the window.

She probably misses you. When was the last time you talked to her?

He turned and looked into my eyes. I haven’t. Ever since Nate and I left because of my dad.

I took his hand and squeezed it. Whenever you’re ready to, I’ll be here for you.

Max kissed me on the cheek and returned to staring out the window. I looked around the bus to see what everyone else was up to. Most of the hollow soldiers remained in their seats, like expressionless wax figures. Zeek had a sketchbook propped up on his lap, furiously drawing. Ella slouched in her seat, knees up, glaring at the scenery that we passed.

Since no one really needed anything, I figured I’d try to dream hop to June. I wanted to tell her we were on our way. She’d be able to pack before we arrived. The faster we got her out of Ms. Jane’s clutches, the better.

Breathing deep, I closed my eyes, picturing the hollow soldiers. Just like last time, I imagined their energy as a visible force, pulling me there. Except this time, I wanted to try something a little different.

Instead of the gym, I pictured June sitting in the lab, wearing her scrubs. I imagined her bent over the desk, carefully piecing her machines together. I held the image in my mind as I continued to breathe in and out.

Suddenly, there was a wooden stool beneath me and a lab table against my side. I opened my eyes and grinned, staring at June right in front of me.

June, I said.

She yelped and stood up quickly, knocking her stool down. I giggled, and she laughed, too. She picked up her stool and sat on it, facing me instead of her projects.

What’s up? I asked.

She gestured to the lab table. Same old, same old. Working on a never ending line of machines. She narrowed her eyes. You’re flickering.

I looked down and saw she was right. My image was flickering in and out. With a sigh, I said, Guess what? We have a surprise for you. I poked one of her machines. June smacked my hand and ended up hitting the table. We’re on our way to rescue you. Nate insisted.

Her mouth dropped open. What are you even talking about? I can’t leave. I have to make these machines.

I leaned forward and stared into her eyes. How much weight have you lost?

Her face reddened, and she looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. Not much.

I sat back. June. Everyone can tell by looking at you that you’re doing too much. You need a break. You need to get out of here before you’re worked to death.

She whipped her head up and stared at me, fists clenched. Her eyebrows drew together. "You don’t understand! If I don’t finish these, no one will. Then people will die, and it will be my fault."

I shook my head. How many have you made so far?

June scratched her head, thinking. I’m not sure. I lost count. Almost a thousand, I think.

June. If we can’t defeat the meras with a thousand machines, then is it really your fault? When only one will take down a horde of them?

She squinted her eyes. No?

You don’t sound very convinced. Look, Ms. Jane can figure something else out. But right now, she’s working a teenager to death without even being here. We’re coming for you, so be ready.

She sighed and dropped her shoulders down. I don’t have time to pack.

Make some. I air-hugged her. I’ll get you out of here, one way or the other.

She nodded and gave me an air hug back. I told her as much as I could about the battle and how Max was grieving for his dad. She laughed when I told her Nate was the one driving a giant bus. By the time I left, her entire demeanor was more relaxed.

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I opened my eyes to the blue and purple stripes of the seat in front of me. I tried to adjust, but my body felt like I had worked out for an entire day. Groaning, I moved ever so slowly to a different position, shaking the pins and needles out of my arms and legs.

Max looked up from his phone. You okay?

Yeah, visiting June. It takes a lot out of me.

He put down his phone and helped me move, especially my leg, until I was comfortable. I smiled gratefully at him, falling asleep in an instant.

Chapter Two

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The next time I woke up, I stretched and wondered where we were, careful not to bump Max too much. He was sitting with his arms crossed, eyes closed, face relaxed. I leaned my forehead against the cold window, trying to guess what state we were in.

I raised my eyebrows when the scenery looked pretty much exactly like Little Rock. Trees lined the road, with stretches of grassland behind them. We literally could have still been in Arkansas for all I knew. I shook Ben’s chair in front of Max. Hey, where are we?

Kentucky, he grunted. Leave me alone. I’m sleeping.

I rolled my eyes and sat back in my seat. Max had his eyes closed, I hoped sleeping, and I didn’t want to wake him up. However, after a few minutes of fidgeting, I got up and headed to the bathroom in the back, hopping over the seat to avoid shaking him.

Apparently, Nate had insisted on the bus with the bathroom. He wanted to make sure that we weren’t stopping on the way back to Bunker 3, except for food, if absolutely necessary. He’d even bought a giant cooler and filled it with snacks to minimize those stops, too.

After I finished in the bathroom, I surveyed the bus. Most were asleep, and Nate sat in the driver’s seat, his face determined. I moved toward him and sat close to him.

Hey, Nate, what’s up? I asked.

He glanced at me before turning back to the road, his face relaxing into a smile. Honestly? I’m excited to get June out of there.

I tsked and narrowed my eyes, watching the road. Me, too. I told her to pack, but I don’t think she believes she’s leaving.

Nate looked at me in surprise. When did you talk to her? Is she on the phone? Can I talk to her?

I laughed and explained how I had contacted June. When I was done, Nate’s mouth was open in shock.

You’ve really embraced this whole thing, haven’t you?

I shrugged, then remember he couldn’t see it. Yeah, I guess I have.

We talked some more and then I headed back to my seat, leaving him to concentrate on driving. It wasn’t long after I had sat down that Zeek tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and faced him. He grinned and held up his sketchbook, showing me a caricature of a mera dancing.

Really? I asked.

His grin widened, and he nodded. You know, I realized we don’t have any idea what we’re doing.

What do you mean? We’re getting June and our families out of Bunker 3.

And then what?

And then we’re free?

Zeek leaned forward, his face coming close to mine. And then what? We move into a quiet neighborhood and mow our lawns?

I opened my mouth, then closed it again, answers eluding me. It didn’t exactly sound like fun. Zeek nodded knowingly.

You see? We aren’t meant for sitting and watching the world go by.

What do you suggest?

He shrugged. I’m not the captain. You are.

I grumbled before turning around again. My neck was straining, and I needed to think about what he said. Despite our fight in Arkansas, I still didn’t feel like a captain. And didn’t think I should be one. I was only a teenager, and I had much less experience than any of the hollow soldiers. It’s true: I couldn’t see myself settling down and returning to normal life. Especially with the mera attacks escalating.

But what would I do instead? I had no idea.

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The bus slowed down, and I put my book down. Max’s eyes cracked open, and I grinned at him, happy to see him. Hey, you, I said. Feeling better?

He nodded and cracked his neck. Where are we?

Kentucky. We’re almost to Ohio, though.

He planted a kiss on my forehead, then left to go to the bathroom. I returned to my book, losing myself in a story not my own. June had insisted that Nate bring me a book for the bus ride, so that I would have something to do on the long drive back. Thank goodness, too. It had been ages since I actually sat down to read a book. The month before I left Bunker 3 didn’t leave me with any free time, especially with helping my parents adjust.

I sighed, wondering how willing my parents would be to leave Bunker 3. They’d only just arrived, and I knew my dad was for the cause. But he’d also seen June’s descent into madness. I doubted he wanted that to continue. Hopefully, June told our parents to get ready to leave. The less time we spent in Bunker 3, the better. Who knows what would happen if we were there when Ms. Jane came back?

Ella slid into the spot next to me. The smell of smoke surrounded me and I wrinkled my nose as it burned the back of my throat. What’s up? I asked.

I’m not staying there, she said.

Where?

Bunker 3. I’m not staying there. I’ll go wherever you go after we get your sister. As long as you don’t stay in that prison. We could be a team. She rubs her neck. Look. Ms. Jane isn’t doing us any favors. She turned a blind eye when Norman made us all into his pet monsters.

That didn’t turn out so well, I said.

She grinned sharply. What’s the cliché? If you play with fire, you’ll get burned? Norman should have let us be. We have plans for him.

I sat up straighter. This was the first time I’d heard concrete threats against Norman. Sure, Zeek and Ella made some when we left the bunker, but they had barely been released. They’d probably have mowed down anyone in their way. What do you mean?

She shrugged. Don’t worry, don’t worry. He’ll be fine.

My eyes narrowed involuntarily. Ella grinned again. Probably.

I laughed straight out at that and she left the seat. Max took her place, and I smiled at him.

Feeling more awake now? I asked.

He slid his hand into mine and squeezed it. Yeah, definitely.

I looked down at my book, noting the page before closing it. I tapped my fingers across the cover, gathering my words before telling Max what’s been on my mind.

Sam? he asked.

I frowned and looked at him. Max. You know my plan, right? We’re getting my family and leaving Bunker 3. Forever. I’m not letting Ms. Jane use us like disposable napkins.

Max leaned until his forehead was against mine. His familiar, comforting scent wafted over me. I know. Ms. Jane isn’t exactly your favorite person right now.

I snorted. Understatement. You haven’t seen June, Max. I have. She looks like she’s dying!

Max straightened up. I remember you said that before we left Arkansas. He moved his head back and forth slowly, as if shaking his thoughts around. I’m not sure what I’ll do. It’s complicated. You know that.

I turned my head to look out the window. I knew it would be complicated for him. Ms. Jane saved Nate and him, after all. Ms. Jane assigned him as my partner, though. I wondered if we could use that in some way. It’s not something I wanted to bring up right now. Not yet, at least. Max had enough to deal with right now. He’d have to decide sooner or later. There was no way I was going to say anything, though. I would not be responsible for his decisions.

We drove for another hour, passing the time by talking about random things. Ben spent it asleep, and it made me antsy because I wanted to hear how everyone was doing in Bunker 3. The hollow soldiers didn’t exactly socialize, and I couldn’t ask them. For a second, I almost wished I had my phone. Honestly, I didn’t miss it one bit, though.

We crossed the bridge into Ohio without any trouble. We were only a little into the city, though, when traffic slowed to a stop. I wasn’t too concerned. After all, this was a city and around noon. We expected traffic. I called out to Nate just to make sure, though. What’s going on? I asked.

He turned around and stared at us, horror in his eyes. Meras.

Chapter Three

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Everyone who was awake started talking at once, causing those who were sleeping to wake up. We frantically looked out our windows, searching for signs of the monsters.

Ben turned and looked at me over the top of the seats, yawning so widely I could see the back of his throat. Ew. What’s going on? he asked.

Meras, I said, turning to look back out the window, actively searching for meras.

There was a loud boom, and the bus rocked back and forth. Not again, I thought. I grimaced, frustrated that I couldn’t see anything useful out of my window.

Nate yelled back to us. Guys, it’s just like Little Rock. Meras are everywhere.

Max stood up and ran to the front, and I followed closely behind. Nate lifted his arm and pointed, and sure enough, in the sky were dots flying around crumbling buildings. Sirens wailed as smoke filled the air. There were about ten dots total flying around in the sky, but no one saw any on the ground. Yet.

We have to help, I said, my voice firm.

I’m in, said Zeek. I jumped in surprise. He was right behind me, and I never even heard him walk up.

We turned around simultaneously. Anyone else want to go help? I asked.

The hollow soldiers looked at each other and every single one of them chimed in with a yes.

I pointed to the two who had been in the hospital. Not you two. You need to heal.

They glared at me and mumbled, but eventually agreed. I didn’t need two hollow soldiers getting worse.

Now we just have to get there, Nate said with a grimace. He wasn’t kidding. Cars lined both sides of the road, and a giant median in the center of the road stopped us from simply driving there. The right side of the road had a concrete median, too, but there was a small shoulder between traffic and the barrier.

I pointed out the shoulder to Nate, and he raised his eyebrows. "I swear you’re crazy. That space won’t fit the whole bus! We would scrape the entire side at minimum."

Nate, I said. People need us. Can you at least get us to that walking bridge ahead?

He grumbled, muttering about needing to get to June, but leaned against the horn. The bus let out the loudest sound I’d ever heard, and the cars in front of us scooted forward. Nate slowly maneuvered the bus to the shoulder. He wasn’t kidding; the bus was way too wide. Not big enough that we couldn’t move, though, and that was our goal.

He inched forward, then stepped on the gas and zoomed toward the city. I returned to my seat, but instead of sitting down, started to take down the bins