Broken: The Discordant Earth Series 1.0 Read online

  Waiting a couple of minutes, Alyssa realized at some point during her eavesdropping, General Ras had left the office area. She figured he’d accomplished his goal and left to avoid culpability.

  Rubbing her palms together to stop their shaking, Alyssa took a deep, cleansing breath before swiping the scanner to open the door. Plastering a smile on her face, Alyssa prepared herself to greet her would-be killer.

  “Alyssa, my dear.” Kayn waved her in. “Please join me. I have a gift for you.”

  She halted halfway to his large desk, looking to where his hand pointed. On her desk stood an enormous bouquet of burgundy roses with baby’s breath mixed in, and grateful for the distraction, Alyssa took the time to inspect the extravagant flowers, breathing in their intoxicating scents.

  “Oh, Kayn, they’re lovely.” She closed her eyes, impressed by her acting ability.

  “Not as lovely as you, my sweet Alyssa.”

  “You’re too kind, Kayn,” she said, pretending to be flattered.

  “It is nothing.”

  Suddenly behind her, Kayn slid his hands down Alyssa’s arms, and she struggled to contain a shudder of disgust.

  Come on, keep it together. You have to act as if nothing has changed. You still adore him. You want to be here with him. You can do this!

  Nodding with determination, she twirled around to face Kayn as he beamed at her with pride, or more likely arrogance, in his eyes and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

  “Where did you get such beautiful flowers? We don’t have a local flower shop.”

  “The master gardener has started a flower garden on the roof of the ship, and has been working hard to grow these roses at my request.”

  “She must have quite the greenhouse up there to be able to grow these amazing roses at this time of year.”

  “Yes, it is quite lovely. Would you like to see it before dinner?”

  “Oh, Kayn, I’d love that.” Alyssa widened her eyes, feigning excitement.

  He grabbed her hand, leading her to the elevator. During the long ride to the top of the ship, Kayn held her from behind, which should’ve been awkward with their difference in height, but his limber body made it relatively comfortable.

  At the top, Kayn steered her to an iris door that opened onto the surface of the ship. Alyssa gaped as she peered—from a safe distance—over the edge to the ground hundreds of feet below. The faint light of the sleepy town glowed in the distance.

  Lacking handrails, Alyssa clung to Kayn’s hand as he led her to a large, dimly lit greenhouse, situated in the center of several raised garden beds with a variety of green plants growing in them.

  Kayn pushed the door open to reveal a plethora of muted colors, and stepping inside, the motion sensor lights flickered on, nearly blinding Alyssa with vibrant colors that crowded the aisles. Flower bushes, small fruit trees, and green leaves of various hues packed every inch of the warm, humid building, while vines canopied the cramped walkways with runners crisscrossing the dirt paths.

  “Oh, wow, Kayn. This is absolutely stunning. I can’t believe how many different flowers and plants are growing here.”

  “We have an excellent team working to restore some of the beauty of this planet. The master gardener has started a program for all our lead ships to build similar greenhouses. With them being placed on top of our largest ships, the plant life is protected and more able to thrive.”

  “Amazing... You should have a broadcast here so everyone can see the progress that’s been made.”

  “That is a wonderful idea, my dear. Now, shall we proceed to dinner?”

  “Sure,” she said, suddenly anxious again.

  On the elevator ride down, Alyssa continued to give herself a pep talk as Kayn hovered over her, watching her intently, making her insides quiver under the scrutiny.

  “Is everything okay, Kayn?”

  “Yes, my dear.” Kayn’s deep voice rolled over her skin. “I am only admiring your beauty. Carrying my child has changed you. Your skin has a faint glow similar to my own.”

  Alyssa held her hand out in front of her. In the light of the elevator, a faint shimmer reflected across her skin, and she gazed at her hands, turning them over and over.

  “Oh, wow, is that normal?”

  “I do not know. You can ask Ela when you go for your next checkup.”

  “I will. I definitely will.”

  The scent of roses greeted them as they entered Kayn’s quarters, and Alyssa found five more bouquets, like the one on her desk, scattered around his living room. He grinned at her as she went to each one to sniff the deep burgundy petals.

  “Do you like them?”

  “Kayn, this is too much! You didn’t have to get me so many. One bouquet was more than enough. Now I feel bad that I didn’t get you anything.”

  “Come now, my dear—” he sidled up to her “—you are worth every one of these blossoms. You are the mother of my child. I want you to feel happy.”

  His response reminded her of the things she’d overheard. How could Kayn say such horrible things to Isa only to say such kind words to her? His easy ability to switch from evil to sweet chilled her to the bone.

  “Are you cold?” Kayn asked, when he noticed her shiver.

  “Uh, no, I’m okay. What’s for dinner? Your baby demands to be fed.”

  Kayn chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. “Let us go into the dining room to see what has been delivered.”

  Alyssa and Kayn ate together, making small talk, as he steered the conversation to work related topics, insisting he wanted to bring her up to date for her return. Alyssa obliged, keeping things as light and pleasant as possible.

  Afterwards, they adjourned to the sofa, listening to the melodic notes of Szu’Kara music. Kayn pulled her close, tucking her under his arm, causing her a brief moment of panic, but the strain of the evening had taken a toll on her mind, and she allowed herself to relax her guard.

  “Kayn, has there been any news on my parents’ deaths?”

  “No. The investigators deemed the incident to be accidental. They are unable to determine who placed the chemicals near the ventilation system.”

  “Why didn’t it affect my parents’ neighbors?”

  “Your parents’ quarters are located directly next to the mechanical room for that housing pod. Once the system detected the gas, it closed all the air vents. Unfortunately, it did not happen in time to save your family.”

  How convenient. “What about my parents’ possessions? I’d like to sort through it all for some mementos and properly pack the rest for storage in Granny’s attic. Our child might want to see their grandparents’ stuff someday.”

  “There was some damage to their items. The entire premises had to be decontaminated, but I will check with the investigation team about what items are safe for you to retrieve. I believe they moved everything to the storage warehouse. Will that make you happy?”

  “Not happy, no,” Alyssa said, choking back tears, “but I would like to have as much as I can of theirs. I grew up in their quarters. That was my home for so long, and all their things are precious memories to me.”

  “Szu’Kara are not so sentimental. I do not understand the desire to cling to inanimate objects, but I will ensure you receive as many of the items as possible.”

  “Thank you, Kayn. I really appreciate that,” she said, giving him a grateful smile. “Also, is it possible for me to retrieve their belongings from their work offices? I know they both had artwork and stuff they wouldn’t want to lose.”

  “Yes, I can arrange that.”

  “Thank you.” Alyssa smiled, and they fell into an awkward silence.

  Gradually, Alyssa began to notice pleasant sensations flowing from where Kayn’s hand touched her, and she jumped up from the sofa, her stomach wrenching as her face paled. He balked at her as the air in the room suddenly became too warm.

  “What is the matter?”

  “I apologize, Kayn,” she said, trying to hide her fear. “This pregn
ancy has really taken it out of me. I think I should go home and sleep now.”

  “Is that so?” Doubt clouded his narrowed eyes. “I assumed you would desire Asen’Sha? We have not been intimate for quite some time.”

  “I know...” Alyssa gave him an appeasing smile, her hand clutching at her throat. “I just don’t feel up to it tonight. I hope you understand. I’m really tired.”

  “Fine.” Kayn’s brow furrowed, but he nodded anyway. “We can do it another time.”

  “Thanks.” She backed away from the sofa, working her way to the door. “Thanks for understanding and thanks for the lovely evening. The greenhouse is amazing.”

  “You are welcome, my dear.” He gave Alyssa a kiss goodnight, and she choked back bile.

  Alyssa rushed out of his quarters to her own, and when her door finally slid closed, she plopped down in a dining chair to catch her breath. Relieved at her narrow escape, she scrubbed her forehead in frustration to rub away the feeling of Kayn’s kiss.

  A folded piece of paper laying on the table caught Alyssa’s eye, and she slid it over to open it.

  Please contact me. We need to talk. It is a matter of dire importance.

  — Isa

  Alyssa grabbed her phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Granny, I need a favor.” She paced in front of her sofa, her unoccupied hand clutching her roiling stomach.

  “What is it, Aly girl?”

  “Um...” She stuttered, unsure of how to say what she needed to say without actually saying it. “Oh, uh, Isa. I work with her, and she’s interested in your ‘book club’. Can you reach out to her? Maybe set up a tea date with her?”

  “Sure, I can do that. Should I call her now?”

  “No, it’s late. She had a long day at the office with Kayn. Can you call her tomorrow then let me know when to be there for tea?”

  “You betcha, baby girl.” Granny sounded entirely too excited.

  Ending the call, Alyssa slumped under the weight of stress and exhaustion, collapsing onto her sofa, dragging her fingers through her hair. Catching sight of her father’s painting, she got up to take a closer look.

  “So much beauty...” Paint strokes dipped and swirled over the canvas, pale blues, greens, and yellows merging and melding with several shades of white to give it that ethereal feel. Heartache washed over Alyssa as she mourned the loss of her parents, the loss of trust in the Szu’Kara, and the dream of an eternity in paradise, all of these being part of the foundation of her life.

  The longer Alyssa stared at the painting, the more it seemed to mock her. My entire life’s been based on a lie, a hallucination! Hellfire flames of rage licked at the back of her mind, steadily building until her entire being felt overwhelmed.

  “Why? Why couldn’t you have been real?” She turned her back on the painting, wishing it would go away.

  Fury ached in Alyssa’s bones, curling her hands into painful fists, and she slammed her eyes shut, attempting to block out the red that flooded her sight. Spinning around to face the elegant lie, Alyssa let out a guttural scream, grabbing the gilded frame and ripping the painting off the wall. She slammed it to the floor where it buckled and smashed into an offensive pile of deceit.

  “WHY THE HELL COULDN’T YOU BE REAL?”

  Chapter 19

  With a tea date scheduled for that evening, Alyssa contacted Jordan to have him join them. Being a Saturday, she decided to do some baby shopping to cheer herself up, and after a rough night of tossing and turning with dreams of her parents lying dead on the lush grass of Zion, Alyssa ignored the gnawing ache in her chest, hoping to enjoy the comfortably warm, clear sunny day. Not wanting to go alone, she called Jess.

  “Hello?” Jess’ mom, Maira, answered the phone.

  “Hey, Mrs. Sanders, it’s Aly. Can I talk to Jess?”

  “Sure, honey.” Maira paused. “What happened the other day? Jessalyn came home in a terrible state. Did you two have a spat? She won’t tell me anything.”

  “Um, no, not a spat...” Alyssa sighed. “We just had some news about a friend that upset her.”

  She hated lying to her best friend’s mother, but Jess should be the one to tell her parents about the Szu’Kara lies.

  “Oh, well, I hope your friend is okay, honey. Hold on while I get Jess.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Sanders.”

  After a few moments silence, Jess picked up the phone.

  “Hello,” she said, hesitant and fearful.

  “Jess, it’s Aly. How are you? You’re not answering your cell.”

  “Not good… You turned my world upside down, and I don’t know how to deal with it. I’m scared to leave my room, worried I might say the wrong thing to my parents, and I haven’t spoken to Lorn—at all.”

  “You can’t let it eat you up. You have to be strong. I know you’re strong, Jess, and you aren’t alone in this. Lorn loves you tremendously. He only wants the best for you—so do I.”

  “I know, Aly. I just don’t know what to do. I miss Lorn, but he’s one of them...” Jess whispered that last part. “How can I trust him?”

  “Oh, my God, Jess,” Alyssa said, rolling her eyes. “Of course, you can trust him. He’s putting his life on the line for us, and he loves you so much! I promise you can trust him. I trust him, Jess, as much as I trust you.”

  “I guess... I just need time to process everything.”

  “Well, can you process while you go shopping with me? I want to get a few baby things.”

  “Uh... yeah, I should probably get out of these pajamas. They kind of stink.”

  “Ew, Jess!” Alyssa laughed. “Jump in the shower, and I’ll meet you outside the gate in twenty?”

  ***

  Awkward silence filled the ride into town with Jess staring out her window, and Alyssa agonizing over her friend’s appearance. It took a lot to knock down that bubbly, joyful girl, who normally wore bright, cheerful colors: pastels, neons, pinks, and purples. Today, though, she wore muted and dreary colors, reflecting her morose mood.

  Alyssa parked in a little lot behind Marly’s Malt Shop. Asking Jess if she was hungry only resulted in a noncommittal shrug in response, so she led her to a small coffee shop across the street.

  Ordering food and drinks for them both, Alyssa struggled internally with Jess’ behavior, searching for the right words to draw her friend out of her shell. “So... I thought we could get some little blankets and sleepers for the baby. Maybe look at some cribs. What do you think?”

  “Sure,” Jess said, picking at her bagel.

  “I suppose everything has to be in neutral colors for now, but I’m kind of hoping for a little girl like Lyssa. You should see her. She is so stunning. Like an angel baby.”

  “A girl would be nice. They have cute outfits.”

  Alyssa held out hope that Jess’ love for clothes would bring up her dour mood. “I know, right? I want to be able to get some frilly pink dresses and hair bows and stuff.”

  A spark of interest twinkled in Jess’ eyes. “Fancy sandals...” She started to perk up. “She would need some of those pretty, patent leather sandals.”

  “I know, right?” Alyssa flapped her hands at Jess, comically. “And we can parade her around Granny’s street for all the neighbors to ooh and ah.”

  “If you have a boy, we can put him in a dapper little suit to impress the ladies.” Jess wiggled in her seat, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.

  “Oh, that would be adorable! Maybe we can find a cute outfit for Lyssa today. What do you think?”

  “I’d like that,” Jess said, giving Alyssa a toothy smile. Abruptly, her smile switched to a dejected frown.

  “I know Kora would love that.” Alyssa continued talking, sidestepping Jess’ falling mood. “I don’t think she has any clothes for the baby yet.”

  “Aly…” Jess stared at the table. “How will I get to see Lyssa?” She looked at Alyssa, with glistening eyes. “I’m not sure if I’m ready to accept everything you told me.”


  “Well...” Alyssa pondered for a moment. “How about I see if Jordan will bring Kora and Lyssa to Granny’s tonight?”

  “Do you think they can do that? Would she be safe?”

  “I’m not sure, but I can ask.”

  “That’d be great, Aly. I really need something to cheer me up.”

  “I agree.”

  Encouraged by Jess’ shift in mood, Alyssa hauled her around town, searching for baby gear. Jess bounced from rack to rack, searching the newborn clothing, and eventually picked out an adorable summer dress for Lyssa while Alyssa purchased basics such as towels, blankets, sleepers, and onesies.

  When they’d scoured every store, and mooned over countless adorable baby things, Alyssa and Jess headed back to Marly’s to retrieve the car, meandering along the sidewalk, pausing occasionally to window shop. As they got closer to Marly’s, they heard a loud commotion. Rushing to investigate, Alyssa clenched her fists and gritted her teeth at the sight of General Ras with four soldiers surrounding Marly, just outside his front door.

  “You have no right harassing me like this, Ras.” Marly jabbed his finger at the general’s chest without touching him.

  “You are suspected of cavorting with the enemy.” The general’s booming voice vibrated the shop windows. “It is my duty to investigate all allegations.”

  “I’m a simple shopkeeper,” Marly said, crossing his arms over his barrel chest. “I have no mind for rebellion. My only concern is to serve the public and make people happy.”

  “We are here to search the premises for anything suspicious—” General Ras sneered “—with your permission.”

  “You may not enter my shop. You’ll upset my customers, for no reason. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “Very well. I will return with orders from the commander, and you will have no choice but to obey.”

  Marly snorted. “Not likely.”

  Alyssa and Jess scrambled over to Marly as they all watched the general and his men march away.

  “What the hell was that all about?” Alyssa latched onto Marly’s elbow.

  “I don’t know.” He grimaced. “I’m flabbergasted. He sent one of his soldiers inside to get me and started tossing around accusations as soon as I opened the door.”