Page 54 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

"Sir, the structural integrity of that car cannot withstand--"

"I see it."

The entire car lifts off the tracks with a screech of protesting metal. But something's off about the scene. A gossamer sheen coats the exterior of the car, rippling like soap bubbles in the wind.

"Teletran, analyze that field."

"Scanning... It appears to be a variant of their quantum membrane technology. The car is sealed in a temporal stasis field."

The pieces click into place. "They can't risk Garros breaking containment."

"Correct. The field prevents any matter from passing through. Rather elegant solution, actually. Though terribly wasteful of resources."

My fists clench around the jetpack controls. Aileen's in that car with a cornered super soldier. And I can't break through to help her.

"What if we disrupt their tractor beam?"

"The car would fall approximately eight hundred feet to the ground. Might I suggest--"

"Later." The UFO banks hard to port, dragging its prize toward the clouds. "Right now we follow them. And pray they lead us somewhere I can follow."

"Sir, the train car lacks pressurization or life support systems. The Grolgath can't take it above thirty thousand feet without killing everyone inside."

"Perfect. They'll stay low enough to track." I angle the jetpack upward, diving into a bank of clouds. The moisture beads on my face as I weave through the cotton-white maze.

"Multiple heat signatures detected. Incoming missiles."

Red streaks pierce the clouds. The missiles arc toward me, their guidance systems locked onto my jetpack's thermal signature.

"Cutting power." I kill the thrusters, letting gravity take hold. The missiles overshoot, their trajectories carrying them harmlessly past.

"The UFO is now two miles ahead and increasing distance."

"Not helping, Teletran." I reignite the thrusters, but the missiles bank around for another pass.

A sharp dive sends me plummeting through the cloud layer. The ground rushes up to meet me. At the last second, I pull up, skimming the treetops. The missiles impact the forest behind me, their explosions lighting up the evening sky.

"Additional missiles launching."

"How many?"

"Four. No, six. The Grolgath appear quite determined to eliminate you."

I weave between office buildings, using the urban canyon for cover. Glass windows blur past as I push the jetpack harder. The missiles follow, their guidance systems refusing to give up the chase.

"The UFO is now three miles ahead."

My teeth grind together. Every second I spend dodging these missiles puts more distance between me and Aileen. But I can't help her if I'm blown to pieces.

"Sir, might I suggest--"

"Not now." Another missile streaks past my shoulder, close enough to singe my jacket. "Kind of busy."

"Time for something stupid." I cut power to the jetpack. The missiles' tracking systems lose their lock as my heat signature vanishes.

"Sir, we are now in freefall."

"I noticed." Lake Michigan spreads below me, its dark waters rushing up fast. Wind tears at my clothes as I plummet. The missiles streak harmlessly past, confused by my disappearance.

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