Page 53 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

A crash behind me makes my heart jump. The Grolgath pour out of the train car, their scales gleaming under the spacecraft's eerie light. Their weapons glow with deadly intent.

And every single one of them is looking right at me.

"This way!" I wave at the remaining bystanders. "Down the stairs, now!"

The crowd finally gets the message, rushing toward the exits in a panic. At least they'll be safe.

Now I just have to figure out how to save myself from five angry alien soldiers who definitely want me dead.

I bolt toward the stairs, but something hits me from behind - not a bullet, more like getting splashed with water. Except the liquid clings and spreads, wrapping around my torso like cellophane gone wild.

"What the-" The translucent film cuts off my words, sealing my mouth shut as it constricts tighter. My arms snap to my sides, trapped in the ever-tightening cocoon.

I stumble, losing my balance as the membrane binds my legs together. The platform rushes up to meet my face but scaled hands catch me before I hit the ground.

The material keeps squeezing, molding to every curve of my body until I can barely twitch a finger. At least I can still breathe through this alien plastic wrap, even if I can't make a sound.

Rough claws dig into my sides as the Grolgath soldiers lift me like a rolled-up carpet. My muscles strain against the membrane but it only seems to get tighter with each attempt to break free.

"Secure the human witness." The leader's cold voice sends chills down my spine. "She may prove useful as leverage."

They carry me back to the train car, my body dangling helplessly between them. The membrane presses against my skin with steadily increasing pressure, like being squeezed by a giant snake.

Through the transparent film, I watch Chicago's skyline drift past as they haul me inside. The city lights blur together, making me dizzy. Or maybe that's from the lack of circulation to my extremities.

Varak, you better get your ass here quick, I think desperately as the doors slide shut with a final-sounding hiss.

CHAPTER 18

VARAK

My boots pound against the railroad ties as I sprint after the train. The metal rails vibrate beneath my feet, but the rumble grows fainter with each passing second.

"Teletran, I need that jetpack. Now."

"Already incoming, sir. Though may I point out the statistical improbability of catching a train moving at--"

"Shut up and give me an ETA."

A shadow passes overhead. Not the delivery drone - something much larger. The sleek silver hull of a Grolgath saucer breaks through the cloud cover, its presence as subtle as a supernova.

"Well. That complicates things." My hands clench into fists. "The timeline is already compromised. Humans aren't supposed to see alien ships for another century."

"Indeed sir. Shall I alert Veritas command about this breach of--"

"No time." The train vanishes around a bend, taking Aileen with it. My chest constricts at the thought of her in Grolgath hands. "Where's my jetpack?"

A whine of repulsors announces the arrival of the delivery drone. The jetpack drops into my waiting arms, its familiar weight settling against my back. The straps click into place.

"Sir, protocol dictates--"

"Protocol be damned." The thrusters ignite with a roar. "She's my jalshagar, Teletran. My soulmate. The timeline, Veritas, none of it matters compared to her."

I launch into the sky, the ground falling away beneath me. The wind whips at my face as I accelerate after the train.

"I just pray I'm not too late to tell her."

The jetpack's thrusters scream as I push them beyond safety limits. The UFO grows larger in my vision, its silver hull reflecting the setting sun. Three massive metal claws extend from its belly, gripping the train car like a carnival prize.

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