Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(89)

The truth that I see-in his eyes and others around me-is that they fear she is dead anyway.

Nevertheless, the obsession stands. If I were to see her again, I'd attempt to kill her.

Madam President survived the attack, as did the Ukrainian President. All the others died-if not during the initial attack, then later, at a hospital.

The lizard-like attackers also had other targets-six locations in Russia and one in Canada were destroyed. In all, more than four hundred bodies were discovered-both drug survivors and civilians-including Hal Prentice, whom everyone believed to be former President Phillips. The alien attackers in Russia and Canada managed to escape-at least that's what appears to have happened. She and I-we'd killed those who'd appeared at the White House.

At a terrible, terrible cost.

Nick and Maye-both dead.

President Zoran-the real one-was found dead at a facility in Russia hit by the attackers. That information wasn't released to the public. Instead, the public believes the man in the meeting room was the one responsible for all the deaths. Either way, both died. There was little sorrow expressed at their passing.

Sorrow was saved for world leaders who'd died at the White House meeting. State funerals were held, one after another. Madam President attended several of those. Director Michaels was forced to find additional guards for her.

I know the President discussed her death with Colonel Hunter.

I was left out of that conversation-for obvious reasons.

Six months have passed since she was taken away. Colonel Hunter turns pale every time anyone speaks of her. Maye and Nick received highest honors and a burial in Arlington for saving Madam President's life.

Richard Farrell is little more than a ghost. He and I-we are the only known survivors of the U.S. Program. Both of us are empty shells, our love torn away from us. We have no idea if any of the Russian drug recipients survive, although Colonel Hunter and Matt Michaels are watching constantly for any sign. As for the drug-every grain of dust is missing and presumably destroyed. Perhaps it is just as well.

After all, we have no idea whether there are more Zoran clones out there. If there are and they have the same talent as Phillips, we could all be in very deep trouble.

In my dreams, however, I see her.

Love her.

Touch her.

When I wake, I find my suite destroyed.

There is no escaping this affliction-it consumes me in my waking hours and in my sleep. I have to destroy what I love; that is the nature of Zoran's curse.

I weep.

Not for myself, but for her.

*

Notes-Colonel Hunter

I told Laci I had to go to Seattle to shut down the Pilchuck facility once and for all.

It was an excuse.

I'd taken a rental car as far as I could drive before leaving it in a clearing and climbing up the rest of the way. When I arrived at a peak near the summit, I stopped to catch my breath and look about me.

The night was clear, with a sliver of moon shining low over Puget Sound in the west. Stars so close they appeared to be woven together, wheeled overhead. I drew a ragged breath and breathed it out again.

"Cori," I said. "I'm so sorry. I hope I can see the stars of your world from here. I wish-I pray-that you're alive, and that the Larentii welcomed you home."



The End