Alone

Chapter 12: Things Are Going To Get Rough

Kyle POV

I'm standing in the bathroom, fully dressed and prepared but I'm stuck staring at my reflection in the mirror. Something more is happening to me the longer I am around this girl. Alicia Tate. Even just saying her name in my head makes me smile. Why does she affect me so?

I must concentrate on the mission at hand. That's what I do, no matter if anyone is involved, I always keep my mind on my mission. That is why I am the best, that is why I always succeed.

Why now and why this woman? I've had many women in my life. It's one of the perks of being a military hero. I'm not saying I'm some over indulgent man w***e but yes, I've enjoyed the company of more than a few women and I know they wanted it as well.

I have also had relationships as well but none of them have ever worked out because my job had to come first. Sure, they were excited to be with me at first, but once they realized I could not give them one hundred percent of myself to them they only grew to resent my responsibilities.

I'm not saying that I see myself forming a relationship with Alicia because she would probably grow to resent my job as well or perhaps not. What I do know, is I have never had this feeling when it comes to a woman. It's almost like she's a part of me and no matter what happens today I feel and know I must keep her safe, if only to explore what these feelings really are.

On top of being completely enamored by her she also annoys me to no end. She is head strong and stubborn, and seems to love to argue or defy me every chance she gets. I must admit, it's exciting though and she keeps me on my toes. I'm definitely going to have to give her some basic training, especially if she wants to keep coming on any missions with me.

I can tell she's smart and also athletic, so it shouldn't be too hard to teach her some basics and eventually, depending on how long we're in this solar system, it wouldn't hurt to train her a little more.

A huge part of me knows she'll be a distraction, I mean damn, look at her, she already is...but if I can get her to be less afraid and teach her more to defend herself, I may not have to worry as much. Plus it will be nice to have someone watching my back as well in any hostile situations we find ourselves in.

I know she feels something as well, I can see it in her eyes when she attempts to steal glances or whenever we end up in compromising positions, which apparently happens alot. Perhaps that is why she acts the way she does towards me.

I need to stop thinking about these things and concentrate on my plans for the mission. It is daylight and slashers like to keep to the densest parts of this alien jungle during these times. We should remain safe but then again, who knows what else is here that our presence may have disturbed. I suppose there is only one way to find out.

We must embark on this endeavor and return quickly, once safely back in the cruiser, then we can go into space. From there we will be able to plan our next move.

***

"Are you sure that you're totally clear on the plan?"

"Yes, I'm not an i***t and you have gone over it about a hundred times now," Alicia replies while picking at her fingertips. "I still don't understand what is so important in there that you cannot just replicate it but I trust you and I will listen to you. I am scared but I trust you when you say you will keep me safe. But do not take that lightly Shepherd! I do not trust easily, so please don't let me regret it."

Her green eyes sparkle but at the same time I can clearly see the fear she has admitted but also a fire of determination, which I must admit,, I truly admire. Not only the fear for what we are about to do, but the fear she feels for the foreign feelings we both share towards each other. "It will be alright. Like I have explained, the slashers have no reason to be anywhere near where we are going and there is nothing else I've come across for us to be wary of. We've got this princess."

At that remark, her fire was back and under normal circumstances I would apologize but in this moment I needed her to have her fire. "Hold fast to that fire princess, it will come in handy."

"I am not a princess, but fire to spare I do have...especially around you," said under her breath, but I still heard it and I figured I was probably meant too, which again only made me smile more.

***

We kept the ship cloaked and flew closer to the cave I have been staying in for the past 6 months of my life. I must admit, I will not miss this place, not in the least. It may perhaps appear in my nightmares later in life so for now I am extremely happy to know I will be leaving this place very soon.

When we landed in a clearing only ten yards away from the entrance of the cave, we shut down the engines and loaded the life signs scanner. I wanted to be prepared for any life forms whether they were the docile creatures or any possible slashers.

We waited for 5 minutes watching the screen to make sure we didn't miss even the slightest blip or any surprise visitors that were moving in quickly. At this point I gave the all clear and Alicia agreed so we made our way to the back hatch.

Along with the new uniforms I also fabricated us both high energy sonic hand guns, flash grenades, and super high dosage tranquilizer rifles. None of these were lethal but they were quiet and they would knock anything on its a*s for more than long enough for us to complete the mission and get away. I was more than confident these weapons would work if we ran into trouble but I was also confident this mission would go off without a hitch, we were ready.