Tomorrow's Gone (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 22: Sought and Found

I flailed around futilely as I attempted to decipher the control panel. The cubicle entered the field of meteorites, speeding past some, narrowly missing me. I frantically pulled on a scary-looking lever. The cubicle slowed so suddenly that I crashed against the glass, my skull bouncing against it. I grunted as my vision blurred, still able to discern the mass of a meteorite as the small ship approximated it. I collapsed onto the floor, my head spinning. The last thing I heard before blacking out was the scraping of a meteorite against the ship's exterior.

*Phoenix*

I walked through Astronoma's forest, a slight balmy breeze tasting of sweet-smelling flowers brushing across my face like a caress. The rich soil sank beneath my feet as I strode across it. I had not realized how much I truly yearned to be back in Astronoma. I had been roaming space for quite a while, returning to Astronoma only when duty called, and for an allotted amount of time. I had not been to Astronoma's forest since my early teens. I missed it, missed the times when I would go pick glowing flowers for my mother.

I realized that I was dreaming of Astronoma for a reason; Zoe must be here. I marched toward the heart of the forest, where I always found her. I pushed through the thick foliage, the steady hum of the stream drowning out my footsteps. I parted the last of the braches out of my way and arrived at the opening.

And there she was.

The cause of my discord...

... And happiness.

Zoe stood feet away, her back to me. Her brown hair hung in waves down her back. Her skinny frame caved in on herself. She looked frail. Scared. Weak.

"Zoe." I hurried toward her, turning her around. The first thing I saw was the small trail of dry blood running from above her brow to her chin. There was a blossoming blue bruise on her forehead. My eyes widened. "What happened?" I demanded.

Zoe seemed defeated. "I'm going to die," was all she said.

My brow creased into a frown. "What is the matter?" I asked, my fingers grazing her bruise.

Zoe winced, flinching away. "My escape ship is in a field of meteorites, Phoenix. Either I will crash into one and die that way, or an enemy ship will capture me," she explained.

My hands tightened around her shoulders. "Which ship?" I growled.

"I don't know, it didn't look like an Onyx ship, though... this one glowed green."

My eyes narrowed into slits. "The Dracos..." I muttered.

Zoe blinked. "Dracos?"

I swallowed hard. "They are not exactly our enemies, but they are dangerous. They are unpredictable. They have been known for taking humans captive and altering them, testing them. Listen to me, Zoe. What I am about to tell you is dire. There is a blue button in the control panel. It freezes the ship, preventing it from moving. The Dracos cannot see you; you are invisible. If you stop the ship, the meteors will move around you. It activates a protective shield. It will also make the process of finding you much easier. Do you understand?" I stared at her seriously, my eyes leveled with hers.

Zoe nodded, her eyes wide. "Yes, I understand... but how do I wake up?" she asked, her voice cracking.

I pressed my lips tightly together. Something had to startle her awake... "Come," I finally said, taking her hand gently in mine and leading her toward the creek. Confused, she followed.