Dedicated to ROZI234pp

The ship had set sail almost immediately after they had all arrived. The civies who had been left under the care of Admiral Basinger had been evacuated to another ship which had also set sail, but to a location where they would be taken to safe haven, a government facility in another country, the details of which were not provided.

»»-----------¤-----------««

Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico

"Hidden deep within the tunnels of a small Mexico town, in local mines where silver and zinc are extracted from the earth, miners discovered an anomaly that would shock the nations.

Disbelief and in some cases, unbelief that the existence of something so extraordinary was real prevailed until the photo images were presented to the world and, scientists began to flock to the area to witness it for themselves.

A cavern so huge it had to be prehistoric, so unreal it had to be seen to be understood and was revealed to house crystal towers so huge they defied the mind. Common men were dwarfed by the size of them.

This cave of wonders would become an instant destination for geologists from every corner of the world. It would also become the destination for someone, or something else. Something that needed the energy provided by such ancient relics.

Authorities off the coast of California on the Island of Catalina have reported the presence of unidentified flying objects for years. Catalina is only a thousand miles from the cave of Naica and its giant crystals. This is why Chihuahua is the epicenter of this invasion, people."

The Brazilian General clicked his laptop and brought up a map of the area of topic.

He stepped away from the podium and addressed everyone in the tight room below decks in the Naval vessel where Reese, his men and James and his small group of survivors had been gathered for the briefing.

"However, the affected areas remain to be the entire coastal regions of the Southern United States and South America.

»»-----------¤-----------««

They had, with the help of the Brazilian troops made it through the tunnels and to the coast and placed aboard the USS Denney. They were given a meal and the time to clean up and given clothing and a place to sleep. And now, they were finally being given answers.

Answers others had not been so privileged to receive.

They were here for the energy resources. And in the mind of the General who addressed them, they had been accessing it for a very, long, time. As time passed, his government realized they had become emboldened or involved in literal space wars with other civilizations all wanting to lay claim to this resource they hadn't found anywhere but earth. And earth had not been prepared or ready for the full on invasive appearance. In spite of all their knowledge and study, they just had not prepared for this eventuality. He ended by saying this was now their reality. When and if they would beat the intrusion remained to be seen but expected complete compliance from every able-bodied person available. Then the Admiral of the USS Denney addressed them, and asked if they were willing to sign on as soldiers in this new war.

Macallan, Dylan and Lacy were sworn in immediately.

Krisslyn along with Tibbs discretely bowed out and she along with the elder of Reese's men were evacuated, escorted by a First Lieutenant who would see them all safely to join Admiral Basinger's rescued civilians.

It was bittersweet for Lacy and she hugged her cousin for a long time until the lieutenant finally just took a seat. Carolyn then had to have her turn to hug Krisslyn. She had grown to love the wisp of a girl and hated to see her go but knew it was for the best. Krisslyn was not cut out for what was coming and she knew it. Lacy turned back to Macallan with tears and took Tibbs, giving him a kiss on the head and handed him over.

"You'll take care of him for me won't you Krizz?"

Kryslyn smiled. "Of course I will cousin. He will be right with me whenever I see you again."

Lacy gave them a sad smile and got one more hug before she noticed Reese's men. They were lined up in front of her.

"We'll be having our hugs now too young lady," Murfee chuckled.

Lacy choked back a sob and hugged them all. Dingo and Tilley were the only two of the group staying. Macallan and Dylan then shook their hands but they weren't having it and embraced them as well. "You two take care of this girl, you hear?"

Macallan nodded.

Lacy snorted at that. "More likely I'll be taking care of them," she snickered.

Her comment received a round of laughter and Macallan and Dylan received a few arm punches as well. They took it in stride and watched as the group left, following the Lieutenant out of the room to destination unknown.

After that Reese regrouped them.

"That's all the time we have for sniveling," he barked hoarsly. "We got one more issue to address before this meeting is adjourned and it's gonna hurt but it has to be done if we're going to be a team unit."

He was greeted with blank stares except for James who seemed to be the only one who knew what was coming, and he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, a faint grin on his lips.

"Macallan, Macenna. Front and center!" Reese yelled.

Macenna stepped forward immediately. He was used to Reese's commands and he took the stance at attention as always. Macallan had no idea what was happening and he had to be helped along which James took great pleasure in instructional action, taking Macallan by the shoulders and moving him beside his twin brother.

Reese cleared his throat. "Now boys. I won't say your equal in abilities but that can be fixed with equal opportunity. The problem I have with you two is the shit storm always brewing under the surface between y'all, and I want to know right here and now what it's all about. I need a team. I'm not a babysitter so someone best be coughing up the problem so it can be neutralized!"

Lacy rolled her eyes because she had known these two long enough to know what it was really all about.

"Sir yes sir!" Macenna growled. "I take full responsibility sir!"

He turned and faced Macallan. "Brother, I'm sorry. You were always the stronger one. I was always jealous of that. That's why I left. I was a cold hearted mother fucker. I left you to face Mom's illness alone. It was either that or drown myself in alcohol like dad. Neither was a good choice. I know. I've known for a long time."

Macallan took two steps back.

Macenna braced himself.

The punch was hard and final. Macenna hit the floor and lay there. Lacy stood up with a strangled cry. "Macallan you raging asshole!"

Macallan turned and stalked over to her. She felt suddenly small as he stood in front of her and without warning he bent in and swept her into his arms, tangling his fist into her long auburn tresses and his lips crashed down on hers before she could speak another word.

Then the whole room was clapping.

Macallan pulled away slightly and looked deep into her eyes. "I love you Lacy Thibodaux. I always have. Stop feeling sorry for Macenna. You heard what he just said."

Lacy was dumbfounded but she smiled. He was right. She knew it. "Kiss me Mac," she whispered and with those words she pulled his head close and their lips met with all the fire she had ever dreamed. Macallan pulled away again. "Trust me forever Lacy. I'll always protect you."