Copyright: © 2017 by Arwen Chandler all rights reserved

Published in The United States of America

By Arwen Chandler, Beeville, TX

Manufactured in The United States of America

First edition published 2017

Cover art and jacket design © 2017 Susan Elliott

The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1-3

Arwen Chandler

Thanks for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. You are the light of my world, and keep my dreams alive. I love you, Lars.

Contents

Book One: The Militarian Job

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Book Two: The Louvre Still Stands

Book Three: Beneath The Metreskan Sands

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

A Special Thank You

More Books by

Arwen Chandler

About the Author

Book One: The Militarian Job

Chapter One

Gwyndalaria lowered her starship onto the platform. Raygus Prime sprawled out before her view screen. Its steel Militarian buildings littered the landscape, cold, utilitarian.

Gwyn shuddered. “I hate this place.”  She pressed the com button. “Gwyndalaria Casteliano of the Starship Pleiades, requesting an audience with Admiral Spearman.”

The communicator crackled. “Admiral Spearman is expecting you. Kill your engines. Lieutenant Commander Adrik will meet you shortly.”

Gwyn turned off the ignition switch, set the security lock, and waited.

Across the platform, a tall man sauntered toward her ship.

Gwyn laughed. “Everything a woman wants, and he knows it.” She switched off the view screen and met him at the cargo bay door.

As the Lieutenant Commander raised his hand to knock, the door opened.

“I’m here to collect Gwyndalaria Casteliano.” His face was blank but warm.

Gwyn wiped her hand on her jumpsuit before extending it. “That’s me. Call me Gwyn.”

Adrik stared at her briefly and turned to go. “Come on. You don’t keep Admiral Spearman waiting.”

She followed at a jog-walk pace, only pausing when they reached the bottom of a massive staircase.

Adrik motioned toward the fifth floor. “That’s our destination.”

She sighed. “Guess you Militarian types don’t use elevators, huh?”

Adrik shook his head. “Never.”

Gwyn frowned. “Well, let’s go.”

She climbed behind him, trying to keep up with his pace.

When they reached the top Adrik pressed the intercom button. “Sir, I’ve the girl.”

The door slid open.

“Come on.” Adrik ushered her into the suite.

Star charts, maps and computer screens lined three walls of the room. The fourth wall was glass. Down below Raygus Prime hummed and whirled with machinery. Militarian soldiers marched in formation across the yard. Off to the east, an ornate capitol building topped with a large domed portico stood in stark contrast with the utilitarian landscape surrounding it. Gwyn studied its opulence. “Remarkable.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Admiral Spearman motioned for Gwyn to come closer to the window. “It’s the only thing of true elegance here on Raygus Prime. As you know, the Militarian live a functional life. Our capitol building was built to remind us of why we sacrifice. What we are protecting in our system.”

Gwyn shivered. “A beautiful reminder, of course. And, does someone live there?”

“No, our councils meet in the building. Everything, that is important for this planet, and our system is decided there.” Spearman turned away.

“Adrik, bring up the computer. Let’s get down to business.”

Gwyn crossed her arms. “Ok. I must admit I was intrigued by your call. What does the Militarian want with a spacer starship pilot? I’m no great thing. I’m sure there are more qualified Militarian who can do whatever you want.”

“Ah, Ms. Casteliano, don’t be so humble. I’ve been watching you for some time. In fact, I know all about you.” He picked up a file folder on his desk and thumbed through it. “Raised on Tortuga by an ailing grandmother. You learned to fly by crop dusting cotton for extra cash and then turned your attentions to starship racing. In fact, you’re pretty good at it, right?”

Gwyn shrugged. “Fair, at best.”

“So modest. You were the Tortuga Flying Aces world champion four years running.” He showed her a picture of her in the winner’s circle, holding a large gold trophy.

Memories swarmed her mind. The last day Momma and Poppi saw me race. She looked out the window, fighting back tears.

The Admiral continued, “Until you suddenly stopped racing. Isn’t that so?”

Gwyn narrowed her eyes. “Got bored with it.”

“Bored? I think you found a more lucrative source of income.”

Gwyn breathed calmly. “And?”

“I know you’re a smuggler, Ms. Casteliano. In fact, I know you’re the best smuggler this side of Alpha Gaius. That’s why you’re here. I have a job for you.”

“Smuggling is illegal Commander Spearman.” Gwyn took a step back.

He tossed her file on his desk. “And, so is the job you’re going to do.”

“And if I refuse?” Gwyn crossed her arms over her chest, so the hidden dagger in her coat was in easy reach.

“Your grandmother won’t survive her next bout of pneumonia.”

Gwyn felt the knife within her fingers but didn’t close her hand around it. She surveyed her options. I’m trapped. She relaxed and dropped her hands to her side.

Commander Spearman placed a hand on Gwyn’s shoulder. “Look, you do this job. You and your grandmother will be set for life, and I will lose all the reports on your smuggling activity in this sector. There’s no reason for hostilities.”

Gwyn sighed. “What’s the job?”

“Let’s show Ms. Casteliano what she’ll be doing for us Lieutenant Commander.”

Adrik turned on the computer screen. The deep space image of a huge rock projected onto the wall.  “This is the Regalian Asteroid. It’s currently located thirty light years from Theta Nu, deep in Cardike Territory. We’ve received deep space readings that there are large deposits of crystalline energy underneath its surface. More than enough energy to power Raygus Prime for at least a hundred years. I suppose you can imagine what this means.”

He studied Gwyn’s face. “With these crystals, we would have the power to supply even the poorest areas of our sector for generations to come. Unfortunately, per the peace treaty of Old Earth, we can’t come within ten parsecs of their territory.” Admiral Spearman motioned to the asteroid on the screen. “I won’t ignore it. So, you and Lieutenant Commander Adrik are going to steal it. This operation is completely illegal, and if you’re caught, unauthorized. But, if you succeed. You’ll be rewarded.” Spearman’s steel colored eyes bored into her skin.

“Looks like I have no choice then.”

“No one has a choice. We do what we’re told. Adrik, have the supplies sent to Ms. Casteliano’s ship. You’re leaving at first light.”

Gwyn slapped the top of her alarm. “Stupid alarm.” She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and ran her fingers through her long hair before pulling it up into a loose knot. She slipped her jumpsuit back on, laced her boots, and headed to the galley.

She plopped down at the table, pushed a button on the synthesizer unit, and yawned. “Coffee, strong, extra cream. And add chocolate” The unit whirred and whistled before producing a piping hot cup of coffee. “Thank you.” She inhaled its rich aroma and smiled. If you were here Gran, you’d think this the best coffee ever. Gwyn took a small sip of the concoction, and the buzzer rang.” Gwyn peaked at the view screen.  Lieutenant Commander Adrik, waited. He was dressed in regulation blues.  She took a deep breath and licked her lips. Just what I need, a little eye-candy in my ship.

She turned on the communicator. “My aren’t you punctual, Lieutenant Commander Adrik. Give me a second. I just got my coffee. Would you like some?”

His voice crackled across the com, “Sure.”

“How do you take it? Black and strong, I’d guess.”

Laughter floated across the com. “You’d think, but how about strong with lots of cream and sugar.”

“Really?” Gwyn chuckled.

“Hey don’t judge.” A smile crossed his lips, and fine lines formed around his eyes.

“No judgement here. I just thought all you Militarian types were essential only kind of people.” Gwyn pushed the button on the synthesizer.  “Coffee, strong, extra cream and sugar.” The unit whirred, whistled and produced a light-colored cup of coffee in a bright pink cup with yellow daisies. Gwyn snorted. “Ok, I have your coffee. I’ll meet you at the cargo bay door.”

Gwyn handed Adrik the mug. He lifted his eyebrow. “Pink with yellow flowers? Is this some kind of joke, Ms Casteliano?”

“Well, no, but it is funny. My synthesizer recalls personal preferences. I think the last person to ask for coffee with extra cream and sugar was my Gran. So, you get her cup.” Gwyn smiled and motioned him toward the cockpit. “My ship isn’t as big as you’re probably used to, but that’s part of her charm.” Gwyn patted the doorway. “The Pleiades is maneuverable and fast. She’ll hold four comfortably in the cockpit. Pilot, co-pilot and two passengers. There’s my chair.” She pointed to the chair on her left, and you can sit there.” Gwyn motioned to the brown leather chair adjacent to hers. “Since you’re on for the ride, you’re going to learn to co-pilot her. Just in case. I want you fully trained before we enter Cardike territory.”

Adrik climbed behind the navigation station and settled down into his chair. “Not much leg room, huh?”

Gwynn glanced at his long legs. “Well, it’s adjustable, and since it’s just the two of us, you can slide that lever at the bottom and move it back at least a foot. There should be plenty of leg room for you then. Lieutenant Commander.”

Adrik pulled the lever towards him, and the chair sprung back several inches. “That should just about do it.” He surveyed the cockpit. The area was small, but with the chair moved, it was manageable. “This space kind of reminds me of Commander Spearman’s old auto collection. He has a large half-ton pickup truck. Ever seen one of those?”

Gwynn smiled and shook her head. “Not in person. Only people on Tortuga with old gassers have way more money than I do.”

Lights blinked and whirled across the dashboard. The com buzzed.

Gwynn pushed the com button. “Yes.”

A voice crackled through the cabin. “We have a delivery for Lieutenant Commander Adrik.”

“He’ll be right with you.” Gwyn motioned to the com button in front of Adrik’s chair. “That button right there answers the communicator. Every function a pilot needs is duplicated on your side. I’ll show you the ropes after we unload the cargo.”

Adrik nodded. “Speaking of cargo, is there a good place to hide the storage containers and pulse cutters? Shouldn’t need too much room.  Just don’t want them to fall into the wrong hands.”

“There are a couple of cubby holes in the cargo bay that should work fine, if you forget that you’ve seen them once this mission is over.”

“I think I can do that.” Adrik grinned and followed Gwyn to the cargo bay.

Gwyndalaria removed a panel in the cargo bay wall. “This area over here should be just about big enough.”

Adrik pushed the button and opened the cargo bay door. He motioned to his men. “Stack the supplies in there, and let me know when you’re done.”

One of the men grunted, “Yes, sir.”

Adrik grabbed his bag from atop the stack of containers. “So, Ms. Casteliano, where are my quarters?”

“Follow me.” She motioned to the rear of the ship and showed him to the small room nearest the engine compartment. “It’s not much, but I tried to fix it up for you. There are a communal bathroom and shower down the hall to the right. If you need it, there’s an extra shelf in there too for some of your personal things. I like to shower every night before I sleep, it just helps me rest better. So, you can shower before or after I do. I don’t much care. Just don’t be in there when I am.

Also, I only eat twice a day. You’re welcome to synthesize yourself breakfast, but I only drink a couple of cups of coffee in the morning, and on the rare occasion, I eat a chocolate croissant. Lunch is whenever we get a chance to eat, and supper is always about 6 o’clock. There’s a menu in the galley next to the synthesizer. It’s not fancy, but it’s pretty good food. Mostly old family recipes.” Gwyn paused, “Have I forgotten anything?”

“Sounds like you got the bases pretty well covered.” He tossed his bag onto the bed.

Adrik’s com badge beeped. “Sir, we’re done storing the containers. Do you need anything else?”

“No, head on out and report to Sergeant Ragents for your duty assignments while I’m gone.”

The badge beeped again. “Understood.”

Adrik gave the room another once over.

Gwyn leaned into the doorjamb. “Well, I need to secure the cargo doors, and I guess we can take off. You have everything?”

“Looks that way. Let me help you with those doors.”

***

“I’m picking up chatter on the sub band space frequency.” Adrik pulled the headset from its port so the noise broadcast through the cockpit. “Sounds like Cardikes. Listen.”

“Elio Raptoriu, systems are good. Sector sweeping now. Picking up nothing. All clear. Sensor sweep again in thirty minutes.”

“Definitely, Cardikes. So far, our shields are holding up. I paid a lot for that refurbished neutralizer on the hull. Let’s hope it does the trick and keeps our ship hidden.” Gwyn stared at the monitor. A large starcruiser was located less than five hundred miles from their current position. “If that ship goes the other direction, we shouldn’t have any problems. Adrik, how long until we reach the Regalian Asteroid?”

He monitored the computer and calculated the distance. “I believe we’ll be there in an hour or so.”

“Good. I’m ready to get out of this open space. It makes me nervous. There’s barely a rock to hide behind out here.”

Adrik started to replace the headset into the port.

“Just leave it out. It’s as dull as space dust out here, at least with it out I can hear some chatter now and again.” Gwyn double checked Adrik’s calculations and reconfirmed the course to the Regalian Asteroid.  “Have you given any thought about where to land on this thing?”

Adrik scrolled through his tablet. “The intelligence we received said that there’s a crater on the dark side. You should be able to set it down there.” He studied his tablet. “Looks like there’s a small cave three hundred yards due west of it, and that’s where the deposit is.”

Gwyn entered the course for the crater and set the Pleiades to intersect it.

“Do you see this?” Adrik pointed at the monitor, as alarm bells shouted. “Looks like three more Cardike vessels have appeared from nowhere. Are our shields still holding?”

Gwyn studied the screen and checked the shield readings. “Shields are at ninety percent and holding. The neutralizer…” A loud pop echoed through the cabin, above the sound of the alarms. “Caracho! The neutralizer just went out. We’re visible.”

They watched the monitor as the four Cardike vessels changed course in their direction. “We’ve been spotted, Gwyn.”

“Really?” Gwyn huffed. “How far are we from that asteroid?”

“About five minutes out. Can you out run them?”

“I can, but they’ll know where we are. Let’s just hope that energy reading will mask our signature once we land. I’m going to fly in fast. So, buckle up and hold on.”

Adrik strapped into his seat, as the asteroid came into view. “Look at the size of that thing.” The asteroid shimmered an incandescent green and covered most of the view screen.

“How far are the Cardikes from us?”

Adrik checked the monitor. “They’re closing in, but we can make it.”

“Looks like the crater’s behind that mountain over there. Hold on. This rock’s going to have its own gravity. As fast as we’re coming in, it’s going to be shaky.” Gwyn’s white knuckled hands forced the throttle down.

Adrik braced himself against the seat, as the ship bounced and shimmied through the asteroid’s atmosphere. “How much can this ship take?”

Gwyn smiled. “She’s got a lot more to give. Don’t worry. Come on, baby. You can do it.” The Pleiades shook and sputtered, leaving a trail of flame behind her as she burned through the atmosphere.  “Look, Adrik. There’s the crater.”  Gwyn hit the brake, jarring the ship backward as she flew inside the crater, and slowed considerably. She studied the navscreen. “There. The cave. Looks large enough for us to hide her in.” Gwyn flew the ship inside. She cut her speed again, and traveled the dark, but stopped as soon as she felt she was out of sight. She set the Pleiades down on the cave floor.

Adrik watched the ships on the screen as the Cardike vessels neared the Regalian Asteroid. “They know we’re here, but looks like they can’t see us. You were right the energy signal is blocking our ship.” Adrik unbuckled his seat belt and stretched his long legs.

“I’m always right.” Gwyn smiled. “But, don’t for a second think we’ve really lost them. They’ll find us.  This cave has only bought us some time. Let’s see if we can find that energy source, and get out of here. I don’t have any desire to be a guest in a Cardike Prison Camp.”

Chapter Two

Adrik’s headlamp bounced off the cave walls. “These energy signatures are off the charts. How’re you doing with those containers?”

Gwyn pulled on the lead rope. “I think I’ve got the hang of it. I haven’t really dealt with hovering containers before. You’d think it’d be easy. You know, you pull they follow. But, seems to me they have a mind of their own.” Gwynn straightened the lead rope and the containers followed suit.

“It is definitely an art form. Some people never get it. But, you seem to be doing fine.”

“Thanks.”

The end of the container train bashed into the wall.

“Maybe you spoke too soon.”

Gwynn looked up at the rock formations hanging from the ceiling. “Those look menacing. Don’t suppose I could knock them loose, do you?”

Adrik grinned. “I think it would take a little more than a bump from those containers to knock them down.”

A chill climbed up Gwyn’s back. “I never really liked caves. My Papa, on the other hand, Gran’s husband, he was a real caver. He charted most of the caves on Tortuga.”

“Caves don’t bother me, but I prefer open space to these confined spaces. You know, if I had to choose.”

“I understand that. Papa was just the opposite though, he always said, “There’s nothing as beautiful in space as in the spaces underground.”

Adrik pushed ahead down the cave. “He sounds like a thrill seeker.”

“Gwyn cocked her head to the side. “Maybe, but between you and me, I think he was more interested in what he could find underground. He was always searching for that next big treasure.”

Adrik paused and studied Gwyn’s face. “Did he find any?”

She shrugged. “He found a few, but someone with more money and technology always seemed to swoop in and take his prize.  He never could get ahead.”

“That’s terrible.”

“That’s life on Tortuga, Adrik.”

“Never been there. Came close a time or two.”

“Well, you know, he’d grumble and complain, but he never gave up. That’s the way we are there. Determined.”

“Guess that’s where you get it, huh? Your tenacity.”

“I suppose.” Gwynn wiped a tear from her eye. “You have a family, Adrik?”

“Not really. My parents were Militarian. They served on the Seven Suns Colony.”

A strained silence filled the air.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I don’t remember them, not really. After the accident, Admiral Spearman’s squad was sent to find survivors, of course, he was Commander Spearman back then. There were three of us.”

“That’s all? Out of the entire colony?”

Adrik nodded. “Yes. It was bad. I don’t know how we survived.”

She placed a hand on his shoulder.

“But you did.” She Squeezed him gently.

“Yes. The Admiral found me, and for some reason, he decided to raise me instead of putting me in the orphanage with the other two children.”

“You were fortunate. I hear Militarian orphanages are horrible. Gran always used to say, “Eat all your food Gwyn, there are children in the Militarian orphanage going to bed without dinner tonight.”

He laughed. “I don’t think it’s that bad.”

“Well, you know what parents say to get their kids to eat.”

He nodded. “I remember.”

“So, where’d you grow up then? Was Admiral Spearman a spacer, or what?”

“No, he was assigned to Raygus Prime. He raised me at his villa, and when I was old enough, he enrolled me in the Officer’s Program.  Admiral Spearman’s been good to me, so I can’t complain. I’ve always been Militarian. It’s in my blood.” Adrik’s surveyor beeped. “It’s up ahead. There’s a sharp curve to the right and then a few feet after that, another to the left. The energy deposit is right around that second turn. “Here, let me help you with those containers.”

As they rounded the second curve, a bluish-white light filled the cave. Gwynn squinted as her eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness. “Looks like we’ve found it. What are your readings?”

“Off the chart. Admiral Spearman was right. There’s enough energy here to power several planets. I’d feel better harvesting it if this asteroid was in our space, though.”

“You and me both. We better get it loaded. Who knows where those Cardikes are. I’ll feel much safer when we’re back on board the Pleiades.”

Adrik handed Gwyn a cutter. “Flip the switch on the side, and it goes live. Point it at the bottom of the crystal, and it’ll cut it flush against the floor.” He pointed his cutter at a crystal nearest his feet. “Like this.” A red beam flashed from the end of the cutter and sliced through the base of the crystal.

A shrill sound filled the chamber, and Gwyn winced. “What’s that noise?”

Adrik turned off the cutter. “I’m not sure.” He checked the energy readings. “The energy signatures appear to have increased. I don’t know how that’s even possible. Gwyn cut a crystal and let me watch the reading.”

Gwyn aimed her cutter at the floor and sliced another piece from the cave floor. The whine filled the air again.

The readings spiked. “Seems like every time we cut the crystals the energy spikes. Do you realize what this means? We have enough crystal here to power every planet in our system. This is amazing.” He sliced through some more crystals, and the whine intensified. He paused. “If we’re going to harvest these, we’re going to have some earplugs. You have any?”

“Yes. I’ll go get them.”

Gwyn searched the galley. “I know you’re here somewhere.” She pulled open a draw next to the sink. “Got to be here.” She rummaged through the drawer but came up empty. “Think, Gwyndalaria…” She closed her eyes and thought about the last time she needed earplugs. Her eyes flew open. “Engine room.” She rushed down the hall, and into the engine room. She pulled open the second drawer of her tool chest and retrieved two pairs of ear plugs. Gwyn started to shove one into her ear when she heard an alarm buzz from the cockpit. She ran down the hall. Alarms screamed, and she studied the navscreen. “Cardikes. I knew it wouldn’t be long.”

She rushed out of the ship. “Adrik, we’ve got Cardikes, and they’re closing in. We have to get out of here.”

His eyes widened. “Can’t leave until these crystals are loaded.”

Gwyn tossed him a pair of earplugs. “We’ve got fifteen minutes tops. How fast can we get this done?”

He shrugged. “Don’t know. Maybe ten minutes? You load. I’ll cut.” He aimed his cutter and started cutting crystals from the door.

Gwyn grabbed her gravity pistol and shot the loose crystals. She directed them to the cargo containers and lowered them into the containers.

Adrik called to her over the noise. “Haven’t seen one of those before.”

Gwyn shouted. “Got a friend in Tortuga. Rich, has more money than he could ever use. Spends it making toys. It’s one of his designs.”

“Sounds like I need to meet this friend.” Adrik cut the last crystal from the floor. He picked it up and dropped it into a container.

They quickly fastened the lids then pulled them to the ship. Gwyn pushed the containers into the cargo hold and replaced the wall panels. “Can’t even tell their there.”

“Good if we’re boarded by Cardikes, they can’t know about this.”

Gwyn scowled. “We better not be boarded. Let’s get out of here.”

Adrik and Gwyn fastened their belts, and Gwyn entered the lift off sequence. “They’ll be here any minute. You suppose this cave has another exit?”

Adrik shrugged. “Not sure. If I get you closer to the surface, can your ship’s lasers cut a hole through the rock?”

“She should be able to. Lead me on.”

Adrik studied the screen. “How good are you at flying in reverse?”

Gwyn cut a look in his direction. “Not a problem.”

“Good, behind us a hundred spaces, turn right.”

The burners on the Pleiades fired up and Gwyn shoved her into reverse. She hooked a right, just as the Cardike vessel entered the chamber.

“You think they saw us?”

“No. And, the residual energy in the chamber should mask our ship.”

Adrik continued to plot their exit. “Looks like here is the best chance to fire our way out.”

Gwyn flipped a control switch and turned on the lasers. They cut steadily through the hard rock until an opening appeared, just large enough for her ship.  She maneuvered her vessel through the hole. A Cardike vessel floated in the thin atmosphere above the hole. “Caracho!” Gwyn hit the control panel. “We’ve got to run for it. Hold on.”

Adrik grabbed hold of the strap on his seat as the Pleiades lurched into space. The Cardike vessel followed close behind. He studied the sensor panel. “Their charging their weapons.”

Gwyn pulled a lever and strengthened the shields. “Stand by, Adrik this is going to be…” A hard thud hit the side of the ship, and the Pleiades shook violently. Gwyn grasped, shoved the throttle to the side, then pulled up. She maneuvered her ship until she was over the top of the Cardike ship. “They don’t have great sensors on top.”

“How do you know that?”

“Let’s just say, I had a job.” She grinned and her brown eyes glistened.

“If we can just get low enough on the ship…” Gwyn lowered the Pleiades until it rested on top of the Cardike vessel. “That should give us about twenty minutes or so. Enough time to get the neutralizer fixed. I hope.” Gwyn stood. “Stay here and keep an eye on the screen. I’ll be in the engine room.” She pointed to the button on Adrik’s left. “Push that yellow button if you need me, okay?”

“Sure, no problem.” Adrik turned his seat so that it faced the pilot’s chair. He propped his feet up in the chair.

“You get that leather dirty, and you’re cleaning it.” Gwyn hustled out the door.

Adrik rested his eyes. She’s quite a woman. He dozed for what seemed only minutes when Gwynn pushed his feet into the floor.

“Get up. We’ve got to go.” She flopped down into her seat.

Adrik stretched and refastened his seatbelt. “I’m ready.” Drool hung from the side of his mouth. He wiped it away.

Gwyn rolled her eyes. “Didn’t look ready to me.”

“I was just resting. You didn’t need me.”

“Well, I do now. You see that blue button?”

Adrik started in front of him. “No.”

“To your right. Right there.”

Adrik looked around. “I don’t see it.”

“Ugh! You men are all the same. Adrik, on your right. Midway up the panel. Do you see the button?”

He nodded.

“Push it.”

The neutralizer vroomed to life.

Gwyn carefully lifted the Pleiades from the top of the Cardike vessel. “Okay. We should be good to go.” She pushed the throttle forward, and the ship zoomed away from the Cardike ship. Gwyn set a course for Raygus Prime and turned on the ship’s auto-pilot. “I need a shower and some food. Meet me in the galley after you get cleaned up.”

“So, it’s safe to go to my quarters? You can just leave here?”

Gwyn nodded her head and her ponytail behind her. “Yep. My auto-pilot is state of the art. If the Pleiades needs me, she’ll let me know.”

***

Gwyn ran a comb through her wet hair, and then pulled the loose hair from between the teeth of the comb. She dropped it into the trash can. Hope it’s normal breakage and not side-effects of space. I really need some downtime. She studied her face in the mirror. Fine lines had formed around her eyes. She sighed, getting older, but still young enough to get into trouble. She rubbed hydrating cream into her face and pulled a towel from the hanger on the back of the door. She wrapped it tight around her body and tucked the end into the top. Gwyn gathered her things and stored them in the bathroom cabinet.

A knock resounded through the bathroom.

“Yes?”

“So, I thought I might take a shower?” Adrik’s voice drifted through the door.

“I’m done.” Gwyn waved her hand in front of the panel next to the door and it whooshed open. Her eyes widened as Adrik came into view. He was leaning on the door. His bare chest was finely sculpted and dark tan. She followed the lines of his chest down to the arrow between his six-pack abs and blushed. “Don’t believe in clothes?”

Adrik smirked. “It’s not the Militarian way. Bother you, princess?”

Gwyn rolled her eyes, but couldn’t resist another quick glance at his toned form. “No, not at all. Whatever makes you comfortable.” She brushed past him, and her shoulder contacted his bare chest.

Adrik watched her walk away. Her wet towel clung to her body, revealing every curve. Gwyn waved her hand in front of her door, and it opened. She stepped through. He turned to go into the shower room, and a towel hit him in the back of the head.

“Next time, try a towel, Lieutenant. You shouldn’t be that proud.”

A smile broke across Adrik’s face. He quickly turned, just in time to see Gwyn’s bare shoulder go back through the door. The door clicked shut behind her.

Gwyn quickly dressed in a pair of black cargo pants, and a tank top. She fastened her hair wet into a high ponytail before she slipped her socked feet into combat boots and laced them. She gave herself a once over in the mirror. Not bad. Not bad at all. Gwyn smiled, and her stomach growled. She waved her hand by the control panel and her door opened. Lost in thoughts she walked the long hallway to the galley.

Adrik was seated behind the counter. “Nice to see you dressed, princess.”

Gwyn rolled her eyes, “You, too.” She turned the dial on the food synthesizer and a plate of tacos appeared. “You eaten yet?”

“No.”

“Want some tacos?”

Adrik nodded. “Sure.”

Gwyn handed him the plate and ordered herself another plate of tacos. She sat down in front of him.

“So, I know you were born into the Militarian, but have you ever thought about doing something else?” Gwynn took a bite of her taco.

Adrik spoke through a mouth full of food. “Not really. I believe in the virtue of the Militarian, and I’ve always been attracted to order. I’m a pretty simple guy.” Adrik laughed, and his blue eyes glistened.

“I doubt that. You seem far from simple, Adrik.”

He shrugged and took another bite of taco.

“You handled yourself really well back there in the caves. I could use a man like you in my co-pilot chair.” She put the last bite of taco into her mouth and picked up another.

“Thanks, but Militarian for life.” Adrik lifted the edge of his black T-shirt, revealing an eagle tattoo on his shoulder.

“Too bad. I heard you Militarian are all lifers.” Gwynn grabbed Adrik’s plate and stacked it on top of hers. She placed them in the sonic dishwasher.

“Not all of us, but most, and I’m contracted for life.”

She gazed into his eyes and laughed. “It’s a shame I can’t kill you.”

Adrik cocked his eyebrow, “That doesn’t sound pleasant, Princess.”

Gwynn glared. “Look, I’m not a princess. Far from it. Just call me Gwyn, alright?”

He lifted his hands palms facing her and pretended to fend her off. “Ok. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Gwyn punched him in the shoulder. “It’s all good.”

“Friends?” Adrik smiled.

“Friends.” Gwyn took a step backward. “I have a few diagnostics to run in the engine room before we get back to Raygus Prime. If you want, you can hang out here, in your room, or the cockpit. Doesn’t matter to me. Just keep your clothes on.” Gwyn opened a cabinet and grabbed a toolbox.

“I think I’ll take a nap. I won’t get much rest once I get home. Wake me up when we come into orbit?”

“Sure thing. Catch you later.” She slung her toolbox over her shoulder, and Adrik watched her leave.

Chapter Three

Admiral Spearman’s face filled the cockpit view screen. “I’ll have Corporals Emzadi, and Nguent meet you at the landing platform. Adrik, oversee the offload, and then meet me in my office.”

“Yes, sir.” Adrik twisted a knob and closed the view screen.

“Guess, this will be good bye.” His dimples brightened his face when he smiled, but his eyes looked sorrowful.

“I guess so. As soon as I get paid, I’m getting off this rock. I need a vacation.” Gwyn lowered the Pleiades onto the landing platform. It settled with a slight thud.

“Well, let’s get this unloaded, and you can be on your way.” He turned to leave, but Gwyn grabbed his arm. “Listen, don’t tell anyone about those cargo bays.”

Adrik glanced at her fingers, then looked into her eyes. “Look, Gwyn, those cargo holds aren’t my concern. Just don’t get stopped and get searched, and you’ll be fine. I don’t think anyone can find them.”

Her fingers tightened. “Adrik.” She searched his eyes.

“I’m not including the information in my reports. But, I can’t promise you that if I ever stop you, that I won’t search them.” He pulled from her grasp. “Meet me in the cargo bay.”

Gwyn watched him walk away, “Militarian.” She rolled her eyes.

Adrik pulled the last container from the hidden cargo bays and replaced the panels over their hiding places. He opened the outside doors, and Corporals Emzadi and Nguent walked inside.

“We’ve orders to take these containers to the lab. The order, sir.” Emzadi handed a tablet to Adrik.

Adrik read through the order. “Looks good.” He placed his thumb on the bottom right of the tablet, and the screen turned green. He returned it to Corporal Emzadi. “See that you’re careful with those containers.”

The corporal nodded. “Will do, Sir.”

Corporal Nguent fastened the hover cargo nets around the containers. He turned them on, and the containers floated off the ground. He grabbed the lead rope. “Ready, Emzadi?”

Emzadi grabbed the rope connected to the top of the last container. “Yep. Let’s get these to the lab. I’m ready for lunch.”

Corporal Nguent’s stomach rumbled, “Me, too.” They pulled the containers from the ship.

Adrik watched the men and containers cross the landing platform to the main tower. “So, you want to follow me to Admiral Spearman’s office?” He stepped out of the ship.

“Sure.” Gwyn closed the doors and followed Adrik across the short distance to the building.

The automatic doors slid open, and Gwyn stepped inside. “Stairs. Again. Someday someone really should put in an elevator.”

Adrik laughed. “That will never happen on Raygus Prime.” He climbed the stairs, Gwyn close behind. She paused on the first-floor landing. She watched the blue cargo containers float high into the air beside her. A soldier stood by the open railing on the third floor. She guided the containers onto the loading area and pulled them until they were securely hovering above the floor. She closed the railing. “So, the lab’s on the third floor?”

“Yep. That lab deals with all biological technologies.” Adrik climbed the next stair case. “You coming?”

Gwyn started up the stairs behind him, then paused. “Biological technologies? Why would they be taking the crystals to the biological lab?”

“Not sure.” Adrik shrugged, “Aren’t crystals alive, at least on a molecular level?”

Gwyn frowned. “I guess. Just seems odd to me. Wouldn’t you think they’d go to the energy lab or something?” She stepped off the stair case onto the fifth-floor landing.

Adrik paused, “Well, I guess they want to get any bacteria off them first.” He stared at Gwyn. “What do you care anyway? Just getting your money and leaving, remember?”

She stuck her chin out and lifted her hands in the air. “I don’t care. Just curious. Aren’t you ever curious?”

“No.”

She cocked her eyebrow. “Really?”

“Doesn’t pay to be curious around here, Gwyn. Just forget about it.”

They climbed the remaining stairs to the fifth floor in silence. Admiral Spearman stood in the doorway of his office. “Come in, my girl. Come in.” He smiled.

Gwyn muttered under her breath. “His attitude has changed. Like he’s a different person.”

Adrik poked her with his elbow and whispered. “Sometimes you need to keep your mouth closed. This is that time.”

Gwyn glared at him and snarled. “You’re just full of tips today, aren’t you?”

Admiral Spearman stepped inside his office. And the pair followed him. He sat in a leather high-backed chair behind his desk. “So, you only had a little trouble with the Cardikes. That’s good. So far, your ship hasn’t been traced back to us.” The Admiral scrolled through his tablet. “There is a bounty on your ship. So, I’d keep it low for a while.” He offered his tablet to Gwyn.

Gwyn took it. As she read the notice, a scowl traced her lips. “Fifty-million unites? Every spacer bounty hunter’s going to be looking for me!” She set the tablet on the desk with a thud. Gwyn crossed the room to the large picture window. She wrapped her arms around her chest and studied the capitol dome. She sighed. “I can’t leave Raygus Prime until this cools off. Caracho!”

Adrik placed his hand on her shoulder. “Well, maybe you can vacation her for a while?”

“I guess I’ll have to.” She squinted at him. “My ship’s not safe out there on the platform. It’s got to be hidden.”

Adrik nodded.

Admiral Spearman cleared his voice. “Of course, we’ll store it in a hanger while we arrange accommodations for you.”

“There’s no need. I can stay on my ship.”

The Admiral shook his head. “No, I can’t allow that.”

Gwyn scowled. “What? Why not?”

“If someone finds your ship, you won’t be safe. I insist you stay away from it, once it’s been stored.” He glanced out the window. The Pleiades was parked alone in the center of the landing platform.

She slumped. “Fine. But, it’s not forever. I won’t stay on Raygus Prime any longer than I have to.”

Admiral Spearman pressed the com button on his wrist. It beeped.

“Yes?”

“Lee-Alla. Can you arrange quarters for Ms. Casteliano?”

“Yes.”

Adrik stepped forward, “Sir, that won’t be necessary. I have a guest quarters. She can stay with me.”

Admiral Spearman studied Adrik’s face. “Lee-Alla, belay that.”

“Yes, sir.” The com clicked off.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Adrik.” Admiral Spearman scratched his grey beard.

“Admiral. I can make sure she’s safe. I have leave stored up, and I can watch her. Who better than me to protect her?”

“I don’t need someone to watch me.” Gwyn shoved her hands in her pockets. “I can handle myself.”

Adrik laughed. “Oh, I know you can. But, for the safety of the citizens of Raygus Prime. I want you to stay with me. If a bounty hunter comes after you, they won’t care about who gets in their way. The best place, Sir, is for her to stay with me.”

The Admiral watched them for a long moment. “I think you’re right, Adrik. But, take her to our summer house. That way she’s far away from the city and the general population.”

Adrik smiled. “Sure thing, Admiral.”

Gwyn stared out the window at the Pleiades. “I have things I have to get out of my ship before I can go anywhere.”

Admiral Spearman motioned to the door. “Take her to get her stuff, then take my personal cruiser. Get out of town.”

“Come on, Gwyn. Let’s get you out of here.” Adrik headed for the door.

“Fine.” She followed him through the door and down the stairs.

Gwyn threw her duffle into Admiral Spearman’s personal land cruiser then climbed in beside Adrik. “So, summer house?” She strapped herself into the seat.

“It’s out on Lake Chaquandri.” Adrik entered the address into the guidance system and pushed the start button. The cruiser shot forward. “It’ll be a couple hours. Might as well sit back and take a nap. I’m going to.” He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

“You’re always sleeping.”

He opened an eye. “I don’t get near enough. Rise at four in bed by twelve. Welcome to my world.”

“You’re not planning those hours now that we’re back on Raygus Prime are you, because if you are, just let me sleep.”

“Nah. I’m on leave, and it starts now. See you in a couple of hours.”

Gwyn stared out the window. The sprawling city passed by in a blur, and soon a rolling country side replaced the rows and rows of buildings. She yawned and leaned her head back against the seat. She cast one more glance out the window and shut her eyes. “Maybe I will nap.”

“Wake up, Princess.” Adrik gently squeezed Gwyn’s knee.
“We’re here.”

Gwyn opened her eyes and wiped the moisture from the corners of her lips. She blinked. “I feel like we just left.”

Adrik laughed. “That’s why I always sleep when I travel.” He opened the door to the cruiser and climbed out.

The air outside was warm but had a definite autumn chill behind the heavy breeze. Gwyn tossed her duffle over her shoulder and closed the door. The wind rustled her hair, and small chill bumps formed on her bare arms. She hugged her shoulders. “Might need a long-sleeved shirt out here.” In the distance, the whistle call of a bird danced through the trees, and she smiled.

Adrik rummaged through his bags in the back of the car, and then tossed her a long sleeve shirt from out of his bag. “It’s always about fifteen degrees cooler out here. It’s not so great during the winter, but it makes spectacular summers.”

Gwyn slid the shirt over her head. It was warm and smelled faintly of mint. She inhaled deeply as it crossed over her face. Her skin radiated with heat, and for a moment she thought it might be too warm to wear, but changed her mind as the scent enveloped her. Her eyes sparkled, “Thanks, Adrik. It’ll help.”

“No problem.” Adrik threw his bags over his shoulder. He pointed to a dirt trail between two bushes. “It’s a short walk up the path. Keep an eye out for drawndies – the snakes out here are deadly.  I haven’t seen any in a while, but just in case.” He started up the trail.

“I hate snakes.” Gwyn followed. Tree limbs crossed the road like a naturally covered bridge. The trail wound uphill and to the left. Gwyn paused when she reached the top of the hill. “How much further?”

“Not much. It’s passed that ben, then down in the valley.” He motioned to a thicket of trees nearest the water. “Over behind those trees. You can’t see it until you get right up on it. Camouflage.”

“Oh,” She picked up her pace. Her boots crunched on the rocky path as they traveled downhill.

Adrik paused in front of a large spruce tree and waved his hand in the air in a star pattern. The air around him shimmered, before returning to normal. “Security systems are off. We can go through now.”

Gwyn’s eyes widened. “State of the art. I’d like to get my hands on that cloaking system. Is it biometric?”

“Yep. Only myself and the Admiral stay programmed to. All our guests have to be programmed into the system. Come over here. I’ll scan you in.”

Gwyn stepped in front of Adrik. The air shimmered again. This time a green light scanned her eyes. The system beeped, and Gwyn took a step backward. She squinted trying to readjust to the sunlight.

“Follow me.” Adrik walked past the spruce and into a garden maze. He followed the curve of the shrubs until the pathway opened into a large garden. The sweet fragrance of roses and honeysuckle wafted on the air. “The Admiral had the mazes built to remind him of an English garden. He saw one in a book once. At one time the country of England, it’s on Old Earth, had lots of them. At least that’s what he said.”

“I know where the country of England is. I went to school.”

Adrik frowned. “Well, I didn’t know. You’d be surprised by how many people have never heard of England.”

“Well, I have. Gran made sure I didn’t miss anything in my education.” Gwyn sat her duffle on the ground. “The roses are beautiful! I’ve never seen so many colors.” She grabbed a blossom between her thumb and forefinger and bent down to smell it. “It’s lovely. Gran would love these.”

Adrik plucked a yellow rose from a bush and handed it to Gwyn. “For you.”

She blushed. “Thanks. No one’s ever given me a rose before. They’re so expensive.”

“Well, we have them in spades, so help yourself to as many as you want.” He retrieved a remote from his pocket and clicked it. The air shimmered again, and a cottage with a thatched roof emerged just beyond the center of the garden.

“The Admiral has the very best, huh? I’ve never seen a house like this.” Gwyn picked up her bag and followed Adrik to the front door. It was wooden and massive with wrought-iron scrollwork on its surface. “This place is magnificent, Adrik. Really. And you grew up here?”

“Not exactly. We lived in the city during the year, but we spent most of my summers out here until I turned sixteen and went to the academy. After that, only a week or two a year. “He opened the door. “Let me show you to your room.”

“I’d like that.”

Adrik ushered her inside the house and closed the door behind them.

Chapter Four

Gwyn gazed out the glass window that opened onto Lake Chaquandri. A large purple and green waterfowl stood on one leg at the edge of the water. It shifted from one foot to the other, spread its wings and soared into the sky. Gwyn followed its path as it drifted on the wind, and then dove head first into the water. It pulled up at the last second, with a silver fish in its beak.  A faint smile traced her lips. More pilots should be ornithologists. She turned from the window and plopped down on the overstuffed leather couch centered in the living room.

“Morning, Gwyn.” Adrik smiled, but his face still bore traces of sleep. His hair stood in all directions.

She laughed. “Morning. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? Ugh, your hair doesn’t quite fit your right.”

“Bed head? Well, I was asleep. Coffee before beauty. You had some yet?”

“Not yet, but I’d love some. By the way, have you heard anything from Admiral Spearman?”

“Not yet. No calls. Nothing. But, it’s not unusual. He stays so busy, and he knows you’re in good hands.”

“I guess.” Gwynn took the cup from Adrik.

“You guess?”

“That’s not what I mean.” She took a sip of her coffee. “It’s perfect. You know me so well.”

“Well, maybe not you, but I have gotten to know your routine.” He sat down beside her and took a sip of his own coffee.

“Oh, I don’t know. I think you know me about as well as anyone does, better than most.” She took another drink. “This really is good. It tastes a lot like the Spanish coffee we have on Tortuga.”

Adrik smiled and his blue eyes danced. “It should. It’s imported.”

“Really?” Gwyn gave him a puzzled look. “You Militarian are so many times at odds with yourself. Imported coffee, this lake house. Old gassers.” She shook her head.

“We live by a code, Gwyn. But, we’re people, too. So many of us live such stressful lives, that it’s good when we can destress and enjoy pleasures like imported coffee, gardening, fishing, or restoring old gassers.”

“I suppose.” Gwyn took another sip. “Let’s just say that I find it surprising.”

“We often are to outsiders. But, I’m glad I’ve had a chance to influence your preconceptions.”

“Preconceptions, prejudices. I guess they are all the same. It’s the biggest issue to the divided planet system. You can’t really get to know anyone outside of your culture.” Gwyn cast a glance out of the window.

“We all have them, Gwyn.” He followed the path of her eyes. “The birds out here are beautiful, aren’t they? I’ve often thought pilots could learn a lot about flying just from watching them.”

She nodded.

“You know. We live secluded in our own little bubbles. So, we don’t know what to expect when we get together with someone who isn’t like us.” Adrik put his arm around her shoulder.

The heat between them burned like fire. “So, this coffee is from Tortuga, huh?”

“Yep. There’s a city in the northern mountains called Malaga. They have their own coffee manufacturer, called, “Las Nubes.”

“I’ve heard of it. Never been there, though.”

“The Admiral found it at a cafe while on leave from one of his assignments. He searched the manufacturer out, and has been ordering it ever since.”

“Well, I might have to visit there after I get off this rock, and get paid.” Gwyn huffed.

Silence filled the room.

“I haven’t forgotten he hasn’t paid me.” She set her cup on the coffee table.

“I’m sure he plans to pay you. Once all of this cools down.” Adrik set his cup next to hers. “We don’t have to wait for him to call. If you want, we can go to the Admiral’s office and contact him. He has a direct line from here to his office.”

Gwyn stood. “Yes, as nice as it is here, I’m anxious to get back on my ship, and go home.”

“Well, let’s go speak with the admiral.” Adrik led her down a narrow hall and into a large cedar paneled room. He stopped behind Admiral Spearman’s mahogany desk. “You can come and speak with him anytime.” Adrik opened the top drawer and exposed a row of buttons. “Just press this button to turn it on and off. Got it?”

Gwyn nodded. “Sounds easy enough.”

Adrik pressed the button. The com beeped, and Lee-Alla answered.

“Admiral Spearman’s office. Secretary first class, La- Alla speaking.”

“Lee-Alla, it’s Adrik. Is the Admiral available?”

“No. He’s down in the biolab monitoring an experiment. Just started a bit ago.” She paused, “He might be back in a couple of hours. Do you want to leave a message, or do you need me to transfer you to the lab?”

“No, just have him call me when he gets back to his office.” Adrik pushed the button and ended the call.

Gwyn sighed. “Maybe later?”

Adrik shrugged. “Who knows. I have an idea to pass the time, do you care for a stroll through the garden maze?”

“Sure. Beats cleaning my pistol for the sixth time.” She followed Adrik from the office, and out into the garden. He led her down a winding path, and paused in front of a marble bench, and sat down. A large three-tiered fountain adorned with horse heads, and cherubs filled the center of the garden. Water splashed from the top and sprayed small water droplets into the air.

“Have a seat, Gwyn.” He patted the bench next to him. “This has always been my favorite spot.”

She sat beside him. Their knees touched and she felt the heat throbbing in her leg. Her pulse quickened. She cleared her voice. “So, who built this fountain?”

“The Admiral hired a contractor from Alpha Gaius. He patterned it from a sketch some old earth artist did. Not sure which one. I was pretty young when it was built.”

The water flowed from the horses’ mouths and cascaded down the tiers. It pooled into the bottom chamber.

Gwyn wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “You getting hot? The twin suns are really beating down this morning.”

“A little.” His blue eyes searched her face. “Want to get in the fountain?”

Gwyn scrunched her nose. “My clothes will get wet.”

“Well, it’s not deep. Just roll up your pants legs.” Adrik kicked off his boots. “Or strip down. Makes no difference.”

Gwyn unlaced the tops of her boots and slid her feet out. She loosened her belt and dropped her cargo pants. “I always wear boy shorts. Just in case.” She pulled the pants from her legs and stood on the warm cobblestone path with her bare feet.

Adrik scanned her body with an approving glance.

Gwyn scowled.  “What? You checking me out, Lieutenant?”

Adrik smiled and looked away. “I wouldn’t dare.”

Gwyn laughed. “Beat you to the fountain.” She took off at a sprint and jumped over the fountain wall. She landed with a splash. Adrik right behind her.

Gwyn dipped her head under the water. “Thought this would be warmer than it is.” Her long black hair clung to the side of her face in long strings.

“Never said it was warm.” Adrik dunked his head. “It’s fed by a natural spring. The temperature never gets above about sixty-eight or so.” He leaned back and propped his long tan legs on the side of the fountain. His exposed skin warmed in the sunlight.

Gwyn crawled beside him and placed her feet next to his. “That’s better.” For a moment, they sat listening to the crackle of birds.

Adrik closed his eyes. “Been wanting to do something, Gwyn. Since we first met.” He paused.

Gwyn studied his chiseled jaw and high cheek bones. “And, what’s that?”

“This.” Adrik opened his eyes and pulled her to him.

She fell against his hard chest nothing separating them but the thin cotton of her tank.

Adrik held her tight and hungrily searched her lips.

Gwyn responded with a deep throated kiss. She straddled his chest and kissed his neck. Fire burned inside her.

Adrik moaned. He inhaled the deep woodsy scent of her hair. Then kissed the side of her face. He lips left hot trails burning into her skin.

She quickly found his lips again and tasted him. Her heart beat hard against him, and she lost all thought of restraint.

Adrik cupped her backside with one hand and ran his other hand up the back of her shirt. Her skin was hot to the touch.

He started to tug at her tank when an alarm sounded.

Gwyn stared at him wide-eyed. “What was that?”

“A proximity alarm. Someone’s out there. Grab your things and get inside.”

Adrik jumped from the fountain and ushered her into the house. He ran down the hall to the Admiral’s office. The security display showed two armed men in black. Every few paces they hit the force field with a stick. The force field shimmered.

Gwyn walked through the door, her hair up in a towel. She handed him a large towel, and he wrapped it around his body. Gwyn examined the screen. “What’s going on?”

“Two men are along the perimeter. They’re checking for holes in the shields. They must be bounty hunters. But, I don’t know how they found out you’re here.”

“Could someone have followed us from town?”

“I didn’t see anyone when we left, Gwyn. But, I don’t know. I’ll need to check the recording in the cruiser.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, will the shield hold?”

“It should. We have it serviced every six months. It was last serviced two months ago.”

They watched the men as they continued to hit the shield. “Get dressed, and I’ll keep an eye on them while you do.”

Gwyn nodded. “Okay. Won’t be but a few minutes. When I get out, you can change and I’ll keep watch.”

“Sounds good. I’m going to broadcast this feed to my personal alarm system, so I can keep an eye on the recording while I’m outside. Don’t worry if you hear noises outside.” Adrik fiddled with the buttons on his wristband. “Okay. It’s set.”

Concern colored her eyes. “Will it be safe? That’s quite a walk. What if they get through?”

Adrik smiled. “I’ll be fine.” He grabbed his pistol. “If I’m not back in twenty, grab your pistol and check on me, ok?” He kissed her forehead and turned to leave.

Gwyn reached out and touched his tattoo. “Militarian for life?”

Sadness filled Adrik’s eyes. “Always.”

She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. “See you in twenty.” Gwyn traveled down the hall until she reached the door to her room. She waved her hand in front of it, and it opened. She walked through.

Adrik pressed his way up the trail, pulse pistol in hand and firmly gripped in his left hand. His eyes scanned the clearing ahead, then he checked the projection from his wristband. Two men stood about three-hundred paces to his right. One was bent down examining the forcefield. The other was tossing rocks against the upper portion of the field. The field shimmered with each strike, but it held.

Adrik crept closer, obscured by brush. He studied the uniforms the men wore. Black shirts and pants. No insignias anywhere on them. The man standing tossed another rock against the field, and the bottom of an eagle tattoo poked from beneath his shirt. He gasped. “Militarian? What the tardung?”

The man kneeling stood, and cast a glance in Adrik’s direction. His eyes lingered for a moment, then looked away.

Close one. Adrik carefully lifted his wristband and scanned the men’s features into it. One of the men spoke into the communicator on his wrist, but Adrik couldn’t make out what he said, so he pressed the record button on his wristband.

The men left their position and climbed back into their black sedan cruiser. They sped off down the dirt road.

Adrik frowned and scanned the shield. “Ninety percent. Going to have to make some repairs before night falls.” He opened the force field port and started checking wires.

Gwyn sat behind Admiral Spearman’s desk. Her elbows rested against the desktop, and she played with her hair.  She curled wet strands around her long slender fingers, and then let them go.

Adrik walked through the door. “Something wrong?”

“Maybe. I’m not sure.” She leaned back in her chair.

Adrik stepped closer. “You can tell me.”

“Can I? I mean I’m stuck here on this lake with you, and apparently, I would have been better off without your help. At least in space, I have a few places to hide.” Gwyn looked up at him, her eyes were blood shot.

“Okay. I don’t know what’s going on? The men are gone. You’re safe. Why have you been crying? Are you scared?”

Gwyn glared at him. “As if you didn’t know, and no I’m not scared.”

Adrik took a step back. “I don’t know Gwyn. I don’t. What is it? What’s wrong.”

Gwyn lifted her pulse pistol and aimed it at his chest. “I want the truth from you. And, I want it now.”

Sweat formed on his brow, as he studied the pistol in her hand. “I am happy to tell you the truth. I’ve been doing it all along. What do you want to know?”

Gwyn pushed the safety off with her thumb. “Did you or did you not know, that the crystals that Admiral Spearman had us retrieve are alive? They are lifeforms, Adrik. Alive.” Anger radiated from her face.

Adrik frowned. “Gwyn, we’ve already talked about this. All crystals are alive on a molecular level. What’s the problem?”

Gwyn shook her head. “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it.”

Adrik huffed. “Gwyn, you give me way too much credit for things. Put the pistol down, and let’s talk.”

She studied him for a moment. “Put yours down first.”

Adrik removed his pistol from the holster and laid it on the desktop. “There. You happy?”

“No.” Gwyn set her pistol on the desk, but within hands reach.

Adrik sat down in the chair across from her. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Well, I will tell you, but be warned if at any minute, I think that you’ve lied to me, I won’t hesitate to blast a hole in you. I liked you Adrik. I really did.”

Adrik sighed. “Deal. I’ve nothing to hide. Now, tell me.”

“While you were checking the forcefield I tried to call Admiral Spearman.” The drawer was open beside her.

“And?”

“And, he thought he’d hung up. But, he didn’t. I heard him in the biochemical lab. Those crystals we brought him were not just crystals. They are a life form. And he knew it. He knew it all along.”

Adrik frowned. “What? I’ve never seen that intel.”

“Adrik, they were screaming when we cut them from the cave floor. It was their screams that spiked the energy.” Tears welled in her eyes. “They are alive, and you Militarian are experimenting on them!”

Adrik was silent. He studied her face. “That can’t be, Gwyn. I would know.”

“That’s what I thought, too. You would know. But, if I am to believe you, you didn’t know. Explain to me how that makes sense.”

Adrik stood.

Gwyn pulled the pistol back into her hand. She pointed it at his chest.

“Gwyn, I didn’t know. I’d never have volunteered to go on that mission if I did. Do you think I’m cold-blooded? Is there anything about me, that would lead you to think that I would participate in the destruction of another lifeform?” His voice shook.

She sighed. “Say, I believe you. What are we going to do about it? We can’t let those crystals be destroyed or experimented on? I can’t be responsible for their deaths. I’ve already done too much damage. I’ve got to fix this.”

“Gwyn. Are you sure you heard right? Let me call Admiral Spearman. I’ll find out.”

“Can I trust you to call him? I just don’t know.”

“Yes, Gwyn. You can.”

“Will he tell you the truth? According to you, he didn’t tell you about them to start with.” She stared into his eyes and took a deep breath. She exhaled. “Ok.” She motioned him to the communicator with the end of her pistol. “Call him.” Gwyn grabbed Adrik’s pistol and walked to the side of the room. “I’m not here.”

Adrik nodded, then pressed the com button.

“Good afternoon this is Lee-Alla, Admiral Spearman’s busy can I take a message?”

Adrik cleared his throat. “Lee-Alla, this is Adrik. I need to speak with him. It’s important.”

“He’s in the biochemical lab. It may be a minute before he picks up, but I’ll transfer you down there.”

Adrik smiled. “Thanks, Lee-Alla. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, Lieutenant Commander.” The line buzzed, and old Germanic marching music flooded the room.

Admiral Spearman’s voice broke across the com. “Hello. Adrik. Did Ms. Casteliano tell you she spoke to me earlier? I was surprised to find out that people were outside the forcefield, but that woman has a heavy price on her head. Stands to reason someone would sell her out at some point, I guess.”

“She told me. I was surprised people where already out there, too. It’s only been a few days.” Adrik slumped back into his chair.

“So, did you have something to report?”

“Not exactly. More of a question. How’s it going with the energy project?”

“Going great, my boy. Surprised you asked though. You’ve never been much into science.”

“That’s true, but these crystals have intrigued me. Their power source is remarkable.”

“Well. I’m glad to see you’re finally finding this sort of thing interesting. Wish you would have when you were in the academy.”

Adrik winced. “Me too.” He cleared his throat. “So, just because I’m curious, how’s it going?”

“So far so good. We’ve found the crystals are an excellent source of energy. Just like our preliminary reports indicated. Also, when we cut them down in size, they exhibit a large spike in energy. Remarkably, the energy in the original crystal doesn’t change. It just multiplies. My boy, this is going to power Raygus Prime for centuries.”

“Sounds great, Admiral.” Adrik glanced at Gwyn.

“Ask him.” she mouthed. She shook her pistol at him.

“Have you found anything unusual about these crystals. I mean physiologically. Not just on a molecular scale?”

The Admiral laughed. “Like what? You think they’re alive or something? Really?” His voice was tight across the com.

Adrik chuckled, but his face fell, “Of course, not. They’re just unique. I was wondering if anything the scientists found might lead us to another deposit. Looking for clues to where one might be. That’s all.”

“Looking for a promotion, Son?”

“Always.” He laughed.

“Well, so far there’s nothing out of the ordinary. Let me worry about these crystals. I’ll let you know if there’s another deposit. You just keep that girl safe. Don’t want anything to happen to her.”

“Will do, Sir.” Adrik studied his boots.

“Good. I got to get back to the lab. I’ll talk to you soon.” The Admiral ended the connection.

Gwyn stepped forward. “He’s lying.”

Adrik nodded. “I know. I’ve lived with him long enough to know. I hope you’re satisfied. I didn’t know.”

Gwyn holstered her pistol and handed him his pistol. “Satisfied. But, we can’t let them torture those life forms.”

Adrik nodded, “I agree, but for the moment we have a bigger issue to worry about.” He pushed a button on his wristband and the images of the intruders displayed on the desk.

He watched the tall one throw a rock at the top of the forcefield. His arm extended, and the tattoo showed. He paused the playback. Adrik enlarged the image and focused on the tattoo.

“Computer. Run analysis on that image.” The computer cycled through images at lightning speed. Gwyn and Adrik watched the images blur past. It finally came to a stop.

“Ninety-five percent match.”

Gwyn whistled, “Oh, caracho! Is that what I think it is?”

Adrik looked out the window. “Yes, I’m afraid it is. It’s Militarian special forces. We have to get out of here.”

“I thought this place was secure?” Gwyn’s dark eyes searched his face.

“It is. But, if it’s special forces. They were sent by Admiral Spearman, and he has the access codes. He’ll give them to them at any time. Grab your things. We’re leaving.”

Gwyn rushed to her room and jammed her belongings into her duffle. She met Adrik in the living room. He had a small backpack thrown over his shoulder. “How do we get out of here? I’m sure they have all the roads blocked.”

Adrik pushed open the back door. “Come one.”

She followed.

“You ever heard of a dirt bike?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“It’s an old gasser. It’ll take us through the woods where the land cruisers can’t go. Plus, it has no computer so, it’s untraceable. I have a hunting cabin up north of here about fifty miles. We’ll go there.”

“Won’t Admiral Spearman find it? I mean doesn’t he know?”

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “No, he doesn’t know. I only found it by accident a few years ago. I was out on a long ride, and I just came across it. It’d been abandoned for years.  We own the property, so I decided I’d keep it. No one lives up there, and no one will trespass on the Admiral’s lands. It’s backed up by the national forest, and most people don’t own gassers. It’s far in, so I’ve never seen anyone remotely close to it. We’ll be safe.”

“You think the Admiral will come looking for us?”

“I’m certain of it.” Adrik removed the wrist band from around his wrist and placed it on the picnic table. “We’re going to be blind for a bit.”

Gwyn reached into her bag and retrieved a small black box. She placed it in his hand. “Put it against your wristband. It’ll reformat the tracers, so it can’t be tracked.”

Adrik followed her directions. The box turned green as he passed it over the band.

“It’s good and completely untraceable. You can put it back on.”

Adrik secured it back in place. “Your tech is pretty sweet, Gwyn.”

She smiled. “I know a guy.”

Adrik laughed. “Come on. The bike’s in the boat house.”

She had started down the path behind him when the alarm sounded.

“I knew they’d be back. Hurry.”

Adrik opened the door to the boat house. In the back corner was a tarp. He lifted it and stood up his dirt bike.

Gwyn’s eyes narrowed. “We’re riding that thing?”

“Where’s your sense of adventure space girl?”

“I’m not sure. I may have left it on my ship.”

Adrik pulled it out through the side door of the boat house and jumped astride. “Come on. Get behind me and hold on.”

Gwyn paused beside him. “I don’t know.”

Laser bullets whizzed by her head.

“Gwyn, we don’t have time to debate on this. Get on, now.”

She tossed her leg over the bike and grabbed onto his waist.

“Hold on tight.” Adrik jumped and the bike roared to life. He pressed the throttle. The bike responded with a jolt. He urged it forward and up an old game trail. Two men fired in their direction, and bullets whizzed by their heads. Gwyn and Adrik ducked, but they pressed forward. More shots rang out, but they were out of range.

Gwyn buried her head in Adrik’s shoulders as he climbed the rocky trail up into the mountain. Brush and trees whirled by them as they climbed higher and higher into the wild. Adrik pressed forward making sure to stay under cover of the high canopy of trees. He reached the summit and stopped. He turned off the bike. “Gwyn, hop down. I want to check our position.”

Gwyn jumped off the bike and stumbled. Her legs like jelly. She sat on the ground beside the bike.

Adrik turned the wristband and a map projected into the air. In the valley below, two men walked around the summer house. Four more were surveying the lake. “So far, they haven’t made it up the trail, but it’s a matter of time. We still need to put some distance between us.”

“Agreed.”

“You ready?”

“I guess. How much further?”

“Another forty or so miles and we’ll be there.” Adrik threw his long leg over the top of the bike and settled into the seat. He patted the seat behind him. “Come on.”

Gwyn climbed on and grabbed hold of his waist. “You know, I wasn’t quite sure about this bike. But, I think I like it.”

Adrik pushed the throttle forward and they sped off.

Chapter Five

Adrik opened the door. “So, here it is.”

Gwyn followed him inside. “Not bad for an old cabin. Looks like you’ve updated it.”

“I have. I enjoy building, so I’ve done all the work myself.”

“How’d you get the stuff up here?”

“It’s been slow going. I used gravity nets to haul most of it.”

“You attached them to your bike?”

Adrik smirked. “Yep.”

She shook her head, but her eyes smiled. “Sounds dangerous.”

“Well, it wasn’t easy.”

Gwyn studied the dusty furniture. “Well. I can tell no one’s been here for a while. Guess we’ll need to clean up a bit if we’re going to make this home base.”

Adrik smiled. “Watch this.” He flipped a switch on the wall, and a vacuum sound resonated from the floor.”

Gwyn watched as the dust, and cobwebs disappeared into the wall unit. “Okay. I’ve got to get one of those for the Pleiades.”

“Makes short work of things. I installed it myself a couple of years ago. After this is all over, I can install one on your ship if you want.” He paused, “That is if the offer still stands to co-pilot?”

She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Yes. You are stuck with me. Whether you want to be or not. And, to answer your question, yes. I want. At least in the cabins. Probably not in the rest of the ship. I like to keep my hands on the controls and clean the engines myself, but definitely in the cabins.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Adrik pulled her closer and kissed her savagely. The room spun, and Gwyn felt weak in the knees. She melted into him and ran her hands down his back. She felt his hands dangerously close to her pants and stepped away.

“Maybe not a good idea.”

Adrik took a deep breath. “I guess you’re right. How about a tour?” He opened a heavily patterned door. “This is the bedroom.” White gauze floor-length curtains pooled on the ebony floor. In the center of the room, a perfectly made bed was covered with a grey duvet that had a silver thread pattern through-out. In the corner was a small metal desk, and a pad of paper.

“It’s beautiful. You said, bedroom. As in the only one?”

“Yes, but don’t worry. I’ll be staying on the couch unless you make other plans for me.”

Gwyn flowered. “We’ll see.”

Adrik’s voice cracked, “So, make yourself at home in there.”

“Ok.” Gwyn threw her small bag onto the floor at the end of the bed.

She followed him through the den, and into a room that opened out into the forest. On the right side was a pebbled wall, and hanging above it was a large shower head. Adjacent to the shower was a two-person claw foot tub with jets. “You sure no one else knows about this place?”

Adrik grinned. “I haven’t had the time to bring anyone up here.”

She smirked. “Sure.”

“Honest truth. I swear. You’re the first, Gwyn.”

She laughed. “Well. I could use a long soak in that tub, after that bouncy ride. I’m sure I have bruises on my everything. So, scoot on out of here.”

Adrik turned to leave.

“Wait.”

Adrik looked over his shoulder. “Yes?”

“Is there a towel in here somewhere? Soap. Maybe bubble bath?”

He pointed to a teak wardrobe. “In there. You’ll find everything you need, and a synthesizer to produce anything that’s not there. Take your time. Enjoy yourself. I’m going to go set up alarms.”

Gwyn nodded. “I think I will.”

***

Adrik set several small orb motion detectors around the cabin perimeter. He placed the last one on the ground and turned it on when the communicator on his wrist beeped.

Admiral Spearman’s name scrolled across the screen. Adrik shook his head and studied the words for a minute, but reluctantly answered the call. “Adrik here.”

The admiral’s voice cracked on the other end. “Where are you?” Static cut through. “Been trying…find you…okay?”

“We’re fine Admiral. We’ve escaped the bounty hunters.” He waited for a reply.

The communicator crackled again, “Copy.” Adrik left the channel open.

“Not…how they found…Bring….in…immediately.”

Adrik frowned and stared at the communicator. He started to reply but stopped. He shook his head and kicked the ground. A squirrel scurried across the forest floor. He watched it climb a nearby tree, and remembered the men at the force field with the Militarian Special Forces tattoos.

Adrik unlatched the communicator from his wrist and tossed it to the ground. Maybe Gwyn’s desensitizer took care of the tracker, but why risk it? He put the toe of his boot on it and ground it into the dirt. The device broke into tiny pieces. “Only way they could have found her is through you, Admiral. You can’t have her.” Anger burned white inside him. It radiated from his face and dripped from every pore. He climbed the trail back to the cabin.

He opened the door.

Gwyn sat on the couch, her hair wrapped in a towel. She was filing her finger nails.

“Enjoyed your bath?”

Her eyes grinned. “Yes, I did. I feel loads better. There’s just something about hot water, and jets.”

Adrik laughed.

“Did you get the motion sensors set?”

“Yes.”

He sat down at the kitchen bar. “They’ll alert us if anything comes close. Are you getting hungry? Thought I’d make some pasta with pesto, and garlic bread.”

Gwyn licked her lips. “That sounds amazing.”

Adrik programmed the synthesizer, and two plates of pasta appeared. “You want Parmesan cheese?”

“Yes, please.”

Adrik brought her a plate and sat down beside her.

“This is wonderful! Where’d you get the recipe program?”

“It was my mother’s recipe.”

“I’d love to get it sometime, so I can program it into the Pleiades synthesizer”

“Sure. I know it by heart.”

Gwyn took another bite. She savored the tangy pesto in her mouth and took another bite of garlic bread. She finished her food and set her plate aside.

“Would you like some dessert? I make a mean cheesecake.”

“Old New York style?”

“Is there anything else?”

“Let me get dressed, and I’ll program your unit.”

“I’ll go make some coffee.”

Gwyn went to her room and slid on a short green flowing dress. She left her hair down and came back into the living area with bare feet.

Adrik handed her a cup of coffee.

She kissed him gently on the cheek and went to the synthesizer. “New York cheesecake coming up.”

“I can hardly wait.”

Gwyn programmed the machine, and it produced two slices of cheesecake.  She handed one to Adrik, then sat beside him on the couch.

“Hey, do you get the capitol news up here?”

“Sure do.” Adrik picked up a remote from the side table and pressed the power button. A holo-screen rose from the floor. A picture of Gwyn crossed the screen, and Adrik turned up the volume.

A news reporter dressed in a Militarian uniform addressed the camera. “wanted in connection with breaking the interstellar law. She is believed to be armed and dangerous and has taken hostage our very own Admiral Spearman’s child. There is a one-hundred-million-unit bounty on her head. If you see her do not approach. Call headquarters immediately. She is labeled shoot to kill.”

Gwyn’s eyes widened, and her heart raced. Fear gripped her by the throat and she started shaking. The plate in her hand started shaking and the cheesecake nearly fell in her lap. “Caracho, Adrik! What the. The admiral? What am I going to do? I’m going to get killed. Every bounty hunter in the galaxy is going to be after me.

“Calm down, Gwyn. You’re hyperventilating.”

She shook her head. “This is getting out of hand. I didn’t want to do this job in the first place.” Her dark eyes filled with rage. “I’m getting those crystals back. Taking them where they belong, and show him a thing or two.”

Adrik took her plate and placed them both on the side table. “Gwyn, think about what you’re saying. The Admiral has a lot of resources. You’re wanted. The best thing for you is to do is get off Raygus Prime, and lay low. I have a couple of informants that might be able to loan me a ship.”

She laughed hysterically. “I will never leave the Pleiades behind. She goes where I go.” Gwyn folded her arms across her chest. She leaned back and shut her eyes.

Adrik sighed. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“How can I? How could we?”

“It goes against my better judgement, but I’ll help you get back into headquarters.” He paused. “If I do this, and I’m caught, I’m will be arrested, and sent to the prison planet.”

“No. I won’t let that happen. You get me in there. I’ll do the job.”

“Gwyn. If I turn my back on the Admiral, in anyway, he’ll never stop looking for me until I’m dead.” He took a sip of coffee.

“Then, we’ll have to kill you.”

Adrik choked on his coffee. “What? This is the second time you’ve suggested killing me. I’m starting to take offense.”

“You get me into headquarters. I’ll get you out of the Militarian. I Promise.”

“Okay. You’ve got a deal.” Adrik put their dirty dishes in the sonic dishwasher.

Gwyn slipped up behind him and laced her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Gwyn. I want to help you, and if helping those crystals is what you want to do, then that’s where I’m going.”

She pulled him close and nibbled his ear. “I’ve got a plan forming in my mind, but I’m still working out the details.”

He turned, so they stood face to face. “I think the details can wait until morning.”

Gwyn nodded. “Me, too.”

He gently bit her neck and inhaled her scent. His heart beat wildly, and he pressed his mouth to hers. As he kissed her, his body responded. Electricity traveled through-out him, sending intense heat from his chest to his loins. He sighed. “You smell like jasmine.” He set her on the counter. “I don’t know about you, Gwyn, but I plan some of my best treason in the morning.”

She giggled and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Adrik grabbed the small of her back and held her tight against his body. Heat resonated like fire between them.

She nipped at his ear. “I think treason can wait a few hours. Lead the way soldier.”

Adrik carried her through the living area and into the bedroom, shutting the light out on his way.

Chapter Six

Gwyn watched from behind the incinerator as Adrik made his way across the compound. An armed guard stopped him and shook his forearm. He patted Adrik on the back and accompanied him into the building.

Gwyn wiped her brow. The temperature had already begun to rise on the twin sun planet, and the shade from the metal incinerator didn’t offer much relief. At least it’s not burning right now. Gwyn inched her way behind the machine toward the side door. The door opened, and a man coughed, so she ducked down. The man whistled as he added several bags of trash into the machine. He fumbled with the dials, and the incinerator whooshed as it kicked on. She rolled her eyes, of course. The man went back into the building.

Come on Adrik. Gwyn moved as far as she could from the machine and remain covered. Sweat dripped from her forehead and into her eyes. I can’t take this heat much longer. The door opened again, and Adrik stepped out. He peeked around the corner and motioned for her to follow. Finally.

The pair entered the building. The corridor was long and white, but void of people. “There’s a security flaw down here.”

Gwyn arched her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

“No cameras.” He pointed to the ceiling. “Militarian pride. No one would willingly come through here, because of the trash, so no cameras. It’s safe.” They turned the corner into another long empty corridor. There was a door about half-way down the length of the hall. Adrik stopped in front of it and used his palm to access it. He went through and Gwyn followed.

He grabbed a stack of clothes and handed them to her. “Put these on. Make sure to tuck your hair under the hat. Militarian women keep their’s up.”

She quickly dressed and coiled her hair up into her hat. “How do I look?”

“Way to sexy to be Militarian.” He pulled her to him and brushed his lips against hers. She responded passionately. She felt the heat crawl into her face, and for a moment she forgot the mission.

Adrik stepped back. “Caracho, Gwyn. I’ve never met a woman like you.”

Gwyn smiled. “I’m not the usual space girl.”

He nodded. “That’s for sure.” He took a long breath to slow his pulse. “Okay. When we leave here, follow behind me. Do not address me, unless I talk to you first. You are my personal assistant, so people are not likely to bother you, got it?”

“Yes.”

He opened the door, and Gwyn followed.

The maze of corridors seemed to continue forever before there were any signs of people. Adrik opened a set of double doors, and they crossed into the heart of the building. Things had changed since she’d last been there. Armed guards stood at every entryway and long lines of people formed at the base of the stairs. Is all this for me? She started to ask but remembered not to.

Adrik stopped at the base of the stairs, in front of a guard, and she stopped a couple of feet behind him. She stared at the marble floor. Please don’t recognize me. Please. Her pulse beat loudly in her ears.

The guard snapped to attention, but a smile traced his lips.

“Good to see you too, Corporal Demmick. At ease.”

“I’m glad you’re back. The Admiral’s been anxious since you were captured. I’m sure he was relieved to see you.”

Adrik nodded.

“How’d you get away from that woman?”

He snorted. “How did I get away from a woman? Really? You think some spacer trash can hold me hostage?”

Gwyn tried not to huff. Spacer trash?

The corporal shook his head. “That’s what I figured. The news jumped to conclusions like always.”

“Sure.” Adrik put a foot on the bottom stair, but the guard stepped in front of him.

“Sorry, Sir.” He held his long-pistol between himself and Adrik. “Nothing personal, but no one can go to the upper levels without direct consent from the Admiral. I’ll have to see your orders.”

Adrik slid a small tablet from his pocket. “Good job, soldier. Way to stay on top of things.” He handed the tablet to Corporal Demmick.

The soldier checked the orders. Admiral Spearman’s seal was in the center of the screen. “Looks good to me, Sir.” He handed the tablet back to Adrik, and he stored it back into his pocket.

“As you were, Corporal.” He saluted, and Demmick returned his salute.

Adrik climbed the stairs and Gwynn followed. The Admiral’s voice drifted from an open door. Adrik glanced through the window and paused on the first-floor platform. He motioned for Gwyn to stop. He whispered, “Gwyn, go to your left, then turn right through the first door. Follow the stairs to the third floor, and then go through the fourth door. Wait in there for me.”

“Where are you going? You said not to split up. What if someone stops me?”

“I’m going to speak with the Admiral. If someone stops you, tell them your Private Cobel, personal assistant to Lieutenant Commander Adrik.”

Gwyn’s eyes widened. “Is that a good idea?”

“I think it’s the only way.”

Fear gripped her throat. “You’re not going to turn me in, are you? You haven’t changed your mind?” She scanned the room and could see no exit.

“Of course not. Never. Now go. Walk fast, but don’t run. Got it?”

“Yes.” She stepped onto the platform and went to the left.

Adrik watched her disappear through the door. Satisfied he headed straight to the Admiral.

Admiral Spearman turned around, nearly knocking Adrik to the ground. Automatically, he reached out and grabbed him by the shoulder, as he did, recognition lit in his eyes.

“Adrik! You’re safe.” The Admiral smiled and patted his shoulder.

“Yes, Sir.” Adrik grinned.

“How’d you get away from that girl?”

“It’s a long story, Sir.”

“Come tell me about it in my office. Lee-Alla will be glad to see you.” The Admiral left the room, and Adrik followed.

They silently climbed the stairs to the fifth floor, then Admiral Spearman led Adrik into his office. As they crossed the threshold, Lee-Alla squealed. “Oh, Lieutenant Commander. It is so good to see you. I’ve been so worried.” She hugged him tightly, then quickly stepped away. “I’m sorry for the breach of protocol.”

“It’s okay. It’s good to see you, too.”

Admiral Spearman stopped in his office door. “Come debrief me, Adrik.”

“Yes, Sir.” Adrik followed the Admiral into his office and closed the door.

***

Gwyn sat with her back to the wall, and a pulse pistol in her hand. It’d been an hour since she’d seen Adrik. So far, there were no alarms shrieking through the building, and no one had entered the room, but she couldn’t be sure nothing had gone wrong. She thought about the plan to rescue the energy crystals and return them home. It was dangerous, and the most dangerous part wasn’t being stuck here in this room on Raygus Prime.

Sweat beaded above her lip as she thought about their last encounter with the Cardikes. Next time we might not be so lucky. I don’t want to be stuck on a prison planet. She crossed her ankles and leaned back against the wall, but she never took her eyes off the door.

Time ticked ahead, and she stood to chase away the jitters, that were starting to form in the back of her head, and she was finding it harder to chase them away. She crossed back and forth from one corner of the room to the other. Footsteps echoed down the hall. She quickly slipped behind the door and waited for it to open.

Adrik walked inside, and she holstered her pistol. “Everything good? You were gone a long time.”

“Yes. He’s convinced you’ve escaped. He sent out a search party to look for you in Holiday City.”

“Where?”

“It’s a popular hang-out for off duty service man, and the only place on the planet you can hire a ship.”

“Can we get to the crystals?”

“Yes. But, you must wait here. Everyone goes home in about an hour, and I have a few things to do to get your ship out of the hanger.” He handed her his tablet. “Familiarize yourself with the launch codes we use in the Militarian. When we take off, it has to be believable.”

“Okay.” Gwyn scanned the document. “I can get this in an hour. No problem.”

“Good.” He kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll be back. I promise.”

She sighed. “And, I’ll be here.”

Adrik entered the empty biohazard lab. He rushed past the isolation room, and straight into the back containment area. The crystals were stored in large glass jars. What had originally been hundreds of crystals, now appeared to be thousands of small pieces. Some were dust, some the size of jewelry stones.

He pulled a grav-net from the cabinet above his head and placed it on the floor. It sprung open and expanded. Adrik quickly filled the net with the jars of crystals. Satisfied, he had them all, he washed down the counter tops to remove all traces of the crystal.

Adrik searched through the drawers until he found a minimizer. He pointed the machine at the cargo net, and it shrunk down to a manageable size. He covered the net with a large white sheet. The words “toxic” were printed on it in large block letters.

He smiled. That should keep people away.

Adrik pressed the controls on the net, and it levitated from the floor. He started to leave. The pressurizer between rooms hissed. Crap! Someone’s in here. He found an open room, and pushed the crystals inside and followed behind. He shut the door.

A woman in a white lab coat walked through the lab. Her high heel shoes clacked on the tiled floor. Adrik’s heart raced, as she neared the area that should have held the crystals. He watched as she stopped, and grabbed a container of instruments. He gripped his pulse pistol. The doctor stuck the container under one arm but continued to read her tablet. She turned and walked away.

The doors hissed again, and Adrik placed his pistol back in its holster. He carefully navigated the crystals out of the room, and down the hall.

Gwyn watched from the small rectangular window in the door. As Adrik rounded the corner, she stepped out. “Are we ready?”

“Yes. I had Corporal Goodman ready your ship. He’s expecting me, you, and some toxic cargo. He’s even loaded my dirt bike.”

Gwyn laughed. “Yes, we need to keep that. You’re sure you can trust him?”

“He’s a good soldier, and won’t ask questions.” Adrik started down the corridor.

She followed as they retraced their path toward the incinerator. He stopped in front of it and motioned for Gwyn to push the door open.

Gwyn opened it and moved out of the way. There was no one outside. Adrik pushed the containers into the open. “If we go behind this building and around the back of the next, we can go inside the back door of the hanger. Just remember, follow me. Don’t speak.”

Gwyn nodded. “Got it.”

They rounded the building and crossed the short alley between buildings. They were almost at the hanger when the alarm sounded.

“Gwyn, run.”

Adrik pulled the long sheet from the top of the crystals and cast it aside, so he could move faster. He followed behind her at a break neck speed. The pair stopped abruptly at the back door of the hanger. Adrik opened it and stepped inside. The room was empty, accept for Corporal Goodman.

Goodman motioned to Adrik. “Sir, I don’t know what’s going on, and honestly I don’t want to know, but the ship’s ready. If you’re leaving the planet, you have about a ten minute window before they cancel all departing ships.” Adrik nodded and motioned for Gwyn to come inside. She pushed the crystals through the door.

Goodman’s eyes widened. He turned to face Adrik. “Sir, am I going to be court marshalled?”

Adrik paused, “No not at all.”

The corporal relaxed. “That’s a re…”

The butt of Gwyn’s pulse pistol contacted the back of his head. Goodman fell to the ground. “One less problem, right?”

“Yes, and the wound will keep him from getting into trouble. Quick thinking, Gwyn.”

She smiled, “I haven’t been a smuggler all these years without learning a thing or two.” She crossed the room to her ship and laid a hand on its side. “I’ve missed your girl.” She entered the combination into the ship’s control panel, and the carbo bay door opened.

Adrik pushed the crystals inside, and Gwyn shut the door behind them.

“Adrik, store the crystals, and I’ll get the lift off sequence started. She rushed into the cockpit and started the ignition sequence. The Pleiades roared to life.

“They are stored.” Adrik sat down in the co-pilot seat and fastened his belt.

Blips appeared on the navscreen. “Do you see those ships? We’re fixing to have company.”

“I see them.” She pushed the throttle forward and the ship exited the hanger bay.

Gwyn pressed the communicator on the dash panel. “Sargent Ramirez, requesting permission for lift off. Destination the orbiting colony. They need medical supplies.” Gwyn held her breath.

Silence filled the cockpit, and Gwyn cast a sideways glance at Adrik. “Does it usually take so long?”

“I’m not sure.”

Static filled the room, as the control tower answered, “You’re good to go.”

Gwyn took a deep breath and keyed in the lift oft sequence. The Pleiades took to the sky. She closed in on the planetary defense shield when the communicator buzzed. “Starship Pleiades, return to the launch pad, by orders of Admiral Spearman.”

“Gwyn, we’ve been found out, and they are closing the shields.”

She nodded, “but we can make it.”

She pressed the ship forward into the atmosphere. The defense shield glowed orange as it closed in. “Hold on. This is going to be rough.” She turned the ship a hard right. The tail of her ship slipped through the net as it closed. Fire flashed across the sky, as they left Raygus Prime behind.

Gwyn squealed. “That was close!”

“Too close.”

Gwyn inspected her ships functions. “Looks like they put a sensor on our vessel. I’m going to have to find it before they launch from the orbiting colony. So, co-pilot, take control.”

“Yes. Ma’am.” Adrik saluted, then snorted.

She giggled and rolled her eyes, “I don’t have time for you. Behave.”

Gwyn rushed down the hall and into the engine room. “Now, where are you?” She studied the engine coils. Nothing looked out of place. She laid down on her stomach and felt up into the engine. “Ah, there you are.” She pulled the tracker down and carried it back to the cockpit.

Gwyn studied the navscreen for a second, then pointed. “There. Look. There’s a trasher.” She bit her lip. “If we can get close enough.” She flew alongside it and handed the tracker to Adrik.

“In the galley, there is a small capsule in the drawer closest to the synthesizer. Put the tracker in it, and get ready to eject it.”

Adrik rummaged through the drawers until he found a small clear tube with silver tips. He slid the tracker inside and sealed it.

“Did you find it?”

“Yes. It’s ready.”

“Okay when I say now, eject it. If it works as planned, that tracker will adhere to the trasher.”

Adrik inserted the tube into the ejector and waited with his hand on the eject button.

“Just a little bit further.” Gwyn pulled up above the trasher and lowered the ship so that the two vessels were nearly touching. “Okay. Now.”

Adrik hit the button and the tube exited the ship.

Gwyn watched the navscreen. The tube collided with the trasher, then shattered. The tracker stuck to the ship.

Gwyn whooped. “You did it. Get back here.”

Adrik plopped down in the seat beside her. “That was genius!”

Gwyn smiled. “Nothing any average smuggler wouldn’t do.”

“I don’t believe that for a minute, Gwyn.”

She plotted a course for the asteroid. “Believe what you want, my friend. But, let’s get those crystals home.

Chapter Seven

Gwyn awoke with a start. She nudged Adrik, and he sat up.

“What’s that sound?”

“A proximity alarm.” Gwyn threw her jumpsuit on and pushed her feet into her combat boots.

“You think it’s the Militarian?”

Adrik pulled his shirt over his head, then pulled up his pants. “Don’t know, but not likely. We should be in Cardike space. The Militarian wouldn’t dare follow us here.”

The pair jogged down the hallway to the cockpit.

“Caracho! It’s Cardikes.”

Voices broke over the intercom. “Prepare to be boarded. You are trespassing in Cardike space.”

A knot formed in Gwyn’s stomach. “This is bad.”

“Can we out run them?”

Gwyn shook her head. “Not at this proximity. They’d fire, and we’d be space dust. The best thing we can do is stash our weapons in the cargo hold, and pray they can’t find our cargo.”

Adrik rested a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll store everything. It’s going to be okay.”

Here voice shook. “I know. Get out of here, and do it quickly. I have to respond.”

Adrik ran down the hall.

“Starship Pleiades this is your last warning. Put down your shields, and prepare to be boarded, or we will open fire.”

Gwyn lowered the shields and pressed the communicator button. “There down. Don’t shoot.” She turned on the viewer.

A short portly man with a bald head stared at her. “Gwyndalaria Casteliano. It’s been a long time.”

She glared at the screen. “Not long enough, Jackie.”

He guffawed. “We’re going to put you away for a long time, this time, beautiful.”

Gwyn narrowed her eyes. “You say that every time. What are you doing working for the Cardikes? Make too many enemies on Tortuga?”

“Cardikes pay better. As does the Militarian. You got the man with you?”

Gwyn didn’t answer.

“Oh, I bet you do. There’s a big price on both your heads.”

Adrik walked back into the room and grimaced. “Ugh. Who is that?”

Jackie snarled, “Shut your mouth deserter. You’ll know who I am soon enough.”

The starship jerked forward. Gwyn and Adrik waited as the Pleiades was pulled into the other ship’s shuttle bay. The Pleiades stopped with a thud.

“We better meet them at the door. I don’t want those nasties in my ship.” Gwyn entered a lock code into the navigation system. “It’ll take them awhile to figure that out.”

Adrik laughed. “So how are we getting out of here?”

“I’m working on it.”

Two armed guards waited at the door.

Gwyn and Adrik placed their hands on their heads and then exited the ship. A line of armed guards stood between them and Jackie.

Gwyn crossed her arms across her chest. “Scared of something, Jackie?”

Jackie smirked. “Fire at will.”

***

Gwyn opened her eyes. The room was hazy, and her head spun. “What was in that?” She stumbled to her feet and timidly touched the cell’s force field. It buzzed and her hand popped back. “Caracho!”

She returned to the metal bench that lined the back wall of her cell. There were various individual cell units lined up in rows, all separated by indivisible force fields. Most cells were empty, but there were a few men and women scattered through-out the room. Adrik was nowhere in sight. He must be at the end, or worse. Tears rolled down her face, and onto the end of her nose. She allowed herself a moment to get ahold of herself, then wiped the tears away. Stop it, Gwyn. You can’t think like that. He’s too valuable. He’s here somewhere. He must be.

In the distance, a door chimed. Gwyn watched as Jackie wobbled his way toward her cell. Great.

He stopped in front of her cell. “It’s good to see you in a cell where you belong.”

Gwyn rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Where’s Adrik?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know? I’ve something special planned for him. He’s a Militarian caught in Cardike space. He’s going straight to the prison planet.”

Gwyn fumed. “He left the Militarian. Come on Jackie. Don’t do that.”

He waved a fat hand in front of his face. “No matter. This is a special request from Admiral Spearman.”

“You toad! What’s he paying you?”

“Two million units.” Jackie licked his lips, and his eyes glistened. “With that much money, I can retire on Tortuga in style. Might even by your Gran a new house. She won’t be able to say no this time.”

“Leave her alone, Jackie. She’s not part of this.”

“You made her part of this when you flew into Cardike space, Gwyn.”

“Jackie, I’m warning you. You do this to Adrik, and you’re never going to make it back to Tortuga.”

His eyes-widened. “Are you threatening me?”

She laughed. “Maybe you’re not as dumb as you look.”

Anger flashed in his eyes.

“No. You’re at least as dumb as you look.” She grinned.

“You know, I can send you to the prison planet, too. I think you know what happens to pretty girls like you there?”

She glared at him. “You don’t scare me, Cardike trash.”

Jackie puffed out his chest. “Do you realize the position you are in, Ms. Casteliano?”

She hit her fist against the force field. “I’m going to kill you if anything happens to him.”

“You’re in no place to make threats.”

She slammed her hand against the cell again. “It’s not a threat, Jackie. This time, I mean it.”

He took a step backward and addressed the guard nearest him. “Change her destination. Send her to the prison planet.”

“Yes, Sir.” The guard typed into his notepad.

Jackie turned to her, “We’ll see how you behave after your time on the planet. A pretty girl like you. Well, let’s just say, you’re going to be a prize. I’ll tell your Gran hi for you.”

She growled then spit at him.

She watched as he walked away. A smile traced her lips. Hang on, Adrik. I have a plan.

Chapter Eight

Explosive gas filled the orange and red atmosphere. Transportation to the planet was as dangerous as living on it, but it didn’t stop the Cardikes from filling up their prison. They had specially equipped systems to keep emissions from their transport ships to a minimum. They only lost a few ships per year, and they were more than willing to live with those numbers. Prisoners or guards, it didn’t matter to them. In their minds, the only cost of operations was the amount of slop and water they fed the inmates. Everything else was bartered, traded, or fought for by the inmates themselves.

Gwyn stepped off the transporter, and into the general population. Tattooed men with half-shaved heads started in her direction, and she stared them down. They backed off. She scanned the room for any sign of Adrik. She knew his ship had arrived a few hours prior, but so far, he was nowhere to be seen.

She walked the perimeter of the yard. In a dark cubby, several men squatted playing Tarvish, the Cardike version of Perudo. A voice drifted from the alcove, and Gwyn looked up. Seated in the center of the group, was a man named Jericho. Gwyn stepped into the inner circle and waited.

Jericho glanced in her direction, and an open smile formed on his lips. His teeth were filed to points. “Gwyn. How long has it been?”

“Too long, my friend.” She clapped him on the forearm, and let go. “What you in for?”

“Trading faulty defractors.”

Gwyn laughed. “Faulty defractors? Don’t you know how to check your inventory? At least make it good enough to pass inspection, until you have the money in your hand, and are in space.”

He shook his head. “You’re preaching to the choir, kid. Add this to your repertoire. Don’t sale to marshals.”

“Ah. Well, Jericho, a man like you should be more careful.”

“You’re one to talk, Ms. Casteliano. I see you’re here. How long’s your sentence?”

She shrugged. “Life.”

Jericho arched an eyebrow, “You really stepped in it this time, huh?”

“Let’s just say the Militarian are involved, and that toad Jackie.”

Jericho motioned her to follow him to the back of the alcove. “Militarian you say?”

She nodded. “I heard a Militarian man was just delivered here. A Lieutenant Commander.”

Her eyes flashed. “You see him?”

“Maybe.” Jericho spat a wad of tobacco onto the ground.

“What you got to trade?”

“What you see is what you get, Jericho. You know they took everything, even my ship.” She leaned up against the wall.

“Well, hmmm. Did they store it on the planet?”

“Yes, I saw it in the shipyard as we flew over. I’ve got to find a way to get it.”

“If I help you, will you take me off this rock?” Jericho put another chaw between his cheek and gum.

“Sure thing, my friend. But, she’s not equipped to leave this atmosphere.”

Jericho motioned her closer. “I know a guy.”

Gwyn whispered, “He has the technology to retrofit my ship for this atmosphere?”

“Yep. Just need a good pilot. And, you’re the best.”

“On one condition. Find me that Militarian man. He leaves with us.”

“Oh, I know where he is. That’s an easy one. He’s changed to the stump at the other end of the yard.” Jericho pointed to the opposite end of the prison.

Gwyn followed his hand. At the end of the yard, slumped on the ground was Adrik.

“What’d they do to him?” She started to leave, and Jericho grabbed her by the upper arm.

“Don’t like Militarian here. Wait for supper, and I’ll help you get him.”

“Will he be safe until then?”

“Should be. They’ve already beat him twice.”

Gwyn shivered. You’re going to pay for this Spearman.

The supper bell chimed and inmates gathered at the feeding station located in the center of the yard. Gwyn kept a look-out while Jericho slid over to the post Adrik was tied to. Gwyn watched the remaining stragglers line up for food. Once the yard was clear, she followed Jericho to Adrik’s side. Jericho slid a shank from his sleeve and cut the ropes. Adrik stirred and started kicking.

“Get off me.”

“Shhhh. We’re trying to help you.”

Adrik pulled the remaining ropes from his wrists and tried to stand. He wobbled but caught himself. “Who are you?”

Gwyn slipped up behind him. “He’s Jericho, a friend of mine.”

Adrik pulled Gwyn against him. He kissed her hard, and her head spun. “I didn’t think I’d see you again.”

“You know me. Keep turning up like a bad engine coil.”

“How’d you get here?”

“Picked a fight with our jailer.” Her dark eyes sparkled.

Adrik shook his head. “Gwyn, you shouldn’t have done it. It’s too dangerous for you here.”

“Never mind that. We won’t be here long. Jericho’s going to help us escape.”

The end of dinner bell chimed, and Jericho motioned them to the side of the yard. “Look we have to get out of sight. I know a place just around the corner. Follow me.”

Adrik leaned on Gwyn as they followed Jericho. “So, what’s the plan?”

“We’re going to get my ship back, and fly out of here.”

“How’re you going to escape the atmosphere.”

Gwyn laughed. “He knows a guy.”

“Yep. We just need something to trade or get him involved with a game of Tarvish. You make it on the planet with anything Lieutenant Commander?”

He shook his head. “No. Nothing.”

Alright, Tarvish it is. “I’ll schedule a game for tonight. Meet me where you found me earlier, Gwyn.”

“We’ll be there.”

Jericho crossed the yard, stopping to talk to several people on his way back.

“Looks like he’s setting it up.”

Concern colored Adrik’s face. “You trust this guy, Gwyn?”

“Sure. About as much as I trust you. He wants off this rock, and I’m his means to escape. He won’t double cross us.”

“I hope not.” Adrik sat down on the ground.

“Here, let me look at your face.” It was purple and bloody. There was a small crack in his bottom lip. “I’m going to go get some water. Be back in a minute.”

Gwyn attached herself to a group of young women headed toward the water well. They wore flowing garments and were unusually clean for prisoners. She heard one woman explain to the others about the benefits of companionship, and how it would help them get by for the long years ahead. Gwyn’s stomach turned, and she wished she could help them. There’s no way. The woman stopped at the well and drew water. Gwyn waited, and then drew her own. She took a quick drink from the drinking spoon, before ripping a piece of cloth off the end of her shirt and soaking it in the water.

“Do you need a bucket?” A dark-skinned woman held one out to her.

“How much?”

“One week’s meal rations.” She held the bucket just within reach.

“That’s too much.”

“Really, you see a better offer here?” She turned to leave.

“Wait.” I’ll take it.” She handed her a ration card with one hand and grabbed the bucket with the other hand.

The woman cackled and shoved the ration card between her breasts, and rejoined her friends.

Gwyn filled the bucket and carried it back to Adrik. “If you only knew what I had to pay for this stupid bucket. Drink this.”

Adrik took a long drink. “Thanks.”

She carefully wiped the crusted blood from his face. “We’re getting out of here, and getting those crystals home. And, after that, I’m killing Admiral Spearman.”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. “Gwyn. Don’t make this about getting even. If it comes to that, I won’t stop you, but don’t set out for revenge. It doesn’t become you.”

Anger flashed in her face. “How can you say that? After all, he’s done to you? To us?”

“Strength of character. It’s the Militarian way.”

She stood. “I’m not Militarian.”

“But, I am, Gwyn. There were times on Raygus Prime I wanted to kill him. Especially, in the last few weeks. I hate what he’s done to you. At times, all I could think about were my hands wrapped around his throat squeezing the life out of him, but I can’t. Don’t you see? If we do that, we will deserve this place.”

Her shoulders slumped. “I guess, but he can’t go unpunished.”

Adrik put his hand on her shoulder. “He won’t, but for now, let it rest, Gwyn. Let’s just get out of here, and get those crystals home. That’s the mission.”

For a moment, she couldn’t look him in the eyes. She sighed. “Okay. I’m going to concentrate on the mission.”

The sky darkened, and the prison lights came on. “Should be about time, huh?”

“Looks that way. Let’s get out of here.” Adrik laced his hand in hers and they stepped out into the yard.

The raucous cacophony of men placing bets filled the small alcove. “You got this Jericho.” A slender young man patted his back. “Give it to him!”

A large man, with a half-shaved head, and covered in tribal tattoos held the glass of dice in his hand.

“Come on Horseman! Beat him!”

His voice boomed. “Let me get this straight Jericho. Double or nothing?”

“I’m game.” Jericho smiled, his filed teeth gleamed in the darkness.

Horseman rolled, and the men cheered.

Jericho held his dice in his cup. “Let’s make it interesting. I want an atmosphere convertor.”

The man stroked his chin. “That’s a steep price, Jericho.”

“Well, that’s my price.”

Horseman grunted. “What do I get in return?”

“My eternal gratitude?” Jericho laughed.

“Going to take more than that.” Horseman spat tobacco onto the ground.

Jericho shook his cup of dice. “Well, what do you want?”

Horseman scratched his head. “A year’s worth of food rations.”

A stunned silence filled the room.

The slender young man yelled. “That’s a death sentence. Don’t do it.”

Horseman chortled. “That’s the price. Take it or leave it.”

Jericho looked at his dice. “Okay. A year’s worth of food rations, but I want to see the atmosphere convertor.”

Horseman nodded at another man with shaved hair and tattoos, and he stepped out of the corner. He laid the convertor at their feet. Jericho picked it up and examined it. “Looks like it works.”

“As far as I know.”

“Deal.” Jericho dropped his ration card into the pile.

Horseman rolled his dice. “Five threes.”

Jericho rolled and looked at his dice. “Six fives.”

The crowd murmured.

Horseman yelled, “Tarvish.”

Jericho smiled and lifted his cup. Six dice with five spots sat underneath.

Horseman stiffened. “You’re a cheat!”

Jericho grabbed the atmosphere convertor and his ration card. “Don’t call me a cheat. I won.” Jericho pulled his shank from his sleeve. “Can any man here prove that I cheated?” He turned in a circle, swinging the knife. The silver blade gleamed in the light. “What you say?”

The crowd was silent.

“That’s what I thought.” Jericho ushered Gwyn and Adrik to his quarters. He sat the convertor on a crate.

Gwyn stared out into the yard. “Wow. That was intense. Do you think they’ll retaliate?”

“Probably.” Jericho grabbed a few things off his makeshift bookshelf, and through them into a bag.

Adrik watched him through narrowed eyes, “You risked a lot, Jericho. What if you hadn’t won?”

He turned. “Wasn’t a chance of that.”

Gwyn scrunched her face. “What’d you mean?”

“I cheated.”

Adrik shook with laughter. “You’re crazy man.” He clapped Jericho on the back.

“No. Just a smuggler.”

Gwyn hooked her arm through Adrik’s. “He’s the best. Taught me everything I know.”

“Where’d you two meet?”

“On Tortuga. He’s my uncle.”

***

Jericho handed Gwyn and Adrik a breather mask. “Put these on, because once we’re outside, the air is toxic.

Gwyn fastened it to her face, making sure the seal was tight. “Where’d you get these?”

“Oh, the guards leave them laying around. They don’t care if we pick them up. I mean where’d we go anyway? Hasn’t been a ship on here in ages, and never one with an atmosphere convertor. What’s the point in locking them up? Where are we going to go?”

Adrik shrugged as he checked the seal on his mask. “Makes sense to me.”

They followed Jericho from the building, and into the desert landscape. The wind whipped at their clothes and pushed against them. They struggled to stay upright, which made their journey arduous, but even in those conditions they were determined to reach Gwyn’s ship.

The Pleiades was stored under a tarp, and the sides flapped wildly in the wind. Gwyn rushed to her side. “My baby! How can they store her this way? The manifolds are going to be filled with dust.” She inspected her ship. “It’ll fly, but I’m going to have to do some adjustments. Jericho, how long do you think before they notice we’re gone?”

“They won’t. No one’s there to keep track of us. We live and die by our own hands. We make our own rules, but they may notice we’re fiddling with this ship, so whatever you got to do, make it fast. And keep her covered.”

Gwyn ran a hand inside the manifolds. There was dust, but it wasn’t extremely thick. A few more days and the Pleiades wouldn’t have been flyable without a major overhaul. “Well, I can blow out the exhausts from the control panel, but we have to get the convertor installed before we do. Just to stay on the safe side. Adrik, would you grab my tool box?”

“Sure thing.” He kept his hand on the ship and maneuvered his way to the cargo door.

Jericho called after him, “Hey, Adrik. Keep your mask on in there, just in case.”

Adrik stumbled in the darkness of the ship but found Gwyn’s toolbox in the galley. He retraced his steps until he found the door, and started outside. From inside the ship, the loud thud of a door closing filled caught his attention. He set the toolbox on the ground and grabbed the largest coil wrench Gwyn owned. He stepped back inside.  He silently slipped through the cargo bay and crossed into the hall. A light shone in the darkness from out of his quarters. Quietly, he opened the door. A tattooed man with a shaved head was rummaging through his drawer. “Can I help you?”

The man crouched into a fighter’s stance, then pounced toward him. Adrik stepped to the side and swung the wrench. It made full contact with the back of the intruder’s head, and he dropped to the ground. Adrik quickly tied his hands behind his back and drug him outside, before he retrieved the toolbox.

“Gwyn, someone was in your ship.”

“What? Where’d he come from?”

Adrik shrugged. “No idea.”

Jericho looked concerned, “Was he a guard?”

“No, I don’t think so. He looked like a prisoner. He had a shaved head and was all tattooed up.”

“Sounds like one of Horseman’s gang.” Jericho handed Gwyn the convertor. “Okay, kid. You get this installed, and we’ll check out the visitor.”

She nodded.

Jericho followed Adrik to the side of the ship.

Adrik grabbed a handful of hair and pulled the unconscious man’s head backward. “Do you recognize him?”

The man’s jaw was slack beneath his face mask.

“He’s not from here. He’s a bounty hunter.”

Adrik dropped the man’s head. “Well, he’s not getting this bounty.” He drug the man away from the ship, as Gwyn rounded the corner.

“So, who is he?”

“Jericho thinks he’s a bounty hunter.”

“If there’s one, there’s more. We need to get out of here.”

The trio climbed back through the door and Gwyn closed it behind them. “Alright. Pray this works.”

Gwyn sat in the pilot seat. Adrik in the co-pilot, and Jericho in the passenger seat behind Gwyn. “Strap in guys. This is going to be bumpy.” She fired up the ignition and blew out the manifolds. “So far so good, no fire, and as far as I can tell, no one’s noticed.” She pressed the throttle forward and the Pleiades lurched. It slid out from under the tarp and into the atmosphere. “Are they going to come after us, Jericho?”

“No. They won’t risk setting a fire in the sky. You make it out of here, the only thing you’ll have to worry about are the ships in orbit. Any luck we can slip right through.”

Gwyn flipped a switch. “Got the neutralizer fixed while I was out there. Soon as we hit orbit, hit the button over there, Adrik.”

He nodded. “Will do.”

The Pleiades cracked through the sky and into the darkness of space. “Now, Adrik!”

He pressed the button, and the Pleiades disappeared. “Course set for the Regalian asteroid. Auto pilot engaged.”

A collective sigh filled the cabin.

Gwyn turned to the men. “You guys hungry? I haven’t had tacos in ages.”

Jericho’s eyes lit up. “Mama’s tacos?”

Gwyn’s chuckled, “You know it.”

Adrik licked his lips. “I’m starving. Last one to the galley, does the dishes.” He pushed past Jericho and Gwyn and raced down the hall.

Chapter Nine

The Pleiades touched down on the inside of the cavern. “Let’s get these crystals unloaded, I’m ready to get off this rock and back on Tortuga.”

“Agreed.” Adrik pulled the panels off the hidden compartments and pulled the cargo containers into the bay. He pushed the net forward and out the door. The crystals glowed blue and began to hum as they entered the chamber.

Gwyn followed. “I’m not sure about this. What’s happening?” The room started to shake, and rocks fell to the ground. Gwyn fell, and Adrik pulled her to her feet.

“I’m not sure, but we need to get this done as quick as possible.” He dumped the crystals, and their hum increased. Adrik covered his ears. “Let’s get back to the ship.” Rocks slid off the walls and bounced off the hull of the ship as they scrambled past.

“We’ve got to get out of here before my ship’s damaged beyond repair.”

They rushed through the cargo bay, and Gwyn ran into the cockpit. She hit the flight sequence, and the ship lifted from the ground. A large energy signal appeared in her navscreeen. “Caracho! There’s a ship out there.”

A whine reverberated through the cabin. “Ship or no, we got to get out of here!”

Jericho laid a hand on Gwyn’s shoulder. “Can you make it?”

“I think so, but I can’t tell by the signature what kind of ship that is. We may be headed back to the prison.”

Jericho leaned back in his seat. “Would be my luck. Let’s see if I can have some of yours for a change. Come on Gwyn, get us out of here.”

The Pleiades darted through the cave and into open space. A large vessel hovered fifty miles from their position, but plainly visible in the viewscreen. “They’re not Cardikes.”

Jericho whistled. “Bounty hunters. What kind of fire power you got on this ship, Gwyn?”

“State of the art thanks to Rodrigo.”

Adrik frowned. “Who’s Rodrigo?”

“He’s that rich friend on Tortuga that I told you about.”

Adrik nodded. “Oh, the one with all the toys?”

“Yep. He’s the one. I swear he’s got all the latest gadgets and runs a state of the art smuggling operation.”

“So, are we out gunned?” Jericho’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the arm of his chair.

“I doubt it, but I’d rather not find out.” She turned the neutralizer on, and the ship went dark on the navigation screen. “Let’s try to get past them.” She pressed the Pleiades past the ship, and it turned to follow.

She stared at the screen. “Did it just follow us, or was it coincidence?”

“Not sure. Speed up. See if they follow.” Adrik watched the screen. The ship followed. “How’s that possible?”

“I don’t know.”

A laser pulse hit the side of the ship and it rocked back and forth. “Gwyn we got to get out of here.”

“I know. I know.” She scanned the screen for a nearby planet. She hung a left and circled it. The ship followed. “Adrik, load the weapons.”

He pushed a button, and the lasers whirled to life. “They’re ready.”

“I’m going to turn this ship around.”

Adrik gaped. “What?”

“I’m rerouting shield power to the front of the ship. It’ll protect us. As soon as we get close, fire.”

Adrik nodded. “Okay, but what about shock waves?”

“In theory, the shields will protect us from the blast, and push us away from the ship.” Her dark eyes sparkled.

“I think this is a bad idea, Gwyn.”

“Got a better idea, Adrik?”

“Nope. I’m not a pilot. I just want to make my objections known, but I’ll do it.”

She laughed. “Then get ready to push the button.”

Gwyn pushed the throttle down and headed for the front of the ship, in a game of intergalactic chicken.  She increased speed, and the vessel fired. The Pleiades shook, but all functions remained intact. She closed the distance. The ship fired, and she curved slightly to the right. The second blast missed. The enemy ship fired again. This time making contact with the Pleiades. The ship’s cockpit rocketed back and forth. She increased her speed and aimed straight for the ship. “Here goes. Adrik on my command.” The ship grew ever larger in the view screen. They were within a hundred yards of each other. “Now!”

Adrik hit the button, and her weapons fired. The ship exploded and pushed the Pleiades backward, spinning toward a nearby planet. Gwyn steered away from the spinout and the ship righted itself and came to a stop.

Gwyn’s heart beat fast in her ears. “Oh, goodness. That worked. I didn’t think it would, but it worked.” She was shaking from her hands to her feet, but her smile never wavered.

Adrik and Jericho glanced at each other, and Jericho spoke. “You didn’t think it would work?”

“Nope, but it did.”

Gwyn turned the neutralizer back on and set her course for Tortuga. “Jericho, do you think you could get these bounty hunters called off?”

He smiled. “I can make a few calls.”

“Thank you. You can use the commlink in the guest room at the end of the hall.”

He kissed Gwyn on the top of the head. “Consider it done, my pet.” Jericho disappeared down the hall.

Adrik cleared his voice, “So, why didn’t he do that sooner?”

“Because I didn’t ask. It never crossed his mind, I’m sure. He’s a great smuggler, but well…you know, he’s Jericho. I can’t complain. He is family.” She laughed.

Adrik wiped the sweat from his face. “So what now?”

“We are going to have to die.”

“There you go with all that talk of dying again. You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope. Not at all. If the Admiral sent those bounty hunters, he’ll keep sending them until we’re caught or we’re dead. That’s what you said, didn’t you?”

“I did.” He leaned closer to her. “And, how are you going to kill us?”

“You’re not going to like it.”

“I’m sure of that.”

“Come with me to the galley.”

Adrik followed her.

She poured him a drink. “Take this. It’ll dull the pain.” She reached into her tool box and pulled out a pair of pliers.

“Uhm. What are you going to do with those?”

She took a swig of the liquid from Adrik’s glass. “You’ll see. Open your mouth.” She started to put the pliers in his mouth, but he pushed her hand away.

“Ugh. Wait. Can you take a back one?”

“Sure. I wouldn’t want to ruin that perfect smile of yours, handsome.”

Adrik closed his eyes, and she pulled. The flesh ripped and the tooth broke, but she got the root. She handed him a napkin. “Wipe your mouth, it’s bleeding. Now. My turn.”

He placed the pliers in her mouth. “Sorry, it’s going to hurt.”

Gwyn flinched as he pulled, but he managed to get the tooth quickly. Blood dripped from her mouth. “That was horrible.” Her eyes watered.

“So, what are you doing with these?” He rolled the napkin and placed it in his jaw.

“I’m going to eject them into the debris field, and then shoot them. That way when the Militarian inspects this wreck, and they will, I have no doubt, they will find our DNA.”

A wicked smile flashed across Adrik’s face. “Good thinking.”

“Yep, and after Jericho reports that we’ve been killed to his contacts, we will be free to dock in Tortuga, and maybe go sailing. What do you think?

“I’m ready for a little rest and relaxation.”

Gwyn leaned into the counter. “Good, because I was thinking about visiting my Gran.”

“That sounds perfect.” Adrik kissed her gently.

“Ugh, that hurts.”

“Yes, it does. Maybe we should take some medicine and go to bed?”

“I’ll get the meds and meet you in our the room.” She retrieved a couple of vials of pain relief and an auto injector from the medicine cabinet. The commlink on her wrist buzzed.

“Gwyn here.”

A soft voice filled the room. “Glad to know you’re not really dead, Ms. Casteliano.”

“Our secret. Right, Franklin?”

“Oh, I tell no tales, you know that.”

She arched her eyebrow. “Right. So why did you call?”

“Well, I had a smuggler in the bar, and he said a person could actually get into Old Earth if they could navigate the hole in the bionet. Thought you might be interested.”

She looked at herself in the mirror. She dabbed at the blood on her chin. “How much, Franklin? What’s the catch?”

“There’s something on the planet I need. The rest is yours.”

“So, if I agree, you’ll keep our little secret about my death?”

“Of course.” He chuckled. “If you bring me a statue from the Louvre.”

She laughed. “Any particular one you want, Franklin? You know the Louvre was destroyed years ago, in the biowar.”

Franklin whispered. “No, the Louvre still stands.”

The End

Book Two: The Louvre Still Stands

(Short Fiction)

Gwyndalaria studied the turquoise and white planet that filled the view screen. She flipped the com button ending the transmission and leaned back in her chair. “It’s always good to be home.”

“It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?”

“Too long, and this time I can’t visit Gran. I hope she doesn’t find out we’ve been here without stopping in.”

“She’d understand.”

Gwyn frowned. “I doubt it.”

“Well, once we drop this load and pick up another, we can come back and stay awhile. Maybe get some sailing in, or visit your friend Babylonia.

Gwyn shut her eyes. “Sailing sounds nice. But, first things first, right. Always work.” She grinned, “And what could be better than this work?”

Adrik kissed the top of her head. “Nothing beats this work.” He plopped down into the co-pilot chair. “Do you think he’ll help, Gwyn?”

“Chances are good. I’ve known him a long time. He’s the best at what he does, and he likes to make money.”

The navigation button beeped and turned green. “He’s let the shields down.”

“Yep. You better get out of sight, Adrik.”

He laughed. “Consider it done. I’m going to store myself in the cargo hold. You tell Rodrigo our needs, and if he’s willing, come and get me. Take your pulse pistol, just in case.” Adrik kissed her cheek.

“Of course.” Gwyn lowered the Pleiades to the planet’s surface. Tortuga station sprawled out around the landing pad. Gwyn gasped. “I can’t believe how it’s grown since the last time I was home. “

The com crackled. “Gwyn, you there?”

“Yes. It’s great to hear your voice again.”

“Yours, too. I almost couldn’t believe it when they told me who was waiting on the platform.”

“ Hey, why don’t you come aboard? I need to talk to you, face to face.”

“Sure. Give me about fifteen. I have some loose ends to tie up.”

“Don’t you always?” Gwyn laughed, “It’s lucrative.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so? I’m on my way.”

“I knew they’d get your attention. I’ll meet you at the cargo bay door.”

***

Gwyn watched out the porthole and opened the hatch before Rodrigo even had time to touch it.

She extended her hand toward him, but he brushed it aside and hugged her tightly.

“It’s been a long time Gwyn.”

“Yes, it has.” Gwyn’s eyes danced. “You really are a sight, my friend.”

Rodrigo blushed. “You said you had a proposition?”

“Always business before pleasure. You never change, Rodí.” Gwyn sealed the door. “I have cargo that needs to be unloaded.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place. Standard cut applies. What do you have for me?

Gwyn shoved her hands down in her cargo pants. “Art.”

“Well, as long as it’s quality. I should be able to unload it.”

Mischief flashed in Gwyn’s smile. “How long have we known each other?”

“Twenty, twenty-five years, maybe.”

“That sounds about right. We’ve known each other a long time.” Gwyn paused, “What if I told you I have something big. Bigger than anything you’ve ever been into. Would you be interested?”

Rodí licked his lips. “Of course.”

“The art is from Earth.”

Rodrigo’s eyes widened. “Your joking right? It’s polluted!”

Gwyn rested a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. The cargo’s been decontaminated. There are no bio-contaminants.”

Rodí sighed. “Well, that’s a relief. What were you doing on Earth, Gwyn? It’s too dangerous.”

“I fell into some intel that I couldn’t pass up, so I’ve been collecting art for the last month or so.” Gwyn’s voice quivered with excitement, “Rodí I’ve come back with some of the most valuable pieces ever created. It wasn’t easy. Believe me, it wasn’t. But, ugh, well. Let’s just say, the Louvre still stands.”

“The Louvre? I’ve only heard about that place, maybe seen a picture or two in some of the ancient history books. Wasn’t that a museum in old France?”

Gwyn shook her head. “Yes, I only have a few pieces, but they’re quality. If you can find some buyers, I’ll cut you in.”

He stroked his chin. “I might have some.”

How’d you get past the planetary shields, and survive the biochemicals? Earth’s off limits for a reason, Gwyn. Even the Militarian don’t go there.”

“Details, Rodí.” Gwyn stared at him long and hard.  “You don’t need them. All you need to know is I have merchandise that needs to be unloaded. And, I think you’re the man for the job. Am I wrong? I can leave.” She placed her hand on the button for the cargo bay door and hesitated slightly.

Rodí pushed her hand away. “No. No. No need for that. I have buyers, but people are going to ask questions.”

Gwyn studied him. “You’re a good liar, Rodí. You’ll think of something.”

She motioned to the corridor, “Follow me. I have someone for you to meet.”

…

Rodrigo shook his head. “You’ve found a way to get past the planetary shields, and escape the pollution, how? It’s never been done before. How safe is it?”

Adrik pushed the button on the holo-caster, and an image projected above the table. “Earth, as you can see, is surrounded by this planetary shield net.” The planet’s image was covered with a red force field. Adrik moved his finger along the screen, rotating the image, until it hovered over what was left, of the Arctic Circle. A tiny green dot appeared above the planet. “There’s the access point. The shields don’t work there.”

Rodí squinted. “It’s small—no more than a thousand feet in diameter. You’d have to be crazy to pilot through that. If you hit just a piece of that shield, you’d fry.”

“You forget who you’re talking to. I can pilot anything.” Gwynn propped her feet on the table.

Rodí contemplated the image. “Ok, but what about the air. It kills anything it comes into contact with, doesn’t it?”

Adrik tossed a small circular device to Rodí. “With this.”

Rodí turned the device over in his hand.

“When you flip that switch on the side, a personalized containment field creates an exoskin onto your own. Turn it off, it goes away.”

Rodí shook his head, “I don’t even have tech like this. Sounds Militarian. Is it?”

Adrik glanced at Gwyn.

She nodded.

“Yes.”

Rodí jumped back knocking over his chair but landing on his feet. “You’re either working for the government or have stolen from the Militarian. Which is it?  I’m not going to the prison planet. This better not be a set up.” Rodí reached for the pulse pistol hidden at his side.

Gwyn fired a warning shot. “Sit down, Rodí. This isn’t a trap. Adrik is Militarian, but he’s not active—in fact, he’s dead. At least that’s what they think on Raygus Prime. I killed him.”

“Caracho! Gwyn, what’ve you gotten yourself into?”

“Money, Rodí. Lots of money. Are you in?”

Rodí sat back down. “I don’t know.”

“I can always go somewhere else.” Gwyn studied his face. “Time for this opportunity is ticking by you, my friend. You in?”

He leaned forward in his chair and whispered, “Yes.”

“Good.”

Gwyn handed him a stack of paintings. “How long will it take you to fence these?”

Rodí shuffled through the pieces. “About a week.” He stopped in the center of the pile and frowned. “Ugh, this smiling woman gives me the creeps.”

Adrik chuckled. “You and me both.”

Gwyn sighed. “It’s a Da Vinci. Her name is Mona Lisa. It might help if you familiarize yourself with the pieces before you try to sell them, Rodí.”

“ My standard rates apply, Gwyn.”

She shook her head, “No. Thirty percent. Take it or leave it.”

Rodí stared at the paintings. “Thirty-five and it’s a deal. As long as I go with you. I don’t want to miss the chance of seeing Earth in person.”

Gwyn smiled at Adrik. “What do you think?”

“It’s okay with me.”

“Alright.” Gwyn nodded in agreement. “You have one week Rodí. Get these fenced, and get us some supplies.”

He rolled the paintings up and placed them back in there crate. “Sure. Sure. Leave it to me. My assistant Milania can get you whatever you need. In the meantime, I have a private island, with a landing strip about three miles off the mainland to the west. It’s a good place to keep low. Private beaches, luxurious accommodations. I don’t want people asking questions.”

Gwyn glanced at Adrik. “Sailing?”

Adrik grinned. “Sounds good to me. I could use a vacation. Dying was hard work.”

***

“Approaching Earth’s atmosphere. The opening is 500 miles south, Adrik. Get your exoskin on guys. We don’t need to take any chances with the contaminants.” Gwyn slowed the Pleiades and turned on her exoskin. For a moment her skin radiated a soft green glow, then returned to normal.

Adrik checked Rodí’s exoskin. “We’re all set, Gwyn.”

“Okay, I’m taking her in.” Gwyn steadied the starcruiser until it was located directly above the center of the opening, and started the descent sequence.

Rodí gripped the arms of his chair. “So far so good,” he stammered. Sweat beaded on his brow, and he wiped at it with a silk handkerchief.

Adrik laughed. “She’s done this before, Rodrigo. Quit worrying.” Adrik watched out the navscreen as the starcruiser barely missed the edge of the security net.

“We’re through, and flying below the net.” Gwynn inhaled slowly and exhaled heavily. Her eyes twinkled. “Setting a course for Paris, France.”

***

Paris lay in ruins. The once majestic Eiffel tower crumbled into the jungle. Vines twisted and turned around its base. Somewhere, obscured by vegetation, a river bubbled across rocks.

Rodí kicked at a vine that had tangled around his shoe. “It’s nice to see there’s vegetation around here.”

“After all my years in the Militarian, it still surprises me how a planet can recover from chemical warfare, but they always do. Nature has a way of healing herself.” Adrik tightened his grip on his pulse pistol and examined the dense forest around the trail.

“It has more plant life than I thought it would. I imagined this place would be shades of brown. Jumbled concrete. Rusty buildings. You know the stuff they show us in school.” Rodí stared off into the distance. “Did you hear a bird?”

“There’s a lot of life here, Rodí. Be careful, not all of it’s nice.” Gwyn unholstered her pulse pistol and pointed toward the trail. “This way. We’re almost there.”

The Louvre towered above them. The ancient palace was nearly intact. Ivy grew wild. It crawled up the castle’s sides, and mostly obscured the glass pyramid structure at its base. The reflecting pond was dry. Extreme weather and the passage of time had popped up the cement creating broken statuary like formations around it.

Rodí stumbled. “How do we get in?”

“That’s the fun part.” Adrik opened his pack and pulled out three flashlights.  “There’s a small opening in the eastern wall.” He handed out the lights.  The jungle’s pretty dense around it, so not much light gets through. Of course, there’s no power on in the inside. It’s pretty dark. Once we’re in, I’ll set up a light beacon.” Adrik tossed his bag back over his shoulders.

The sound of trees crashed behind them, and low growl reverberated through the air.

“We need to hurry!”

Adrik looked over his shoulder, “It’s coming Gwyn. Run!” Adrik fired a shot into the vegetation, as he rounded the corner, of the eastern wall.

Gwyn moved the rock and pushed her way through the opening. She jumped out of the way, and Rodí and Adrik rushed through. Adrik slammed the rock in front of the makeshift door, and pulse blasted it until it was sealed.

“Nothing’s getting through there, now.” He slid his pistol into his side holster and took a deep breath. A bright smiled crossed his face. “Nothing like a work out in the morning, huh?”

Rodí breathed hard, “What was that? You guys didn’t tell me there were monsters out there!”

Gwyn shrugged. “We call it Gévaudan. I read about something like it in a story once. A long time ago, there was a wolf that killed people in France. It sliced their throats out. It terrorized a village. Seemed somehow appropriate to me.”

Rodí paled. “A Gévaudan? It east people’s throats?”

Gwyn laughed, “It’s like a wolf and all wild. I told you not all of the creatures here are friendly. Just stay alert.” She patted him on the back, “We should be safe here. Local wildlife doesn't like man-made structures.” Gwyn twisted the nob on her flashlight. “Turn your light on, Rodí.”

Adrik took point. “Most of the art that’s left, is down in the storage rooms. There’s a lot of it. It looks like the curators moved as much as they could to safe rooms before the weapon was detonated. Some even elected to stay with it—a sacrifice for their art. So, don’t be surprised to see a corpse or two.”

Adrik pushed the door open. “I’ll go set up the light beacon. Wait here.” He walked the maze of boxes and statues until he reached the center of the room. He placed the beacon on top of a high box and switched it on. Light flooded the room. Thousands of pieces of art lined the walls and floors. Crates lunged upward until they nearly reached the ceiling.

Rodí gasped.

Gwyn watched Rodí’s expression. “It’s amazing isn’t, it? And, it’s ours for the taking.” Gwyn reached into her pack and withdrew several cargo nets with levitation devices. “We’ll fill these with what we can take, and push them back to the Pleiades.”

Rodí stumbled forward, knocking over a crate. “Sorry.”

“Just be careful. This area is old. Don’t want you hurting yourself.”

He grimaced.

“We’re only taking paintings, and drawings today. No frames. Roll them carefully, and secure them with these.” Gwyn tossed a package of lightweight cables to Rodí.

***

Sweat poured from Gwyn’s face as she secured the final cargo net to the others. “Stand back. Don’t want you knocked down, Rodí. Are you set, Adrik?”

“Yes. On my mark, push the button. One, two, three, mark.”

In unison, they pressed the buttons, and all thirty nets rose five-feet into the air.

“Rodí, you take center. Gwyn will lead the train, and I’ll guide it from behind. Let’s get out of here.”

***

Gwyn spoke into her communicator. “According to my navcom, we’re only about one hundred-feet from the ship.”

“Good thing. It’s getting dark.” Adrik quickened his pace.

Gwyn stopped abruptly behind a line of trees, just short of the clearing. “Stop, and be quiet! Adrik, there’s Militarian here.”

“What? How?” Adrik let go of the train and pulled out his pulse pistol. He the pistol against Rodrigo’s forehead. “What’d you do? Answer me, Rodrigo! What was your price to betray us?” He pressed the tip of the gun harder into his flesh.

Pistol drawn, Gwyn rushed behind him.

“What makes you think I betrayed you?” Rodí reached for his own pistol but stopped short when he saw Gwyn’s.

“Don’t move, and don’t you lie to me, Rodí. Give me one good reason I shouldn’t kill you.”

“How about the truth. I didn’t contact the Militarian. I’d never do that to you, Gwyn. Never. Shoot me if you don’t believe me—do it!”

Gwyn studied his face and holstered her pistol. Adrik followed her lead. “He didn’t do it.”

“Then how’d they find us, Gwyn?”

“I don’t know. We’ll figure it out later.” She watched the clearing and kicked the ground with the toe of her boot. “How do we get out of here?”

“Let me see your navcom, maybe I can retrofit it to pick up their signal.” Adrik fiddled with the machine.  It beeped twice. “That should do it.” He tuned it to the Militarian standard frequency.

A deep voice cut through the static. “They couldn’t have gotten far. There’s still trace amounts of engine emissions in the area. They’ve been here eight hours at the most.”

“Any sign of the Gwyndalaria, or Adrik?”

Gwyn’s eyes widened. “They know you’re alive.”

“It was only a matter of time before they realized it wasn’t my body that burned up. I’d hoped the DNA from my tooth would have slowed them down a little bit more. They must have tracked your ship from Raygus Prime when we left orbit.”

Rodí dropped to the ground and rocked back and forth. “I told you! It wasn’t me. Look at the mess you’ve gotten me in. We’ll all be dead in a matter of minutes. I can’t spend money when I’m dead. I should’ve stayed back in Tortuga.”

“Shut up! Let me think.” Gwyn leaned against the cargo train. “I’m not losing this payload. It’s too valuable.”

Adrik kissed Gwyn. “Look, it could just be a scout ship. Let me go survey the area. We might be able to get out with a little gunfire, and fancy flying.”

Gwynn nodded. “Go. I’ll reset the levitation device. It won’t hold for long, but I might be able to adjust it so that it’ll float above the trees long enough to grapple it into the Pleiades.” Gwyn pulled a small screw driver from her pack.

“Keep the navcom on. I’ll signal you. Use channel 3.2. It’ll be secure.”

“Will do.”

***

The navcom buzzed. “Gwyn. It’s a scout ship. They must be in the jungle looking for us. I’ve taken out their long range communications and destabilized their navigation panel. It’ll give us a head start. The communicator cut out. “Gwyn, there has to be a Militarian cruiser in orbit. We have to be careful.”

“Okay, I’ve just about got the levitation device reset.”

Rodí frowned. “Gwyn, stop. Won’t they see the cargo once it’s air born?”

She nodded. “They will Rodí. Hopefully, they’re closer to the Louvre than they are to us.” Gwyn pushed the cargo train away, into the center of the trail.

The navcom buzzed again. “You’re all clear, Gwyn. I’m in the Pleiades. Ignition sequence is in progress. Five, four, three, two. Go for it!”

Gwyn turned the device on and drew her pistol. “We have about ten minutes before this will crash to the ground. Run Rodí.”

***

Gwyn plopped down into her chair. “Have you seen the Militarian cruiser yet?”

Adrik didn’t look up from the screen. “No, but it’s out there, somewhere.”

Gwyn flew the ship above the trees and hovered over the cargo. She released the grappling hook.  Red and green laser pulses streaked through the air.

“I think the ground soldiers found us, but at least they can’t radio out.” Rodí buckled his seat belt.

“Come on just a few more feet, and we can take off.” Gwyn jockeyed the grappling hook into position and maneuvered it through the cargo net. “Got, it.”

The Pleiades rocked as one of the laser pulses made contact with the hull. “Caracho!” Gwyn muttered under her breath. “One more hit like that, and we’ll lose our cargo. Just a couple more feet. Come on baby.”

The ship shook again, this time as the cargo doors slammed shut. “Okay, we’re out of here.”

“Stay low Gwyn, no higher than 1500-feet.” Adrik adjusted the navscreen. “There.” He placed a finger on the green dot indicating the security net’s hole. “See that blip. That’s their Militarian cruiser. They’ve trapped us.”

“What about a diversion? Would they leave the exit, if they thought our ship exploded?” Gwyn stared off into the horizon.

“They might since the scout ship is out of commission.” Adrik watched the screen for any indication of movement.

“What are you going to do, Gwyn?” Rodí leaned forward in his chai,r as far as the belt allowed.

“You’re not going to like it Rodí. If we want to get out of here, it’s the only way.”

“Not, the cargo!” Rodí unfastened his belt and lunged forward. “You can’t. This will all be for nothing if you do.”

“Sit down, Rodí, or I’ll restrain you. I can and I will.”

Rodí reluctantly sat down.

“There’ll be more. There’s always more. But, if we don’t get out of here. We can’t get it, and right now those paintings are our only chance for freedom. There should be enough chemicals on them to start a real good fire. Boys, we’re going to drop the cargo onto that old Liberty statue’s torch. Adrik when it hits, light it up with plasma fire. And I’ll punch it. Any luck the Militarian will come and investigate, and we can slip through the security net.”

Gwyn lowered the cargo until it rested on top of the Liberty statue’s torch. “There goes our retirement, Adrik.” She released the grappling hook and raised it back to the ship.

“It’s just a setback, Gwyn.” Adrik placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You know, now that the Militarian knows that there’s art left in the Louvre,  they’re going to have it guarded. We won’t be able to get back in there.” Rodí sighed. “We only had one shot.”

“Adrik, fire at will, and let’s get out of here.” Adrik shot a ball of plasma fire and ignited the cargo. It burst into a massive flame.

“Look at it burn. All that money.” Rodí shook his head.

Adrik studied the navscreen. “The cruiser’s leaving orbit, and heading this way.”

Gwyn laid in a course in the opposite direction and pushed the throttle down. “Well, the Louvre might be off limits, but have you heard of the Vatican? It’s an old religious building and rumored to be full of treasure. I know a guy on Alpha Centauri that sells cloaking devices.” Gwyn smiled.

THE END

Book Three: Beneath The Metreskan Sands

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

A Special Thank You

More Books by

Arwen Chandler

About the Author

Chapter One

Early evening winds swept across the Metreskan desert, gently folding sand dunes, and erasing footprints. A chill had settled on the land as the sun draped low in the horizon, and the fragrance of creosote bushes filled the air. Babylonia tied her flaming red hair into place and wiped the sweat and dirt from the top of her brow with her pink bandana. She dropped to her knees in the sand. “It’s beautiful.”

She glanced over her shoulder before leaning over to examine the artifact further. “Uri . . ..” her voice barely audible above the howling wind that moved across the singing rocks. “Uri, come quickly.”

Uri dropped his trowel and scrambled up beside her. His dark knees made circular divots in the sand. He examined the object nestled in the dirt next to Babylonia’s small hand.

“I think we’ve found it.” Babylonia gave him a brush. “You do the honors. It’s your people.” She leaned back on her feet.

He carefully brushed away the thin layer of dust revealing the twisting edges of a ruby and sapphire encrusted silver pendant. A multi-tentacled creature draped his long appendages around the gemstones. Uri ran a finger over the surface of the pendant and his fingers lightly brushed across the back of Babylonia’s hand. Electricity surged between them.

Babylonia gasped as the heat crawled up her arm and she reddened. For a moment, the pair knelt in silence. Babylonia cleared her throat, and carefully pulled the object from its resting place. It was unusually cold to the touch and heavier than she’d imagined. She brought it closer to examine it further. “It’s a pendant from King Fanning’s Court. Unmistakable. It’s exactly as the legend-keepers have described it. We are looking at an actual artifact left behind by the world builders.”

She placed the pendant in Uri’s open hand.

“You know what this means Uri? It’s significance?”

Uri nodded, “I may be new to digging in the dirt, but I do know my people’s legends. It means that the Metreskan Dynasty ruled in this area! We have proof.” Uri closed his eyes and traced the smooth stones with his finger. He could almost see his ancestors building their empire, seeding the world, and creating a planet safe for the exiles of Old Earth. He opened his eyes, “You know the regime isn’t going to like this.” He handed her the pendant, and she dropped it into a clear plastic bag.

“No, they’re not. Neither are the Militarian.” Babylonia rocked back onto her heels. “The quicker we get this piece cataloged, the better.” She stood, stretching her back and legs.

Uri picked up his sketchpad and quickly drew the pendant’s location and added the coordinates.

She placed the pendant on a long table that held numerous other artifacts. “After you finish your sketch, have Johansson catalog it.”

Uri nodded.

“Then how about meeting me at Crowley’s for a drink. The Militarian may not like the implications of this finding, but I’m elated. I want to celebrate.” Babylonia started across the compound but looked back. “Oh, and tell the guys the drinks are on me, but no alcohol. I won’t have my crew sauced. We have too much to do, now that we know for sure what we’re looking at.”

Uri gave her mock salute. “I’ll see to it. Ms. Steele.”

Babylonia rolled her eyes. “As you were.” She crossed the few hundred yards from the dig site to her starcruiser, the Lady Serpentine, with haste. Her long hair shone like spun copper in the evening sun. The dessert winds whipped stray hairs and little bits of sand into her eyes. She blinked as tears of protest obscured her vision. “Next time remember the goggles, Babylonia.”

The Lady Serpentine sat nestled in the center of a rocky outcropping. Here the scenery was a stark contrast to the desert’s rolling sands. The evening sun bounced off the towering rocks. They glowed orange and red in the direct light, but as the sun sunk lower into the horizon, the rocks changed color to a brilliant glowing purple.

A few feet away from the Lady Serpentine’s hatch, the hum of the mechanical wind turbines generating electricity for the dig site buzzed. Babylonia paused. She glanced at the machines; everything appeared to be working. “I’ve got to remember to have Johansson check on those in the morning.”

She rested her hand on the side of the cruiser, “Hopefully, they’re not draining too much of your power.” She patted The Lady Serpentine and stepped up the temporary steps to the hatch.

“Open.” The door flashed open with a pop and a hiss. She frowned. “I need new funding. One of these days you’re not going to open.” She ducked her head and stepped through. The cold air refreshed her hot and dry skin.

“Close.” The door shook but finally shut. “Once I get this new finding to the council, I’ll get you fixed. I promise.”

Babylonia unlaced her boots and dropped her clothes to the floor. She dialed Gwyn’s number for the Pleiades, sank into her overstuffed lounge chair and shut her eyes. “Just for a few minutes.” She murmured. Babylonia waited for Gwyn to pick up, but she didn’t answer. A computer voice came on the line. “Ms. Casteliano is out. Please leave a message. Say one for video, say two for voice.

Babylonia looked down at her naked body and laughed. “Two, please.”

“You may now leave your voice message.”

“Gwyn, this is Babylonia. I’ve found it! It’s here. I finally have proof! The Metreskans settled this planet first!” Her green eyes flashed with excitement.

“Man, Gwyn, I can’t tell you how I wish you were here.” Babylonia paused, pushing away the memories that filled her mind. “Anyway. I just wanted you to know because you’re the only person I know who’d be as excited about this as me. I miss you girl.” She paused again. “If you’re ever in this sector, stop by for a bit. I could use your expertise. Just in case there’s trouble. I’m certain the Militarian aren’t going to like this finding.” She paused, “Oh, and speaking of, send my regards to that guy of yours. I know you’re wondering if there’s anything new on the romance site, um, well. Let’s just say maybe, and if you stop by Mirada, I will fill you in.” Babylonia grinned. “His name is Uri. Okay. That's all I’m telling you over the com. Call me back when you get this. Later, Chica.”

Babylonia ended the call and leaned back in her chair. She shut her eyes and focused on her ship’s environmental program. The melodious warble of bird calls and the cascading sound of a babbling brook filled the cabin. The sweet mountain air programmed into her internal atmosphere swept across her bare flesh. Her skin raised into thousands of little goose bumps, but after the heat of the day, it was a welcome feeling, so she resisted the urge to grab a blanket. Babylonia stretched her long legs and sunk deeper into the lounge. Soon, the rhythm of her breath kept time to the gentle hum of the machinery in her cabin, lulling her to sleep. As she dreamed, the land outside grew dark and purple.

The loud thrum of helocruisers and sirens pierced the quiet. Babylonia thought she was dreaming, but as the sounds intensified her cabin shook. She bolted upright. “Crap!” Babylonia threw on her silky kimono styled robe, slipped her bare feet into her boots and rushed out the door.

Green, purple and silver lights flooded the dig site as Militarian troopers stomped across her newly excavated field. Their boots smashed through gridlines and trampled artifacts like they were debris left over from a space fight. A large man stood next to her command tent dressed in black combat fatigues. He barked commands to men who were dumping her findings and paperwork into large black bags.

Babylonia took off at full speed. Her lean body unusually fast for a woman of Old Earth descent. Babylonia bowed up to the man in charge. “What do you think you’re doing? This is a dig site authorized by the Metreskan Heritage Council. You have no authority here.” She poked him in the chest with her long finger. “You need to leave. Now. Put my things down.” He pushed forward, and she stumbled backward, barely regaining her footing.

He shoved a paper in front of her face that bore the Militarian seal.

She scanned it. “This can’t be!”

The soldier read it aloud. “Dr. Steele, you are accused of digging without a permit, and profiteering.” He pushed Babylonia into a chair. “We are removing the contraband, and if you’re quiet, I’ll let you go with a warning.”

“Let me go with a warning!” Babylonia snarled. “I’ve got all of my permits. Everything is in order, and you have no right to interfere with this dig. Who do you think you are?”

The soldier smirked. “Someone who doesn’t answer to a little girl like you. If you have your permits, let me see them.”

Babylonia glanced across the tent. A man dressed in similar fatigues was carrying a large box of paperwork back toward his ship. She frowned. “I had paperwork, but your man just took it.” She pointed in his direction. “See that man there. If you could just stop him. He has my papers.”

“So, you’re telling me that you don’t have a copy of your permits with you?”

She groaned, her breath exhaling with an exaggerated sigh. “Yes, that’s what I’m telling you, but they’re in that box. If you’ll just let me get them.”

The soldier pointed the end of his pulse pistol at her. “Stay put, Ms. Steele. You’re going nowhere.”

Dressed in black fatigues instead of his usual khaki’s and button up blue shirt, Johansson stepped forward. “It’s gone, sir.”

Babylonia furled her brow. “What’s gone? What are you doing, Johansson?”

Johansson turned to her. “My duty, Ms. Steele.”

Anger radiated from her eyes, and for a moment she thought about punching him in the face. Instead, she balled her hands into fists and then released them. “How could you?”

He turned his back to her. “As I was saying it’s not here, and neither is Uri. I bet it’s with him.”

The commander pointed his pulse pistol at Babylonia. “Where’s the man?”

Sweat beaded on her upper lip and her voice shook. “How should I know?”

He flicked off the safety and lowered the pistol closer to her head. “I said, where is he?”

Fear flashed in Babylonia’s eyes, and her heart felt as though it was going to fly right out of her chest. “I don’t know.” She sobbed. “I don’t. Please. I haven’t done anything wrong.” Tears slid down her cheeks, leaving tracks in the dust that had settled on her skin.

“That’s just not good enough. Dr. Steele.” The man lifted his pistol and struck her against the temple with its back end.

The world went black as Babylonia hit the ground with a thud.

Chapter Two

The wind howled through the glowing rocks creating a symphony of pipe sound that echoed through the compound. Uri surveyed the landscape from his position behind the outcropping nearest Babylonia’s starcruiser. Babylonia lay in a heap in the center of the command tent. Anger flashed across his face. “I should have been here instead of waiting at the cantina.” He crouched low listening to his surroundings. All was still. He gave another cursory look at the dig site and jogged toward Babylonia.

Uri crouched in the soft sand beside Babylonia’s body. He carefully lifted her head onto his knees. “Babylonia.” His voice was soft as he gently caressed the side of her face and examined the purple flesh surrounding her temple. “Those old-earth-targs! They’ll pay for this.” He traced her full lips with his deeply tanned finger. A slight moan escaped Babylonia’s throat, and her eyelids fluttered. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the Lady Serpentine. Uri laid Babylonia on the chase lounge, secured the windows and sealed the door before taking a seat in the flight room.

He turned on the navscreen, and the Lady Serpentine appeared on the map. Several green blips circled their position. “Great. Militarian starships.” Uri studied the navigation panel until he located a blue flashing light. He pressed the button, and in reply, the engines roared to life. He stabilized the craft, hovering twenty feet above the ground. Uri wiped his sweaty hands on his khaki shorts. “If I know Babylonia, you have a secret or two to surrender to me, Lady Serpentine.”

His hands nervously traced the dash looking for a hidden compartment. Beside the navscreen switch, he felt the panel dip ever so slightly. “I knew you’d give it up to me!” He pressed the area down with two fingers. The Lady Serpentine disappeared from the navscreen. “Yes!” He watched as the green blips accelerated toward their position.

Uri lifted the starcruiser to two-thousand feet, locked in a course for the islands, and hit auto pilot. The screen switched from map view to landscape. Thousands of pinprick stars littered the night sky. Babylonia stirred, but didn’t wake. He ran his fingers through her hair and placed a kiss on her forehead. “No worries, lovely. I’ll have Dr. Flynn check you over when we get to my plantation.”

Pools of orange and purple rippled in the water’s current as the early morning sun chased away the dark. In the distance, giant palms partly obscured the enormous white plantation house dressed with terracotta roof tiles. Uri radioed the tower on his estate. “Julius. It’s Uri. I’m coming in.”

“Dr. Rankston, it’s good to hear your voice. Stand by, and I’ll lower the shields.”

Uri smiled. “It’s good to hear yours, too. I’ve set the cruiser to accept your controls. Guide her in and have Dr. Flynn meet me at the landing pad.”

“Sure thing, sir.”

Uri felt the gentle tug of the guidance system lock onto the starcruiser. He hailed the tower again. “Oh, Julius, one more thing. Can you have Lucinda set out a fresh set of clothes for me, and something cool for a woman – about a size twelve.”

“Consider it done.”

Uri watched as the grounds and his house filled the view screen. Large date palms lined the gardens, and the coconut palms were heavy with fruit. Workers ambled amidst the landscape picking ripe coconuts, and harvesting bananas and pineapples. He noticed bushels of fruit piled onto flatbed hover-trucks, destined for the local markets and those off world. A sense of pride filled him with emotion. “By old Earth, I’ve missed this place.”

He opened the air vents as the Lady Serpentine made her final descent to the landing pad. The fragrance of jasmine, hibiscus, and salty sea air filtered through the ship's ventilation system. The Lady Serpentine released her landing gear. The stabilizers hissed as she landed with a slight thud. Babylonia stirred, but didn’t wake.

Uri opened the hatch to a waiting Julius. “Dr. Flynn is in the guest quarters, Sir. Mrs. Sarum was giving birth to twins. He’s just back. So, I thought I’d give you a hand.” Julius stepped aboard.

“Good. Help me get her onto the stretcher.” Uri grabbed a small box out of the first-aid kit and pushed the release button. The box floated out of his hands with a quick twisting motion and popped open.

Julius positioned the floating stretcher next to Babylonia as Uri carefully lifted her onto it. It sagged momentarily but adjusted its thrusters to accommodate for her exact body size. Uri secured Babylonia in place with an invisible force field. “Julius, see that she gets to Dr. Flynn. Stay for the examination. I want to know how bad her injuries are, and if she wakes, get me immediately. I’m going to get cleaned up.”

Uri gazed out his bedroom window watching the tide rush in and out. Below, the surf crashed onto the rough edges of the jagged rocks, creating pools of white foam. He inhaled deeply as the sea breeze penetrated the room. The white gauzy curtains billowed around him like the sea foam striking the rocks along the shore.

“Tea, Sir?”

Startled, Uri turned and nodded. “Didn’t hear you come in, Lucinda.”

Her hair was pulled up in a white wrap, and she wore a bright blue dress covered by a frilly embroidered pinafore apron. “Sorry, Sir. Hope I wasn’t intruding.”

“No. Of course not. You’re a welcome sight. You look lovely as always.”

Lucinda blushed. “Thank you, Sir. It’s a new apron.”

“Well. I like it.”

Lucinda poured the hibiscus tea into an antique tea cup from Old Earth. It bore a pattern from the House of Windsor.

Lucinda swizzled honey into the tea and stirred it. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” He took a sip. “Perfect as always. How’ve you been since I’ve been gone?”

“Been good. Nothing to complain of, Sir. Benji’s been working hard organizing the harvest. You know how it is this time of year. Never enough time to get everything done, and the sugarcane’s about ready now, too.”

Uri nodded and took another sip of tea. “Why don’t you sit down and have a cup with me? We can catch up.”

Lucinda shook her head. “Can’t right now, though I’d love to. Got too much to do. Storm’s brewing out there. Can feel it in my knee. Got to make sure to get the linens off the line before it comes to a head.”

Uri chuckled. “You know we have a vapor washer and dryer. You don’t have to hang them out there.”

Lucinda swatted at him. “Why, I’d never! Nothing’s as good as a good hand scrubbing and fresh white linen drying in the sun. How else you expect to get that clean scent?” She frowned.

“Well, be gone with you then. Get those linens up before the rain comes.” Uri pretended to shoo her away.

“Oh, Mr. Uri. You’re still a handful.” Lucinda gathered the tea tray and hustled out.

He turned back to look out the window. Dark clouds gathered off the horizon. He shook his head. “That woman’s knee is better than the best weather program.”

Uri reached into his pocket and withdrew the artifact. The silver creature glistened, illuminated by the shafts of the remaining sunlight that poured in shafts between the black clouds. The faceted rubies and sapphires glowed as the light made direct contact. “You’re such a small thing, but you change everything.”

Chapter Three

Gwyn and Adrik loaded the Donatello David statue into the cargo bay. “I am so glad we have these grav-lifters. Can you imagine having to load this thing without them?” Gwyn pushed a button, and the statue landed on the floor with a slight thud.

Adrik wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. “I can’t even imagine. It’s so hot out here. I think I’d keel over if I had to try to carry it.”

“Me, too.” She chugged some water and tossed the bottle to Adrik.

He downed the liquid, then clipped the carabiner to his belt loop. “Well, you ready to try Rodrigo’s new tech?”

Gwyn grinned. “Always. I can’t wait to see how this works.”

Adrik handed her a small rectangular box.

“Well, now or never.” She pointed it at the David statue and pressed the lever. The statue turned invisible. “Yes!” She gave Adrik a high-five. “Works just like he said.”

Adrik reached out and touched it. “It’s still here, but I sure can’t see it.”

“Well. If authorities nose around, they may find it.” She laughed. “Caracho! They may walk right into it. But, if we’re scanned, it’s well hidden.” She patted the invisible statue. Rodrigo deserves a huge kiss for this.”

Adrik scowled. “Not from you.” He pulled her into him and folded his arms around her. He leaned into her and kissed her deeply, his tongue searching her mouth.

Her body responded with a jolt; flames erupted through her body.

“Thought you’d be in here.” Jericho ran a hand through his sticky hair.

Gwyn and Adrik broke apart. “Just securing the cargo.”

“Didn’t look like that’s what you were doing.” He laughed. “I don’t even see it.” He glanced around the cargo bay. “So, where is it?”

Gwyn grabbed his hand and led him over to the statue. “Touch here.”

He felt the hard metal beneath his fingers. “Caracho! That’s amazing. Rodrigo’s outdone himself this time. Who knew you could retrofit a ship’s invisibility shield into something so small?”

“Rodrigo has these ideas and boom. There you see it. Man’s a genius. Really.” Gwyn stored the remaining cargo in the hidden cargo hold. “Guess we can lift off anytime.”

Adrik’s stomach rumbled, and he rubbed it. “I’m ready.”

“Sounds like you’re ready for some food. Let me go get washed up, and I’ll make you two some gorditas.” She kissed Jericho on the cheek as she walked by.

“You are too kind to this old man, Gwyn.”

“Anything for you, Tío. Give me ten.”

Adrik and Jericho watched her walk away.

Gwyn entered her quarters and tossed her dirty clothes into the laundry chute. Beneath her feet, the Pleiades rumbled, as it lifted off into the atmosphere. She placed her hand against the window and looked out. It was cold to the touch. Below, greenery and water covered Old Earth.

“One of these days, I’m going to build a summer house here, if Rodí can figure out that bio-filter system.”

The sky went from light blue to black as they entered the upper atmosphere. The ship slightly lunged as it crossed into orbit, and she sighed. Gwyn took one more glance through the window. Stars passed by like snowflakes. A smile traced her lips. Nothing like the beauty of space.

Gwyn pulled her hair down and wrapped a towel around her naked body. She studied her reflection. Soot covered her under eyes and cheeks. Past time for a shower, I think.

She slipped her feet into slippers, then exited her room. Gwyn followed the short corridor to the communal bathroom and closed the door. She turned the dial on the sauna feature and sat down on the toilet. She took a deep breath, enjoying the heat that swaddled her like a blanket. Sweat poured off her body cleansing the toxins from her skin. She waited a few minutes, then turned on the shower.

The water was warm but cooler than the sauna. Gwyn stepped beneath the flowing water and closed her eyes as the water poured down her face and onto her tired shoulders. She sighed deeply, as the day’s dirt and grime washed away. She reached above her head and stretched her sore back. Suddenly strong arms pulled her against a hard-chiseled chest. She opened her eyes. “Soldier?”

Adrik grinned. “I figured if you needed a shower before dinner, so did I.” He kissed her beneath the showerhead, and the flowing water threatened to take Gwyn’s breath. She took a careful breath, and kissed him back, pushing him against the back of the shower. His body felt hard beneath hers, and his wet skin thrilled her.

Adrik pulled her close then nuzzled her neck. For a moment, Gwyn stayed in the moment, longing to melt into him. Her stomach growled loudly, and he laughed.

She stood up. “Can you hand me the soap?”

Adrik frowned. “This is not where I thought this was going.”

Gwyn laughed. “Maybe not. But, I’m hungry.” She quickly lathered her hair and body.

Adrik watched. “Need help?”

Gwyn cocked her eyebrow. “I got it. Thanks.” She rinsed off and stepped out of the shower.

Adrik leaned out from behind the shower curtain, holding a bottle of soap. “Ugh, before you go?”

Gwyn fastened the towel around her chest. “Yes?”

“Can you wash my back?”

“I suppose so.” She grabbed the bottle and squirted some soap in the center of her palm. She rubbed him down and rinsed the soap off her hand. “Done.”

Adrik pouted. “You didn’t use your nails.”

Gwyn huffed. “Oh, you big baby!”

“What? That’s the best part.” He cut her a sideways glance.

“Turn around.” She washed his back again, this time scratching it with her nails.

He shimmied beneath her touch. “That’s great. Now just a little to the right.”

“Adrik! Stop it!” She stepped back. “You’re getting me wet!” Her brown eyes smiled.

“I like you wet.” Adrik turned off the shower and stepped out beside her.

The intercom beeped. Gwyn put a finger in front of her lips. “Shhh…” She pressed the com button.

A smile traced Adrik’s lips.

“Yes, Jericho?”

“Gwyn, you have a message from Babylonia.”

“Ok, send it to my quarters.” She blew a silent kiss to Adrik as she left.

Gwyn sat in front of her computer. Babylonia’s voice filled her cabin. She listened to the recording and then formed a replied. “Sounds interesting, Babylonia. Right now, I have a cargo that I need to deliver to Rodrigo, but after that, I have no pressing jobs. I’d love to swing by. I’ll talk to Adrik about it, and see what he says. I will give him your regards, too. I can’t wait to hear about this guy you’ve met. It’s about time you found someone.”

She paused and looked out her window into space. “By the way, Uncle Jericho is on board with us now, at least for a while.” Gwyn took a breath, “Anyway, I can’t wait to see you, and I hope that’ll be soon. Either way, I’ll talk to you soon. Hugs!” She pressed send and turned off the messenger.

Gwyn made her way to the galley. Adrik and Jericho were waiting at the table.

“So, Gran’s gorditas?” Adrik’s eyes were smiling.

“But, of course. Who else’s recipe would I use?”

Jericho grabbed plates from the cabinet. “There are no gorditas like Mama’s. That’s for sure.”

Gwyn entered the ingredients into the food synthesizer, and a platter full of gorditas appeared. She carried the tray to the table and sat it between them. Jericho and Adrik grabbed a couple, and she grabbed one.

Between mouthfuls, Adrik spoke. “So, what’s new with Babylonia?”

“She’s finally found the proof that the Metreskans were the first to inhabit Mirada. Which means the Militarian have no claim to govern the planet.”

Adrik took another bite and wiped the cheese from his chin.

“This finding is going to change everything when she gets it to the council.”

Adrik leaned forward, “If she can keep her hands on it. No doubt the Militarian are watching her every move. Do you know if she’s already entered her findings into the interstellar database?”

Gwyn shook her head. “She didn’t say.” She took a bite of food and chewed it slowly. “Man, this is good.”

Jericho nodded his head in agreement.

Adrik frowned.

“What? You don’t like the food?” Gwyn looked hurt.

“No. It’s not that. The food’s great. I just thought after we unload the Donatello, we had better go to Mirada and see if Babylonia needs help. I know you had wanted to visit Calista, but I think we need to get there fast.”

Gwyn devoured the last bite of gordita. “Agreed. Gran will understand.” She wiped her hands on her cargo pants. “I’ll go call Rodí and tell him we’re on our way. Let’s see if we can get this expedited some.” She motioned to the dirty dishes. “You guys got this?”

“Think it’s Jericho’s turn.”

Jericho squinted and showed his filed teeth at Adrik.

Adrik returned the look. “I’m not scared of you, Tío. It’s your turn.”

Gwyn kissed the top of Adrik’s head. “Y’all figure it out. I did the cooking.”

Jericho pulled out a coin. “I’ll flip you for it.”

Gwyn rolled her eyes as she followed the hallway to the cockpit.

Rodí waited on the platform and watched as the Pleiades made its final descent. She landed with a slight bounce. The engines stopped, and the cargo bay door opened. Rodí met Gwyn half-way across the platform. He hugged her tightly. “I can’t wait to see it. My client is practically foaming at the mouth over this one.”

“He has a good reason. It’s gorgeous. Let’s go inside. Jericho was able to restore its original patina on the trip over here.”

Rodí frowned. “Restoration?”

“Don’t worry. It still looks antiquated, and the restoration was minimal. It had some cracking and vegetation growth from years of storage. But, well, just see for yourself.”

They entered the ship. Adrik stood next to the invisible artwork. He pressed a button, and the Donatello sculpture materialized.

He gasped. “It’s magnificent!” Rodí gently touched the bronze surface. “The detail.” He circled the David, stopping every few inches to examine it more carefully.

Gwyn smiled.

He whistled and made another circle around the statue. “It was definitely worth the risk. I wonder if I could get a few more thousand units from the buyer?”

Gwyn shrugged. “I think you can get whatever you want for it, but I’d be careful sticking it to Lizben. You don’t want him on your bad side.”

“True.” He contemplated the price. “Next time, we’re making more.”

The inner door whooshed open, and Jericho walked through. “Rodí, my boy. What you think?”

Rodí shook Jericho’s hand. “It’s perfect.”

Jericho studied the nude and wrinkled his face. “I don’t know. It’s not my kind of art, but if you have a collector. I’ll bring it to you all day long.”

Rodí laughed. “I have someone coming to unload him. I know you have to get to Mirada, but can you stay the night?”

Gwyn shook her head. “No. We need to get going. Maybe next time.”

“Shame.” Rodí pulled a silk handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow.

“You know. I wouldn’t mind meeting your buyers.” Jericho patted the statue. “I could use an escape from these two lovebirds, too. Maybe I can stay a night or two with you and then go visit Mom.”

A huge smile crossed Rodrigo’s face. “Perfecto. You are welcome anytime, Tío, and once this is done, I’ll spend a couple of days with you at Gran’s. I could use a visit.”

Gwyn motioned for Rodí’s men to board. “The merchandise is here.”

Together they worked to pull the Donatello statue from the Pleiades using compact grav-lifters.

Rodí and Jericho followed them out the door.

Gwyn and Adrik stopped short of going outside. “Well, let me know how it goes, and don’t forget to transfer our units into my account.”

“Of course.” Rodí patted Jericho on the back.

Adrik cast Jericho an anxious glance. “Behave. Jericho.”

Jericho threw his head back. “Never.”

Chapter Four

Babylonia nursed a glass of orange juice, beneath the shade of plumerias. “I’m feeling better, Uri. Really.” Her red hair was pulled back in a low knot that sat at the top of her neck, but little stray wisps of hair floated around her face in the breeze. She tucked a long strand of her hair behind her ear and placed a hand on top of Uri’s. The bruise on the side of her face had lightened considerably. “Uri, I can’t thank you enough for getting that artifact out of there. And for rescuing me.”

“There’s no need.”

She cast a glance toward the crystal blue water. “It’s beautiful out here.” Waves ebbed in and out of the beach. “I can’t believe you never told me about this place.”

“Well. I like to keep things low key. When people hear the words, Baron Uri Rankston, their opinions of me change. Suddenly, I can do no wrong, or am the most attractive person in the room. I just wanted you to get to know the real me. Without the title.” He took a swig of fresh pineapple juice.

“I guess I can understand that, but why would you want to live in a sandy dig site, when you could be here?”

Uri laughed. “Would you be happy here? Or would you rather be somewhere digging in the dirt?”

She looked back out to sea. “I don’t know. I’d like to try to be happy in a place like this.”

“You’d last a couple of months at most; then you would power up the Lady Serpentine and be off looking for another location to find more artifacts.”

“Perhaps.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “It is in my blood.”

Uri rested his hand on top of hers. “I understand. Why do you think I financed your dig?”

Babylonia’s eyes-widened. “You funded the dig?”

“Yes. I did. I knew there had to be proof that the Metreskan Dynasty ruled here. They are my ancestors. This is important to me. I chose you to run the operations because I know you’re the best. I had faith in you. And, I was right. You found the evidence.” He smiled.

“No. We found it.” She cast another glance toward the water. “Do you think the Militarian will find us here?”

Uri shook his head. “Not a chance. I have the best security systems on the planet.”

“I hope so.” Babylonia was silent. “Do you think I could have a look at the pendant? I’d like to do some sketches.”

“Sure. It’s in my safe.” Uri scooted back from his chair and led Babylonia into his office. He stepped behind his teak desk and pushed a button. The aerial painting of his plantation disappeared, and in its place was a wall safe. He turned the dial and opened the door. Inside was a purple box. He retrieved it and handed it to Babylonia.

She opened the box and gasped. “Uri. There’s nothing in here, but a washer.”

Uri paled and reached for the box. “It’s not possible.” He stared at the copper washer. “How?” He set the box on his desk.

“Did anyone know it was here?”

“Just my closest staff.” He collapsed into his chair.

Babylonia laid a hand on Uri’s shoulder. “An artifact like this is polarizing. It’s going to separate families. It always causes division.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “I’ve seen it before on other planets.”

Uri pushed the com button. “Julius, please report to my study.”

Silence filled the room.

Babylonia and Uri watched the door. It remained closed.

“Julius. Report to my study.”

The study door opened, and Lucinda popped inside. “Julius went to the market for me. I was running low on chayote and yucca.”

Uri cast a glance at Babylonia. “When did he go?”

“Very early this morning, sir. Took your Fiesta shuttle. He should be back around noon.”

“Okay. Thank you, Lucinda.”

“Is there something I can help you with?”

“No. You may go. I don’t want to keep you.”

“Oh. Yes, Sir. I’ve got lunch on the stove.” Lucinda left, shutting the door behind her.

Babylonia cocked her eyebrow, “She uses a stove?”

“Yes. She’s traditional, and I wouldn’t trade her cooking for all the synthesized food units in the galaxy.” A smile flashed across his face but disappeared just as quickly. He picked up the box in his hand. Anger colored his eyes.

Babylonia glanced at the box. “Do you think Julius has the pendant?”

“I don’t know. It’s possible. Let me check the trackers.” He opened a tablet and pulled up the three-dimensional view screen. It projected above his desk. “Lourdes, find the Fiesta shuttle.” The computer beeped and then showed a blip. “The Fiesta shuttle is in hanger three.” He turned off the machine. “That doesn’t make sense. Want to go for a ride?”

“Sure.”

The small open-air hovercraft cruised past pineapple fields and dodged past rows of date palms. The sun beat down onto their craft, and Babylonia squinted. “Glad to have these sunglasses. Don’t know how I’d manage without them.”

“You get used to the sun down here.” Uri pulled the hovercraft up to the shuttle hangers and threw it into park.

Babylonia untied the pink scarf from her hair and stuffed it into her pocket. “So, which one’s hanger three?”

Uri pointed to the shuttle hanger on their left. “According to Lourdes, she should be in there. According to Lucinda, it is gone.” A knot formed in his stomach. “I don’t know which I want.”

They jog-walked to the door and went through. Inside, the hanger was nearly empty. Rows of fluids and tools lined the shelves along the walls. In the center of the floor, was a bundle of wires housed inside a plastic casing. Uri picked them up. “He’s taken the tracker out of the shuttle.” He through the wires against the wall and the casing shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.

Babylonia rested a hand on his back. “What do you think he’ll do with it?”

“That pendant is priceless, and a lot of people are looking for it. He’s going to sell it.”

“Black market?” Babylonia smiled.

Uri scrunched his face. “To be certain. There’s a large trading market near Mirada. Why didn’t I see this?” He hung his head.

“How could you have known? You kept it out of the Militarian’s hands. Hid it on your island. It should have been safe.”

Uri kicked the floor. “Caracho! It’s gone. Everything we’ve searched for. The proof of the Metreskan Dynasty. Proof that they were the world builders.” He sighed and turned away.

Babylonia stepped in front of him. “No. It’s not. It’s not gone. We’ll get it back. We can get it back, Uri. Don’t lose hope.”

“How?”

Babylonia grinned. “I have connections.”

“You surprise me, Babylonia. I thought you were legit.”

A wicked smile flashed in her eyes. “I am, but my friend, Gwyn, is the best smuggler in the sector, and she can get anything into her hands. We just need cash flow.”

“Cash isn’t a problem. I have enough units to start my own planet.”

Babylonia pulled Uri against her. The heat between them was like molten lava. “Don’t worry, Uri. We’ll get it back and to the council. Things are fixing to change around here.”

Uri folded her into his arms and kissed her. He whispered into her ear, “Thank you.”

Babylonia shut her eyes. “My pleasure.” She rested her head on his shoulder for a moment, then kissed him again. “I’ve been dying to do that.”

Uri ran his tongue across her bottom lip. “Me, too.”

Babylonia pulled from him but held his hand. “Let’s get back to the house, and I’ll make the call.”

Uri stepped back and dropped her hand. “Okay.”

Chapter Five

Gwyn’s voice echoed in the tower. “Starship Pleiades to Rankston Plantation. We are on approach. Lower your shields.”

“Copy that, Pleiades. Shields will be down. Three. Two. One. Down now.”

The island came into view as the shields shimmered. Gwyn flew over the plantation and landed on the tarmac. The Pleiades landed with a slight bounce.

Gwyn slipped the headphones from her ears and hung them on the hook to the left of the throttle. “You ready for the best food this side of Tortuga?”

Adrik rubbed his stomach. “Better than Gran's?”

Gwyn shrugged. “Different. Island food is unique, and Babylonia told me that Ms. Lucinda cooks everything by hand. No synthesizers.”

Adrik pressed his lips together and whistled. “You are speaking my language, girl.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Let's get out there. I'm ready for some chow.”

Gwyn shook her head and laughed. Her long hair swayed against her back. “I agree completely.”

The Pleiades com beeped. “Gwyn, you there?” Babylonia's melodic voice drifted over the waves.

“Yes. On our way.” She grabbed her duffle and slung it over her shoulder. The pair exited the ship hand-in-hand. Babylonia and Uri waited. The hot sun bounced off the black tarmac, but the breeze was constant off the surrounding waters.

Babylonia pulled Gwyn into a tight hug. “I am glad to see you.”

“It's been too long. I just wish it were under better circumstances.”

Babylonia frowned. “Me, too.”

Gwyn motioned to Adrik. “You remember Adrik, right?”

Babylonia stepped toward him. “How could I forget?” She winked.

Adrik chuckled. “You are such a flirt, Babylonia.” He gently kissed her cheek, and she stepped back next to Uri.

She laced her arm through his. “Now. Let me introduce this wonderful guy. Gwyn. Adrik. This is Baron Uri Rankston.”

Uri shook Adrik's hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Adrik nodded. “Same.”

Uri draped his arm over Babylonia's shoulders. “Let's take the hovercraft to the house. We'll talk about the artifact over dinner. Lucinda's made some jerk chicken, pineapple coleslaw and coconut key lime pie for dessert.”

Babylonia caught Adrik’s eye. “I seem to remember you like to eat, Adrik.”

“You remember correctly, and I am willing to try everything.”

Uri chuckled. “Then you are in the right place, my friend. Lucinda’s going to love you.” He clapped Adrik on the back.

Gwyn linked arms with Babylonia, and they started toward the hovercraft. The men followed.

Babylonia handed Gwyn a scarf and a pair of sunglasses. “Trust me. You'll want these. It'll keep your hair straight, and the sun is harsh on a spacer’s eyes.”

Gwyn tied the scarf in place, and slid the glasses over her eyes. “What do you think, Adrik?”

He winked. “Sexy as caracho, girl.”

Gwyn blushed. “Maybe I should get some of these? What'd you think, Babylonia?”

“You look beautiful, but you don't need to get some. I got these for you. I could never pull off those red-rimmed sunglasses – at least with my red hair. Pink maybe, but not red.” The girls chuckled.

“Well, thank you, Babs.”

Babylonia gently poked her in the ribs. “Shhh. I haven’t gone by that in years.”

Gwyn hugged her. “You’ll always be Babs to me.”

Uri sniggered and pushed the ignition. The hovercraft vroomed. Gwyn grabbed hold of the side of the craft as they pushed forward through rows of palms.

Adrik watched as they wound through the pineapple groves. Men and women were hard at work harvesting the luscious fruit. The scent of the delectable pineapples filled the air and his mouth watered. “I’ve never smelled anything so amazing.”

Uri leaned over to speak to him, “Harvest just started. The eyes of the pineapple fruit are perfect for picking. Each night the plants are flown to the mainland and sold to vendors that carry the fruit all over this quadrant. We were lucky that Mirada had such a steady tropical climate. Growing seasons are longer, and more often. We can even grow crops that might never have grown together on other worlds.”

Adrik nodded. “Leads to larger profits, no doubt.”

“Yes, that's true.”

“It’s easy to see why the Militarian have been so interested in Mirada. They like anything lucrative. They are going to fight hard against giving the Metreskans back their planet. How much of the revenue goes in taxes to the Militarian?”

Uri scowled. “Nearly fifty percent. They take and take. Our people have suffered greatly at their hands. So many of us are poor.”

“Well, at least you've been blessed.”

“I've been lucky. Make no mistake.”

Adrik watched as rows of workers gathered around long tables for lunch. The pungent smell of jerk chicken drifted on the air. “It seems you've been able to help others.”

“Yes. My father's father started this plantation before the Militarian stepped onto our world. He had the foresight to hide our island before they took control. The Militarian has searched for it, but so far, we've been fortunate. My tech is superior to theirs.” Uri pulled up to the back of the plantation house and parked the hovercraft. “Hopefully, it stays that way.”

Adrik helped Gwyn out of the back, and they followed Uri and Babylonia into the house.

Lucinda met them in the dining hall. “Just in time for lunch. Have a seat.”

They gathered around a table, laden with an abundance of food. Uri waited for his guests to sit, then sat down. “I want to thank you again for coming here. I would have rather welcomed you to my home under better circumstances, but I am thankful you are here and willing to help.”

Gwyn grabbed Adrik’s hand. “It’s no trouble, Uri. We’re going to get the pendant back. I’ve already put out feelers into the off-world auctions through Rodrigo, and there has been some chatter it’s going up for sale in a few days. We’ll be ready. In the meantime, we’ll get to know each other.”

“Thank you, Gwyn, Adrik.”

Lucinda carried a tray full of hot rolls into the room. “You better eat, before it gets cold, now. Go on.”

Uri laughed. “You heard the lady. Dig in.”

Adrik grabbed a chicken leg and tore into its flesh. He coughed and heat radiated into his face.

Uri laughed. “It’s got a kick to it. If you’re not used to the spice, it may get you.”

Adrik wiped his red lips with a napkin. “No, I’m just getting used to spicy food.” He chugged his glass of tea. “But I like it!” He took another bite.

Gwyn laughed. “He’s still getting used to real food after being on that Militarian diet. Ugh. All bland.”

Lucinda carried a pitcher of sweet tea around and refilled the glasses.

She stopped by Adrik as he said, “Ma’am, this is the best chicken I’ve ever had.”

Lucinda smiled. “Why, thank you. Have some more.”

“I think I will.” Adrik grabbed another chicken leg.

Everyone laughed.

Dark clouds gathered off shore and thunder cracked. The lime green curtains billowed into the room with a forceful draft of air. Napkins went flying from the table, and the tablecloth whipped.

Gwyn scowled. “Is this normal?”

Uri nodded. “Thunderstorms just pop up in this climate. Might as well sit back and enjoy the storm. It’s going to be a bit before I can show you the plantation. I can show you to your rooms if you’d like?”

Gwyn nodded. “That sounds great. I could use a catnap.”

Uri pushed his chair from the table. “Well, follow me. I had Lucinda set up the guest room on the second floor. It has a great view of the water.”

Gwyn followed close behind. “That sounds fantastic. I don’t know if Babylonia told you or not, but we are from a water world. That’s the one thing I miss out in the blackness of space. Tortuga has some of the best beaches.”

“Mirada doesn’t have as much water as Tortuga, but around the equator, the water is just as blue and clean as the finest oceans on Tortuga.” Uri stopped in front of a large white door. “This is it.” He turned the knob.

Gwyn gasped. “Wow! Adrik look at this.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room. At one end of the room was a large cherry wood bed, covered with a white duvet. At the other was a small settee and chaise lounge. There were six windows dressed with ceiling-to-floor-length gauzy curtains. The curtains were drawn back away from the windows. In the distance, a long finger of lightning flashed, and dark clouds billowed high into the atmosphere.

Uri touched a panel, and the windows changed. The sun shone, and the water was calm. “This here is a viewer. You can use it to modify the scenery, keep it normal, or obscure the view from outside for privacy.” Uri touched the panel again, and the real outside view materialized.

He walked to the end of the room. “Through here is the private bathroom. There’s a two-person whirlpool and spa essentials. Everything you need is at your fingertips. If you’d like a hot stone massage or acupuncture, just push the com and ask for what you need. Someone will be there to fulfill your every desire.”

Gwyn glanced at Babylonia. “I could get used to this.”

Babylonia nodded. “That’s what I said.”

Uri grabbed Babylonia’s hand. “Let’s get going, so they can get settled.”

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Alright. You guys get settled. I’ll call if Rodrigo calls.”

Gwyn nodded. “Sounds great.”

Uri shut the door behind them.

“So, what do you think Adrik?”

“I don’t know what to think. I’ve never seen anything like this place.” He unlaced his boots and kicked them beneath the bed. “I hope you were serious about a nap.”

She yawned. “Yes. This weather is perfect for a good snooze, don’t you think?” Thunder rolled, and the windows shook lightly.

“I think so.” Adrik dropped his clothes and crawled into the bed. “Come here, hot stuff.”

Gwyn laid her clothes on the chaise and slid between the sheets. “What kind of fabric is this?”

Adrik sighed. “I don’t know, but roll over here, and I’ll hold you.”

Gwyn turned over and scooted against his warm body. He wrapped his arm around her and held her tightly. In a matter of minutes, the storm outside was a world away, and they were lost in dreams.

The evening sun filtered into the study, and Rodrigo’s voice filled the room. His face floated above Uri’s desk. “The artifact is going to auction in two days. It’s been moved off-world to the Farside District at the Hotel Milano. The quadrant’s most wealthy collectors will be there. It’s invitation only.”

Gwyn studied the projection. “Have you secured our invitations, Rodí?”

Rodrigo grinned mischievously. “Right here.” He held up five passes. “You are all on the exclusive collector’s list. That means gambling credits, drinks, and food are on the house. It also means you need to wear your very best. Gwyn, you’re going to have to go shopping.”

Babylonia frowned. “You're saying black-tie?”

“Yes. But, more than that. Off the rack isn’t going to do for any of you. You’re going to have to look polished and wealthy. You have to look the part, or they will boot you right out of there.”

Gwyn glanced at Babylonia. “Shopping trip.”

Babylonia studied her feet. “Gwyn, I don’t have that kind of money. Everything I have is tied up in this dig. Maybe you better take me off the list. You guys can go.” She looked off into the distance.

Uri grabbed her hand. “I wouldn’t hear of it. Baron Rankston must have his lovely partner at his side. I’ll cover the costs. In fact, you and Gwyn go out to the mainland first thing in the morning. Charge everything to my card.”

“Are you sure, Uri? I hate to impose on your kindness. You’ve already done so much.”

“Babylonia, it is my pleasure. If it makes you feel better, consider it a bonus for the good work you’ve done at the dig site.”

“Well, if you insist.” She blushed.

“Think nothing of it. If you want to know the truth, I’m looking forward to seeing you all dolled up.”

Babylonia giggled, and Rodrigo cleared his throat.

“So. Anyway. Black-tie. Look your best. Jericho will meet you guys at the hotel. The auction starts at midnight, but sign in is at six that evening. Be on time.”

“We’ll be there.”

Chapter Six

The mainland sprawled out in the viewscreen. Colorful two-story houses lined the crowded beaches, and the heart of the city loomed tall just beyond the surf’s edge.

Gwyn studied the bent oaks as they flew past. “Have you been here before?”

“Yes. Fenwick’s an amazing city. I’ve been on this dig site for about two years, now, and every three months or so I come over here to update the council on my progress.” Babylonia piloted the Lady Serpentine above the shopping district, and toward Uri’s private hanger. She flew inside and parked. “I think you’re going to enjoy the experience. The sights and the sounds of coastal life, are going to remind you of Tortuga.”

Gwyn smiled. “I’d love an extended stay on Tortuga. It’s been awhile, now. Gran’s threatening to go to space, if I don’t come for a visit.”

Babylonia laughed. “I can see Calista on your ship.”

Gwyn’s eyes-widened. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that. Don’t get me wrong. I love Gran, and I love Jericho, but I don’t want to see them together on a small ship.”

Babylonia sucked in her lips. “True, I hadn’t thought about that.”

Gwyn followed Babylonia from the ship. The morning air outside was cool after the previous day’s storm, but humid. “It’s going to be a hot one today.”

“Yes. It is.” Babylonia flattened her white pantsuit against her body.

“You're looking good.”

“Not too wrinkled?” Babylonia scrunched her nose.

“No, you look the part. What about me?”

Babylonia tucked a stray strand of hair behind Gwyn’s ear. “You are rocking those pedal pushers and that polka dot blouse. You definitely look like you have money to burn.”

“Ok. So where to now?”

“I was thinking Crate and Barlow’s. They sell off the rack, but they also customize. I thought that’d be the fastest way to get tailored clothing. Of course, I only know it by reputation.” Babylonia pushed the rope handle of her turquoise canvas purse onto her shoulder.

Gwyn nodded. “Lead the way.”

Rows of shops with Corinthian columns lined the streets. Heavily perfumed air fell like a blanket around them, and throngs of people pushed through the streets. Babylonia’s eyes flashed. “Ever been anywhere like this? It surprised me the first time I came down here.”

Gwyn laughed. “I don’t think there is anywhere like this, and I’ve been lots of places.” A man wearing a white cotton suit with a matching straw hat passed by. “What do you think? Can’t you just see Adrik in that? Wonder if I can find that at Crate and Barlow’s?”

Babylonia did a double take. “It is hot. I’ll see if I can help you find it.”

Gwyn bit her lip. “I won’t leave here until Adrik has that suit.”

Crate and Barlow’s sat on the corner. The store’s large picture windows displayed moving images of beautiful people wearing the latest fashions. Babylonia waved her hand in front of the door, and it opened. The women entered.

A man wearing a dark suit stood to the left of the door. Gwyn smiled at him and motioned to Babylonia. She mouthed, “Security?”

Babylonia shrugged. “I guess so. Oh, don’t ask the price of anything. Uri said if we like it just buy it.”

“Well, I guess that nixes Adrik’s suit.”

Babylonia flashed Uri’s card. “Nope. He said to get all three of us some clothes suited for the Milano. Get what you need.”

A woman dressed in a light orange wrap dressed approached. “What are you ladies looking for?”

Gwyn batted her eyelashes. “Well, we have a trip scheduled to the Milano and need something for a formal dinner. Also, I am looking for a white cotton suit. Something casual in a large.”

The woman motioned for a man to join them. “McMaster. I need a white casual suit. Size large brought in from the back.”

The man nodded.

“Do you want a matching hat? Or a pocket square?”

Babylonia stifled a snicker and looked away.

“Yes, to the hat. What kind of pocket square prints do you have?”

The woman smiled. “Anything you’d like. We have floral and geometric patterns.”

Gwyn nodded. “How about a floral?” She looked at McMaster. “How about you choose something and wrap it up. I like a good surprise.” She smiled, and the fine lines around her brown eyes crinkled.

Babylonia’s laughter drifted across the racks, and Gwyn shot her a quick look. She choked.

The man straightened his bow-tie. “I will get you something spectacular. You can count on me.”

Gwyn lightly grabbed his arm. “I have a couple other men’s things I need. Do you think you can get them together for me?” She handed him a list, and he quickly read through it.

“Oh, absolutely. You can count on me. Don’t you worry.”

She released him. “I’m sure I can. Thank you.”

“Not at all.” He rushed back to the rear of the store.

Gwyn joined Babylonia at the dress rack, but the woman hovered nearby. Babylonia found a form fitted black dress. Small pink rose florets circled the hem and trailed to the waist. She pulled it from the rack and held it in front of her. “What’d you think?”

“I like it. Every eye in the room’s going to be on you.”

The saleswoman appeared. “Oh, that dress looks perfect with your hair! How about you go try it on, and I’ll see what kind of tailoring it needs?” She led Babylonia to a dressing room.

Gwyn wound through the racks and stopped suddenly in front of a dark green mermaid dress with a cream-colored overlay. She called to Babylonia. “I found my dress.”

The sales assistant carried it to the fitting room, and Gwyn followed. She quickly undressed and slid the gown over her hips. She pulled it over her arms. The back had a deep cut out that rested just below her waist. Gwyn zipped up the gown and turned in a circle. It hugged her curves in all the right ways. “This is the one, Babylonia. How are you doing in there?

“Good. Want to see?”

Gwyn stepped out of the fitting room, and McMaster whistled. “Gorgeous, darling. Gorgeous. Both of you.” He slid a pin into the fabric at Babylonia’s waist, and the dress tightened.

“Babs. You look gorgeous. Uri’s going to fall all over himself.”

“You think so?”

McMaster added the last pin. “Well, sugar. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t have eyes.”

Babylonia blushed, and stepped down from the stool she’d been standing on.

McMaster patted the stool. “Your turn. Let me get your dress fitted, and then I’ll get them both in the customizer. Shouldn’t take but a few minutes. Then you ladies will be good to go.”

Gwyn stepped onto the stool. He took some measurements and lifted the hemline. “All done. You look beautiful. Really.”

“Thanks.” She stepped down.

The women redressed and handed McMaster their gowns. While they waited, they grabbed a few more garments and matching shoes.

They waited at the jewelry counter. Gwyn studied a white gold diamond necklace with starship pendant that sat below the glass. “What do you think, Babylonia? Is it me or what?”

Babylonia took a closer look. “You have to have that.”

She whispered, “You think it’d be okay?”

“I’m sure of it. Get it.”

Gwyn motioned to the lady behind the counter. “Can I see that one?” She pointed to the necklace.

“Yes. It was custom made for a pilot’s wife. But, for some reason, she didn’t like it.” She handed the necklace to Gwyn.

Gwyn ran the pendant through her fingers. It was a good weight, and the chain was sturdy. “Well. Lucky for me she didn’t. I will take it.”

McMaster came out from the back, carrying their purchases and newly tailored gowns. “You ladies are ready to go.”

Gwyn handed the necklace to the woman. “Can you ring this up first? I want to wear it.”

“Sure thing.” She ran a bar over the necklace, and the price popped up on the free-standing monitor hovering above the counter.

Gwyn choked and gave Babylonia a quick glance. “You sure about this?”

Babylonia nodded. “Yep.”

The saleswoman handed Gwyn the necklace, and she quickly put it on. It felt like it was made for her neck. She ran her hand over the pendant and continued to watch the sales lady ring in their purchases.

The woman hit the total button, and the final sale price flashed in front of them.

“That will be fifty-thousand units.”

Gwyn sucked in her breath. “Wow.”

Babylonia handed the woman Uri’s card. “Charge it, please.”

The woman completed the transaction, and the girls grabbed their bags.

Babylonia followed Gwyn from the store. Gwyn turned to look behind her, and she collided with a Militarian commander. Gwyn stopped short, and Babylonia bumped into her.

Anger flashed across the man’s face. “Be more careful. You want a citation?”

Gwyn quickly looked down at the pavement, hoping he didn’t get a good look at her face. “No, Sir. I’m sorry.”

He growled. “You rich people think everything in this world belongs to you.”

She stepped to the side, trying to get around him. A gloved hand closed on her shoulder.

Gwyn froze.

“Where are you going? I’m talking to you. You think your money can buy you privileges, rich girl? Not with me.”

Babylonia linked her arm with Gwyn’s and met the soldier's gaze. “We were just about to get lunch at Chez Rous. Do you need something, Sir?”

He dropped Gwyn’s arm but stared at them a moment longer. “Ok. Go on. Get. Be more careful in the future. You bump into me again, and I’ll take you downtown and write you a citation.”

The pair nodded. “Understood.” Gwyn and Babylonia crossed the street in the direction of the restaurant. Gwyn glanced over her shoulder. “He’s gone.” They passed Chez Rous and turned left. Babylonia led the way back to the hanger. Safely inside, they stored their purchases, and Babylonia fired up the engines.

Gwyn squinted. “Have you ever seen the Militarian here?”

Babylonia plotted their course. “Occasionally, but I’ve never actually had a run in with one.” She lifted off the platform and turned on her invisibility shield.

Gwyn leaned forward. “Do you mind turning on the sensors. I have a bad feeling in my stomach.”

Gwyn flipped a button, and the navscreen changed from land view to sensor view.

Hundreds of blips amassed at the edge of town. “That can’t be good.”

“Let’s see what they’re up to.” Babylonia changed course and flew to the edge of town. Militarian troops had amassed in large numbers on the grounds below. Babylonia shook her head. “You’re right; this can’t be good.”

Gwyn leaned forward in her chair. “Looks like they’re here for an occupation.”

Babylonia whistled. “Maybe. I have never seen so many troops.”

“We better get back.”

Babylonia redirected the Lady Serpentine for the Rankston Plantation. The shuttle darted away into the horizon.

Chapter Seven

Proximity alarms filled the cockpit as they approached the island’s outer shore. The island’s invisibility shield was down.

“Caracho!” Gwyn pushed the com and sent a message to Adrik’s wristcom. “Adrik, are you there?”

He didn’t answer.

She hailed the Pleiades. There was no reply.

Gwyn cast a worried look at Babylonia. “He always answers me. He’s got to be out of range, or captive.” Sweat formed around her hairline.

Babylonia called the island tower. There was no reply.

“What’s going on down there?”

Babylonia switched on the land viewer. “Looks like there’s a large vessel on the front lawn.”

Babylonia zoomed in.

“Militarian. They found a way to break the shield. Caracho!” Gwyn slammed her fist into the front panel.

Babylonia shook her head. “No, it’s not possible. They don’t have that kind of technology. Someone gave them the access codes. It had to have been shut down from the inside.”

“Then someone was working with Julius.” Gwyn leaned back in her chair. “Do you see any trace of the Pleiades?”

“No. My sensors are only picking up one larger vessel, and that’s the one on the lawn.”

Gwyn sighed, “Then they’ve gotten away. How good are your invisibility shields?”

Babylonia grinned. “State of the art. I got them from Rodrigo.”

“That’s my girl. Creep in a bit and let’s see what’s going on.”

Babylonia lowered her ship and hovered above the plantation. Militarian troops sprawled across the grounds. “They’re looking for the pendant.” Gwyn laughed. “Guess they haven’t heard it’s been stolen.”

“Well, this is the first time. I’m glad it has been.” Babylonia ran her fingers through her long red hair and took a deep breath.

She watched the land behind the back of the plantation house. Lucinda and Benji emerged from an escape tunnel at the far end of a row of pineapples.

Gwyn pointed. “Can you land, and get them?”

Babylonia nodded. “I can, but it’s going to be close. Once I land, the invisibility shields will go offline. I’ve got a glitch in my system.”

Gwyn unholstered the pulse pistol she carried in an ankle holster. “You land. I’ll get Lucinda and Benji.” She frowned. “We can’t get them all, but at least we can take them with us.”

Babylonia flew past the pineapple plants and set down near the hydration system. Gwyn opened the hatch. “Lucinda, Benji come on.”

The couple rushed toward them as Militarian troops appeared from the vegetation.

Red pulses flashed around them, and Gwyn fired back. She hit the closest soldier in the knee, and he fell to the ground. She pulled Lucinda inside, then Benji. The couple panted heavily as she closed the hatch.

Babylonia launched the Lady Serpentine into the sky. Shots whizzed by but missed. She turned the invisibility shield on, and the ship shimmered out of sight. Once in orbit, she set the autopilot.

Babylonia entered the living area. “Lucinda, Benji, are you okay?”

They nodded.

Lucinda spoke, “Just a little out of breath.” She placed a hand on Benji’s shoulder. “Are you okay, dear.”

The old man grinned. “Haven’t had that much fun in years.”

Lucinda chuckled. “That’s not what I call fun.”

“Same old same old for me.” Gwyn holstered her pistol. “What happened?”

Benji scratched his head. “I was working in the fields, and suddenly the sky shimmered, and this ship appeared.”

“Most of us got into the tunnels and made it to the safe houses. I went back for Lucinda, and we got stuck in the house.”

Babylonia shivered. “Did you see Uri? Did they catch him?”

Benji shrugged. “I don’t think so. Uri and Adrik were up at the hanger, but everything happened so fast.”

Babylonia hung her head.

Gwyn rested a hand on her shoulder. “They got away. Don’t worry.”

“Where do you think they went?”

Gwyn smiled. “They are on their way to the Farside District. Did you leave anything you have to have in the house?”

“Nope. All my gear stays on the ship.”

Gwyn followed Babylonia back to the cockpit. “Good, because I don’t want to crash in there for a pair of old boots.”

Babylonia laughed. “I’d get more.”

Babylonia dropped into the pilot’s seat. “Let’s get Lucinda and Benji to safety, then head to the Farside District. “Should only take a few hours to get there. I’m sure they’ll be waiting.” Babylonia pulled up on the throttle, and the Lady Serpentine sped off toward the mainland.

Chapter Eight

Neon lights danced off the fountain pool in front of the Hotel Milano. It was by far the largest casino on the strip. A kaleidoscope of changing colors flashed against the side of the building. To the left and right, casino hotels lined the street. Music thumped from inside the buildings and poured out into the street. Hover cars zipped through the crowded parkway, and in front of the hotels, men and women gathered in groups along the sidewalk.

A dark red convertible hover car pulled up beneath the awning of the Hotel Milano. A man in a dark green tux wearing a matching green bowler hat opened the door. A pair of fishnet covered legs slid from the car, and high-heeled stilettos clicked on the pavement. The man extended his hand to the woman and helped her down from the car.

Gwyn stood. Her dark green dress caught the light and shimmered. She stepped to the side and waited as the attendant helped Babylonia out of the passenger seat.

The crowd parted as the women walked into the foyer. Gwyn felt eyes following behind them, and she grinned. She leaned over to Babylonia. “We are making the entrance we needed. All eyes are on us.”

Babylonia blushed. “I’m not used to this attention.”

A man held open the door, and they walked through.

Gwyn glanced around the lobby. In the corner, a man wearing a black tux leaned against the wall. He was conversing with a woman dressed in a long black evening gown. Her silver hair was coiled into an updue. The woman turned, and Gwyn caught a look at the side of her face. Her breath caught in her throat. “Babylonia, look.”

Babylonia’s eyes widened. “Is that?”

Gwyn shook her head and smiled. “Yes, it is.”

The man in the corner looked up and smiled. His filed teeth were tipped with silver. He crossed the room, walking with a gold-topped cane. The woman in black hung on his arm.

The pair stopped in front of Gwyn, and happiness filled her face. The woman hugged her. “My darling. How long’s it been?”

“Too long, Gran. Way too long.” She kissed her cheek. “What are you doing here?”

Calista smiled. Her dark amber eyes glistened with moisture. “It was Rodí’s idea. He said Jericho needed a date. So, here I am.”

Gwyn laughed. “Well, you are the most beautiful woman in the room.”

Babylonia gave Calista a quick hug. “It’s great to see you, Gran.”

“You too, girl. You look beautiful.”

Jericho kissed Gwyn’s cheek. “Adrik and Uri are in the back room.”

Jericho released Gwyn and kissed the back of Babylonia’s hand. “If you ladies will follow me.”

He led them through rows and rows of one-arm bandits, and into a room where patrons gathered around a large poker table. Adrik sat on one side, studying his cards, and Uri watched from across the room.

The group sidled up to Uri. She nodded in Adrik’s direction. “How’s he doing?”

“Won a few. Lost a few. This is the biggest pot yet.”

Gwyn watched as Adrik pushed it all in. “He’ll lose. Watch.”

Uri scowled. “Why would he do that?”

“So people thinks he throws money around.”

They watched as Adrik showed his losing cards.

Gwyn laughed quietly. “Told you, besides, he’s not a very good poker player.”

“He looked good to me.”

“He’s getting better. Still can’t beat Jericho.” She rushed to Adrik’s side, making sure she drew as much attention as possible. “I need a drink, baby. Thought you were going to buy me one.” Adrik pulled her into his lap. “Daddy’s got to play a bit longer.”

He tickled her ribs. And she giggled. She stuck out her bottom lip. “Oh, what am I going to do without you?”

Adrik glanced around the table. His eyes rested on a sweaty bald man. “How about you go with Frank there. He can show you around.”

She batted her lashes. “I guess. As long as he’ll get me something to drink. Maybe something with bubbles?”

Adrik motioned to Frank. “What do you think? Can you take Gwyn around and get her a drink?”

The middle-aged man stood up from the table. “It would be my pleasure, Ma’am.”

Gwyn crossed the room, and he offered her his arm. “If you would follow me.” Gwyn smiled coyly. “Why certainly.”

Jericho motioned to his Mom. “I could use a drink. How about you?”

Calista nodded. They followed Gwyn and Frank, careful to stay back a few feet.

Frank pulled out a bar stool, and Gwyn sat down. He leaned into the bar, brushing against her side. “Bartender. Get the lady a Pink Milano.”

Gwyn lightly touched the starship around her neck.

Calista pulled up a stool next to him. “You buying, handsome?”

Frank looked her up and down. “Sure.”

“Bartender, get this fine lady whatever she wants.”

“I’ll have what she’s having.”

“Another Pink Milano coming up.”

Frank pulled at his tie. The ladies feigned interest in every word Frank said, and soon he was more than a little tipsy. “How’s about we get a table top?”

Calista glanced at Jericho. “Sure. There’s a booth in the back corner. How about we go over there? It’s more private.”

Gwyn offered Frank her arm, and he stumbled against her, then swayed toward Calista. He nearly fell, but Jericho righted him. He patted Frank on the back. “There, there good man. Looks like you need a hand.”

Frank shooed him away. “No. No. I got it. I make it fine.” He took another step toward the table in the back. This time Calista and Gwyn both grabbed his arms. They led him to the table, and they sat down.

Gwyn ordered another round of drinks, and Calista slipped a sleeping draft into Frank’s drink. They waited a few minutes, and he was out.

The ladies left the bar and met Jericho in the lobby. He was smiling.

Gwyn grinned. “You got the key card?”

He patted his pocket. “I sure do. Great job ladies.”

Adrik sat by the center fountain, sipping a glass of sweet tea. His face lit up when he saw Gwyn. “How’d it go?”

Gwyn sat down beside him. “Great. Jericho has the key and the fake artifact. I hope this works.”

Adrik side-hugged her. “It’s going to. Jericho will be in and out before anyone knows he was there.”

“I suppose. I just don’t like an operation that involves the entire family. At least Rodí stayed on Tortuga.”

Gwyn’s wrist-com beeped. She put it on speaker. “Hello.”

Babylonia laughed. “Gwyn, you’ll never guess who we found poolside.”

She scowled. “Who?”

A man’s voice drifted over the com, and Gwyn hung her head. “Rodí?”

His voice filled the com. “The one and only, Gwyn. In the flesh. Meet us in the penthouse. I secured the entire floor. The passcode is 3,5,9,2,7.”

Adrik pulled a paper from his wallet and wrote the code on it. Gwyn mouthed the words, “You got it?” to Adrik, and he nodded.

“Okay. We’ll meet you up there.” She turned her communicator off.

Adrik sighed. “You know he’s going to be a handful.”

“Yes. I know. I expect him to buy everything he sees. Good thing the cargo hold is empty.”

Adrik reached for Gwyn’s hand. “Come on beautiful, let’s go.”

Chapter Nine

Jericho and Calista entered the darkness. They adjusted their digital night vision glasses.

Calista clicked her tongue. “That’s a lot of trigger points.”

“I know. You stay at the door. Keep watch.”

Jericho stopped short of the first alarm. The alarm system spider-webbed across the room.

“You can do it, Son.”

Jericho chuckled. “Thanks, Mom.”

He took a breath and steadied himself. Then he carefully weaved through the laser lights. He moved slow and methodically until he stood in front of a large display case. The artifact sat beneath a glass cube.

Calista called to him. “Do you think there’s another alarm?”

“Probably. I have a neutralizing rod from Rodí. If it’s a standard alarm, we’ll be okay. If it’s not and the alarms go off, run.” He waved the neutralizing rod around the case.” Nothing happened.

“Shouldn’t it have done something?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure how this works.”

He steadied his hand and reached for the glass. The room was silent. “So far so good.” He set the glass cube on the ground and grabbed the pendant. Jericho placed the fake one in its place, then carefully returned the glass cube to its place above it.

“There.” He secured the pendant inside his pocket, then wiped his brow. Jericho turned. An alarm sounded. “Oh, Caracho!” He threw the artifact to Calista. “Get out of here, Mom!”

Calista slipped out the door, and down the hall. She rounded the corner and slipped past the security guards who rushed past her.

Her pulse raced, as she entered the elevator and pressed the code to the penthouse. Seconds drug by until the door opened. She stepped inside.

Gwyn rushed to her side. “What’s wrong, Gran? Where’s Jericho?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

She shook her head. “Last time I saw him he was standing in front of the display case. He must have missed an alarm. It went off, and the next thing I know, I was running down the hall. I came straight here.”

Uri brought her a glass of water. “So, he didn’t get the pendant?”

She took a quick drink and wiped her lips. “I didn’t say that.” She reached into her bra and pulled the artifact out. “Here.”

Uri cheered. “You are wonderful, Ms. Calista.” He kissed her forehead.

Babylonia took the pendant and placed it in a small plastic bag. “We have to get this off world, and to the Council as soon as possible.”

Gwyn nodded. “Yes, and we need to find Jericho.”

Rodrigo pulled up his computer and hacked into the security system. “Looks like he’s been taken to a transporter.”

Adrik grimaced. “They’re taking him to the orbit lockup. As soon as they figure out who he is, he’ll be on the first trip back to a prison planet.”

“No. I won’t let that happen.”

Gwyn paced back and forth. “Babylonia, you and Uri take the Lady Serpentine back to the Council. Take Rodí with you so that he can fix your invisibility shield. This artifact has to get into their hands before the Militarian realize we replaced it.”

“Ok. Uri, do you need to pack?”

“No, I just need to grab my bag. I haven’t had time to unpack anything.”

Uri ran to his room and grabbed his duffle. “You guys ready?”

Babylonia nodded. “Yes.”

“Almost.” Rodrigo loaded the last of his equipment into his suitcase and snapped it shut.

Gwyn grabbed Babylonia’s hand. “Be careful. Don’t draw attention to yourselves. Let me know as soon as you get that pendant to the Council. Promise me.” She gave her hand a gentle squeeze

“I will. I promise.”

Gwyn hugged her. “See you soon.”

Uri pushed the button to summon the elevator. “Come on. Let’s get going.”

Babylonia and Rodí followed. As the door closed, Babylonia shouted. “Be careful, Gwyn.”

Chapter Ten

Gwyn changed into black cargo pants and a matching tank top. She carefully stored her gown and Adrik’s tux into her bag. “Ready?”

“Yes.” Adrik holstered his pulse pistol in his waistband.

An alarm sounded, and he peeked out the bedroom window. Militarian helocruisers lined the street below. “They’re locking down the hotel.”

“Looks like Jericho swiped the artifact just in time.” Gwyn shouldered her bag. “Guess we better get going. Gran should have the Pleiades on the rooftop any minute.” She pushed the button for the elevator, and the door opened.

Two armed men wearing Militarian fatigues stepped out, pulse pistols drawn. “Hands up.”

Gwyn took a step back.

“I said, hands up. I will shoot, Ms. Casteliano.”

Gwyn smiled and lifted her hands toward the ceiling. “No need to be hasty, boys.” She took another step backward.

The men inched forward, and the man in front waved his gun. “You need to be still.”

She took another step back.

“I don’t want to shoot a woman, but I will.”

“Do what you have to do.” She leaped backward behind the couch, and in front of the bedroom door.

As the men approached, shots fired. They fell to the ground. Adrik stepped out.

“You know them?”

“Nope. Look like newbies, though.” He stepped over their bodies. “Better get to the ship.”

Gwyn nodded. “Let’s go.”

Gwyn twisted a nob on her wristcom. “Gran? You there?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. We can’t see the ship. Can you push the orange button to the left of the navscreen? That will turn on a beacon.”

“Done.”

Gwyn’s wristcom projected an image of the ship into the air above her wrist. “This way.”

Adrik followed close on her heels. Gwyn reached forward and opened the cargo bay door. The inside of the ship materialized, but the outer hull was still hidden to the naked eye.

“This is trippy, Gwyn.” He followed her inside and closed the door. They rushed down the hallway into the cockpit.

Calista moved to the back-passenger seat, and Gwyn took her position in the pilot’s chair. Adrik studied the navscreen from the co-pilot’s seat. Looks like the transport with Jericho’s signal is taking off. It’s pretty large. Do you think you can set down on top of it?”

Gwyn glanced at the ship’s image. “I think so. Are you familiar with this kind of ship?”

“Yes. My first job as an ensign was on one of these. There’s a hatch on the rear back just before the exhaust.” He pointed to the top rear section on the screen. “If you set down next to it, I should be able to enter the vessel from there, and get to Jericho.”

Gwyn fired up the ignition and set a course for the transporter. “You’re not going in alone.”

Adrik shook his head. “I need you to pilot the ship. Just in case something doesn’t go as planned.”

Gwyn huffed. “I don’t like it, Adrik.”

Calista leaned forward in her seat. “Don’t worry about him, Sweetheart. I’ll go with him.”

“Gran, I don’t want you hurt.”

Calista swatted her on the shoulder. “Hurt? I’ve been running contraband since before you were in diapers, and Jericho is my son. I’m going in.”

Adrik sniggered. “You two are just alike. It’s settled, Gwyn. Gran’s going with me. Let me get you a gun.”

Calista shook her head and pulled a pocket pistol from her bra. “No need. I always carry.”

“That’s my Gran.” Gwyn pushed the ship forward until it flew just above the transporter. “At this speed, this is going to be close. Hold on to something and brace for landing.” Gwyn lowered the Pleiades onto the top of the transporter. The ship skidded to a stop just short of the hatch. “It’s as close as I could get. Hopefully, it’s close enough.”

Adrik kissed the top of her head. “It’ll work.”

“Alright. Keep your communicators on. I want to be able to reach you.”

They turned to leave, and Gwyn grabbed Calista’s hand. “I love you, Gran. Please be careful.”

Calista smiled. “I will, and I’ll bring him home safe to you.”

Gwyn dropped her hand and watched them leave.

Calista and Adrik suited up with breathers, earpiece communicators, and gravity boots. Adrik clipped a carabiner with a long line of high-tensile rope woven onto its end, onto his belt. He double checked Calista’s hardware, then opened the cargo bay door.

“You done a spacewalk before?”

Calista shook her head no. “First time for everything.”

He stepped out onto the hull of the transporter. “Okay. Grab my hand. You may feel like you’re falling at first. Trust the boots. They will hold. After that, think about swimming. It’s just like that. Got it?”

Her voice trembled slightly, “Got it.” She stepped out into space.

Concern colored Adrik’s eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I can do it.”

Adrik clipped the carabiner to his belt and tied the rope around her waist.

Calista’s eyes widened.

“Just a precaution. Gwyn would skin me if something happened to you.”

She nodded nervously.

“It’s only a few paces, and we’ll be there. Let’s go.” He started down the hull, and Calista followed.

The hatch rose slightly above the hull. Adrik twisted the wheel that opened it. It didn’t budge.

“It’s going to take both of us.” He motioned for Calista to kneel beside him. “On my count. Turn as hard as you can.”

Calista gripped the wheel.

“One. Two. Three.” Adrik and Calista tugged at the wheel, and it turned. The hatch popped open with excessive force, and Calista flew backward. For a second, she floated above the transporter, connected only by the string at her waist.

Fear ripped at her throat. She reached for Adrik, and her fingertips brushed against his outstretched hands. For a moment, she felt as though she were free falling until she felt a sudden tug at the rope on her waist.

Adrik pulled her to him. “I got you.” He helped her through the hatch, and followed behind her, and closed it.

Calista sat on the floor. “That was close. Just give me a minute.”

“Sure. Take your time.” Adrik studied his wristcom and tuned it to read Jericho’s signal. “He’s down the hall on the level below us.”

Calista stood. “Okay. Let’s get him.”

“You sure you’re ready? You look a little green.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Adrik peeked out the door. A woman walked away from their position and rounded the corner. “It’s clear.” They slipped out the door and crossed to the end of the hall. Adrik peeked around the corner. A man wearing an orange flight suit was headed straight for them. He ducked back behind the corner.

“Calista, hug me tight.”

She scrunched her face. “What?”

“Just do it.”

“Okay.”

Adrik pulled Rodrigo’s portable invisibility shield from his pocket and pressed the button.

The man rounded the corner and walked past them. He turned left at the end of the corridor.

Adrik sighed. “That worked. I didn’t know if it’d work on us.” He clicked the button, and they reappeared.

Calista laughed, “Nothing like trial by fire, huh?”

“It’s good to know it works on life-forms. It may come in handy later.”

“I can imagine.”

Adrik led her down the pathway until they reached Jericho’s cell. He knocked on the door. Jericho looked up through the window.

“It’s about time. How you getting me out of here?”

Adrik looked at the computer panel beside the door. “Looks like a digital lock. I’ll have to run the combinations.” He entered the specs into his wristcom.

Calista stepped forward and examined the panel. She grabbed the pocket pistol from her bra and fired a hole into its center. The door slid open.

“How’d you know that’d work?”

“Age and experience. Come on, Jericho; we need to get out of here before someone investigates.”

They followed the path back down to the hatch room and shut the door. In the background, red lights flashed and alarms sounded.

Jericho stared up at the hatch. “So, you expect me to go out there, without gravboots?”

Adrik handed him a breather. “That’s the plan. I have enough line to tie you between your Mom and myself. You’ll be fine. Come one we don’t have much time.”

“I don’t like this, Adrik.”

“I know.”

Calista put an arm around Jericho. “We won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

“Okay. But, I just want you to know, I don’t want to do this.”

“Noted.” Adrik tied the rope to his waist, and then to Calista. “Let’s go.”

Adrik led them across the hull back toward the Pleiades. Adrik walked slowly so that Calista could keep up. Jericho floated between them. They reached the ship and entered the cargo bay door. He closed the door behind them, then turned on the inner atmosphere.

Gwyn’s voice boomed over the com. “Adrik. Get up here. Fast. There’s Militarian approaching, and it looks like they’ve made our position.”

“Calista. Jericho. Go to the galley. Stay there. Buckle in. Looks like Gwyn may have to do some fancy flying to get us out of here.”

He left them standing in the cargo bay.

“So. How many ships?”

“Five. We’re surrounded. I don’t know if they spotted us, or if the transporter alerted them that they’ve had a prison escape.” Gwyn bit her lip. “Only way to find out is to take off, but if my neutralizer goes out, we will be in a mine field.”

“It’s never easy, is it?”

Gwyn’s eyes flashed. “I don’t even know the meaning of that word.”

“It’s a gamble, but I think one we have to take. Get us out of here, Gwyn.”

She lifted the Pleiades from atop the transporter vessel and set a course for Mirada. She flew between two large Militarian warships and watched the navscreen. They didn’t budge.

“So far, so good.”

She pushed down the throttle, and the ship sped through the inky blackness of space.

Chapter Eleven

The Metreskan Council Chambers were well lit. Rich tribal tapestries woven in shades of dark wine and gold covered the wall, and hundreds of pink salt-rock and wall sconces flickered around the chamber. The scent of sage permeated the air like a thick, wet blanket.

In the street outside, Militarian soldiers paced back and forth. Their occupying force had yet to dare to enter the Council building, but it was only a matter of time.

Uri clung to the brim of his straw hat, waiting anxiously to be summoned to the bench. Beside him, Babylonia held the pendant in the palm of her hand. She studied the sapphires and rubies. “You know, Uri. This little thing has been a big pain in the behind.”

“Agreed. And, I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better. We are wanted.”

She took his hand. “I know, but if all this gets the Militarian off of Mirada, it’s worth it.”

A man seated in the center of the bench spoke. “You may approach.”

Uri and Babylonia stepped forward.

“All of Mirada is buzzing with the news of your finding Dr. Steele. Let me see it.” He reached down to her, and she dropped it in his hand. “Such a small thing, isn’t it?”

Babylonia nodded. “Yes, Sir. It is, but it is the key to proving who truly has the rights to this planet.”

The councilman passed the pendant to the woman seated to his right. She examined it for a moment then passed it down to the next councilman. It went through the line of people and returned to the man in the center.

The councilmen rang a bell. “Brothers, Sisters we have definitive proof that this planet belonged to our ancestors. Proof that we do not have to accept Militarian rule. But remember, if we go down this path, there will be war. Many will die. We must vote if we want to break ties with the Militarian and proceed with home rule.”

The chamber was silent. “Please think about these things. This is the most important vote you will ever make.” He looked down at Uri and Babylonia. “We will make a decision. Please exit the room. You will be notified to come back in once we have made it.”

Uri nodded, then placed his hat back on his head. The pair exited the chamber. Rodí waited in the hall.

“What’s it like outside?”

“So far, everything’s peaceful. But, tension’s high. It’s not going to take much for this crowd to snap.”

Uri looked at Babylonia. “Did we do the right thing?”

She shrugged, “Time will tell, I guess. I don’t have an answer.” She sat on the bench next to Rodí. “So, what are your thoughts?”

“Oh, don’t ask me Babylonia. I’m a profiteer. War is highly lucrative.” He patted her knee. “My thoughts are on guns, weaponry, and supplying the Miradans with enough fire power to kick the Militarian off their planet for good.”

Time drug by as they waited. Seconds became minutes, and minutes became hours.

Uri paced back and forth but stopped in front of Rodrigo. “I wanted to thank you for the repairs to my island’s shield.”

“It wasn’t a problem, my friend.” Rodrigo stood. “I add a few extra perks that will keep anyone from ever finding it again, without your permission. If things go bad here, your plantation will at least be safe for you and your workers.”

Uri nodded. “You’re always welcome at my home.”

“Thanks. I may take you up on that invitation someday.”

The chamber doors opened. “Baron Rankston, and Dr. Steele. You are wanted before the bench.”

Hand-in-hand they followed the aide into the chamber.

The councilman stood alone inside.

Uri knit his eyebrows. “What’s the meaning of this? Don’t you have to have a full bench to proclaim a judgment?”

The man handed Uri the artifact. “The decision has been made.”

Babylonia stepped forward. “What is it?”

“We are not going to fight the Militarian. We do not want a civil war. Too many lives are at stake.”

Babylonia slumped, as the memories of the last few months filled her head. “How can that be? After everything, we’ve gone through. After all my research. Everything.”

The councilman placed a hand on her shoulder. “You, Dr. Steele, have been a real asset to the Miradan community, and for that we thank you.” He took a step toward the bench, then turned, “The decision was not unanimous, but we did agree on one thing.”

Uri ran a finger over the artifact.

“And what is that?”

“You are to keep this in your possession until the time is right to fight back.”

Shock swept across Uri’s face.

“Some of us, me included, believe an all-out war with the Militarian would be too costly; however, I am persuaded that underground movement against them would prove useful. I would like you to lead the resistance, Uri.”

Uri stood silent. “Me?”

The councilman smiled. “Yes. You have proven yourself valuable, and I believe the connections you’ve established with those off world, who are already fighting against the Militarian, will prove useful in our struggle. Will you agree to it?”

He took a deep breath and stared at the artifact. “I will.”

“Dr. Steele, you are welcome to stay on Mirada, or you may leave. The choice is yours.”

She glanced at Uri. His eyes held a tenderness that she couldn’t resist. “I will stay.”

“Good. I am glad to hear it. We will be making a formal announcement that your findings were in error.”

Babylonia reddened. “You’re going to discredit my findings? That will ruin me!”

The councilman shrugged. “It is what we have to do if we want to keep the peace. What’s your reputation in the long run?” He waved his hand dismissively.

“My reputation is everything. I won’t be able to lead a dig in this quadrant or any other ever again. You’re going to ruin me!” Her green eyes radiated with anger.

“I am sorry. But, it’s the only way.” He turned from them. “If you will see yourselves out.” He walked to the side door. “Use the back exit. It will be safer for you.” He let the door slam behind him.

Babylonia groaned. “What am I supposed to do now? I’m going to be the laughing stock of all my colleagues!”

Uri folded her into his arms. “It’ll be okay. Stay with me. You said you would.”

She laid her head on his shoulder and sobbed.

“Babylonia, when this is over, I promise I’ll restore your reputation.”

She gazed up at him. “Do you think it can be done?”

“I’m certain of it.” He let her go. “Let’s go tell Rodí the news, and get back to the plantation.”

Chapter Twelve

The Lady Serpentine touched down on the island tarmac beside the Pleiades, and Babylonia turned off the ignition. “Looks like they finally made it.”

“I’ll be glad to get home.” Rodrigo stretched. “This has been a long week.”

Uri laughed. “I’m sure it has, for someone who stays behind a computer desk.”

Babylonia stood. “Let’s get to the house. I’ve a lot on my mind, and I could use one of those hot stone messages.”

Uri led the way to the convertible hovercraft and opened the door for Babylonia. “I know you're upset, but I promise you that we’ll figure this out.”

She nodded and frowned. “I know. It’s just so disappointing.”

Rodrigo climbed in the back, and the hovercraft roared to life.

Uri drove through the pineapple fields. “Looks like everyone is back to work on the harvest. Maybe we can salvage what’ s left of the crop.”

Babylonia glanced past the plants and watched the waves crash into the shore. “Maybe.”

Uri squeezed her arm.

The communicator beeped, and Gwyn’s voice bounced through the air. “You guys almost here?”

“Just pulling up now.” Uri put the hovercraft in park and turned off the engine.

Gwyn rushed to Babylonia’s side. “How’d it go?”

“Don’t ask.”

“That bad?”

“Let’s just say my reputation is ruined. Uri’s leading the Miradan resistance, and I am stuck on this island because I won’t ever be able to work again.”

Gwyn whistled. “Ah. Well, my friend. Welcome to my world.”

Babylonia cocked her head, “What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m wanted by the Militarian, and live life under the radar.”

Adrik approached carrying a large drink tray. “Anyone thirsty. I’ve fresh pineapple juice.”

He set the tray on the patio table when he saw Babylonia’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything. But, Gwyn’s been putting it in perspective for me.”

Adrik put his arm around Gwyn’s waist. “That’s my Gwyn. She knows how to keep you grounded. Kind of funny for a pilot.” He chuckled.

Gwyn rolled her eyes. “You know, you’re not nearly as funny as you think.”

Babylonia snorted. “Okay. I needed that.” She picked up a glass of pineapple juice and took a long swig. “I guess it’s not that bad.” She waved her arm in front of her, “I mean look at all this. It is beautiful.”

Uri took her hand. “You are welcome here as long as you wish, my love.”

Babylonia blushed. “Thank you.”

Calista, Jericho, and Rodrigo walked up the garden path.

Uri studied the group. “You know we make a pretty good team.”

Jericho smiled. His filed teeth shimmered in the sunlight. “Yes, we do.” Calista lifted her glass to Uri. “We do, indeed.”

Rodí sat at the table. “So, what’s next?”

Adrik set his glass on the table. “Treasure, weapons for Uri’s militia, and as much stuff we can steal from the Militarian as humanly possible.” He picked up Gwyn in his arms. “But first a dip in the ocean.”

The End

A Special Thank You

Thank you so much for reading the first three books in The Outer World Chronicles. I am a huge fan of Gwyn, Adrik, Rodrigo, Jericho, Calista, Babylonia and Uri. They have become like family to me, and I long to visit them as much as possible. I hope you grow to love them, too! Be on the look-out for more releases in The Outer World Chronicles.

I would like to encourage you to rate this work and leave an honest review. Reviews are the life-blood of authors. Thanks so much!

-Arwen

More Books by

Arwen Chandler

The Outer World Chronicles

The Militarian Job

The Louvre Still Stands

Beneath the Metreskan Sands

The Chronicles of Demetri Risk

Demon Night

The Succubus Within

The Seven Kingdoms

The Collision of Fire and Ice

About the Author

Arwen Chandler is a science fiction and fantasy author. She loves telling tales, watching movies, and diving into Stephen King books. She lives in South Texas with her husband, two daughters, her parents, five dogs, and two cats.