Smuggler's Luck

by S. W. Gunn

  He turned to Elyse and said, “Half breed do you understand?”

  She nodded at him. Jarron had grown tired of the man’s disrespectful tone when he said half breed.

  “Her name is Elyse, stop calling her half breed and use her name.” He said angrily.

  Tiberius nodded and said, “Alright… Elyse please come and do as instructed.”

  He signaled for his assistant who responded by shutting down the energy shield. Jarron smiled widely as he watched the woman and the goons all retreat in fear. Elyse slowly walked towards Jarron. Once she got near his cell Jarron could feel her presence again. Their eyes locked and they smiled at each other.

  Jarron flinched as Tiberius said, “Begin at any point.”

  He had been staring at her again and his stare was broken when Tiberius spoke. Jarron saw Elyse flinch as well. She looked to her right at a nearby chair. Jarron immediately felt the electrical pulsing increase and then his inability to move as the chair rose.

  Jarron could not move or speak, he only could see Elyse but he heard Tiberius behind her say excitedly, “Yes, this is amazing! The neural pathways for both of you are off the charts. Jarron what does it feel like?”

  He paused for a moment to await Jarron’s response but Jarron could say nothing.

  “Jarron?” He stated, “Tell me.”

  “He can’t.” Elyse said.

  “Why not?”

  “Whenever I use the Gift around him he can’t move or speak at all.”

  “Interesting, set down the chair and go back to your cell.” He commanded.

  The chair dropped harshly and Jarron could move again. Elyse frowned as she turned away from him and went back to her cell. He saw the man’s assistant quickly reactivate the energy shield.

  “That was simply amazing Jarron, tell me what it felt like.”

  Jarron sighed. He was ready for Hain and Feligrin to rescue them from this place.

  “Whenever she uses the Gift nearby I feel a pulsing sensation, it almost feels like electricity, and I’m completely unable to move. My heart continues to beat and I keep breathing but everything else stops moving. I can see, think, and sense things, but I’m unable to do anything else.”

  “Have you tried to move?”

  Sarcastically Jarron answered, “No I love to be unable to move so I just stand there and let it happen.”

  Jarron’s words made Elyse snicker.

  “Sarcasm is the last refuge of the weak mind.” The man said chidingly.

  His comment made Elyse break out in laughter.

  “What is so humorous?” He asked her.

  “You’re trying to quote Dostoevsky and you did it wrong.”

  “And what would you know of Dostoevsky?” He asked bitterly.

  “Reading is all we’ve got to do at the church. I’ve read many of his works. Also the quote is ‘Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and intrusively invaded.’“ She replied knowingly.

  Jarron was impressed. She had never given him the impression that she was well read. He certainly was not, it was piloting and smuggling exclusively for him.

  “I am impressed Elyse, I just assumed an orphan of some random church would be uneducated, perhaps I might have to keep my word with Jarron once we have completed our research. It would be a shame to waste intelligence.” He stated.

  He returned to his computer and began working at something on it. Jarron wondered what the man’s overall goal was. Why was he so desperate to have the powers that Elyse had?

  Jarron decided to ask, “Why are you going through all of this trouble?”

  Tiberius set his computer down and looked at Jarron.

  “Obviously you know the depth of the abilities that you have provided to Elyse here. What do you think I would do with such power?” He asked.

  “Take over the galaxy?”

  Elyse called out, “Don’t give him any ideas!”

  He laughed loudly before saying, “Elyse my dear I had already thought of that one. While I may not be as well read as you, I am still more than able to hold my own. Nothing Jarron here could think up would be something that had not already crossed my mind. To answer your initial question, I will say that I have significant motivations but I think it is best that you concentrate on survival and let my aims not concern you.”

  Tiberius went back to his computer for a bit longer. Jarron glanced away from him and looked at Elyse. She was looking right at him. He smiled at her, which she weakly returned. Even unhappy she still appeared to be absolutely beautiful to him.

  Tiberius set his computer down and asked, “Jarron are you really going to marry her?”

  Jarron turned to him and answered, “Yes.”

  “It’s quite a change from your past lifestyle is it not?” He asked.

  “Yes.”

  Tiberius shrugged before declaring, “Well it is your imprisonment. Marriage is a trap as you will lose the ability to be with any woman you desire and only have one. Then it will be children and a lifetime of servitude spent keeping your family afloat.”

  Jarron thought it weird that Tiberius would even care about his plans. Most likely it was all a game, like the woman coming into his cell last night.

  Jarron responded, “Well that might be your interpretation, perhaps marriage is a special bond between two people who love each other dearly and have no need for others. Of course I believe you have already tried to test my loyalty to her.”

  Tiberius nodded and said, “Indeed, I was impressed with your loyalty. Surely you could have at least let her seduce you long enough to try and escape.”

  “As though you would let one of your goons be so clumsy to let me escape that easily.” Jarron coolly replied.

  He rubbed his chin and asked, “Maybe I am underestimating your intellect?”

  “Probably.”

  “Fair enough, let us do some more tests. This time if Elyse would not mind, I would like her to lift several items.” He said.

  They spent the remainder of the day bouncing back and forth between Elyse lifting and moving things to sitting in silence while Tiberius worked on his computer. Lunch was brought in between and after more testing and dinner they left Jarron and Elyse alone. The lights were cut off, leaving them in the dark.

  Elyse started to speak, “Jarron how long until...”

  Jarron cut her off by saying, “Just hang in there, you’re doing great.”

  “Alright, are you tired from all of the use of my powers?”

  “Actually I’m not. I think the more you use me as your personal battery the stronger I grow and the more I can take. At first the times you tried to lift heavy things would be quite tiring but now it seems to be less and less.”

  She said, “That’s good.”

  “Yes it is I think we should get some sleep. I love you.”

  “Alright, I love you too.”

  Jarron laid down on his bed and rested his head on the pillow. He was hoping that Hain would show up very soon. Jarron had doubted that it would take Tiberius very long to actually figure out what he wanted to know and then Jarron was certain he would not need him or Elyse anymore. He had little faith that the man would hold true to his word. Jarron closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 13

  Jarron awoke again in the middle of the night, this time however it was a much different person.

  A soft familiar voice whispered, “Jarron wake up.”

  It was Feligrin! He was there in the building with them.

  Jarron whispered quietly, “Feligrin is that you?”

  “Yes, we’re here to free you, how do I let you out?”

  More than a little too eagerly Jarron instructed him, “Go let Elyse out. If she can get close to me we’ll be able to escape easily.”

  “How will I do it?”

  Jarron whispered back, “There should be a panel on the left if you face towards cell. It has a button there that you can push. Onc
e you push it, the shield will deactivate.”

  “Alright, gimme a bit.”

  Jarron listened intently and he could not hear Feligrin moving. He had not realized just how stealthy Feligrin could be and Jarron was very impressed. He sat patiently with his nerves rapidly building. Suddenly a loud alarm sounded, which caused Jarron’s heart to drop. They must have discovered Feligrin’s presence! After a half minute or so of the alarm sounding Jarron heard the violent sound of an explosion, either Feligrin had set some traps or there was a firefight going on outside. Jarron watched intently towards Elyse’s cell when he saw the telltale sign of the energy shield flicker.

  He then heard Elyse’s voice say quietly, “Feligrin.”

  Jarron could not hear Feligrin respond but he suddenly felt Elyse’s presence. He smiled. The lights of the room kicked on and Jarron immediately saw Elyse standing right next to his cell. She had a very wicked grin on her face, one that Jarron returned immediately.

  A rough voice called out, “Get away from him.”

  Elyse turned to the voice and Jarron suddenly felt the pulsing surge from her drawing power course through his body. Jarron could not see what she did but he heard a loud scream and a thunderous crash. Whatever it was that she did, it was very effective. He continued to be unable to move as she turned towards him and pushed the button on his cell’s shield, which deactivated immediately. She walked through the entryway and flung herself on him, kissing him madly. Jarron was able to move and he responded to her kiss with passion.

  Feligrin’s nervous voice behind them said, “Could we leave guys? You can kiss later.”

  Elyse pulled herself away from him and stood up. Jarron got up after she did.

  “Alright,” Jarron asked, “What is the escape plan Feligrin?”

  Feligrin replied, “Once we get out of the building we’re to signal Hain with this flare gun. He’ll stop his attack on the front of the building and come get us.”

  Jarron said, “It’s gonna be messy to fight our way through this building.”

  Giving out a chortling laugh Elyse asked, “Maybe if we just go through the back door?”

  “There is no back door.” Feligrin said.

  Jarron was suddenly unable to move again as she used her powers. The back wall of his cell immediately ripped away and left a large hole that led to the back fence of the building.

  Shifting to look at him she asked, “You guys didn’t see this door here?”

  They all laughed at her joke. Blaster fire from behind them struck the nearby wall. Elyse turned around and clucked her tongue at them.

  “Didn’t anyone ever teach you boys that it’s rude to try and hit a lady?” She asked loudly.

  She lifted a hand and again Jarron was hit with her use of the Gift. This time a portion of the wall by her old cell tore away and blocked the view of the men who fired at them.

  “Let’s get out of here.” Feligrin stated firmly.

  Elyse nodded at him and then lifted the three of them through the hole and out into the open area. They rose up over the wall and were carried some distance to a nearby clearing. She set them on the ground and released Jarron from the grasp of her powers.

  “Signal your flare.” She told Feligrin.

  Feligrin raised his gun skyward and fired it. A wild purple flare lifted into the night’s sky.

  She looked at Jarron and declared, “I’m going to put a shield over us until we can get aboard, alright Jarron?”

  Feeling that it was best that they be ready for anything he gave her a nod. He immediately lost the ability to move. They sat there patiently for a little longer until Jarron could hear the familiar hum of the Keg’s engines. His heart rejoiced at the sound of it. After a slight wait the Keg lowered down to the ground in front of them. Feligrin dashed quickly to the Keg and activated the entry door. Elyse lifted Jarron in the air with her powers and then had him float behind her as she walked to the ship. Once she brought him aboard Feligrin closed the door and she released him.

  “Jarron get to the cockpit!” Feligrin said hurriedly.

  He nodded and ran through the ship, both Elyse and Feligrin followed closely behind him. As soon as he entered he saw Hain manning the weapons and Father Lapella piloting the ship. They both rose from their seats.

  Jarron joyfully declared, “I have never been happier to see you Hain.”

  “Aye lad, now get us outta here.” Hain replied to him.

  Jarron nodded and sat down in his chair. Feligrin left to find an open seat while everyone else took a seat and buckled themselves in. Jarron quickly guided the Keg off the ground and into the air. He pushed her hard and fast to make as quick of an escape as he could.

  As soon as the Keg broke the atmosphere a voice that Jarron recognized as Tiberius’ broke through the comm, “Jarron come back, I am not finished working with you.”

  Jarron pushed the comm button and said, “Like hell I’ll be coming back. You just better not cross my path again.”

  The sensors beeped as it kicked out a warning. Jarron took a glance down and saw that at least ten Grokmal fighters and three heavy cruisers were in orbit.

  “Holy heck, where did those come from?” Hain said.

  Jarron shrugged and said, “Set the way point for Cantua.”

  Hain nodded and got right to work.

  The comm crackled again, “Very well. I will not risk my ships attacking you, you are still too valuable. I will finish my research, maybe not now, but soon. Also one more thing, enjoy the wedding. I will give you a week before I send people to look for you, think of it as my gift for the event.”

  That confused Jarron, why would he wait? It was as if he actually somewhat cared about Jarron on some level. He shrugged it off. The nav computer beeped, which he responded to by pulling the lever to activate the fold engine.

  “Lad what was he babbling ‘bout a weddin’ for?” Hain said.

  Elyse laughed.

  “I’ve got a wedding to attend to Hain.”

  “Who’s weddin’ you goin’ to lad?” Hain asked.

  “Mine.” Jarron said with a chuckle.

  Everyone in the cockpit laughed in response.

  Father Lapella stood up and clapped Jarron on the shoulder before saying, “I rejoice in the news. I am confident that Elyse will make a wonderful wife, although I have to admit that I did not think that she would ever marry until she showed up with you on her arm.”

  Hain grunted and said, “Well at least that’ll open up my guest quarters again.”

  Jarron laughed at his comment. Elyse stood up and walked over to him. She sat down on his lap in the pilot’s chair. Both Father Lapella and Hain immediately turned and left the cockpit.

  “I’d lost hope when I realized that I was in that horrible box again.” She said solemnly.

  He reached out and softly touched her cheek.

  Shaking his head he told her, “There was no way that I’d had left you to stay in that box. I’d have done anything to free you.”

  Tears flowed freely down her face. Jarron gently smudged several of them away and softly kissed her. She returned his kiss and then hugged him tightly.

  As he held her she whispered, “I love you, my hot shot pretty boy pilot.”

  He laughed at her joke before replying, “I love you too.”

  Feligrin scurried into the cockpit and exclaimed, “Hain said you’re getting married!”

  Jarron turned to look at him and then stated, “Once we get to Cantua Elyse and I are going to be married.”

  Feligrin beamed a smile and said, “Congratulations!”

  Elyse replied happily, “Thank you Feligrin.”

  Feligrin then said with a frown on his face, “I suppose that Hain is gonna be the best man eh?”

  “Sorry bud.”

  “Will there be cake?” Feligrin asked inquisitively.

  With a laugh Jarron said, “Well if it makes you feel better then yes, there will be cake.”

  “Oh yes it will, I love cake. I us
ed to crash weddings back on Brumbar just to get a piece of the wedding cake.”

  Both Jarron and Elyse laughed at him.

  Feligrin then said, “I think you both should go rest before the big day. I’ll stay here and watch the ship.”

  Jarron nodded at him. Elyse pulled herself out of his lap and then extended a hand to help him stand. Once they were both standing they left the cockpit and headed to their shared quarters. As soon as they entered Elyse locked the door and flung herself into his arms. She cried heavily. Jarron wrapped his arms around her and softly stroked her hair with his right hand. She clung to him tightly. Jarron had to admit that having her so close felt absolutely wonderful. He spent the entire time in that cell longing to be near her.

  “Let’s get some sleep Elyse, tomorrow is going to be a big day for us.” He told her.

  She nodded and released him. Jarron slowly slipped off his shirt and headed towards his bed. He had not realized how tired he was until he laid down. As soon as he got comfortable Elyse climbed on the bed and pulled herself as close to him as she could. He wrapped his right arm around her and held her tightly. They both fell asleep.

  * * * * *

  Jarron awoke some time later, he had no idea how long he slept. Elyse was still sleeping. He softly ran his fingers through her hair, making sure to stop and stroke her ear as he went. He found himself greatly relieved to not only be back in his quarters but to also have her with him. He could not feel the hum of the Keg’s engines, which led him to believe that they must have already landed on Cantua. He laid there for some time before Elyse finally woke up. She smiled happily at him.

  “It’s wonderful to be back in your arms again.” She said.

  “Where you belong.”

  She nodded at him and slowly began to move her lips close to his. Right as she was about to kiss him, there was a knock on the door.