Liberation

by Sabine Priestley

  “We will be when you get there. It should be deserted at this time of day. Let me know if it’s not, and I’ll select another spot. Oh, and I got a hold of my father’s old friend. He’s agreed to meet with us. We’ll head there first thing.”

  “See you soon.” Kit checked the time. Less than an hour apart from her mate and she was missing him. It was pathetic and awesome in equal measure.

  She took over control once the cruiser left the traffic pattern, or what would have been a pattern if there’d been any traffic. She sent out a quick scan and found the place as deserted as Balastar had predicted. It was nothing more than a parking lot for hiking trails. A small building housed a public lav, and there was a marker with a trail map, but that was it. She set down and walked behind the lav out of site before sending the ready signal to Balastar. A moment later, Dani, Ian, and the love of her universe stepped through the active portal. As soon as they were through, she closed the gateway.

  Kit let out a little squeal and wrapped her arms around Balastar’s neck for a kiss. He returned it with an equal amount of gusto.

  “Ah, new psi-mates,” Ian said. “May they never be far from a bedroom.”

  Kit took a second to touch foreheads with her mate. Ian wasn’t wrong. She wouldn’t argue with a bed right now, and judging by the glow in Balastar’s eyes, neither would he.

  She took the passenger side of the cruiser as Balastar navigated on manual to the estate of his father’s friend. “What’s his name?” she asked.

  “Sir Torgid Astoroth. Confirmed bachelor and highly sought after by men and women planet-wide. He founded Astrid Electronics, which has had the guild’s contract for the past forty-five years. He is the pièce de résistance that every socialite wants as a feather in their cap. At the ripe old age of seventy-two.”

  “You said this was dangerous for him,” Dani said from the back seat. “Why is he willing to do it?”

  “I don’t know that he is, yet,” Balastar said, banking the vehicle left. “I just asked if we could meet him. He knows my family deserted Sandaria when the emperor was taken into custody by the GTO. He didn’t even bat an eye when I called him, so I’m hopeful.”

  Kit realized that she didn’t know anything about his family. How the frack do I not know anything? She knew his father had died under suspicious circumstances. She assumed his mother was alive. Did he have brothers or sisters? She didn’t know. He’d dug deep with her, and she’d answered all his questions. What kind of mate was she? She should know this shit.

  Dani saved her a small amount of embarrassment by asking one of the many questions she should have asked. “Your mom went to Dirkon, right?”

  Balastar nodded while leveling off on a near-surface traffic lane.

  “How’s she doing?”

  “I talked to her a few days ago. She sounds good. Happy even. I think she might have met someone.”

  Kit’s gut clenched. “Your widowed mother may have met someone. Balastar, I should know this. I should have asked. Gods, I don’t even know if you have brothers or sisters. I’m a total fracking crag’s mate.”

  His laughter startled everyone, including him by the look of it.

  “What’s so funny?” Ian asked from the back seat.

  “Nothing. It’s personal.” His smile was genuine when he answered. “Kit, we’ve been a little busy. We have a lifetime to sort this out. I’ll take you to Dirkon when this is over. You’ll meet my mom. And my sister.”

  “Oh, Gods. At least tell me their names. I’m so horrible.”

  Balastar wrapped his psi around and through her. If she hadn’t been sitting down, she would have hit the floor with the wave of pleasure that consumed her. Orgasm on a different plane.

  “You’re not horrible. You’re my psi-mate, and I love you beyond belief. My mother is Sherra. My younger sister is Liza. You know my dad died after opposing the emperor many years ago. Sis found her psi-mate and has two adorable brats. You happy?”

  Kit expelled a breath. “For now. I really am horrible, though.”

  He hit her with another wave of pleasure. She closed her eyes and let it roll. Frack. If this was the way he responded when she beat herself up, she was going to have to do it more often.

  They landed a short time later at the front entrance to a single story sprawling house that looked like it belonged in some kind of enchanted forest. On the purple-tinged grass of the front lawn were knee-high furry animals. The critters were brown, black, and some a mixture of both. They grazed, paying no attention to the cruiser as it set down.

  “What are those things?” Kit asked.

  “They’re corai,” Ian said. “They live in the woods around here. Usually not this docile.”

  “They’re so cute,” Dani said, stepping out on the grass.

  The house was surrounded by a well-kept lawn and manicured shrubbery and butted up against the forest and mountains beyond. A cool breeze hinted of the approaching winter.

  Balastar stepped around and held the door for her. He glanced around the house and took in a deep breath. “Storm’s coming.”

  “Excellent,” Kit said. “I was hoping to see one.”

  “Looks like you’re going to get your wish.” Balastar took the purple strand of hair and winked at her. “You’re happy.”

  “Worried, but yeah, happy.”

  Dani stepped up next to Kit. “Oh. My. God.”

  Kit followed her gaze. Standing on the porch steps was a man wearing white trousers and a red blazer over a crisp white shirt. Red patent leather shoes and a black fedora completed his ensemble. His smile was contagious, and there was a sparkle in his eyes. Kit liked him immediately.

  “Come, come,” he said, waving them closer. “I have some refreshments ready inside.” He glanced beyond them into the sky. “Storm’s coming.”

  “How do you guys do that?” Kit asked.

  “You can feel it,” Balastar said. “The air is slightly ionized right now. It will be much more so as the storm approaches.”

  They made their way up the four steps and were ushered inside. They entered into a main living area. Everything was dark wood and cozy furniture. A massive fire blazed in the stone fireplace. It was the kind of place that made you want to stay.

  Torgid bowed to Balastar. “Lord Alder. It’s a pleasure. I’m thrilled to see you are well.”

  “Thank you for seeing us.” Balastar introduced the group. Ian and his black hair garnered another raised eyebrow.

  Torgid motioned for them to sit. A woman breezed in with a tray of finger sandwiches, cheese, and what was probably fruit. Kit wasn’t sure because the colors were off. In stark contrast to Torgid, the woman wore an understated dress and sensible shoes.

  Kit and Balastar sat across a coffee table from Dani and Ian. Torgid sat in a high-back armchair that looked like it had been there for ages. The woman set the tray down.

  Torgid reached for a sandwich, but the woman slapped his hand away and scowled at him before turning away.

  Balastar started to speak, but Torgid raised a finger. They all sat in silence until the woman returned with a large teapot and cups.

  She looked to be a few years younger than Torgid and was clearly at ease. “There we are, dears. You just let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be in the kitchen slaving away at this man’s next meal.”

  “You’re what keeps me going, Madge. I’d be lost without you.”

  “Don’t I know it.” The two shared a look that Kit would be willing to bet went deeper than master and maid.

  “Now,” Torgid said when they were alone. “Please help yourselves. Madge will be a devil to deal with if she thinks you didn’t like her offering.”

  Kit and the others loaded up their plates, and Ian poured tea.

  “That’s better,” Torgid said. “I must say I’m quite pleased to see you here Balastar, even if you and young master Cavacent here look rather ridiculous with that hair. Still, I suppose it’s the smart thing to do under the circumstances. What b
rings you back to our rapidly declining planet?”

  “I like him,” Kit said to Balastar. “He just said a lot more than the words he spoke.”

  “Volumes.”

  “Thank you. First of all for seeing us, and for all of this.” Balastar motioned to the spread. “I’m sure you know this is dangerous.”

  “I am aware of that. I’m old, Balastar, and I don’t care. Your father was a good man. I wish he was here to see our new world. He would have made a good leader. Unlike our President, Prayda. He is as unpleasant on the inside as he is on the out. What can I do for you, son?”

  “We need to get inside the guild’s compound,” Balastar said, setting down his cup. “That’s literally all we need. To be able to walk around the interior.”

  “You’re looking for something,” Torgid said.

  “You might as well tell him,” Kit said.

  “Someones,” Balastar said. “A group of twenty to be exact.”

  “Oh, I am intrigued now. Please, do humor me and explain.”

  They did just that. Ian told of how the EPs had found the mysterious device that Armond was able to use to make portals. Of how they’d discovered Ian and Dani could also use the device and of the alternate form of psi they possessed. Kit jumped in next and explained about Vertan and how the Torogs, on orders of the Portal Masters, had crushed their space flight abilities and kept them isolated and planet-bound. Balastar finished up with how the portals were failing and what the Portal Masters had done in order to regain power and control for the guild.

  “That, my children, is one fine tale. Did you get all that Madge?” Torgid grinned as Madge came around the corner.

  “Did I ever. My, we do live in interesting times, don’t we?” She sat on the arm of Torgid’s chair, and he patted her thigh.

  “Ha! I knew they had something going on,” Kit said.

  “How did you know?”

  “It was obvious.”

  Balastar’s psi nearly knocked her over. “No it wasn’t.”

  “Men are so clueless sometimes.”

  Madge had given up the pretense of maid. “You’re thinking that the guild has them in their compound?”

  “It seems the most likely place to start,” Ian said.

  “You’ll be needing uniforms,” Madge said.

  Torgid gave her a look of annoyance.

  “What?” she shot back. “We both know you’re going to help them.”

  “That’s for me to say.” He turned back to Balastar and the others. “You’re going to need uniforms. You’ll also need access codes and a map.”

  Madge made a satisfied harrumph sound and straightened Torgid’s hat. “He’ll want you to stay in touch and keep us informed.”

  “Meddling woman,” Torgid said, standing. “Stay in touch and keep me informed. And let me know if you need anything further. I mean it. Anything.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Torgid didn’t let them down. Balastar wished he’d gotten to know the man better when he lived here. They’d been given uniforms and two rooms to change in.

  “Remember, you two, we’re on a mission here,” Dani chided before she and Ian entered one of the bedrooms.

  “Oh, as if,” Kit called out after her.

  “I don’t know about you but”—Balastar shut the door to their room—“I could make it quick.” He sought her lips, and she opened to him wholeheartedly. He knew he should stop but, Gods, this woman got to him. He managed to pull back before things went too far.

  Breathing heavy, Kit placed a hand on his chest. “You’re such a tease.”

  “Not a tease, just a taste of things to come.” He spun her around and slapped her ass.

  They changed into the Astrid uniforms quickly. He avoided looking at her, not sure he could resist her half naked body. She must have done the same, for when he turned around, her back was to him. “See,” he said, “we can control ourselves.”

  “Pfft. Barely.” She yanked up her zipper.

  They wore dark blue pants and matching shirts. Their own boots would have to do.

  Kit pulled her hair in a high ponytail and tucked it all inside the uniform hat. A small segment of color remained visible but not much.

  “Only you could make this hideous getup look good.” Kit folded her clothes and left them on the bed. They met the others in the living room.

  Torgid had a holo up that displayed the guild’s compound. Given its age, the place was surprisingly organized. As though five hundred years ago they knew they would expand and how.

  “You’ll enter here.” Torgid pointed to a gate on the side of the compound. “There’s a small office where you’ll sign in and pickup a visitor’s badge. I’ll make sure you’re expected. From there it’s up to you.”

  “This couldn’t be easier,” Balastar said. “We split up, each take a quadrant, and meet back at the gate house. Shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes.” He looked closer at the holo. “What’s this area here?” He pointed to the center of the compound. Everything was laid out in a grid. Everything but the center, which was circular.

  Torgid zoomed in on the area. “All I can tell you for sure is that’s the oldest part of the complex. Everything has been completely updated except this one building. As far as I know, the only type of energy going to it is gas.”

  “Seriously?” Kit said. “No electricity?”

  “Nothing that was done by Astrid,” Torgid said. “We’ve never been allowed inside that building.”

  “It seems too small to hold twenty hostages for any amount of time,” Dani said.

  “Yes, but why would they never update it?” Kit pointed to the spot. “That may not be where our people are, but I can guarantee there’s something pretty damn interesting in there.”

  “I suspect you’re right,” Torgid said. “I never gave it much thought. I wouldn’t hover around there if I were you. If you are correct, it will be well guarded.”

  Balastar recognized the nearly imperceptible rise of Kit’s chin. “Don’t take any chances, Kit.”

  “Aren’t you just a little curious?”

  “More than a little. Remember why we’re here. Your parents.”

  “Well that was a low blow. I can’t forget that.”

  It was a low blow, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her getting into trouble.

  She threw him an angry glare, her hair jet black.

  “You know,” he said “if you stay mad at me, you’ll be less noticeable.”

  She flicked his hat off with her psi, and he caught it midair.

  “I think we’re ready.” Balastar put his hat back on.

  “Ok, everyone,” Ian said. “I’ll take the northwest quadrant. Kit, you’re northeast. Dani southwest and Balastar southeast. Let’s do it.”

  The skies darkened as they made the quick trip into Ardos. Balastar took in the mountains and the purple fields below. He was born here, and he missed it.

  Emerging from the cruiser, the wind tried to whip Kit’s hat off. She kept one hand on it, not wanting her hair to get loose. The others were having similar problems, but Torgid had been adamant about not straying from the uniform. Astrid Electronics took pride in the way their techs looked and carried themselves.

  They approached the gate in silence. Ian tossed them a look before entering the code. The metal bars slid sideways without a sound. They made their way to the small office, exactly where Torgid said it would be. Ian held the door open and Balastar stepped in. Two guards stood behind a counter: a small mousy-looking man and a mountain of a beast with massive sideburns. The guards regarded them with questioning looks.

  “Frack,” Kit said. “Mouse and Burns here don’t look like we’re expected.”

  “Mouse and Burns?” Balastar asked.

  “I like nicknames.”

  “ID,” Mouse said.

  Burns crossed meaty arms.

  They all placed their IDs on the counter and waited.

  “I don’t have you on our list,” Mouse said.r />
  “Don’t I know you?” Burns was looking straight at Balastar, who shrugged.

  “You’ve probably seen me working here before.”

  Burns tilted his head. “I don’t think—“

  The door to the office flew open, and a large man in the Astrid uniform stepped inside. “What the devil took you so long? I’ve been waiting an hour over there.”

  “Sorry, boss,” Balastar said improvising. “We’re just getting our passes.” He tried to keep his face turned away from the guard.

  “Well hurry up with it. I don’t want to be here all night.”

  “I take it you know these people?” Burns asked.

  “Of course, I know them. Can’t you see the uniforms? Hurry up and give them passes already.”

  “Yes, sir.” The guard reached under the counter, pulled out four discs, and dropped them one by one into a small box. They tumbled out the other side, and he handed one to each member of their group. “Keep these on you at all times.”

  “Yes, yes,” the other Astrid employee said agitatedly. “Come on, we got work to do.”

  “Sorry about that,” the stranger said when they were back outside. “Name’s Rio. I would have been here earlier, but I didn’t get Torgid’s message until just now. Close call. Look, you guys do what you need, then get out of here. I’ll make something up if anyone asks.”

  “Thanks,” Balastar said. They wasted no time and split up for their respective quadrants. “Be careful,” he said to Kit.