The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3

by Arwen Chandler

  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’r
e 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.