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 pal
m 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 Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Page 14