by Heidi Skarie
Toemeka got out of bed and came over. On the tabletop was her ID card. “It looked official,” she said. “Thank you.”
Horan grunted. “I don’t have military weapons for you, but these capsules contain knock-out gas.” He held two capsules in his scaly claw. “Just snap it open in front of someone’s face and it will cause them to lose consciousness. Just don’t do it in a small, enclosed space or you’ll lose consciousness, too. Good luck.”
“Thank you for helping us,” Toemeka said, taking a capsule from Horan.
“It’s an honor to help Jake’s friends. As head of the Resistance, he’s our only hope of remaining free.”
The men had gathered around the table and were already eating. Toemeka decided she’d better join them before it was all gone.
When they finished, Horan pulled out two Samrat military uniforms and two sets of civilian clothes from his backpack. “Suit up. The air pods will be here soon.”
Jake and Erling changed into the civilian clothes while Michio put on a uniform.
Toemeka turned away from the men and,changed into the gray uniform and boots
Horan opened a door that led to a tunnel and said, “Say your good-byes. I hear the pod cars coming down the track. Michio and Toemeka will take the first pod. Erling and Jake the second one.”
“Are you staying on Alandra, Jake?” Toemeka asked, realizing she might never see him again.
“Yeah, I’m staying with the Resistance.”
“Thank you for all you’ve done, Jake,” Michio said.
“It’s been interesting traveling with you. You have some unusual powers.”
“You have your own strengths. I’m glad I got to know you.”
Toemeka hugged Jake and tears sprang to her eyes. “Good-bye, Jake. Take care of yourself. Alandra’s a dangerous planet to be stationed on.”
“Good-bye, Tiger. I’m counting on you to complete the mission. Prove to Michio what Coalition operatives are made of.”
She stepped back. “I will.” Erling embraced her next. By the tension in his body, she knew he was worried. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“We’ll wait for you and Michio at the rendezvous point until midnight. If you’re not back by then, we’ll know something went wrong. I’ll take my family back into the wilderness until we form a new plan.”
Toemeka’s stomach twisted. He didn’t say anything about rescuing her or Michio if they were captured. She knew then they were on their own, at-risk of being tortured and executed. The ground vibrated, interrupting her thoughts, and the sound of pod cars arriving filled the tunnel.
“Go quickly,” Horan said.
Toemeka went through the portal to the track and boarded the small, egg-shaped pod car. Michio climbed in beside her and the door slid shut. He typed their destination on the control panel and the air pod shot down the tunnel.
“Our first moment completely alone,” Michio said, leaning over and giving her a kiss. “How are you doing?”
“I’m grateful we’re both alive and together again.”
“Me too, but I don’t like the risk this mission exposes you to.”
“Jake assigned two people because it’s such a dangerous mission. I want to be sure my baby grows up with a father.”
“I’d better fill you in on the details.”
***
Erling got out of the air pod and followed Jake to the top of a ladder. Jake lifted and removed a manhole cover. Then he and Erling climbed out into a wooded area called Highland Park.
Jake replaced the manhole cover, hiding it with brush. “Come on — we’re only a few miles from the house where your family is staying. We’ll walk the rest of the way. Things have become perilous in Kossel.”
“I didn’t think it would be this hard to get my family off Alandra,” Erling said.
“Then you weren’t being realistic. You’ve been in the Coalition long enough to know there’s always unexpected complications.” He walked down a hill and through a garden to a path.
When they reached the house, a short, old woman opened the door and let them inside. “They’re here!” she called out as she escorted them upstairs.
Breezy raced into the hallway, her face lit with joy. “You made it!” She flew into Jake’s arms and they kissed passionately, oblivious to Erling’s presence. Erling watched with dismay as the kiss deepened and lengthened. He didn’t realize they were seriously involved. Jake was a notorious heartbreaker. While Breezy was young and inexperienced. Well, maybe she’d get over him once she moved to Jaipar — then again, maybe not. He hadn’t gotten over Kori when they were apart.
Erling followed the old woman into the bedroom. His mother rushed over and embraced him. “We’ve been so worried about you.” Her cheeks were a healthy color and her cough seemed to be gone.
“I was worried, too. I didn’t like leaving you and the others.”
His father and Sharma hugged Erling. Gratitude that they safe filled him. He’d risked so much to rescue them, leaving Kori with full responsibility for ruling Jaipar.
Zac and Onolyn came over to greet him. “I’m glad you made it,” Zac said. “Koriann would never forgive me if anything had happened to you. I’m supposed to be your body guard.”
“You and Onolyn got my family here safely. I’m eternally in your debt.”
Breezy and Jake held hands as they walked into the bedroom moments later.
“Where’s Toemeka?” Najetta asked.
“She and Michio are stealing a spaceship so we can fly home.”
A worried expression clouded his mother’s face. “Why is she involved in such a serious undertaking?”
“She’s a Coalition operative, Mom,” Erling said.
“It’s time to head out for the rendezvous site,” Jake said.
“Are you coming with us to planet Borko?” Breezy asked with a worried frown
“No, I’m staying on Alandra with the Resistance.”
“Then I’ll stay,too.”
Erling tensed, hoping Jake would talk her out of such a dangerous decision.
“Are you sure, Breezy?” Jake asked. “This may be your last chance to leave and you might never see your family again.”
Breezy bit her lower lip and looked at her family before turning back to Jake. “I’m sure I want to be with you.”
“This is crazy; you can’t stay, Breezy,” Richwood said. “Alandra’s defeated. There’s nothing left to stay for.”
“Father, I’m an adult now. It’s my decision and I intend to fight for my country. Erling’s always led a dangerous life and you’re proud of him.”
“That’s different.”
“How? If he wasn’t ruler of Jaipar, you know he’d stay.”
“But you’re a woman.”
“So is Toemeka.”
“I knew this would happen.” Najetta hugged her and began to cry.
Erling pulled Jake into the hallway. “Breezy will listen to you. Tell her to go with us. This is no life for her.”
“Breezy has a right to fight for what she believes in—you always have.”
“She’s not staying because of Alandra; she’s staying because of you. Are you going to marry her?”
Jake stepped back. “We’re in the middle of guerrilla warfare. It’s not the time to think of marriage. You don’t want to risk her becoming a widow at twenty-two.”
“She could be killed.”
“We’re fighting an interplanetary war. No one is safe anywhere.”
“I came to give her a chance for a better life.”
Breezy stepped into the hallway. “I know you did, Erling, and I appreciate it. But I love Jake and I love my country. I’m staying.”
Their parents appeared. “What should we do, Richwood?” Najetta said. “We can’t force Breezy to come with us.”
Richwood looked at his daughter with respect. “It’s her decision, not ours. Jake will watch out for her.”
Erling glanced at his watch-communicator. “We have to get going.” He led them
downstairs to where one of Jake’s men waited by the front door.
“I’ve got a van outside,” the man said. “I’ll drive you to the meeting place.”
Tears streamed down Breezy’s face as she hugged her parents and Sharma.
“I don’t think I can bear it if you stay,” Sharma said. “I’ve already lost Connor to this war and you’re not a soldier. We worked in the Coalition office, not the field.”
“If Connor was alive and staying, would you leave?”
Her face fell. “No, I’d stay with him.”
“Then you understand.” Sharma nodded and Breezy turned to her father.
“I’m proud of you for staying to help our homeland,” Richwood said, “but if things get too bad, you and Jake must come to Jaipar.”
“We will, Father, I love you. I love you all,” Breezy said. She walked over to Erling. “Don’t be upset. This is what I want.”
Erling felt a lump in his throat as he drew Breezy into his arms. “God, Bree, I hate to leave you, but I understand. Maybe I’d do the same, if I didn’t have other responsibilities. I hate seeing our beautiful planet under Samrat Condor’s control. I just don’t like you being here when the Coalition main force has pulled out. I love you, little sister.”
“I love you, too. I regret that I won’t get to meet Koriann and my future niece or nephew.”
“You will, someday.”
“I hope so.” She wiped away her tears.
Erling looked over her head at Jake. He remembered the times they guarded each other’s back and shared many adventures from the time they were young boys. We’re as close as brothers, he thought.
He crossed to Jake, who stood apart from the others. “Thank you for all you’ve done. Take care of Breezy. Good-bye, Jake.” They embraced.
Erling felt almost physical pain as he realized how much he’d miss his closest friend.
29
Heart of the Enemy
Toemeka and Michio entered the Talon military spaceport where an armed guard was checking IDs. Toemeka tensed as she approached him and averted her face from the overhead security camera. She handed the guard her ID and waited in edgy silence as he studied it. After a few moments, he handed it back and checked Michio’s ID.
“You’re clear,” he said, nodding dismissively to both of them. They headed over to the wallboard and read the flight schedule. It included departure and arrival times, types of spacecraft and names of pilots.
“What do you think of flight 387?” Michio asked softly.
Toemeka scanned the information and saw it was a cargo ship, loaded with weapons and no crew or passengers. It was scheduled to depart to planet Rex Tar in two hours, piloted by a woman and man — Major Jemit Daiker and Lieutenant Demar Kerek.
“Looks good.”
Michio and Toemeka headed down the corridor. “We’ll go to the pilot lounge, immobilize the pilots and acquire flight suits. Any questions?”
“No, it’s pretty straightforward.”
“We need to leave the lounge at least a half-hour before the scheduled departure time. If the pilots don’t show up by then, we’ll assume they’re already at the ship. If so, we’ll overtake them there.” Some people drew near and, Michio stopped talking.
Before long they reached the lounge and split up. Toemeka went into the women’s locker room. Inside was a row of doors labeled with the pilots’ names. Major Jemit Daiker’s name was on the fourth locker.
Toemeka knocked. When no one answered, she opened the door and stepped inside. It was a small room with a bench. A flight suit and helmet with a visor and oxygen mask hung on the wall. She checked the size of the flight suit. It was medium and, kowing it would fit, she put it on.
The sound of two women engaged in conversation filled the lounge, then the doors to two separate changing rooms opened and closed.
Toemeka left the changing room and went to the sink, keeping her eyes on the mirror as she watched for Major Daiker. The two female pilots came out of their changing rooms and left the lounge. Minutes later, the lounge door opened. In the mirror Toemeka saw an athletic-looking woman with blue skin and short white hair stride in. She walked over to Major Jemit Daiker’s changing room and disappeared inside.
Toemeka knocked on the door, feeling a rush of adrenaline surge through her. “Major Daiker,” she said.
“What is it?” Jemit asked through the door
“Lieutenant Kerek asked me to give you a note.”
The door opened and Toemeka snapped the capsule open in front of the woman’s face. Jemit’s hand reached for her stun gun.
Toemeka grabbed her wrist and knocked her hand against the wall. Jemit slugged her in the stomach. Toemeka gasped and got a full breath of the gas. She held her breath as she fought Jemit. Everything seemed to be distorted and in slow-motion and her movements were uncoordinated. Jemit seemed to be affected by the drug as well.
Toemeka’s strength ebbed a dark fog formed before her vision. Jemit collapsed on the floor unconscious, Toemeka flumbled for the helmet and placed the oxygen mask over her mouth as she sank to her knees. Gradually the oxygen mixture revived her. She staggered out of the small changing room and removed the oxygen mask, gulping fresh air. Feeling stronger, she stepped back inside and searched Jemit’s tote bag for the spacecraft key fob. Inside was an assortment of necessities needed for travel. At the bottom, she finally found the key fob.
Toemeka slid the stun gun into her pocket and left the locker room with the tote bag. The lounge was empty. Toemeka wondered how things were going for Michio. Had Major Daiker arrived yet or was Michio still waiting for him? She sank into a chair and watched news on the overhead monitor. She hadn’t been watching long when a video of her and Michio entering the spaceport came on the screen. A reporter said they were wanted criminals; if anyone sighted them, they were to report it to the authorities.
Alarmed, Toemeka returned to Jemit’s locker, her mind racing. She needed a disguise. She’d seen a jar of blue foundation in Jemit’s tote bag. She pulled it out and applied the blue cream to her face and neck, gradually transforming herself to look like a woman of the Goran race.
The makeup was perfect except for the area around her eyes where it was hard to get the blue cream close enough to cover her white skin. She put on Jemit’s sunglasses and pulled on gloves to cover her hands. The transformation amazed her. She hardly recognized herself. Toemeka returned to the lounge and discovered Michio still wasn’t there. She glanced at her watch and sat down to wait, impatiently tapping her foot as the minutes dragged by. Finally, the door to the men’s locker room opened and a pilot stepped out followed by Michio, who was handcuffed. A second pilot came out right behind them.
As the pilots walked to the exit, their backs were toward Toemeka. She drew her stun gun and shot one of the pilots. The other man spun around and Michio gave him a shove as he returned fire.
The shot went astray. Toemeka’s second shot hit its mark and the second pilot collapsed as well. She hurried to Michio. “Where are the keys to the handcuffs?”
“Try the pilot’s jacket pocket. What’s with the blue face paint?”
“A news bulletin with a video of us entering the spaceport building is being broadcast in the space station. We’re to be arrested on sight.”
Toemeka found the keys and unlocked Michio’s handcuffs.
“Let’s get out of here,” Michio said once he was free. He put on a helmet and pair of sunglasses.
They hurried down several long hallways, then left the building and walked to a row of shuttle cars that transported pilots to their aircraft. They boarded a two-person car and Michio drove it across the airfield.
“Thanks for your help,” Michio said. “I waited for Delmer in his locker room. When he entered, he put up a fight and another pilot joined in. In the small space, I couldn’t defend myself against both men.” He shot her a brief glance. “I’m glad you insisted on joining the mission.”
“I had a premonition you’d need help.
”
Michio nodded. “I should always remember to pay attention to your premonitions. It’s saved my hide more than once.” He stopped the shuttle car near the aircraft they intended to steal. Toemeka put on her helmet and got out, noticing armed soldiers spread across the airfield.
A guard stood in front of their ship. “Lieutenant Derek, reporting for duty.” Michio said, pulling out his ID. “Are you expecting trouble?”
“We’re searching for a woman who’s wanted by Commander Rochambeau.” The man glanced at Michio’s ID and handed it back, then turned expectantly to Toemeka. Her stomach turned as she started rummaging through Jemit’s tote bag.
Damn, she should have thought to look for Jemit’s ID sooner. She finally located the pilot’swallet, but her heart sank when she discovered it didn’t contain her ID. “It’s here someplaces,” she said, glancing up at the guard and giving him a weak smile. “These totes have too many pockets.” She continued searching,aware of Michio’s tense stance and the guard’s impatience.
She finally found a small case. She zipped it open and saw Jemit’s face on an ID. “Here it is!” She flashed the ID in front of the guard.
He barely looked at it. “I already knew you weren’t the woman they’re searching for.” The guard took another look at the ID. “Say, your hair’s white in the photo.”
“So, I dyed it. Is that against the rules?”
The guard glanced at the photo again, then handed it back. “You look better with black hair. Have a safe flight.”
They boarded the spacecraft and sat down in the pilot and co-pilot seats.
“I’m impressed,” Michio said. “I didn’t know you were such a convincing liar. My undercover operative wife is full of surprises. Your facial features don’t even resemble Jemit.”
“He only noticed my skin color.” As Toemeka began the preflight check, her hands shook. Something could still go wrong. “I don’t think it’s fair that he barely look at you. You were in the video, too.”
“I’m not as interesting as an exotic blue-skinned woman.”
Toemeka contacted the control tower, requesting permission to depart. Once it was granted, she started up the engines. They roared to life and the ship began vibrating. She took off and flew into the air, heading west toward the rendezvous site. As the spaceport grew smaller beneath them, the nervous pressure in her chest began to ease.