“I’m not looking at anything. I’m just going to The Port,” Lena answered, trying to keep the fear from her voice.
“It doesn’t look like you were going to The Port. Besides the Priestess has closed The Port,” the soldier yelled, stepping within arms reach of her. “Let me see your hand.”
Lena clenched her fist. She didn’t want the guard to see her insignia. All the other soldiers were running towards the explosion. No one paid the three of them any attention. She looked at the soldier’s feet, then at his face. “Sorry,” she said, before using her elbow to hit his temple. The guard fell sideways. Gideon pushed Lena through the hole and closed it behind them.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Suki pushed them into an alley behind a white three story house. The house appeared vacant. Suki went to the control panel, pulled it open, and disabled the alarm.
“Welcome to our port house,” she said, opening the door. “We don’t use it much. Mostly a stopping place on our way to events and different functions.”
Lena walked inside. The house was gorgeous. Marbled floors and pillars only emphasized the arched ceilings. “Your port house?” Lena asked in awe. “Suki, this is beautiful.”
Suki shrugged her shoulders. “Kind of cold for my tastes.” Suki led them through a kitchen, into a sitting area and up a curved staircase to the second floor. “No one lives here. But we keep it stocked with food and clothes.” She pointed the boys to a bedroom off to the left. “You’ll find the clothes you need for tonight’s event. Make sure you shower,” she yelled. “When you’re done, have one of the droids cook us up some food.”
Lena watched Gideon follow Tern into the room. He smiled over his shoulder at Lena and she felt her stomach tighten again.
Suki led Lena into the adjacent room. “You really should tell him how you feel,” Suki said, opening a large closet full of gowns.
Lena shook her head. “Suki, there is nothing to tell him,” she responded. She walked into the closet and started thumbing through the countless dresses hanging on the rod.
“Only because you won’t admit you’re in love with him,” Suki said, pulling out a red silk dress and holding it up to herself.
Lena turned away and started looking through the clothes. “Suki, you’re being silly.” She pulled out a simple tan dress and began changing.
“You’re the one being silly. You love him. He loves you. You’re going to regret it the rest of your life if you don’t say something to him. And it will be nobody’s fault but your own. Plus, don’t you wanna know what type of kisser he is now that he’s older and more experienced?”
“Suki,” Lena said, gasping at her audacity.
Suki laughed as she nodded. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it. Gosh, even I’ve thought about it. And kissing him as a kid versus kissing him now. Boy, it’s going to be different.” She pulled the dress over her head and started tying up the series of strings that held her dress in place.
Lena couldn’t help but laugh as she pulled her own dress into place. “I may have thought about it,” she admitted, feeling a little embarrassed. Gideon did give her her first kiss. Lena thought back trying to remember the year. She couldn’t remember, but it was by the lake—their lake in Everleigh. Everything good happened by that lake. And everything bad Lena rubbed the scar on her shoulder where Gideon had shot her.
Suki looked into the mirror and started fixing her hair. She parted it down the middle and pulled it into a smooth side bun, sweeping her hair in a way that it covered her head scars. Grabbing a set of long gloves, she pulled one over her prosthetic arm. Halfway through putting the other glove on, she turned around. She looked gorgeous. The red dress hung to her body emphasizing her curves. She smoothed out the dress with her hands then scrunched her face when she looked at Lena.
“What are you wearing?” Suki asked exasperated.
Lena looked down at the simple tan dress she’d chosen. Suki shook her head in disgust. “We’re going to a party of the most influential—not to mention affluential—people in our galaxy. Not a board meeting.” Pulling her gloves off, she stepped behind Lena and started flipping through the dresses. “You have to play the part. You’re no longer a servant or a prisoner. You are Evangeline Adhara.” Stopping, she smiled as she pulled out a dress. “This is what you’re wearing tonight.”
***
Lena smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror. Suki stood behind her, artfully curling her long hair. “You really don’t have to go through so much trouble, Suki,” Lena said. “Hopefully, we’ll be in and out before anyone can get a good look at us.” Lena grabbed a sandwich from a tray and took a bite. She was hungry, but her nerves made it hard to eat.
“You have to look like you belong there or everyone will notice you, especially with all the bruises and scars I had to cover. It’s a good thing I know how to use makeup,“ she said. “Plus, we had some time to spare. It’s not often I get to dress up so fancy. It’s been fun. Almost like we live a normal life.” Suki stepped back as Lena swallowed.
Lena stood up to the floor length mirror. Her jaw fell open. The dress was gorgeous. It was off-white and flared slightly at the waist falling to the ground. The bodice was adorned with beaded gold jewels. Its v-neck was embroydered in gold and crystal. Her necklace hung perfectly in the center. The Saraphyst Stone glistened in the light. She’d never looked so beautiful.
Suki opened a panel in the wall and picked out large crystal and gold earrings and a matching bracelet. “The finishing touch,” Suki said, smiling.
“Suki, I don’t know what to say. It’s so beautiful,” Lena said, spinning in a circle. She put on the earrings and felt the weight of them pull her earlobes. She shook her head and watched them sparkle in the lights.
“You look like your mom,” Suki said, stepping back. “Angelic.”
Lena smoothed her dress down to distract herself from the tears she felt coming. She blinked them back and laughed as her enhanced eyelashes fluttered in her eyesight. Taking a deep breath, she followed Suki into the hallway. They both paused at the top of the stairs. Gathering their long dresses in one hand, they glided down the stairs.
Lena heard Tern and Gideon speaking quietly in the sitting area below them. The tapping of the girls’ shoes on the stairs interrupted the conversation. Turning towards the open stairway, Tern and Gideon stood.
Tern was in Lena’s direct line of vision. He was dressed in a formal looking leather jacket and pants. His hair was pulled into a ponytail. Gideon came to stand at the bottom of the stairs. He wore a traditional formal suit. His jaw dropped as he watched Lena descend.
Lena smiled nervously. Moving her arm to rest on her stomach, she drew a deep breath. “Hi,” she said. She knew it was silly to say, but any word would not be enough to sum up her feelings. Gideon chuckled and smiled back to her. Lena felt frozen in the moment.
“Gentleman, we can’t be late,” Suki said. Tern held out his arm to her through which she threaded her gloved prosthetic arm.
Gideon smiled and held out his hand to Lena. Lena reached for Gideon. As their hands touched Lena’s breath went out of her. For a moment—in what felt like a lifetime—Lena felt pure happiness.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Lena stood, tucked into Gideon’s shoulder in the middle of the courtyard of the Genosee consulate. The stars glistened brightly above them and lights glowed dimly from the temple next to them. Tern had already slipped into the shadows, scouting any potential threat. Suki stood opposite Lena and Gideon, the three of them making a tight circle.
People flowed around them. Many of the Genossians entered a sacred room to pray to their God before coming back to the courtyard to mingle or dance. String music filled the air around them. Everyone wore rich attire just like Suki and Lena. The woman laughed and men smoked cigars that caused Lena to gag.
“We can assume the Priestess kept the attack on the facility secret,” Gideon said. “People inside The Port have little reason to care a
bout what happens outside of the Port. But if the Genossians do have access to her computer system, it’s possible that they’ll know of our escape.”
“They do have access,” Suki said. “Whether they’ve been able to bypass all of her security points is a different matter altogether.” She surveyed each man that passed.
“What exactly are we looking for?” Lena whispered.
“A key,” Suki answered back. “We could break in, but that would cause an alarm. If we enter with a key, no one has any reason to think we shouldn’t be there. That guy looks powerful.” Suki pointed at a man passing in front of them. He wore a maroon suit with a gold chain hanging from his pocket. “What does your lens say about him?”
Lena blinked on her lens. “He’s a Genossian diplomat. Umm, Raul Esquivel,” Lena said. “That’s all it says.”
“Good enough for me. I’ll try him first,” Suki said slipping away.
Lena walked into the crowd still not sure what she should be looking for. The dance floor wasn’t as crowded as the streets of Arc, so it was easier for Lena to focus on the information coming across the lens.
Gideon held out his hand to Lena. “You’ll seem less conspicuous if you look while you dance.”
Lena’s muscles stiffened. She didn’t know how to dance.
“Don’t worry,” Gideon chuckled. “I’ve learned a thing or two about dancing since we were kids. We won’t stand out, I promise.”
Gideon spun her into him. His hand wrapped firmly at her waist as he took her other hand in his. He nodded his head to the beat of the music indicating to Lena their first step. Lena stumbled. Gideon’s hand tightened on her back keeping her from falling. Before she knew what was happening, they were gliding across the dance floor. Gideon’s eyes locked on hers and he smiled. Raising his eyebrows, he nudged her into a spin and she burst out laughing. Gideon steadied her in his arms. His eyes crinkled up and the edges caused Lena to smile even bigger. They danced an entire song, the whole time Gideon steadying her missed steps and laughing with her at her clumsiness. The music changed to a slower tempo and so did Gideon’s steps. He pulled Lena closer and swayed slowly with the music. Lena lifted her chin to get a better look at him. His face was nearly touching hers.
“I love your smile,” he said.
Lena let out a laugh to ease the tension building inside of her.
“Did I say something funny?” Gideon asked. He led her into a small twirl.
She looked around the courtyard at the other couples dancing. Information blinked across her lens, but she ignored it. Gideon was every bit as good at dancing as the others around them. He pulled her into him and she relaxed in his arms. She followed his movements. It felt good being with him. Lena let her mind wander. Maybe Suki was right. Maybe she could have a relationship with Gideon. Maybe he could come with her to wherever he was sending her and they could live a quiet life. Together, safe, always looking out for each other. Lena stumbled again but Gideon’s strong arms pressed against her back balancing her.
“You really do know how to dance, don’t you?” Lena asked, looking into his eyes. They were brown with flecks of gold. Had she ever noticed the gold before?
“I went to a lot of balls at the Interplanetary Military Academy,” Gideon said, staring back into her eyes. “And with Azara …well, I had to learn.”
Lena’s heart plummeted. She blinked, and pulled back. How could she have forgotten about Azara? She slowed her steps and stopped. Why did she feel like she couldn’t breathe? She dropped her arms to her side and stepped out of Gideon’s hold. She didn’t want to be dancing with Gideon anymore.
Gideon’s arms dropped to his side. He took a step back and searched her face. “Eves, I—“
“We need to be finding a key, don’t we?” Lena interrupted. She didn’t want to hear his excuses. She walked into the crowd. She didn’t look back, but she knew Gideon wasn’t following her. She quickly made her way across the courtyard hoping she wouldn’t cry the tears that were threatening to spill.
She couldn’t figure out why she was so upset. She knew from the beginning that Gideon wasn’t an option. She shook her head and pushed her unstable emotions aside refocusing on the reason they had come. She needed to find the key. She needed to help Tern find Birdee.
She needed to save Birdee.
She looked around still not exactly sure what to look for. How did Suki expect her to find a key to this place? A man with a gold chain hanging from his pocket walked by. Lena had never seen him before but he gave the impression of power. The lens told her his name was Aldebaran. And that he was the one who bought the Priestess’ computer system from the Zoons.
His eyes fell on Lena. He stopped mid-step turning to greet her.
“Excuse me,” Aldebaran said. “I don’t believe I’ve had the opportunity of meeting you.” He spoke respectfully and grabbed her hand to kiss it. Lena felt heat rising to her cheeks. “I am Aldebaran, leader of the Genossian group here on Mir.”
“Um, yes. I’m Essie.” Lena sputtered the first name that came to mind.
“Essie.” Aldebaran nodded. His eyes fell on Lena’s neck, where her medallion hung. His eyes widened then relaxed just as quickly. “Welcome to the Genossian Consulate. I’d love to be able to show you around. But unfortunately my plate is already full. However. my sister’s child is here with me this evening—apparently on leave from his military training. Surely he wouldn’t mind showing around such a lovely thing as yourself, Ellie.”
“It’s Essie,” Lena said under her breath. The man didn’t listen as he scanned the crowd. Lena wished she hadn’t left Gideon’s side. She searched for Gideon or Suki but saw neither.
“Where is he? My nephew Lucius was at the top of his class at defense training. I’m sure he’d love to tell you all about it.” Aldebaran kept his eyes on Lena as he raised his hand and called for Lucius.
Lena counted her breaths forcing herself to stay calm hoping it wasn’t the same Lucius who bullied her at the Training Facility. She wasn’t going to take any chances.
“I’m fine, but thank you,” Lena said pulling away.
Aldebaran gently pulled her back by the elbow. “It’s no bother, here he comes now. Lucius, I’d like to introduce you to Essie. She’s just arrived at the consulate.”
To Lena’s dismay, it was the same Lucius who had bullied her at the Defense Facility. Luckily he had his eyes trained on his uncle and hadn’t noticed her. Lena quickly turned her back. As she spun, she stumbled on the edge of her heel. Leaning forward, she used her hair to veil her face.
“Are you okay, dear girl?” Aldebaran asked, kneeling down to look at Lena’s ankle.
“What is it, Uncle?” Lucius said, stepping up behind her. Lena felt her heart race. Lucius, the very recruit who had attacked her when she was working as a servant. The boy who had tormented her and then found out her true identity. The boy who had called the Priestess and, consequently, had Birdee captured. He was here and she was going to be caught.
“Looks like this girl has been hurt. Can you find a place for her to sit?” Aldebaran asked his nephew.
Lena kept her face averted from Lucius. Her eyes searched for an escape.
“I’m not your errand boy,” Lucius said.
“Lucius!” his uncle snapped at him under his breath. Before he could continue, another voice interrupted. It was a familiar voice and she felt a wave of relief.
“I’m sorry,” Tarek said, his voice as calm as always. “Our friend isn't used to the atmosphere of Mir yet.” Tarek moved his body between Lucius and Lena’s. Lena looked up to see Tarek holding out his hand to her. She grabbed hold of it and stood. Suki stood next to him, also blocking Lucius’ view.
Lena heard Lucius huff and his retreating footsteps.
“Ambassador Aldebaran,” Tarek said. “Is there a room I can take my friend to sit for a moment?”
“Of course,” Aldebaran said. He led the way. “Sorry about my nephew—my sister’s son. He’s only half Genosee and h
e takes after his father.” Aldebaran took them to a side door. Pulling out an access card, he opened a door that led into an empty hallway. He then led them to the first room on the left, which he also opened with a card. “Here you are Tarek. Say hello to your father for me, will you?”
“Of course,” Tarek said, with a slight bow. He brushed past Aldebaran and led Lena into an ornate sitting room.
The door closed. Lena flew into Tarek’s arms. “Tarek, you’re safe. What are you doing here? And how do you know Suki?” She pulled away from him. He seemed flustered by the sudden show of emotion from Lena.
“Suki, you say?” Tarek turned towards Suki and gave her a small bow. “Nice to meet you.”
Suki smiled and nodded, tilting her head to the side.
“Stay here,” he instructed Lena. “Suki can answer your questions. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Lena turned to Suki. “Honestly, what are the chances?” Suki said. “Your friend and I were dancing and I saw Gideon trying to catch my attention. You can imagine how shocked I was to find Tarek looking at him, too. We didn’t really introduce ourselves, but it was obvious that Gideon knew him. We didn’t have time to plan anything. But there was no doubt we were on the same team.”
A few minutes later, Tarek entered followed by Tern and Gideon.
“Gideon filled me in. I don’t think you’ll have much time before Aldebaran realizes his access card has been stolen.” Tarek looked at Suki who shrugged her shoulders and pulled the access card out of the top of her glove. “You’ll need to hurry,” Tarek said. “I must get back to the gathering. My absence will be noticed. I’ll try to keep the ambassador occupied while you get the information you need to find your friend.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gideon opened a door and looked down the hallway. He grabbed Lena’s hand and motioned for the rest of the group to follow. Lena pulled her hand free and walked behind Gideon until they found an elevator at the end of the hall. Tern called for the elevator. The security system denied him access. Gideon scanned the card that Suki had pulled out of her glove earlier. The door opened and they all stepped inside.
The Children of The Resistance (The Mir Chronicles Book 2) Page 13
