“Which floor Suki?” Gideon asked.
Suki pushed the button to the level below them.
“What is Tarek doing here?” Lena asked Gideon.
“I haven’t had the chance to ask. But I would not be surprised if his father asked him to come since he was in The Port anyway,” Gideon answered.
“Is Azara here, too?” Lena asked not looking at Gideon.
“Azara?” Suki blurted out. “Like the girl you’re dating. That Azara?”
“Yes, she’s here. I saw her dancing,” Gideon answered, ignoring Suki’s outburst.
“Her brother is Tarek?” Suki said, with an interested smirk. “So, wait. These are the same two that were captured by the Cimmerians with you?” Suki’s eyes were wide. She looked at Gideon and whistled. “What are the chances that they’d be at the same party we were breaking into?”
“Pretty high, actually, considering who their father is,” Gideon replied.
The elevator door opened. “Where is security?” Suki whispered.
Tern stepped out into the hallway. “They’ve all been relocated to the party,” Tern said, indicating it was safe to follow.
Suki motioned them in the direction they should go. “Follow me,” she said. The group moved to the end of the hallway and turned right.
Lena had her eyes fixed on Gideon’s back. He knew the whole time they were dancing that Azara was there. “Well, are you going to try and see her while you’re here?” Lena asked, trying not to show her anger or jealousy. But it came through anyway.
They kept moving down the hall, Suki in the lead looking for potential threats.
“I don’t see any reason why I should,” Gideon answered tersely.
Suki hushed them as they turned a corner.
“The fact that she’s your girlfriend is one,” Lena countered, ignoring Suki. “Plus, you may not be seeing her for awhile, since—once you’re rid of me—you’re leaving to do your own thing. Whatever that is.”
“We’re here,” Suki said, cutting Lena off.
Turning in front of a locked door, Gideon scanned the card to open it. The door slid open and they all shuffled inside, conversation put on hold. The control room was filled with computers. Lena felt out of her element. These computers were technologically different than what she was used to. They lined the walls. There was only one computer that looked familiar. There was no question that this was the system the Zoons had sold to the Genossians.
Lena hurried to the computer punching in codes and scanning her insignia. A hologram opened in front of her. She bypassed security screen after security screen until she found the prisons. Then she typed in Birdee’s name. The four of them sat around the screen shocked.
The footage showed Birdee, laying on top a tower that stood in the center of a city. Lena estimated that the tower was about thirty feet tall. On top of the structure was a small horizontal ledge, only big enough for Birdee’s curled up body to lay on. Her arms were cuffed behind her. Purple bruises covered her face, and her eye barely opened due to the swelling around it.
Tern gasped.
Gideon cursed under his breath. “She’s using Birdee as an example. A warning to those who stand against her,” Gideon said.
“A warning to us,” Lena added.
Tern didn’t speak. His eyes oscillated between anger and worry. He grabbed the edge of the table. His hand gripped it so hard his knuckles turned white.
“Did you get a hit on her location?” Suki asked.
Lena typed something else into the computer. The computer instantly brought up an image of a curved courtyard. At the side, a magnificent stately building towered towards the heavens with a gorge running behind it.
“She’s in Ebon,” Gideon said. “That is Selene’s home. Look at this gorge that runs through Ebon. At the bottom of this gorge is a prison. I suspect anyone they took from the facility is in there.”
Lena pulled up more security footage. Several guards stood in front of the tower.
Suki stepped forward. “It looks like there is a forcefield over that tower. Nothing we can’t get through. We’ll take a glider and fly right up to get her. Her cuffs probably have a code attached to them. Lena, you can probably get through them with your tricky little all-access pass. Easy in, easy out. We can save her without a problem.”
“Except I’m leaving,” Lena said.
The room went quiet. Tern took a step away from the console visibly shaking. His hand clenched and unclenched at his side. And at the same time, his eyes filled with tears.
Lena’s eyes filled with tears as well. “Maybe I can go…”
“No,” said Tern. “You need ta go. You need ta be safe. I’ll figure out a way ta free her.”
Lena blinked and this time, she couldn’t stop the tear that slid down her cheek. Tern nodded his head. “We don’ have much time. Find out what ya can about Gideon’s father.”
Lena nodded and sniffed back her tears. Moving her fingers as quickly as she could, she exited the screen showing Birdee and began typing in commands to search for anything to do with Zeke’s odd behavior. Her eyes whipped over the screen, opening page after page. She stopped at an image of a destroyed outpost.
Gideon let out an audible sigh. He placed his hand on her back. “Is that where I think it is?” He asked. Lena only nodded in response. It was the same facility that was bombed and had a server stolen. Back when they were at the Defense Training Facility, she, Birdee, Jonah had been assigned to study the footage of the stolen server. On the footage they had seen Thora with the server in Everleigh.
“Thora has it. Thora has the information about your father,” Lena said.
They heard a throat clear behind them. Lena jumped and turned. Aldebaran stood in the doorway blocking their escape.
“You are full of intrigue, young Adhara,” Aldebaran stated.
Lena raised her hands. The others did the same. Gideon and Suki both looked ready to fight, but they back down when they saw he wasn’t there for a fight.
Aldebaran looked calm and collected. “You bypassed the Priestess’ system in a matter of moments,” Aldebaran said, stepping towards them. His hands were clasped casually behind his back as he studied Lena.
“Evangeline Adhara,” he said. Everyone tensed at the name, causing Aldebaran to chuckle. He held up his empty hands and moved around the perimeter of the room. “I promise, I am no threat to you or your friends. I just wanted to confirm my suspicions.”
“Suspicions?” Lena questioned, lowering her hands.
“Yes, that the famous Evangeline Adhara had outsmarted the Priestess and has the help of the Priestess’ own son.” He turned a curious gaze to Gideon. “Captain Merak, I assume?”
Gideon didn’t respond. He crossed his arms over his chest and flexed his arms beneath his suit coat.
“I suspected it was you when I saw the medallion around your neck. I just needed confirmation, which is why I called to my nephew, Lucius. When you hid from him, my suspicions were all but confirmed. I followed you myself to see what information you were seeking. I didn’t imagine you’d be able to break past all the security the Priestess has in her system. But you did it with ease.”
Lena shrugged. “I didn’t do it alone.”
“Dorrijan is alive, isn’t he? He helped you do this?” Aldebaran stated. Lena noticed the name again, the man she once knew as Dorry seemed to be well known among rulers. “There is only one man I know smart enough to bypass the Priestess’ system. And that is the man who created it.”
Lena stood taller, refusing to answer.
Aldebaran smiled. “Ah, I see you’re trying to protect your friend. I believe he goes by the name Dorry here on Mir. You don’t need to worry. He and I are old acquaintances,” Aldebaran prattled. “I’m not surprised he’s still alive, though the Priestess keeps a tight leash on him. Sometime, you should look into the story of the great Dorrijan. He saved an entire world, you know.”
“What are you going to do with us?” Suki as
ked.
“I am going to do nothing with you. I am going rejoin my party. I invite you to do the same. I don’t need to tell you this room is off limits.” He opened his arm and swung it towards the door. “After you,” Aldebaran said.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The four formed a line and walked into the hall. The door slid to the control room shut behind Aldebaran.
“You’re not going to arrest us?” Suki asked.
They followed Aldebaran to the elevator. The doors opened and the five of them climbed inside.
“I have nothing to gain by arresting you. But much to gain if I let you go and you succeed in rescuing your friend.”
“How so?” Lena asked, even though Gideon, Suki, and Tern seemed on edge.
“You see, I know about you, Evangeline. A lot of people know about you, and how you threaten the Priestess’ reign.”
“Why do you know, or care, for that matter?” Suki asked. “This isn’t your world.”
“It is always wise to know your enemies weaknesses. And the Priestess puts great value on what she thinks you threaten. You threaten her reign. And in turn show her weakness. A weak person cannot influence the treaties that govern The Port. Genosee is one of many planets that would like to control The Port. So, as you can see, it’s beneficial to help you.”
“You want the Priestess to lose control of Mir?” Suki asked.
“I want to control the treaty,” Aldebaran stated. “Which I cannot do with the influence the Priestess has on the council.”
“Why are you telling us this?” Gideon asked. “You know I’m her son.”
“The son that defied her. I doubt she holds much motherly sentiment for you. I’m telling you this because it’s no secret—the person or planet that controls Mir controls the interplanetary treaties.”
“And you want to be that person?” Gideon asked.
The elevator doors opened.
“I’m not the only one,” Aldebaran stated, standing in the open doorway. “You, Evangeline, have a great deal of power all on your own. You defy her. You both do.” He looked between Gideon and Lena. “You, without knowing it, have given people hope for change. Word is being whispered that Evangeline Adhara lives. That she defied the Priestess. Again. We’re all anxious to see what you will do next.”
Lena swallowed. She didn’t know what to think. If she left, like Gideon wanted, what would happen to those people she had given hope to? She again resolved to find a way to stay before the night was over.
“Uncle I…” Lucius stepped into the opening of the elevator door. His eyes bulged as he recognized his uncle’s companions. They stood silently staring at each other, the only sound was their heavy breathing. Gideon stared, Lucius sneered. Everyone stood tense. Lucius was the last person Lena ever thought or wanted to see again. Yet here he stood, a plague on her life. She’d never seen anyone look so angry as Lucius did at that moment. Every muscle in his face was clenched in rage.
“Lucius,” Aldebaran said, holding out his hand in a placating manner.
“Guards,” Lucius screamed.
Gideon moved fast. He shoved Aldebaran out of the elevator and into Lucius, knocking Lucius down. Spinning around Gideon pressed the button for the elevator doors to close and lock. He put his arm protectively in front of Lena. Standing with his knees bent he faced the elevator doors and readied himself for whatever fight was next.
“We’ve got to get out of here,” Gideon said, as the elevator descended. “Tern do you know a way out?”
“I’ll find one,” he said.
The doors opened to a cement hallway. Tern took off running at full speed. The others took off after him. At the end of the hall they turned right. It was a dead end. They went down the opposite hallway. It was another dead end.
Tern beckoned them to be silent. He turned his head slightly down the hall as if listening to something. Lena strained to hear what he did, but heard nothing. Looking up at the ceiling, he pointed. Large pipes lined the ceiling. Tern immediately helped Suki onto the top of one of the pipes. Tucking her long skirt beneath her, Suki lay flat on the pipe, balancing on its width. Tern pulled himself up behind her and flattened himself on the same pipe. Gideon helped Lena up. She gathered her flowing dress tight around her hips and bunched it in front of her. Laying down on the pipe, she gripped the fabric in one hand to keep it from draping over the sides of the pipe where it would be seen, and kept her balance with the other hand. The pipe was big but didn’t completely hide them. Lena lay as quietly as she could silently cursing the dress’ flowing skirt. She stared at Tern then heard the elevator doors open.
Aldebaran’s voice echoed through the cement hallway. “Remember, Lucius. You hold no power here in The Port. Defense Soldier or not, you do not have the authority to go outside your bounds here, boy. You or these Defense soldiers you brought with you. If you do, you’ll ruin the treaties that are about to be formed making the Priestess mad. She will take it out on your father. And you will be responsible for ruining his place in her court. Then what will you do?”
“I can make my way on my own, Uncle. I don’t need to have my father’s influence. Anyway, he’s on probation with the Priestess after his illegal inspection on the facility. I don’t believe he’ll be in power long. Unless he finds the girl of Everleigh himself,” Lucius responded.
Lena heard many heavy footsteps moving towards their hiding place. Tern motioned for them to stay completely silent. Lena didn’t dare breath.
Aldebaran, Lucius, and several Defense soldiers were right underneath them. She couldn’t see from where she was on the pipe but she guessed that there were about five men below her. She bit her lip. She needed a breath but didn’t dare. Her lungs ached.
Lucius’ voice came from right beneath her. “Keep looking for her. Don’t stop until you find her. Do you hear?” The soldiers divided themselves among the hallways and she heard Aldebaran and Lucius talking about checking security footage as they went back to the elevator. Lena slowly exhaled, and as quietly as possible took as big a breath as she could.
After minutes of silence, Tern jumped down and snuck along the halls edge signaling them to stay put. Lena’s legs cramped where she balanced them on the pipe. She stretched them behind her, kicking Gideon’s face in the process. He swatted her foot to the side. Minutes later, Tern returned. Reaching up, he grabbed for Suki and helped her down. He did the same for Lena. Gideon jumped down on his own.
“They’re checking all the rooms,” Tern said. “Hurry.” Tern led the way back up the same hall they’d taken to get there.
“How did the Defenses get here so fast?” Lena whispered as they ran.
“I don’t know,” Gideon said. “They could have already been inside The Port monitoring the party.”
“But they have no jurisdiction here,” Lena said.
“Lena, I don’t know, and now is not exactly a good time to figure it out,” Gideon snapped.
They reached the elevator when Lena heard the sound of the soldiers running towards them from both adjacent halls. The buzz of the elevator signaled it was descending.
Tern pushed Lena towards Gideon. “Hide her,” he said pointing to the stairs that ran alongside the elevator.
Gideon grabbed Lena’s hand and pulled her into the stairwell. Pushing her to the ground, Gideon motioned her to the empty space under the stairs. Lena scrambled into the hiding place. Her dress got caught under her knees. She yanked on it and heard it tear. She scooted so her back was against the wall. Gideon slid in beside her, folding his body to fit in the tight enclosure.
“What about Tern and Suki?” Lena whispered in a panic.
Gideon placed his finger to his lips and motioned for her to listen. She heard Tern’s voice. He was still by the elevator.
“Ya ready ta create a diversion?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” Suki responded.
***
“Stay where you are,” a soldier yelled.
Lena froze. Gideon placed a ca
lming hand on her leg.
“Where are your friends?” The soldier asked.
Lena wished she could see. Gideon pushed her further into the empty space. Her head hit the undersides of the stairs and her shoulder pushed against the wall.
“Our friends?” asked Suki, her voice held a mixture of innocence and mockery. “I don’t recall having any friends. Do you?” she asked Tern.
“Let me see. Friends…” Tern hummed for a moment. “Na. Absolutely no friends tha’ I can think of. Well, except for you, of course. Do ya count as a friend or not?” he asked her.
“That’s a good question,” she replied. “We did just meet.”
“Stop it,” the soldier yelled. “There were two more people with you. Where are they?”
“Oh, them,” Suki said. “They got bored of this party and decided to bolt. They heard the Allayan consulate had free drinks.”
“Move,” he said cutting her off.
“I actually like where I’m living,” Suki said. “How about you?”
“I actually was thinkin’ of findin’ somewhere new. Last place was a little crowded fer me.”
“Bummer,” Suki said.
Lena heard the sound of someone being hit. Tern grunted. Was Tern being hit, or did he grunt when he was hitting?
“Owe,” Tern said. “That was uncalled for.”
A gun went off and Suki screamed. She heard someone fall to the ground. Lena’s eyes went wide and she bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming out. Gideon wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pressed his hand over her mouth.
“If you keep diverting the questions, I’ll shoot her other leg. Pick her up and get moving,” the soldier said. Lena heard Suki whimper as Tern picked her up. “Take them to Lucius and search every floor. She’s here somewhere.”
Lena stayed silent until she no longer heard their footsteps. Gideon released her mouth and pulled himself from under the stairs. Sliding out after him, she wiped the tears from her eyes.
The Children of The Resistance (The Mir Chronicles Book 2) Page 14
