“Good, you’ll find a uniform behind that screen. Hustle.”
“What about…”
“Leave your things. They’ll be sent with your baggage as soon as you’re safe.”
Slipping behind the screen, she dressed in the private’s uniform and tucked her hair beneath a beaked cap. She found Arien at the back of the truck.
He moved aside. “Take a look.”
Charid peeked over the edge of a wooden box surround by several others in neat, organized stacks. A conspiratorial grin, a blown kiss, and he ducked out of sight.
Tyler helped Charid to settle, closed the lid, and jumped to the ground beside them. “Anything else, sir?”
“Stay alert. If anyone tries to follow, make sure they don’t get far. Don’t get caught.”
“Yes, sir.” He tipped the brim of his cap and strode to a second truck.
Arien threw the latch on the door and moved to help her into the front. She shook her head. “I’m fine. Much more at home in pants than a skirt. What about our papers?”
“Climb in and give them to me.”
He propped up the seat on his side, exposed the pristine springs underneath, pried them loose, and pulled out a packet wrapped in waterproof paper. Slipping her papers into the gap, he dropped the seat back into place and handed her the packet. “Open it and familiarize yourself with your new identity. When you’re done, stick ’em in the dash box. I have a couple of things to check, and then we’ll leave.”
Esta unwrapped the packet and scanned the papers inside. I am Private Jase Mantroe. I work under Arien. I was born on RewFaar and have lived here all my life. I’m single; my relatives migrated . She replaced the papers and put them in the box. Yet another personality. I wonder what’s happening on El Stroma. I wonder if he remembers… Get a grip, girl. You are not safe yet.
29
Jaradee’s Legacy
Part 2 - Escape
A rien climbed into the truck and slammed the door. “We’ve got company.” He shot her a sideways look. “Remember, you’re a soldier. Buckle up.”
He pushed the dashboard starter, and the truck rolled forward. At the double back doors, Tyler strode up to the driver’s side. The window slid down.
“Trouble ahead. Thought you’d rather have me here.”
“Good man. Climb in back and protect Charid. Keep him safe, Tyler. I’ll take care of Esta. Go.”
A knock on the wall told them Tyler was in place. Arien flashed the lights. The doors opened. The engine revved, and the truck pulled onto a wide, empty expanse between the buildings and the security fence. On the far side, Arien merged onto a well-lit road. Busy evening traffic flowed around them. At the main gate, the sentry waved them through.
Esta glanced in the rearview mirror. Nothing seemed out of place. She looked forward. How would I know?
The road widened into four lanes. The truck sped up. She gasped. RewFaar sure is different than El Stroma.
Arien kept his speed consistent. “A vehicle is pulling up beside us on my side. If I tell you to duck, don’t hesitate.”
Esta sat stiff-backed, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. She heard a low, accelerating roar.
“Hold on, girl. We have a turnoff coming up.”
A vehicle pulled alongside. The turnoff came into view. At the last instant, Arien veered left onto an exit ramp. An intersection dumped them onto a two-lane road. A second turn put them on a narrow, dark street with warehouses lining both sides. Arien eased the truck into an alley. A darkened opening yawned to the right. He turned. A door dropped silently into place behind them.
“Stay put.” Arien jumped to the ground
A man carrying a dim hand-light hurriedly joined him. “They doubled back. Gotta get you outta sight. Car’s right here. Called ahead. The jumper’s ready.”
“Tyler and the boy are in the back. Let them know what’s up.” Arien lifted the seat and removed her papers from their hiding place. “Give me your fake papers.”
He crammed them in where hers had been and lowered the seat into place. “Get out this side.”
Sliding across the seat, she jumped to the ground. Tyler and Charid emerged from the back of the truck. Arien hustled them into the waiting car—Tyler, Charid, and Esta in the back. He slid onto the front seat beside the driver. Two men climbed into the truck.
The car inched forward in total darkness. A second door vanished upward. A man motioned them through. Keeping the car’s lights off, the driver turned left and drove between rectangular shipping containers stacked in long rows. Esta looked back. The truck turned right and disappeared around the end of the building.
Charid snuggled next to her. “I’m scared.”
Esta hugged him. “So am I.”
Arien twisted around. “Look at your maman, Charid. Tell me what you see.”
Charid considered Esta. “She’s wearing a soldier’s uniform.” His brow wrinkled. “Are you a soldier, Momee?”
Arien answered. “She is a soldier. Tyler is a soldier. Our driver, Tanwar Gorda, is a soldier. So am I. Everyone in this car is a soldier. How would you like to be one, too?”
Entreaty filled his small face. “Oh, Momee, can I be a soldier?”
She kept her expression solemn. “Yes, Charid, you can.”
He looked at Arien. “I would love to be a soldier, sir.”
“Excellent. Repeat after me: I, Charid Darine, solemnly swear to be a good soldier, to obey orders, to protect those I love, and to honor the soldier’s code.”
Charid repeated the words with such earnestness, Esta could not help but smile.
Arien saluted. “Welcome, Private Darine. Your first order is to hold you maman’s hand so she won’t be afraid.”
Charid saluted. “Yes, sir.” He clasped her hand. “Don’t be afraid, Momee. I’ll take care of you.”
Tyler turned a chuckle into a cough.
Gorda winked in the rearview mirror.
Arien faced front. “Let’s go.”
The route Gorda drove to the jumper base took them through the dawn-lit streets of Dabborm, the commercial district to the west of the Telisnoe Shuttle Port. Esta resisted the desire to press her nose to the glass and take in as much as she could of a world so different from her own it left her speechless. Instead, she sat soldier-straight gazing at sleek cars, unlike anything on El Stroma, almost soundless, streamlined trucks, and more people, even at this early hour, than she had seen in Tic Calag.
From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a motored cycle whizzing by. The rider leaned into the corner and sped up.
“Did you see that Momee? I want to ride one of those when I’m bigger.”
Esta hugged him. “Maybe you will, Charid.” A throb of sadness surprised her. She returned her gaze to the outside world. And I probably won’t know.
The buildings grew fewer and more scattered. Gorda merged onto a road leading away from Dabborm. Arien picked up a pair of field glasses and scanned the landscape ahead.
Charid squirmed. “Are we almost there?”
Putting the glasses in the case beside him, Arien turned. “Private Darine, how brave are you?”
“I’m brave, sir.”
“Good, you and Tyler stay alert back there. Remember, your job is to take care of your maman.”
Arien caught Esta’s eye. The message was clear. She gripped Charid’s hand.
Arien faced front. “You ready. Gorda?”
“Yes, sir. Hold on everyone.”
Two motored cycles roared toward them. Esta glanced over her shoulder. Behind them, a large truck careened around a bend.
Heading straight for the cycles. Gorda accelerated. One dodged to the left, the other to the right. The car shot between them. Bike tires squealed against the pavement. Gorda yanked the steering wheel to the left, shot along a narrow, one lane road, and through an open gate. Armed men, stationed on either side, stood with weapons ready. Shots echoed through the morning.
Tyler touched his ear-mic and listened intently.
“Trouble. Unexpected visitors at the jumper craft.”
Arien glanced in the rearview mirror. “At least the men following us didn’t make it through the gates. Sure glad the RewFaaran soldiers are on our side. Take us to the repair hanger, Gorda.”
Circling the perimeter of the jumper port, Gorda pulled up to a huge, domed building. A woman rushed from a shaded entryway, her brimmed hat pulled low on her forehead. She opened the back door. “We got the cargo, Arien. You take care of our unforeseen guests.”
Esta climbed out. Charid scrambled after her. “Are we cargo, Momee?”
The woman bent to look him in the eye. “Very special cargo!” She picked him up and strode through the hanger to a small office. Once inside, she put him down and removed the beaked cap. “Good to see you, Esta.”
“Camilyn!” Esta gaped. “Never expected to see you on RewFaar.”
The woman’s pleasant expression hardened. “Didn’t ever expect to leave El Stroma. Life’s changing.”
Charid tugged Camilyn’s pants. “Do I know you?”
She replaced the cap. “Nope, but I know you, Charid Darine. Never thought to see ya though.” She touched the com-mic in her ear and frowned. “Gotta go!”
Hurrying after her, they exited the hanger through a side door and climbed into the front seat of a black air-van. The engine hummed. The van shot over the tarmac in the direction of a bullet-shaped craft outlined by glowing lights and an occasional burst of vapor.
Camilyn started to slow. “When I stop, get out and up the ramp as fast as you can. Take care of yourselves.” The truck whished to a halt.
Esta jumped to the ground and helped Charid. Arien and two armed men surrounded them. Arien hustled her ahead of him, picked up Charid, and sprinted up the ramp at her heels. The two men followed. At the top, a man ushered them to a bank of seats by a row of windows. The door closed.
Arien sat next to Charid. “Welcome aboard. Lift-off is about to happen.”
Charid, excitement bubbling around him, could hardly sit still. “Will it hurt? Are we safe? Did you have to fight?”
Arien’s eyes sparkled. “Calm down, soldier. I’ll answer your questions once we’re airborne.” He finished strapping him in. “I suggest you look out the window while you can. Once we lift-off, they’ll close until we prepare to land at our first jump port.” He checked Esta’s seat straps. “You may feel a bit lightheaded, Esta, but it won’t last.”
Lights flashed. A cloud of vapor obscured the outer world. The craft lifted straight up. The cloud dissolved. On the ground below, two men were being escorted to a car. The jumper port grew smaller and smaller.
Arien glanced at Charid. “Here we go, Private Darine. Hold steady.”
Window covers snapped into place. Charid covered his ears and closed his eyes. The thrust of the craft through the atmosphere pressed them against their seats.
As the pressure eased, Esta felt a moment of wooziness, then sighed. “Are we safe?”
Arien unfastened his seat straps. “You two unstrap and relax. I need to check in with the captain, and then we’ll talk.”
When he returned, he sank onto his seat. “Captain says we’ll make one stop and two jumps before we reach our destination.”
Charid wrinkled his nose. “What’s a jump, sir?”
Arien smiled. “While we’re on the jumper, you may call me Arien. I’ll let you know if we need to be soldiers again.”
“Being a soldier makes me feel a lot braver.” Charid squared his shoulders and looked at Esta. “I will always take care of you, Momee. I will be your soldier forever and ever.”
Esta gave him a quick hug. “I am so lucky, Charid. Thank you. Shall we ask Arien the questions we discussed?”
Charid nodded. “Why is this called a jumper craft?”
Arien relaxed in his seat. “A jumper is a ship built to travel through the Universe using special places in space called portal holes. The ‘holes’ create a short cut from one destination point to another. The journey through the portal is called a jump. It decreases travel time from sun cycles to moments.”
“What happens if you take the wrong portal hole?”
“You end up someplace you didn’t expect to be and may not be able to return from. The captain has to pay close attention to the course he selects so we don’t get lost.”
Tyler approached them. “How about a tour, Private?”
Charid looked at Esta. “May I, Momee?”
“Yes, you may. Thank you, Tyler.” She watched them go and sighed. “I’m going to miss him when I return to El Stroma.”
“So you’ve made up your mind?”
“I have, but I need to make sure Charid is safe and well cared for. I know you’re headed back soon. Will I have another chance if I stay longer?”
“Let’s get you to your new home, and then we can decide what’s next.”
She ignored her growing fatigue. “I saw bigger jumper crafts at the shuttle port. Is this one special?”
A small dimple near the corner of his mouth deepened. “The RewFaaran government gave Liberty to the Vasrosi to help us save our people. It’s more compact size allows us to land in places not equipped to handle a big ship. When we reach Persow, your new home, Liberty will land in a field in a remote and unpopulated area. We’ll slip in and slip out. Only those who have volunteered to help will even know we’ve been there.”
“Persow.” Esta liked the sound of it. “Have you been there before?”
“I made the contacts there and found the family who will, with your approval, take on the role of protectors for Charid.”
A spark of concern flared. Esta studied the tanned face of the man opposite her. The expression remained relaxed and earnest. “How much do they know about him?”
“They know he is important to our people, but little else. I’ll share more about them when we reach Persow. I feel certain you’ll like them, Esta.”
She squelched her concern. Arien had proved he was trustworthy. “How many planets have you visited?”
He stroked his chin. “Five or six. Those closest to the DéCussate.”
“Do you have a favorite?”
“Roahymn. It reminds me of home. As soon as I can, I plan to settle there.” His expression softened. “I met a woman, an Eleo Predan, who’s waiting for me. We plan to marry.” He gave her a crooked smile. “Any other questions?”
She considered asking him more about her, but sensed it would be an intrusion. Instead, she returned the focus of the conversation to the present. “What happened after you left us with Camilyn?”
He pressed his lips together and leaned his forearms on his knees. “You know a Klutarse and a SorTech managed to board Meti Chala II . They were met in RewFaar by a group the RomPeer hired to help them. The Klutarse felt certain Charid was the boy he was after and sent his men to watch for him and for you. They gave chase. What they don’t know is if you actually left on the jump craft. Our RewFaaran partners have done their best to make sure this jumper appeared to be leaving on a military mission.”
“What if they let the Klutarse and the SorTech go? What then?”
“RewFaaran laws are strict. They forbid magic, sorcery, or mysticism of any kind. The planet is controlled by the military. Their soldiers are the best trained in the Clenaba Rolas Solar System. They don’t take kindly to trained killers or what they classify as magicians from other worlds invading theirs. I don’t know what they will do with the Klutarse and his sidekick or the RewFaarans who helped them. The thing I know for sure: the RewFaaran government is supportive of the Vasrosi and our cause. They consider genocide a crime against humanity.”
Esta covered her mouth to hide a yawn. “I’m sorry, Arien. It’s been awhile since I slept a full night.”
He stood. “I’ll show you to your quarters. They’re not as luxurious as those on the Meti Chala II , but they do have a bed.”
“What about Charid?”
“Don’t worry about him. We’ll keep him occupied. He’s
as safe as he’s been in quite some time.”
Alone in the quiet of her quarters, Esta prepared for bed and stretched out on her bunk. I forgot to ask how long until we reach our destination. She yawned. I wonder what Persow is like?
30
Jaradee’s Legacy
Part 2 - Escape
T ime on the jumper craft passed quickly. Before she knew it, Esta stood at the top of the ramp, looking at yet another new world. Persow, small and undistinguished, resided in a four-planet solar system near the DéCussate, the boundary between the Inner and Outer Universe. Arien had told her it was primarily agricultural. The village of Scitym, the largest population center on the planet, housed the seat of government and a few small businesses. Persow’s ocean provided for a small fishing industry. Villagers and farmers traded back and forth, bartering for what they needed.
Charid joined her. “Arien told me this is Persow. It’s our new home. Isn’t it beautiful!”
Esta surveyed a landscape composed of pine forests to the one side and farmland to the other. “It reminds me of where I grew up.”
He grabbed her hand. “Come on, Momee. I want to see more. Arien’s coming, too. We’re going to a farm.” He urged her down the ramp. At the bottom, he let go of her hand, jumped to the ground, and twirled to face her, his arms wide and his expression brimming with joy. “We are home! We are home!” He inhaled a huge breath and threw his arms around her.
She laughed as he pulled her off the ramp. How wonderful to stand on solid ground after so long in a ship. She threw her head back and inhaled the aromas of pine and recently tilled earth.
Charid ran to where Arien waited with two horses. “Do we get to ride?”
Arien laughed. “We do. This is Patch.” He patted a horse with large white splotches on its seal-brown hide. “And this is Streek.”
Charid held out his hand to a chestnut horse with a white streak on one side. The animal sniffed it and snorted.
Esta put an arm around her charge. “I think Streek likes you.”
“I like him, too.” He turned to Arien. “Please can I ride Streek?”
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 86
