“Then someone was working with Julius.” Gwyn leaned back in her chair. “Do you see any trace of the Pleiades?”
“No. My sensors are only picking up one larger vessel, and that’s the one on the lawn.”
Gwyn sighed, “Then they’ve gotten away. How good are your invisibility shields?”
Babylonia grinned. “State of the art. I got them from Rodrigo.”
“That’s my girl. Creep in a bit and let’s see what’s going on.”
Babylonia lowered her ship and hovered above the plantation. Militarian troops sprawled across the grounds. “They’re looking for the pendant.” Gwyn laughed. “Guess they haven’t heard it’s been stolen.”
“Well, this is the first time. I’m glad it has been.” Babylonia ran her fingers through her long red hair and took a deep breath.
She watched the land behind the back of the plantation house. Lucinda and Benji emerged from an escape tunnel at the far end of a row of pineapples.
Gwyn pointed. “Can you land, and get them?”
Babylonia nodded. “I can, but it’s going to be close. Once I land, the invisibility shields will go offline. I’ve got a glitch in my system.”
Gwyn unholstered the pulse pistol she carried in an ankle holster. “You land. I’ll get Lucinda and Benji.” She frowned. “We can’t get them all, but at least we can take them with us.”
Babylonia flew past the pineapple plants and set down near the hydration system. Gwyn opened the hatch. “Lucinda, Benji come on.”
The couple rushed toward them as Militarian troops appeared from the vegetation.
Red pulses flashed around them, and Gwyn fired back. She hit the closest soldier in the knee, and he fell to the ground. She pulled Lucinda inside, then Benji. The couple panted heavily as she closed the hatch.
Babylonia launched the Lady Serpentine into the sky. Shots whizzed by but missed. She turned the invisibility shield on, and the ship shimmered out of sight. Once in orbit, she set the autopilot.
Babylonia entered the living area. “Lucinda, Benji, are you okay?”
They nodded.
Lucinda spoke, “Just a little out of breath.” She placed a hand on Benji’s shoulder. “Are you okay, dear.”
The old man grinned. “Haven’t had that much fun in years.”
Lucinda chuckled. “That’s not what I call fun.”
“Same old same old for me.” Gwyn holstered her pistol. “What happened?”
Benji scratched his head. “I was working in the fields, and suddenly the sky shimmered, and this ship appeared.”
“Most of us got into the tunnels and made it to the safe houses. I went back for Lucinda, and we got stuck in the house.”
Babylonia shivered. “Did you see Uri? Did they catch him?”
Benji shrugged. “I don’t think so. Uri and Adrik were up at the hanger, but everything happened so fast.”
Babylonia hung her head.
Gwyn rested a hand on her shoulder. “They got away. Don’t worry.”
“Where do you think they went?”
Gwyn smiled. “They are on their way to the Farside District. Did you leave anything you have to have in the house?”
“Nope. All my gear stays on the ship.”
Gwyn followed Babylonia back to the cockpit. “Good, because I don’t want to crash in there for a pair of old boots.”
Babylonia laughed. “I’d get more.”
Babylonia dropped into the pilot’s seat. “Let’s get Lucinda and Benji to safety, then head to the Farside District. “Should only take a few hours to get there. I’m sure they’ll be waiting.” Babylonia pulled up on the throttle, and the Lady Serpentine sped off toward the mainland.
Chapter Eight
Neon lights danced off the fountain pool in front of the Hotel Milano. It was by far the largest casino on the strip. A kaleidoscope of changing colors flashed against the side of the building. To the left and right, casino hotels lined the street. Music thumped from inside the buildings and poured out into the street. Hover cars zipped through the crowded parkway, and in front of the hotels, men and women gathered in groups along the sidewalk.
A dark red convertible hover car pulled up beneath the awning of the Hotel Milano. A man in a dark green tux wearing a matching green bowler hat opened the door. A pair of fishnet covered legs slid from the car, and high-heeled stilettos clicked on the pavement. The man extended his hand to the woman and helped her down from the car.
Gwyn stood. Her dark green dress caught the light and shimmered. She stepped to the side and waited as the attendant helped Babylonia out of the passenger seat.
The crowd parted as the women walked into the foyer. Gwyn felt eyes following behind them, and she grinned. She leaned over to Babylonia. “We are making the entrance we needed. All eyes are on us.”
Babylonia blushed. “I’m not used to this attention.”
A man held open the door, and they walked through.
Gwyn glanced around the lobby. In the corner, a man wearing a black tux leaned against the wall. He was conversing with a woman dressed in a long black evening gown. Her silver hair was coiled into an updue. The woman turned, and Gwyn caught a look at the side of her face. Her breath caught in her throat. “Babylonia, look.”
Babylonia’s eyes widened. “Is that?”
Gwyn shook her head and smiled. “Yes, it is.”
The man in the corner looked up and smiled. His filed teeth were tipped with silver. He crossed the room, walking with a gold-topped cane. The woman in black hung on his arm.
The pair stopped in front of Gwyn, and happiness filled her face. The woman hugged her. “My darling. How long’s it been?”
“Too long, Gran. Way too long.” She kissed her cheek. “What are you doing here?”
Calista smiled. Her dark amber eyes glistened with moisture. “It was Rodí’s idea. He said Jericho needed a date. So, here I am.”
Gwyn laughed. “Well, you are the most beautiful woman in the room.”
Babylonia gave Calista a quick hug. “It’s great to see you, Gran.”
“You too, girl. You look beautiful.”
Jericho kissed Gwyn’s cheek. “Adrik and Uri are in the back room.”
Jericho released Gwyn and kissed the back of Babylonia’s hand. “If you ladies will follow me.”
He led them through rows and rows of one-arm bandits, and into a room where patrons gathered around a large poker table. Adrik sat on one side, studying his cards, and Uri watched from across the room.
The group sidled up to Uri. She nodded in Adrik’s direction. “How’s he doing?”
“Won a few. Lost a few. This is the biggest pot yet.”
Gwyn watched as Adrik pushed it all in. “He’ll lose. Watch.”
Uri scowled. “Why would he do that?”
“So people thinks he throws money around.”
They watched as Adrik showed his losing cards.
Gwyn laughed quietly. “Told you, besides, he’s not a very good poker player.”
“He looked good to me.”
“He’s getting better. Still can’t beat Jericho.” She rushed to Adrik’s side, making sure she drew as much attention as possible. “I need a drink, baby. Thought you were going to buy me one.” Adrik pulled her into his lap. “Daddy’s got to play a bit longer.”
He tickled her ribs. And she giggled. She stuck out her bottom lip. “Oh, what am I going to do without you?”
Adrik glanced around the table. His eyes rested on a sweaty bald man. “How about you go with Frank there. He can show you around.”
She batted her lashes. “I guess. As long as he’ll get me something to drink. Maybe something with bubbles?”
Adrik motioned to Frank. “What do you think? Can you take Gwyn around and get her a drink?”
The middle-aged man stood up from the table. “It would be my pleasure, Ma’am.”
Gwyn crossed the room, and he offered her his arm. “If you would follow me.” Gwyn smiled coyly. “Why cer
tainly.”
Jericho motioned to his Mom. “I could use a drink. How about you?”
Calista nodded. They followed Gwyn and Frank, careful to stay back a few feet.
Frank pulled out a bar stool, and Gwyn sat down. He leaned into the bar, brushing against her side. “Bartender. Get the lady a Pink Milano.”
Gwyn lightly touched the starship around her neck.
Calista pulled up a stool next to him. “You buying, handsome?”
Frank looked her up and down. “Sure.”
“Bartender, get this fine lady whatever she wants.”
“I’ll have what she’s having.”
“Another Pink Milano coming up.”
Frank pulled at his tie. The ladies feigned interest in every word Frank said, and soon he was more than a little tipsy. “How’s about we get a table top?”
Calista glanced at Jericho. “Sure. There’s a booth in the back corner. How about we go over there? It’s more private.”
Gwyn offered Frank her arm, and he stumbled against her, then swayed toward Calista. He nearly fell, but Jericho righted him. He patted Frank on the back. “There, there good man. Looks like you need a hand.”
Frank shooed him away. “No. No. I got it. I make it fine.” He took another step toward the table in the back. This time Calista and Gwyn both grabbed his arms. They led him to the table, and they sat down.
Gwyn ordered another round of drinks, and Calista slipped a sleeping draft into Frank’s drink. They waited a few minutes, and he was out.
The ladies left the bar and met Jericho in the lobby. He was smiling.
Gwyn grinned. “You got the key card?”
He patted his pocket. “I sure do. Great job ladies.”
Adrik sat by the center fountain, sipping a glass of sweet tea. His face lit up when he saw Gwyn. “How’d it go?”
Gwyn sat down beside him. “Great. Jericho has the key and the fake artifact. I hope this works.”
Adrik side-hugged her. “It’s going to. Jericho will be in and out before anyone knows he was there.”
“I suppose. I just don’t like an operation that involves the entire family. At least Rodí stayed on Tortuga.”
Gwyn’s wrist-com beeped. She put it on speaker. “Hello.”
Babylonia laughed. “Gwyn, you’ll never guess who we found poolside.”
She scowled. “Who?”
A man’s voice drifted over the com, and Gwyn hung her head. “Rodí?”
His voice filled the com. “The one and only, Gwyn. In the flesh. Meet us in the penthouse. I secured the entire floor. The passcode is 3,5,9,2,7.”
Adrik pulled a paper from his wallet and wrote the code on it. Gwyn mouthed the words, “You got it?” to Adrik, and he nodded.
“Okay. We’ll meet you up there.” She turned her communicator off.
Adrik sighed. “You know he’s going to be a handful.”
“Yes. I know. I expect him to buy everything he sees. Good thing the cargo hold is empty.”
Adrik reached for Gwyn’s hand. “Come on beautiful, let’s go.”
Chapter Nine
Jericho and Calista entered the darkness. They adjusted their digital night vision glasses.
Calista clicked her tongue. “That’s a lot of trigger points.”
“I know. You stay at the door. Keep watch.”
Jericho stopped short of the first alarm. The alarm system spider-webbed across the room.
“You can do it, Son.”
Jericho chuckled. “Thanks, Mom.”
He took a breath and steadied himself. Then he carefully weaved through the laser lights. He moved slow and methodically until he stood in front of a large display case. The artifact sat beneath a glass cube.
Calista called to him. “Do you think there’s another alarm?”
“Probably. I have a neutralizing rod from Rodí. If it’s a standard alarm, we’ll be okay. If it’s not and the alarms go off, run.” He waved the neutralizing rod around the case.” Nothing happened.
“Shouldn’t it have done something?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how this works.”
He steadied his hand and reached for the glass. The room was silent. “So far so good.” He set the glass cube on the ground and grabbed the pendant. Jericho placed the fake one in its place, then carefully returned the glass cube to its place above it.
“There.” He secured the pendant inside his pocket, then wiped his brow. Jericho turned. An alarm sounded. “Oh, Caracho!” He threw the artifact to Calista. “Get out of here, Mom!”
Calista slipped out the door, and down the hall. She rounded the corner and slipped past the security guards who rushed past her.
Her pulse raced, as she entered the elevator and pressed the code to the penthouse. Seconds drug by until the door opened. She stepped inside.
Gwyn rushed to her side. “What’s wrong, Gran? Where’s Jericho?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
She shook her head. “Last time I saw him he was standing in front of the display case. He must have missed an alarm. It went off, and the next thing I know, I was running down the hall. I came straight here.”
Uri brought her a glass of water. “So, he didn’t get the pendant?”
She took a quick drink and wiped her lips. “I didn’t say that.” She reached into her bra and pulled the artifact out. “Here.”
Uri cheered. “You are wonderful, Ms. Calista.” He kissed her forehead.
Babylonia took the pendant and placed it in a small plastic bag. “We have to get this off world, and to the Council as soon as possible.”
Gwyn nodded. “Yes, and we need to find Jericho.”
Rodrigo pulled up his computer and hacked into the security system. “Looks like he’s been taken to a transporter.”
Adrik grimaced. “They’re taking him to the orbit lockup. As soon as they figure out who he is, he’ll be on the first trip back to a prison planet.”
“No. I won’t let that happen.”
Gwyn paced back and forth. “Babylonia, you and Uri take the Lady Serpentine back to the Council. Take Rodí with you so that he can fix your invisibility shield. This artifact has to get into their hands before the Militarian realize we replaced it.”
“Ok. Uri, do you need to pack?”
“No, I just need to grab my bag. I haven’t had time to unpack anything.”
Uri ran to his room and grabbed his duffle. “You guys ready?”
Babylonia nodded. “Yes.”
“Almost.” Rodrigo loaded the last of his equipment into his suitcase and snapped it shut.
Gwyn grabbed Babylonia’s hand. “Be careful. Don’t draw attention to yourselves. Let me know as soon as you get that pendant to the Council. Promise me.” She gave her hand a gentle squeeze
“I will. I promise.”
Gwyn hugged her. “See you soon.”
Uri pushed the button to summon the elevator. “Come on. Let’s get going.”
Babylonia and Rodí followed. As the door closed, Babylonia shouted. “Be careful, Gwyn.”
Chapter Ten
Gwyn changed into black cargo pants and a matching tank top. She carefully stored her gown and Adrik’s tux into her bag. “Ready?”
“Yes.” Adrik holstered his pulse pistol in his waistband.
An alarm sounded, and he peeked out the bedroom window. Militarian helocruisers lined the street below. “They’re locking down the hotel.”
“Looks like Jericho swiped the artifact just in time.” Gwyn shouldered her bag. “Guess we better get going. Gran should have the Pleiades on the rooftop any minute.” She pushed the button for the elevator, and the door opened.
Two armed men wearing Militarian fatigues stepped out, pulse pistols drawn. “Hands up.”
Gwyn took a step back.
“I said, hands up. I will shoot, Ms. Casteliano.”
Gwyn smiled and lifted her hands toward the ceiling. “No need to be hasty, b
oys.” She took another step backward.
The men inched forward, and the man in front waved his gun. “You need to be still.”
She took another step back.
“I don’t want to shoot a woman, but I will.”
“Do what you have to do.” She leaped backward behind the couch, and in front of the bedroom door.
As the men approached, shots fired. They fell to the ground. Adrik stepped out.
“You know them?”
“Nope. Look like newbies, though.” He stepped over their bodies. “Better get to the ship.”
Gwyn nodded. “Let’s go.”
Gwyn twisted a nob on her wristcom. “Gran? You there?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. We can’t see the ship. Can you push the orange button to the left of the navscreen? That will turn on a beacon.”
“Done.”
Gwyn’s wristcom projected an image of the ship into the air above her wrist. “This way.”
Adrik followed close on her heels. Gwyn reached forward and opened the cargo bay door. The inside of the ship materialized, but the outer hull was still hidden to the naked eye.
“This is trippy, Gwyn.” He followed her inside and closed the door. They rushed down the hallway into the cockpit.
Calista moved to the back-passenger seat, and Gwyn took her position in the pilot’s chair. Adrik studied the navscreen from the co-pilot’s seat. Looks like the transport with Jericho’s signal is taking off. It’s pretty large. Do you think you can set down on top of it?”
Gwyn glanced at the ship’s image. “I think so. Are you familiar with this kind of ship?”
“Yes. My first job as an ensign was on one of these. There’s a hatch on the rear back just before the exhaust.” He pointed to the top rear section on the screen. “If you set down next to it, I should be able to enter the vessel from there, and get to Jericho.”
Gwyn fired up the ignition and set a course for the transporter. “You’re not going in alone.”
Adrik shook his head. “I need you to pilot the ship. Just in case something doesn’t go as planned.”
The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Page 13
