The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Read online

  “I’m always right.” Gwyn smiled. “But, don’t for a second think we’ve really lost them. They’ll find us. This cave has only bought us some time. Let’s see if we can find that energy source, and get out of here. I don’t have any desire to be a guest in a Cardike Prison Camp.”

  Chapter Two

  Adrik’s headlamp bounced off the cave walls. “These energy signatures are off the charts. How’re you doing with those containers?”

  Gwyn pulled on the lead rope. “I think I’ve got the hang of it. I haven’t really dealt with hovering containers before. You’d think it’d be easy. You know, you pull they follow. But, seems to me they have a mind of their own.” Gwynn straightened the lead rope and the containers followed suit.

  “It is definitely an art form. Some people never get it. But, you seem to be doing fine.”

  “Thanks.”

  The end of the container train bashed into the wall.

  “Maybe you spoke too soon.”

  Gwynn looked up at the rock formations hanging from the ceiling. “Those look menacing. Don’t suppose I could knock them loose, do you?”

  Adrik grinned. “I think it would take a little more than a bump from those containers to knock them down.”

  A chill climbed up Gwyn’s back. “I never really liked caves. My Papa, on the other hand, Gran’s husband, he was a real caver. He charted most of the caves on Tortuga.”

  “Caves don’t bother me, but I prefer open space to these confined spaces. You know, if I had to choose.”

  “I understand that. Papa was just the opposite though, he always said, “There’s nothing as beautiful in space as in the spaces underground.”

  Adrik pushed ahead down the cave. “He sounds like a thrill seeker.”

  “Gwyn cocked her head to the side. “Maybe, but between you and me, I think he was more interested in what he could find underground. He was always searching for that next big treasure.”

  Adrik paused and studied Gwyn’s face. “Did he find any?”

  She shrugged. “He found a few, but someone with more money and technology always seemed to swoop in and take his prize. He never could get ahead.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “That’s life on Tortuga, Adrik.”

  “Never been there. Came close a time or two.”

  “Well, you know, he’d grumble and complain, but he never gave up. That’s the way we are there. Determined.”

  “Guess that’s where you get it, huh? Your tenacity.”

  “I suppose.” Gwynn wiped a tear from her eye. “You have a family, Adrik?”

  “Not really. My parents were Militarian. They served on the Seven Suns Colony.”

  A strained silence filled the air.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t remember them, not really. After the accident, Admiral Spearman’s squad was sent to find survivors, of course, he was Commander Spearman back then. There were three of us.”

  “That’s all? Out of the entire colony?”

  Adrik nodded. “Yes. It was bad. I don’t know how we survived.”

  She placed a hand on his shoulder.

  “But you did.” She Squeezed him gently.

  “Yes. The Admiral found me, and for some reason, he decided to raise me instead of putting me in the orphanage with the other two children.”

  “You were fortunate. I hear Militarian orphanages are horrible. Gran always used to say, “Eat all your food Gwyn, there are children in the Militarian orphanage going to bed without dinner tonight.”

  He laughed. “I don’t think it’s that bad.”

  “Well, you know what parents say to get their kids to eat.”

  He nodded. “I remember.”

  “So, where’d you grow up then? Was Admiral Spearman a spacer, or what?”

  “No, he was assigned to Raygus Prime. He raised me at his villa, and when I was old enough, he enrolled me in the Officer’s Program. Admiral Spearman’s been good to me, so I can’t complain. I’ve always been Militarian. It’s in my blood.” Adrik’s surveyor beeped. “It’s up ahead. There’s a sharp curve to the right and then a few feet after that, another to the left. The energy deposit is right around that second turn. “Here, let me help you with those containers.”

  As they rounded the second curve, a bluish-white light filled the cave. Gwynn squinted as her eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness. “Looks like we’ve found it. What are your readings?”

  “Off the chart. Admiral Spearman was right. There’s enough energy here to power several planets. I’d feel better harvesting it if this asteroid was in our space, though.”

  “You and me both. We better get it loaded. Who knows where those Cardikes are. I’ll feel much safer when we’re back on board the Pleiades.”

  Adrik handed Gwyn a cutter. “Flip the switch on the side, and it goes live. Point it at the bottom of the crystal, and it’ll cut it flush against the floor.” He pointed his cutter at a crystal nearest his feet. “Like this.” A red beam flashed from the end of the cutter and sliced through the base of the crystal.

  A shrill sound filled the chamber, and Gwyn winced. “What’s that noise?”

  Adrik turned off the cutter. “I’m not sure.” He checked the energy readings. “The energy signatures appear to have increased. I don’t know how that’s even possible. Gwyn cut a crystal and let me watch the reading.”

  Gwyn aimed her cutter at the floor and sliced another piece from the cave floor. The whine filled the air again.

  The readings spiked. “Seems like every time we cut the crystals the energy spikes. Do you realize what this means? We have enough crystal here to power every planet in our system. This is amazing.” He sliced through some more crystals, and the whine intensified. He paused. “If we’re going to harvest these, we’re going to have some earplugs. You have any?”

  “Yes. I’ll go get them.”

  Gwyn searched the galley. “I know you’re here somewhere.” She pulled open a draw next to the sink. “Got to be here.” She rummaged through the drawer but came up empty. “Think, Gwyndalaria…” She closed her eyes and thought about the last time she needed earplugs. Her eyes flew open. “Engine room.” She rushed down the hall, and into the engine room. She pulled open the second drawer of her tool chest and retrieved two pairs of ear plugs. Gwyn started to shove one into her ear when she heard an alarm buzz from the cockpit. She ran down the hall. Alarms screamed, and she studied the navscreen. “Cardikes. I knew it wouldn’t be long.”

  She rushed out of the ship. “Adrik, we’ve got Cardikes, and they’re closing in. We have to get out of here.”

  His eyes widened. “Can’t leave until these crystals are loaded.”

  Gwyn tossed him a pair of earplugs. “We’ve got fifteen minutes tops. How fast can we get this done?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t know. Maybe ten minutes? You load. I’ll cut.” He aimed his cutter and started cutting crystals from the door.

  Gwyn grabbed her gravity pistol and shot the loose crystals. She directed them to the cargo containers and lowered them into the containers.

  Adrik called to her over the noise. “Haven’t seen one of those before.”

  Gwyn shouted. “Got a friend in Tortuga. Rich, has more money than he could ever use. Spends it making toys. It’s one of his designs.”

  “Sounds like I need to meet this friend.” Adrik cut the last crystal from the floor. He picked it up and dropped it into a container.

  They quickly fastened the lids then pulled them to the ship. Gwyn pushed the containers into the cargo hold and replaced the wall panels. “Can’t even tell their there.”

  “Good if we’re boarded by Cardikes, they can’t know about this.”

  Gwyn scowled. “We better not be boarded. Let’s get out of here.”

  Adrik and Gwyn fastened their belts, and Gwyn entered the lift off sequence. “They’ll be here any minute. You suppose this cave has another exit?”

  Adrik shrugged. “Not su
re. If I get you closer to the surface, can your ship’s lasers cut a hole through the rock?”

  “She should be able to. Lead me on.”

  Adrik studied the screen. “How good are you at flying in reverse?”

  Gwyn cut a look in his direction. “Not a problem.”

  “Good, behind us a hundred spaces, turn right.”

  The burners on the Pleiades fired up and Gwyn shoved her into reverse. She hooked a right, just as the Cardike vessel entered the chamber.

  “You think they saw us?”

  “No. And, the residual energy in the chamber should mask our ship.”

  Adrik continued to plot their exit. “Looks like here is the best chance to fire our way out.”

  Gwyn flipped a control switch and turned on the lasers. They cut steadily through the hard rock until an opening appeared, just large enough for her ship. She maneuvered her vessel through the hole. A Cardike vessel floated in the thin atmosphere above the hole. “Caracho!” Gwyn hit the control panel. “We’ve got to run for it. Hold on.”

  Adrik grabbed hold of the strap on his seat as the Pleiades lurched into space. The Cardike vessel followed close behind. He studied the sensor panel. “Their charging their weapons.”

  Gwyn pulled a lever and strengthened the shields. “Stand by, Adrik this is going to be…” A hard thud hit the side of the ship, and the Pleiades shook violently. Gwyn grasped, shoved the throttle to the side, then pulled up. She maneuvered her ship until she was over the top of the Cardike ship. “They don’t have great sensors on top.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Let’s just say, I had a job.” She grinned and her brown eyes glistened.

  “If we can just get low enough on the ship…” Gwyn lowered the Pleiades until it rested on top of the Cardike vessel. “That should give us about twenty minutes or so. Enough time to get the neutralizer fixed. I hope.” Gwyn stood. “Stay here and keep an eye on the screen. I’ll be in the engine room.” She pointed to the button on Adrik’s left. “Push that yellow button if you need me, okay?”

  “Sure, no problem.” Adrik turned his seat so that it faced the pilot’s chair. He propped his feet up in the chair.

  “You get that leather dirty, and you’re cleaning it.” Gwyn hustled out the door.

  Adrik rested his eyes. She’s quite a woman. He dozed for what seemed only minutes when Gwynn pushed his feet into the floor.

  “Get up. We’ve got to go.” She flopped down into her seat.

  Adrik stretched and refastened his seatbelt. “I’m ready.” Drool hung from the side of his mouth. He wiped it away.

  Gwyn rolled her eyes. “Didn’t look ready to me.”

  “I was just resting. You didn’t need me.”

  “Well, I do now. You see that blue button?”

  Adrik started in front of him. “No.”

  “To your right. Right there.”

  Adrik looked around. “I don’t see it.”

  “Ugh! You men are all the same. Adrik, on your right. Midway up the panel. Do you see the button?”

  He nodded.

  “Push it.”

  The neutralizer vroomed to life.

  Gwyn carefully lifted the Pleiades from the top of the Cardike vessel. “Okay. We should be good to go.” She pushed the throttle forward, and the ship zoomed away from the Cardike ship. Gwyn set a course for Raygus Prime and turned on the ship’s auto-pilot. “I need a shower and some food. Meet me in the galley after you get cleaned up.”

  “So, it’s safe to go to my quarters? You can just leave here?”

  Gwyn nodded her head and her ponytail behind her. “Yep. My auto-pilot is state of the art. If the Pleiades needs me, she’ll let me know.”

  ***

  Gwyn ran a comb through her wet hair, and then pulled the loose hair from between the teeth of the comb. She dropped it into the trash can. Hope it’s normal breakage and not side-effects of space. I really need some downtime. She studied her face in the mirror. Fine lines had formed around her eyes. She sighed, getting older, but still young enough to get into trouble. She rubbed hydrating cream into her face and pulled a towel from the hanger on the back of the door. She wrapped it tight around her body and tucked the end into the top. Gwyn gathered her things and stored them in the bathroom cabinet.

  A knock resounded through the bathroom.

  “Yes?”

  “So, I thought I might take a shower?” Adrik’s voice drifted through the door.

  “I’m done.” Gwyn waved her hand in front of the panel next to the door and it whooshed open. Her eyes widened as Adrik came into view. He was leaning on the door. His bare chest was finely sculpted and dark tan. She followed the lines of his chest down to the arrow between his six-pack abs and blushed. “Don’t believe in clothes?”

  Adrik smirked. “It’s not the Militarian way. Bother you, princess?”

  Gwyn rolled her eyes, but couldn’t resist another quick glance at his toned form. “No, not at all. Whatever makes you comfortable.” She brushed past him, and her shoulder contacted his bare chest.

  Adrik watched her walk away. Her wet towel clung to her body, revealing every curve. Gwyn waved her hand in front of her door, and it opened. She stepped through. He turned to go into the shower room, and a towel hit him in the back of the head.

  “Next time, try a towel, Lieutenant. You shouldn’t be that proud.”

  A smile broke across Adrik’s face. He quickly turned, just in time to see Gwyn’s bare shoulder go back through the door. The door clicked shut behind her.

  Gwyn quickly dressed in a pair of black cargo pants, and a tank top. She fastened her hair wet into a high ponytail before she slipped her socked feet into combat boots and laced them. She gave herself a once over in the mirror. Not bad. Not bad at all. Gwyn smiled, and her stomach growled. She waved her hand by the control panel and her door opened. Lost in thoughts she walked the long hallway to the galley.

  Adrik was seated behind the counter. “Nice to see you dressed, princess.”

  Gwyn rolled her eyes, “You, too.” She turned the dial on the food synthesizer and a plate of tacos appeared. “You eaten yet?”

  “No.”

  “Want some tacos?”

  Adrik nodded. “Sure.”

  Gwyn handed him the plate and ordered herself another plate of tacos. She sat down in front of him.

  “So, I know you were born into the Militarian, but have you ever thought about doing something else?” Gwynn took a bite of her taco.

  Adrik spoke through a mouth full of food. “Not really. I believe in the virtue of the Militarian, and I’ve always been attracted to order. I’m a pretty simple guy.” Adrik laughed, and his blue eyes glistened.

  “I doubt that. You seem far from simple, Adrik.”

  He shrugged and took another bite of taco.

  “You handled yourself really well back there in the caves. I could use a man like you in my co-pilot chair.” She put the last bite of taco into her mouth and picked up another.

  “Thanks, but Militarian for life.” Adrik lifted the edge of his black T-shirt, revealing an eagle tattoo on his shoulder.

  “Too bad. I heard you Militarian are all lifers.” Gwynn grabbed Adrik’s plate and stacked it on top of hers. She placed them in the sonic dishwasher.

  “Not all of us, but most, and I’m contracted for life.”

  She gazed into his eyes and laughed. “It’s a shame I can’t kill you.”

  Adrik cocked his eyebrow, “That doesn’t sound pleasant, Princess.”

  Gwynn glared. “Look, I’m not a princess. Far from it. Just call me Gwyn, alright?”

  He lifted his hands palms facing her and pretended to fend her off. “Ok. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  Gwyn punched him in the shoulder. “It’s all good.”

  “Friends?” Adrik smiled.

  “Friends.” Gwyn took a step backward. “I have a few diagnostics to run in the engine room before we get back to Raygus Prime. If you want, you
can hang out here, in your room, or the cockpit. Doesn’t matter to me. Just keep your clothes on.” Gwyn opened a cabinet and grabbed a toolbox.

  “I think I’ll take a nap. I won’t get much rest once I get home. Wake me up when we come into orbit?”

  “Sure thing. Catch you later.” She slung her toolbox over her shoulder, and Adrik watched her leave.

  Chapter Three

  Admiral Spearman’s face filled the cockpit view screen. “I’ll have Corporals Emzadi, and Nguent meet you at the landing platform. Adrik, oversee the offload, and then meet me in my office.”

  “Yes, sir.” Adrik twisted a knob and closed the view screen.

  “Guess, this will be good bye.” His dimples brightened his face when he smiled, but his eyes looked sorrowful.

  “I guess so. As soon as I get paid, I’m getting off this rock. I need a vacation.” Gwyn lowered the Pleiades onto the landing platform. It settled with a slight thud.

  “Well, let’s get this unloaded, and you can be on your way.” He turned to leave, but Gwyn grabbed his arm. “Listen, don’t tell anyone about those cargo bays.”

  Adrik glanced at her fingers, then looked into her eyes. “Look, Gwyn, those cargo holds aren’t my concern. Just don’t get stopped and get searched, and you’ll be fine. I don’t think anyone can find them.”

  Her fingers tightened. “Adrik.” She searched his eyes.

  “I’m not including the information in my reports. But, I can’t promise you that if I ever stop you, that I won’t search them.” He pulled from her grasp. “Meet me in the cargo bay.”

  Gwyn watched him walk away, “Militarian.” She rolled her eyes.

  Adrik pulled the last container from the hidden cargo bays and replaced the panels over their hiding places. He opened the outside doors, and Corporals Emzadi and Nguent walked inside.

  “We’ve orders to take these containers to the lab. The order, sir.” Emzadi handed a tablet to Adrik.

  Adrik read through the order. “Looks good.” He placed his thumb on the bottom right of the tablet, and the screen turned green. He returned it to Corporal Emzadi. “See that you’re careful with those containers.”