Chapter 23-2
1038 Words
A short time later, Saber stared up at the massive entrance at the end of the canyon. He glanced back and noted that it was well hidden by the winding passage and rock formations of the canyon. Turning back around, he climbed the staircase that was cut into the stone.
He was surprised that their escorts had not confiscated their weapons. A grimace crossed his face when his right leg protested the movement of climbing the stair. So much for taking it easy like the healer instructed him, he thought.
Maridi paused at the entrance and waved her hand. Saber suspected that there was some type of defense system in place because she didn’t move for several seconds. He glanced over his shoulder when Dagger leaned forward.
“Something tells me we don’t want to just run through the door,” Dagger reflected dryly. “Either the Western region has technology that we weren’t aware of, or they have help from another species.”
“I doubt it is the Waxians or Drethulans,” Saber replied before he stepped forward when Maridi turned to look down at them.
“The Kassisans,” Dagger muttered before he followed.
Saber glanced around the entrance. Maridi removed her helmet and tucked it under her arm before she turned to address them. He didn’t complain. It gave his eyes time to adjust to the dark interior.
“Do not try to leave the complex without either myself or one of my guards. We are the only ones who know how to work the security system. Before you think to try to force one of us to reveal how it works, I can assure you we will die first. There is more to this fight than our lives. You will understand that shortly. I would like to welcome you to the Dises V rebel base,” Maridi said in a calm voice before she turned and waved her hand again.
Saber drew in a deep breath when the wall in front of them parted and a massive hanger appeared with a long line of fighters. He heard Hunter’s low curse. Something told him that there would be hell to pay when he got Razor alone.
“Follow me,” Maridi said, turning and walking down the long, narrow bridge that led to the hanger.
Saber glanced at Razor when he walked up beside him. “Did you forget to tell us something?” he asked dryly.
“There is concern that the council might be compromised,” Razor replied bluntly. “The information was on a Need to Know basis.”
“Did you know about this?” Hunter asked, waving his hand at the fighters.
Razor’s mouth tightened. “No,” he admitted. “I knew about the base located in the mountains.”
Maridi glanced over her shoulder. “This one just came online in the past month,” she stated. “It was important to keep it as secret as possible.”
Razor’s eyes narrowed on several unknown warriors walking toward them. The one man and one woman had light blue skin and piercing silver eyes. His lips tightened when they returned his gaze with a cold assessing one.
“Who are they?” he asked Maridi.
“Elpidiosians. They are allies of the Kassisans… now,” she chuckled. “They are known for their fighting ability and technology.”
“I believe I will be having a meeting with the Kassisan ambassador when I return to Rathon,” Razor retorted.
“I have not met him, but my father has,” Maridi replied. “He said Lord Ajaska Ja Kel Coradon is a very astute male.”
“Judicious enough to withhold information that should have been shared,” Razor said with a bite in his voice.
“Saber!”
Saber turned when he heard Taylor’s joyous cry. He handed his rifle to Hunter and opened his arms. A moment later, he had Taylor wrapped around him.
He ignored the soft chuckles around him and pulled back far enough to look down into her face to make sure that she was alright. Seeing her shining eyes and happy grin, he bent and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. He reluctantly pulled back when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“I might remind you where we are,” Hunter informed him in exasperation. “Hello, Taylor.”
“Hi Hunter,” Taylor grinned. “I’m glad you aren’t dead.”
Hunter chuckled. “I am, as well, Taylor,” he replied dryly.
Saber released Taylor’s legs so that she could slide down his length and back to the floor. He took his rifle back from Hunter and wrapped his arm around Taylor’s small waist. He could feel her looking around with a frown.
“Where’s Cain?” she asked.
Saber’s arm tightened around her waist when Dagger explained that he didn’t make it. He could feel the tremble that swept through her slender body. He suddenly remembered her notepad that he had tucked in his shirt. He started to reach for it, then paused when he heard Razor talking.
“The patrol that was following us was mostly made up of Waxians,” Razor explained when Maridi turned to look at them with concern.
“Mostly,” Trig grunted in distaste. “There were three Drethulans with them.”
“We thought that we had killed them, but the bastards don’t die very easily,” Ace added. “One came up behind Cain and struck him.”
“Oh, poor Cain,” Taylor whispered, shaking her head.
“They were more conditioned to survive the sand storm than the Waxians,” Dagger said. “I didn’t realize they could burrow under the sand the way they did.”
“Neither did I,” Saber admitted.
“Which is why each of the bases that have been set up are located in rock,” a male voice pointed out.
“Father,” Maridi greeted, bowing to him.
“Father!” Lonnie cried out, running to his father.
“Londius,” the man said, bending down to pick up the boy and holding him before he looked at the odd group of warriors in front of him. “Thank you for saving my son. Maridi will show you where you can get cleaned up and eat. Once you have refreshed yourselves, I will meet with you.”
“We left the transport at the entrance to the canyon,” Saber suddenly said in concern. “It might be seen by one of the numerous patrols.”
“It has been taken care of, along with all tracks,” the male assured him. “I will meet with you soon.”
“I told Maridi that you would be staying with me,” Taylor whispered, staring up at him. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
Saber chuckled and hugged her to him. “Have you ever?” he teased as they began following Maridi through the hidden base.
- Writer
