The Lion's Roar Page 2

  Terran took a deep breath and tried to quiet his emotions. No matter what he wanted, he had other people to look out for. He wouldn't leave behind his family. If he said yes and left them alone he knew what could happen to them. There were a lot of prostitutes that worked their way into the Lessers' territory. That was assuming a gang didn't just nab them from the street for their own use.

  "Have you talked with my family?" Terran asked. "Three women, two with short hair, one with long. They live in apartment 322."

  "I do recall talking to a group of women matching that description. Two of them were teenagers? The youngest is a bit snarky?"

  "That's them," Terran said, "Did they decide to go?"

  "Of course they did. Who would give up the chance at paradise?"

  She took his hand and they stood up together. "Come with me, Terran. Let me show you a better life than the one you're living."

  Terran stared at the street. If Kelly and Anna were going, it wasn't like he could stay. He would be lost without them.

  "I'll go." he said, casting a last look at the third floor window where his apartment was. Even if it was all a hoax, he needed to protect his family.

  "Good choice. We must hurry then or else we are going to be late," she said. "If we are late, we get left behind. I do not particularly like Sisera, as nice as the people are, so we are going to have to run to catch up with Rictor."

  Tugging at his hand, Naomi pulled him south down the street to the outer boundary of the city. Terran was caught off guard by the sudden movement and almost tripped on the cuffs of his pants. With another strong pull, Naomi helped him regain his balance and they began making their way down the streets. They didn't talk as they ran, giving Terran time to sort through everything Naomi had told him. One thing was for sure, there were a lot of questions he needed answers to.

  The closer to the outer city they ran, the worse the buildings around them became. Instead of just missing windows and having cracks along their sides, the buildings had huge holes in them. Some of them were nothing more than heaps of brick, having fallen long ago to the elements. The wind picked up intensity, making Terran wish they could take a break in one of the rundown buildings for a few minutes to warm themselves.

  At last, the edge of the city came into view. The road led into a desert pockmarked with shallow craters. The craters were haphazardly spaced and filled the entire expanse to the mountains in the distance. As they passed the final buildings and stepped into the expanse, the full force of the wind smashed against Terran, knocking him off balance and pelting him with sand. He fell to one knee and looked up to yell for Naomi. Instead, he found that he was lost for words.

  A massive ship lay sprawled over two large metal rails that extended far into the distance. He was used to seeing the rails. They were a part of the natural landscape and were one of the few mysteries that science couldn't answer. Made of an unnatural metal, the rails were unable to be scratched, resistant to weathering, and made a continuous humming sound. The ship itself lay on top of the rails shining in the last rays of the meager sun. It was a long and thin vessel, beautifully curved and glowing like a spear tip just taken from a forge. Its two wings extended along its body and came to an end at the back of the ship. On its hull a golden emblem of a lion stood out against the crimson exterior. A large hatchway was open on the back and Terran saw a few people making their way inside. Naomi stopped running and turned toward him. With the ship behind her, she seemed to have a glowing aura. She motioned for him to stand, he forced himself to obey. Grimacing, Terran trudged toward his last hope.

  Terran kept his head down, and didn't even notice they had reached the ship until his foot hit the loading dock. An arm fell across his shoulders guiding inside. The loading dock hissed behind him and he turned to see it closing with a loud click. He was blind in the darkness until lights flickered on across the ceiling. He was in a rectangular room. A small, four-wheeled vehicle was parked on one side and plastic containers were strapped to the floor behind it. A thick net was attached to the floor on the other side of the room. Terran assumed the collection of bags and suitcases must have belonged to others trying to escape from Sisera.

  "Well, let's get you situated," Naomi said. Her breathing came out in shallow breaths, and Terran somehow felt better that the running and cold had affected her as well. "I suppose you will want to sit next to your family?"

  "Yes, please," Terran said wanting nothing more.

  They left the cargo hold and entered a wide corridor. The wall to his left had two large bulges in it that extend far into the corridor, making the hallway seem small. Sitting in front of each bulge was a comfortable looking chair.

  "I need you to sit here for a second if you would," Naomi said, gesturing to the seat.

  Terran sat down and his seat automatically reclined until he was staring at the ceiling. Shocked by the sudden change in orientation he could only watch as wide belts slithered from the sides of the seat itself and fastened him in. After his body was locked into place, a smaller belt went over his forehead and latched his head down with a bone chilling click.

  They were lying the whole time. He jerked his head left and right, seeing nothing but empty seats around him. His heart raced, sweat began pouring down his brow. They're just going to harvest my organs or something. He opened his mouth to start screaming when he felt a small prick in his neck and his mouth locked. Frantic, he leaned as far out of the chair as possible, trying to see if he could locate Anna or Kelly. Maybe they were back at the boarding house, but no. That woman, she had described them to him. That means they're already gone. He fought against the restraints as tears rolled down his eyes, but with every passing second his strength faded.

  Then, the world went black.

  Chapter 3

  N aomi stepped back from the chair and put the syringe into the disposal. He was dirty, mangy, and covered in fleas. He had been kicked to the curb and abandoned by the people he looked up to. Amidst all of that he chose to stay with his family and provide for them. And I just killed him. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stepped away from the chair. It had to be done. Remember, this was for Nathaniel. It was a life for a life. Naomi tried to quiet her nerves as she pushed a small button to the right of the chair and it slid into the wall of the ship. A moment later a small noise from the console let her know the chair was locked firmly in place.

  Usually, the chairs were for people who became hysterical or violent, but in this case, they were the perfect tool for the job. It had to be done. She took a deep breath and continued down the corridor. Leaving the holding area, she began walking through the passenger cabins. Faking a smile, she took plenty of stops and chatted with the nervous passengers. She knew the questions they would ask; she had asked them all herself.

  "Yes, you are really leaving the planet,"

  "No, you won't need oxygen masks for the flight."

  "We will explain how the jump ships work aboard our main vessel,"

  "No, we don't know when we will reach the Capital,"

  No one ever asks if we will ever reach it, they always ask when. Naomi's thoughts turned bitter as she smiled at everyone seated in their tidy blue chairs. So many families were seated together, sharing smiles and laughter. They were excited for the new adventures that awaited them. Reaching the last cabin Naomi checked the seating chart. A full one hundred and sixty-two people were onboard the Gungir.

  "Excuse me, miss," A young girl's voice pierced her thoughts.

  Turning, Naomi saw Terran's sisters seated near the front with an empty seat between them.

  "How can I help you?" she asked with a grin that didn't reach her eyes.

  "Have you seen Terran? Commander Rictor said you would talk with him about coming aboard." The younger girl spoke with desperation and tears were in her eyes. "I know he would come. Please could you tell him to sit next to us before the ship leaves?" Naomi's smile faded as she looked at the girl. Better practice the lie now.

  "When we got onto the ship, your brother started going into hysterics and had to be restrained. When we reach the main ship, you will undoubtedly see him, but for now he needs his rest."

  Both sisters seemed shocked by the news; the younger sank down into her seat and began to sob. The older however, kept her eyes on Naomi.

  "Is he in trouble?" the girl asked.

  "No," Naomi replied. The difference between the two girls was striking. Although they looked remarkably similar to one another, the manner that they carried themselves was quite different.

  "Buck up, Kelly," the older said. "Terran just freaked out a bit and needs some time to cool off. You know how he jumps to conclusions." The younger girl regained some of her composure, and the sob turned into a soft whimper.

  "I just have a bad feeling is all," Kelly said looking at her feet. "I know that he's in trouble."

  "Well, don't worry about that," Naomi said forcing warmth into her voice. "It's expected that some people can get overwhelmed by the ship. We have special seats just for them. He isn't in any trouble at all," Naomi kept the forced smile and gently squeezed the girl's hand. "Don't fret, everything is OK." The young girl looked up from her feet and directly into Naomi's eyes.

  "Promise?"

  "Promise."

  The girl breathed a deep breath and tried to sit up straighter. "How much longer until we start flying?"

  "Not too much time at all. Now, I need to go to the bridge to make sure everything is OK. Are you going to be all right?"

  "Yes ma'am." The girl flashed a smile as Naomi turned back to the bridge.

  As she reached the door, she paused and took a breath. She had just lied to two young girls who would be devastated by what she had done. Now she just had to convince Rictor and the Captain. Taking a few more br
eaths to steady her nerves, she entered the bridge.

  The bridge was a single deck, smaller than one would think for a ship this size, and was filled with busy officers at their stations. At the front of the ship a blank screen was attached to the frame of the ship. Although the screen could be used to show their surroundings, most of the time it was off. Naomi preferred windows. They didn't really need to see anyway, since the computers on board were connected with the Lion's Roar and would do all the travel calculations themselves. However, more than one guest had grown unnerved by the continuous wall of metal that surrounded them. Most of the crew were seated either at their stations or in one of the chairs that lined the walls. Rictor stood in the center of the bridge with his back to Naomi.

  "How are our happy guests?" he chirped not looking back at her.

  "They seem to be doing well," she replied.

  "You handled yourself well out there. Not bad for your first time planetside."

  "To be honest, I feel I could have done better."

  "Oh," Rictor asked, finally turning around. "What stopped you?"

  "You did," she replied. "Your approach to people is so far out I'm surprised you haven't been beaten or worse, killed."

  The other officers on the bridge stopped moving. Silence permeated the room as Rictor turned around to face her. His usual smile replaced by stoicism.

  "Naomi, go sit down."

  "Yes, Commander," she said through gritted teeth. She could feel him watching her as she walked to the small seats that lined the walls.

  "Besides," Rictor said, his voice growing lighter returning, "I have been beaten. I don't recommend it."

  Naomi held her tongue and sat down. She and Rictor had been up well before dawn preparing for this last push into the Outskirts and she wanted sleep more than an argument.

  When they had first arrived on Sisera a year previous, they had focused on the inner city of Debe. After a small team had been established, they had journeyed into the Lessers' territory right outside of the dome of Inner Debe. They had been more receptive, but many had the stubborn pride that plagued the working class. After two months of talking with the Lessers, she and Rictor had moved into the Outskirts. She had not had the easiest life before joining the Bound, but it was nothing compared to what she had seen over the last few months. She shivered as she remembered one of the last buildings they had entered. It had been filled with bodies--The result of some dispute between rival gangs. Men, women, and children, all murdered for a piece of land that no one wanted.

  The people had come in droves to them. Some wanted food, others just the medicine, but there were plenty who had wanted to leave. It confused her how many people had chosen to stay on Sisera. Even if they never reached the Capitol, life on the Lion's Roar would be so much better than what they had. She had talked with hundreds of people, and most had been more than polite. However, there was a difference between listening and taking something to heart.

  She chuckled at the bitter irony of her last statement. Opening up her tablet, she sent a quick encoded message to Dagor. "It is done." Closing her eyes, she rested her head on the cushion of the seat. Now, finally, she could be reunited with Nathaniel.

  "Hey, you sleeping already? I asked you a question." Naomi opened her eyes and stared at Rictor.

  "What?" she growled.

  "I asked you how Terran handled seeing his sisters." His eyes shone with sincere concern.

  "He didn't see them. He was growing hysterical when we entered the ship. I had to administer Brixatol to quiet him down, and then I had him restrained in a sleeper."

  The lie was well prepared and her voice didn't waver. She had been through too much in her life to let emotions show unless she wanted them to.

  "You did what?" Rictor asked breaking from his usual jovial rhythm. "Why did you use something so strong?"

  "Well, probably because he was hysterical and becoming violent," Naomi said. "You saw him at the boarding house. He was covered in blood, probably from a fight over that rat, and he stank of alcohol. I did what I had to do. Besides, there is nothing we can do about it now, we will have to take care of it aboard the Lion's Roar."

  Rictor locked eyes with her, and for the briefest moment she saw a hint of suspicion behind his concern for Terran. She would have to be careful around him for quite a while. At least it's my last job for Dagor. She had done her job and could focus on the things she really cared about. I wonder how much Nathaniel has changed. Will he still smile at me the way he used to? Will he forgive me for leaving? She closed her eyes again and sighed.

  Why does Dagor even care about someone like Terran anyway? She cut off the thought before it could wander. It didn't matter, she had to remain focused. This was about her and Nathaniel. No one else mattered. If she could see him for even a moment, it would be worth it.

  As the rest of the crew found their seats, Rictor sat at the main console and gave a final command. The ship lurched forwards at breakneck speed and Naomi felt the G's pressing her into her seat. With another sudden lurch the ship changed direction and she knew they were headed toward the main ship. Glenn would most likely have a lot to say to her. Naomi knew her only choice was to stick with the story she had created. Once they see it was just a safety precaution gone wrong I will be free. As her heart sped up in apprehension she tried to tell herself it was just the ship flying and not the gnawing sensation of guilt trying to worm its way into her mind.

  Chapter 4

  N aomi kept a careful eye on the Captain as she retold the story of the events leading up to the administration of the brixatol. She watched as his face changed from one of passivity to cold steel. Now aboard the Lion's Roar, she couldn't help but feel like a child seated before a headmaster. Seated in the small wooden chair in his office, she awaited his reply.

  His office was generously furnished with a carved desk of some dark wood which matched the filled bookshelves that lined the walls. The back wall was a solid window that showed the streaking lights of New-Space as they danced around the ship. Taking away from what would otherwise be a beautiful room, there was the Captain himself.

  Captain Denner was a giant among men. Fully six-and a-half feet tall, he towered over everything in the office. His uniform, although precise and neat, seemed barely able to restrain the muscle underneath. He would be handsome if not for the scars completely covering his face. It was almost mesmerizing in a horrific way to trace them, trying to find where one started and ended. Yet, through all the scars, in perfect condition, sat two bright and intelligent eyes. You could see who the Captain really was by looking into them--now emotionless and hard, for once they seemed to match the rest of his body.

  Sitting across from him, her resolve began to crack under his gaze. Not much, but just enough for her shoulders to slump and her guilt to build.

  "What do you have to say for yourself?" he asked in a voice that could have come from a statue instead of a man.

  "I am deeply sorry, sir," Naomi said, avoiding his eyes and bowing her head slightly.

  "I want to believe you, Naomi..."

  "Then do it," she pleaded, cutting him off.

  "Well, I can't. Because I know you are lying," his reply hit like a bullet.

  "About what, sir?" she asked keeping her head bowed.

  "I don't know yet."

  There was a loud creak as the Captain got up from his chair. Naomi looked up to see him walking over to a painting. The massive frame of his chair seeming oversized without the Captain to give it perspective.

  "What are you going to do to me?" she asked, adding a small tremble to her voice.

  "You will be confined to your room until an investigation has been completed. If you are found guilty of negligence or sabotage, you will be left at our next stop."

  "What if our next stop is the Capital?" The sarcastic comment escaped her mouth before she could stop it, and she cursed herself inwardly.

  The Captain turned slowly to face her. He moved with an easy grace that defied his size. He seemed too surreal to be a man. Who were you before the Capital got ahold of you?