Hi everyone! You all miss me! Wow, I can't believe how much I've missed over the 2 weeks. What with the new ratings and all! Well, aside from finishing a bio project, two tests, an essay, ball tryouts, and trying to catch up with reading other fics, which I promise I'll do, I've managed to start the next chapter!
Gee, I didn't think the old Yautja had such an effect on all of you! I'm sure he's smiling down on you all right know! ;D. Oh and one question, just how many people thought Xeenan had a crush on Dakota? Did I really make it seem like that? (blushes) Oh well, can't do much about it now! ;D
Europe was amazing! I went to Venice, Florence, Rome, Athens, Patros, went on a Greek cruise and toured the islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, Crete, and Kusadasi Turkey. I got to see St. Mark's square where I got to feed the pigeons and seven landed on my arm and one on my shoulder!(I didn't get crapped on, thank God!),Went on a gondola ride in the Grand Canal, saw my first ocean sunset in Mykanos, toured Ephasus, the Parthenon, the Vatican Square and museum (we went to Easter Vigil, but not Easter mass on account of rain and an early flight, so we didn't see the Pope; may he rest in peace), the Cysteine Chapel, the Palace of Justice, the New Dungeon, the Colosseum and ran down the ancient tack field of Olympia!
Ladies, a word of warning, NEVER ever, go the Metro Station in Rome alone late at night or go through dark allies in Venice (that last part's common sense, but yah know). If all possible, have a guy with you. The Italian guys there are hot (fans self at memory) but, they can be very creepy. In Venice, some of our girls were followed by a gang of Italians, back to our hotel and I came close to getting harassed by an Italian guy who wouldn't leave our group alone.
But don't worry, not everything was bad. This would have to be the best trip I've ever been on and if I ever get the chance, I'd do it again! If any ofyou guys and gals ever get the chance to tour Europe, PLEASE DO! I promise you won't regret it!
Oh I could go on and on about my adventures, but I have a chapter to write. You all wanted an escape you're going to get it! Enjoy!
The end of the day finally came. I was in the Mess Hall before my friends were and I waited for them anxiously, taking glancesat the entrance every few seconds. While I waited I forced myself to eat with a nervous stomach, knowing full well I would need all the strength I could get. Finally, after what felt like a half an hour I saw Becky and Xeenan enter the Mess Hall. I caught a glimpse of my repair kit wrapped in a piece of material and carefully concealed in her long, lion cloth. She and Xeenan walked through the food line with grim faces, but I could see the uneasiness in their eyes. As soon as they got their bowl and cup, Becky stepped to the other side of the table and sat down across from me, while Xeenan seated himself on my right side. I ate another bite of my gruel before I spoke.
"Slip it under the table," I whispered.
Becky stole a quick look around us, then took the kit from her loin cloth and held it under the table. I felt for the kit, closed my hand around it and with one fluent motion it was in my pocket; no one noticed the exchange–guard or slave–and the three of us relaxed.
"Thank–you Za'Becc. I know that was a huge risk for you to take."
"Any risk is worth our freedom," she said.
I felt Xeenan's hand slip into my pocket and place something inside.
"Is that it?" I asked.
Xeenan nodded, "I came pretty close to getting caught with that oil. It slipped out of my waist band as the guards pushed us out of the room. Luckly I managed to catch it before it hit the ground or was noticed by them. Several of the slaves however, did see me with the oil and thankfully they didn't inquire about it. They probably suspect something, but I doubt they'd think more of it."
I nodded. Xeenan was working in the engine and boiler rooms below the citadel and I had asked him to get me a tube of the slickest oil he could find. A thought presented itself in my mind.
"There's one more thing I would like you guys to do. When you go back to the compound, ask the slaves if they want to escape with us. Don't tell them about Nadar–ian'ah or of our escape from the planet, just tell them the first part. Have them understand that once we're out of the citadel, we go our separate ways. They also need to understand that they cannot tell anyone else, no matter how strong the temptation. This is a one time chance and we can't risk freeing everyone," I looked at Xeenan, "is Al the only family you have here?"
He shook his head, I had a feeling he would say no.
"I have a few family members left. Althui'entci–uh is the youngest and the only one who has stayed with me. I don't matter to my family anymore. They disowned me after I was punished and they made sure I was never again a part of their lives."
He growled the last sentence in detest, and I saw his eyes flare in anger. I patted his forearm.
"Hey, you gonna be okay?"
He nodded and smiled, the fire in his eyes became more friendly, "Yes, don't worry about me. I'll be better when we are free."
I smiled back, "So we all understand what to do?"
"Yes," they answered in unison.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >> >> > > > >
The next day came fast and I spent the long hours cleaning out the last bit of junk from the room in the Guard's Quraters. The nervousness and the apprehension of the up coming event twisted my stomach into painful knots. As I worked I prayed like I never prayed before. I went through every prayer I knew and I must have recited the Rosary about fifteen times. I needed God to be with me more than ever. The plan had to succeed, it had to. I don't think there was any possible way to emphasize that concept even more. Nor did I want to think about the consequences should it fail.
The end of the working day came and the guards yet again lead me down the Great Hall; for the final time. The tube of oil and rod in my pocket bounced against my thigh as I walked with the fast pace of the giant guards. The cell door opened and I was tossed inside. Spinning on my heels, I watched the guards turn their backs to me and I dashed for the closing door. With one motion I whipped out the tube, dumped the oil on the base and held the rod at mid height. The door closed on the metal stick with a clank and held it tightly. I waited for a few tense moments, listening through the inch wide space. When I couldn't hear a sound, I let myself breath normally and the blood began to pound in my ears. The whole ordeal took only a few seconds, but to me it felt like a few minutes.
I sank to the floor and looked through the window to the darkening sky. I checked my watch; the numbers nine and thirty blinked on the face. Four and a half hours until we escape. My gut twisted with uneasiness again and I groaned. I wanted to fall asleep, knowing full well I needed all the rest I could get, but my body was still high on adrenaline. I stood up and walked around the room, thinking it would make me tired but it just made me even more nervous. I finally forced myself to lie on the dirt, close my eyes and concentrate on taking, long deep breathes. 'Inhale...exhale...inhale...exhale,' my mind ran. Soon my heart slowed to an easy beat and the adrenaline left my system, allowing me to experience an exhaustion I never thought I had. The moment was all I needed and I drifted off into a much needed slumber.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
I must've woken up three times that night and every time I did, the hour to escape drew nearer and my restlessness became greater. On the third time I awoke, I checked my watch again and saw it was ten minutes until two o'clock. I figured this would be as good a time as any to leave. I crawled to the other end of the cell and uncovered my repair kit from a hole I dug the other night. Slipping it into my pocket I stepped to the door and stood beside the rode. I pressed the square button and the metal stick extended with a shnack and I cringed at the loud noise, but all stayed quiet. I checked through the gap to make sure the rod extended all the way to the other side. When I was satisfied I wrapped my hands around the stick.
My body trembled and ached with fear. A cold sweat broke on my forehead and I felt my hands loosen on the stick. I had never been so terrified in my entire life. So many what if's flowed in my mind, but I immediately shook my head to get rid of them. This was not the time to think about worries or doubts, this was the time to act. I swallowed, it's now or never. My grip tightened on the rod and I pulled hard. The door slid open more easily than I thought it would on the slick oil and I soon made an opening big enough to fit me through. I retracted the spear, stuck it in my pocket and slipped through the opening.
I tiptoed to the door that lead to the Great Hall and fished out the repair kit. Lowering myself in front of the panel, I took one last glance at my watch and found I had five minutes before the night watch switched. Opening the kit, I took out the metal cutter with a diamond edged blade and sliced off the soft, metal covering over the panel. I was faced with a mess of wires. I strained my eyes under the dim orange light as I probed through the machine. I was shocked that the control board had the same basic design like the door panels on the space station, but extremely grateful non the less. However the cables on the station had their own colour so they could be easily identified; these wires were all black and held its own heat. I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to recall my mechanics class. I needed to find the main power wire; that will be easy considering it was the largest and thickest. I found the wire and held it in my left hand.
Now all I had to do was find the cable that controlled the gears to the door. The problem was the line was usually coloured blue. Although, I did know the wire was supported by a metal plate, beside two other cables. If my studies were correct and if the design was indeed similar, the wire should feel the coolest out of the three; since the two extra lines needed more power to control the scanning pad.
Moving a few wires aside I found the tiny metal plate screwed over the three lines. Using a tiny flat head screw driver, I removed the screws and plate. Feeling the three cables with my fingers I was relieved to find one cool wire. Wielding the cutter I sliced the wire in half and stripped the end. Without cutting the main line, I made a small sliver on the black covering and pulled it apart. I turned my wrist to view my watch and it read five after two. My belly tightened again as I crossed myself for luck. I held my breath and twisted the stripped wire onto the main cable. The door slid open with a quiet swish. I uncomfortably waited for something to happen. Nothing did. I breathed again and stuck my head out, scanning from one side to the other.
The Great Hall was dark; so dark I could barely see two feet in front of me. The damn overcast of clouds completely covered the friendly glow of the moon. I groaned inwardly; finding the compound was going to be extremely difficult. I took a deep breath, gathered my belongings and stepped out into the massive hall. Before I left I extended the rod, flicked apart the connecting wires and pulled the rod out before the door could close on it. With the door line cut it will take the guards a while to open it, hopefully allowing a greater distance between us and the citadel.
I had to really strain my memory to find the compound as I groped along the wall in the darkness. I heard nothing in the immense silence, which reassured and frightened me. I hated being alone in the silent blackness, but I knew I wouldn't be in it for long. I felt my way across four compound doors, Becky and Xeenan's was the fifth one; I hope. Coming up to the door, I put my ear to the steel and tapped it once. Someone on the other side tapped three times. My eyes brightened, Becky remembered the signal; she was ready. Much to my disappointment, it took a little longer to hack into the control panel since my vision was limited. But finally the door opened and I was greeted by the smiling faces of my friends. Becky and Xeenan had the knives I had stolen tucked into the waist bands of their loin cloths and both were holding the small hands of Sor'an and Al. I heard whispers and muffled clicks circulate through the dank compound.
"We're ready Isha, all twenty of us," announced Becky.
I nodded, feeling my heart rise. Not only would twenty escaped slaves give the High Elder a bad, if not worse reputation, but with any luck it should inspire others to do the same.
"Alright everyone. You all understand that once we are out the main door we go our separate ways."
I got nods for an answer. I could see the outline of the children clinging to the hands of eight adults apprehensively. Whether the adults were related to them I'll never know, but it warmed my heart to see children with someone who will take care of them. I glanced at my watch and sighed.
"We don't have much time, but before we leave I just wanna say something. Thank–you all for everything. I don't think I would have survived this long with out your continued help and guidance. I'll never forget you for this. You are all wonderful, beautiful people. Believe that. I give you my blessings on beginning a new life."
I was about to turn around when a voice spoke from the crowd.
"It is you who we should be thanking, Isha."
I peered over my shoulder and the crowd parted to reveal a thin, seven and a half foot male, with thick hair barely growing past his shoulders and wearing leather cuffs on his wrists. He stepped forward and put a hand on my shoulder.
"It is you who has shown us a light in our time of darkness. Through your gift of song, we found a reason to go on living in our despair. Your unbroken spirit and defiance to the High Elder allowed us to believe that we too, had our own strength. And now, you give us our freedom. For this Isha, spirit of hope, we thank–you. We shall always remember and honour your name forever."
Tears of happiness and joy filled my eyes. Never in my life have I felt so touched, so...if lack for a better word, honoured. I smiled through blurred vision and reached high for his shoulder, giving it a loving squeeze and gentle shake. He grinned down at me a made a happy click. Both of us let go and a tear managed to slip down my cheek before I wiped my eyes. I faced the slaves.
"Okay everyone," I said in a whisper, "We'll head for the main door. Xeenan, take half of them and go to the entrance, but don't do anything until I get there. Becky and I will catch up later. Go slow and steady and keep the children quiet."
Xeenan quickly lead the first half down the Great Hall while I ushered the rest out of the compound, pulled apart the wires and placed the panel back on. With any luck it shouldn't look out of order until it was time to wake the slaves.
"Becky?"
"Right here," she put a hand over my shoulder. I took her arm.
"You're gonna have to lead me to the entrance. I can't see very well in this kind of dark."
She nodded and we quietly crept to the main door, keeping close to the wall. The children in our group didn't make a sound as we moved, much to my amazement and relief. We soon met up with Xeenan's group and I groped to where he was kneeling. He was leaning against the marble wall and peering around the corner. I sat beside him and followed his gaze. Squinting I could make out two shadowy figures standing on either side of an immense steel door. The male took my arm and gently pulled me back. He whispered so quietly into the translator I was surprised it picked up his words.
"I have an idea on how to get by those guards," he motioned for Becky and she came beside him, "Za'Becc, you take half of the slaves and go through that corridor."
He pointed behind her, "It will lead to the other side of the main entrance. Make some kind of noise to get one of the guards away from the door. Knock him unconscious once you do," Xeenan handed me one of the stolen knives, "you and I will sneak up behind the other guard. He's smaller than I am, so I should be able to restrain him easily. But just in case, have four able bodies near me if he tries to break free."
Becky nodded her acknowledgement and relayed the message. Once half the slaves were gone, my group waited. Sweat dripped from my forehead again and I shivered with the same aching nervousness. A thumping noise came from the other side and I saw the guards react to it. One grumbled to check it out. The first guard left with his weapon at the ready, while the second waited with his back turned to us. With the stealth of a warrior, Xeenan tiptoed behind the unsuspecting guard. The four chosen slaves and I moved close behind. There was an audible yelp and a thonk but before the remaining guard could do anything, Xeenan flew from behind, clamped a hand over his mouth and pressed the knife to his throat. The guard struggled, ignoring the fact that Xeenan was pressing on the knife. True the male was bigger than the guard, but he wasn't as strong as him and it wasn't long before it looked like the guard had the upper hand.
At that moment the four slaves dove at the guard, two held his legs and the other two clutched his arms. The small guard strained against the five grips and made a muffled roar, but his struggles were soon brought to a halt. Becky appeared out of the blackness like a ghost and pressed her knife against the guard's throat.
"Right my friend, you're going to help us out of here," she hissed, putting pressure in her blade and lowering her face an inch in front of the guard, "would you be so kind as to open the door for us?"
The guard struggled again, trying to move his head but Xeenan's firm clasp over his mandible mouth kept him from calling out.
"Oh come on, be nice," said the ex–warrior.
He nodded to the slaves holding the guard's legs and they let go; but stayed close. The two slaves holding his arms kept their strong grip as the guard protested again. He tried to nail someone with his legs, but some how Xeenan, Becky and the two slaves managed to avoid his kicks and keep their hold. I could see fluorescent trickle down the guard's neck as a result from his struggles. The three pushed the small guard to the panel until he was within reach.
"Enter the codes, now!" Xeenan hissed.
Both my friends pressed on the blades around his throat as the slave directed his right hand to the panel, but he made no move to use it. I gave an evil grin.
"Perhaps he needs a little more persuading," I said.
I walked in front of the guard and showed him my knife. I could feel his glare on me and I heard a muffled growl as I traced the blade over his six pack abdomen and down to his lower regions. His eyes widened when he felt the knife prick on an area it shouldn't be.
"Open the door, now!" I repeated in a low tone. I pushed against the blade and heard a nervous rumble, "and don't try anything stupid, or you'll find it extremely difficult to reproduce."
The guard obeyed and tapped out a code on the panel. A green button blinked and the giant door split open. A refreshing warm breeze blew back my hair and the sweet scent of fresh air reached my nose. Becky stood in front of the entrance and guided the slaves out. One by one, they left through the door, but not before giving me a smile and a respectful bow. I watched them with smiling eyes, memorising each face as they disappeared into the night. It was hard to hold down the temptation to run into the outside world and claim my freedom. Once my four friends were left I pressed the knife harder on the Yautja guard before asking a question.
"Now, how do you close this door?"
He pointed to a round button. I grinned.
"There's one last thing I'd like to say before we leave for good. Listen well, 'cause I'm only saying this once. Tell the High Elder he was a stupid son of a bitch to keep me alive. Tell the old asshole to remember this day, this defeat andthis humiliation. And tell him, that as long as there are slaves with a warrior's spirit in them, he can never win!"
I exchanged a quick nod to Xeenan and he gave the guard a solid hit to the head. He grunted as he fell limp with unconsciousness. Becky and Xeenan took the guard's arms and dragged him to the other end of corridor where I couldn't see, then came back.
"Go you two, I'll shut the door," I said.
They were hesitant at first, but each picked up a child, hoisted them onto their back and dashed out. I pressed the button, sprinted to the door and leaped through it before it could close. I rolled on the ground and sprung to my feet. It was then I noticed the scene in front of me.
The moon had managed to send a sliver of light through the thick clouds. The wonderful fresh air hit my skin and goose bumps rose at the soft, humid feeling. The tall trees and the foliage were momentarily bathed in the light, causing eery, yet beautiful shadows to from. I blinked and shook my head, I can enjoy the scenery later. I ran through the field to join my friends.
"Head for the stream," I directed.
Sor'an and Al bounced on the adults' back as we ran into the thick, dark forest. I jumped over rocks, roots and leafy bushes with my friends keeping behind me in single file. There was no way to avoid making a trail in the woods, but we wanted to make it look less obvious. Panting and puffing, we soon came to the streams edge.
"Can you guys swim?" I asked.
Xeenan nodded but Al and Sor'an shook their heads. I looked at Becky and she shrugged.
"I can swim, just not for very long."
I peered into the underbrush and strained my eyes to see in the blackness, "Look for some kind of log. Make sure it floats and can carry on us all."
The five of us dispersed into the forest and it was little Al who became the hero. She found a long, thick log, that still had many branches attached to its base. With much effort Becky, Xeenan and I dragged the log into the water. Xeenan was the first to step in and he stood waist deep in the water while he helped the children onto the log, positioning them in between the branches so they could hold on.Za'Becc was next and I was last. I clutched one of the branches and pushed down on the sandy ground. Xeenan and Becky kicked the water to bring out the log and it wasn't long before the current gently took us down the stream. The children whimpered, feeling slightly panicked as they clutched the log and branches tightly. Water splashed over my shoulders and wet half my hair as I pulled myself up on the log and tried to comfort the children. Singing a few short lullabies did the trick. I checked my watch; ten after three. We had just made it out. I prayed that the next shift wouldn't notice anything wrong for another two hours.
"Xeenan how fast will this stream take us?"
He smiled, "With this fast current, we'll put a day's head start between us and the trackers."
I got an uneasy feeling, "Does the trackers include...Arbitrators?"
The children looked at me, horrified.
"Xeenan are the Arbitrators going to kill us!" cried Al.
Her older brother patted the small of her back, "No little sister, they won't. I promise."
I caught a nervous look in Xeenan's eyes, but it was soon gone as he continued to sooth Al. Sor'an joined in with his own worried questions and it took Becky to calm him down. Once they were quite I asked another question to change the subject.
"How far until the rapids?"
The male looked at his surroundings, "Not for a while. We may hit them by morning, but we'll hear them before we see them."
I nodded as water splashed over the log, drenching my arms. I pushed myself higher on top of the dead tree to avoid the moisture from getting onto my face and head. The translator was water resistant to a certain amount, but I didn't know if the converter was. I scanned my surroundings and I gasped in awe.
The immense tree tops swayed and creaked as a gentle wind rustled the thick leaves. The clouds broke apart and a soft glow of the moon shone through and danced on the ripples of the water. Everything, the trees that hung over the stream, the foliage along the bank and the water, was bathed in silver. The comforting noises of the lapping water and the rustling wind against the leaves reached my ears. I smiled under the mask as the sweet scent of the outdoors reached my nose. It was like I was in a peaceful dream. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned to see Becky's sparkling eyes. If the Yautja could cry, I'm sure she would have wept then and there.
"You did it Isha," her voice was choked with emotion, "you freed us from the High Elder."
I shook my head, "No, we all did it. We all played a part in gaining our freedom, "I paused, "but we're not out of hot water yet–no pun intended."
Becky giggled.
"We still have a long way to go before we get to Nadar–ian'ah," I glanced at the children. Both of them yawned, "now you two should get some sleep. You've had enough excitement for one night."
The little ones automatically obeyed. The two snuggled into the branches of the dead limb and soon fell asleep with the gentle rocking of the log. Watching them sleep made me yawn.
"You should get some sleep too Isha," said Becky.
I shook my head and wiped wet hair from my face.
"No, I'm good."
"Please rest," said Xeenan, "you must be tired after all that planning."
Actually I was, being sleep deprived for two nights in a row, but I felt guilty about resting when they were probably as tired as I was. I gave a look of protest and Becky and Xeenan stared back at me with seriousness in their eyes. I knew it was senseless to argue. Before I settled down, one last question came to mind.
"By the way, what did you do with those guards?" I asked, rasing an eyebrow.
Xeenan grinned, "We stuffed them in a storage room. Don't worry, they won't wake until the late morning. And when they do, they going to have a really bad head ache."
I chuckled as I pulled myself higher onto the log. I crossed my arms around two branches and layed my head on the bark, making sure the converter and translator were clear from the water. The log bobbed up and down on the stream and I could feel a slight tug on my feet from the current. The water somehow, felt warm and I wasn't the least bit uncomfortable. My lips curled into a smile. We had done it. Against all odds and what felt like and eternity, we were finally free...
That's all folks, for now! See wasn't the waiting worth it! And believe me, it'll get better! Thank–you all again for being patient and remember to review!