Hathor Legacy: Outcast Page 2

  "What about the company you work for? Can't they get you passes to go back?"

  "My trip here wasn't for business, Jon. I came just to see you. The mine put extra security in place after the theft. Suppose they stop me? If I can't leave, those people will come after me." Trembling, she started crying again. "Please, Jonathan. I want to get back to Hathor."

  All this time he'd been hoping to persuade her to talk to Cat directly. But the shape she was in, it wasn't going to happen. Helping her to leave Astarte was the only way to be sure she'd be safe.

  "Don't cry. I'll get you on a shuttle."

  Gripping him tight, she whispered in his ear, her warm breath tickling him. "I knew you could help."

  The buzzer sounded. What the hell? He wasn't expecting visitors.

  "Go into the bedroom, close the door and stay there." He waited for her to head into his room. After he heard the door click shut, he strode over to check the security monitor. Cat's face stared back at him. Now this was unexpected.

  "Jonathan." Cat gave him a quick smile as she entered. "We've got to talk." She took off her black company-issued jacket and slung it over her shoulder.

  "You have news about my father?" Jon asked.

  "Got anything in your bar?" She gestured towards a set of glass shelves along the opposite wall. Lined up on them was an assortment of liquors, most of them souvenirs of his father's travels.

  "What do you want?"

  "You still have your father's Scotch?" she asked.

  "Sure."

  Brandon had gotten it during one of his infrequent trips back to the Earth system. Jonathan poured the amber liquid into a glass and handed it to her. He noticed she'd practically finished it before he'd poured his own drink. By the time he settled down on the couch across from her, her glass was empty.

  "You want more?" he asked.

  "No. I couldn't handle another one." Cat set the glass down on the table in front of her. "Look. I'm going to get to the point. You're interfering with our investigation."

  "I'm trying to find out what happened to my father. What are you doing about it?"

  Cat stiffened. "Brandon's also my friend. Besides, I told you he left for Hathor."

  "Then why haven't we heard from him by now? You can't stop me. If that's why you came, you can leave now." He hoped the authority in his voice would sway her, but her expression didn't change.

  "As Mine Security Chief I can stop anything I choose." Cat pointed towards a hunk of golden brown crystal sitting on a shelf above the bottled liquors. "I was with your father when he found that. When he showed it to me, I told him it was the most beautiful crystal I'd ever seen. And, believe me, Brandon and I found a lot of them."

  Jonathan sighed. He'd heard this story before. All about the old days before his father and mother had met. Brandon and Cat had been freelancers working in one of the mining installations on Hathor. Eventually they joined Novacorp and took over the mine on Demeter, making it the most profitable one in the system.

  But he knew her reason for bringing up the past. It was the same reason she always brought it up. Cat had known his father long before he, his mother and his sisters were in Brandon's life. She wanted to remind Jonathan who had been there first.

  "I do have news. The security monitor replay showed your father walking with a woman about an hour before the explosion," Cat said. "He was probably on his way to the shuttle."

  "Do you know who she is?"

  "Couldn't see her face. We were able to track her up to the explosion. Afterwards the monitor malfunctioned."

  "It must've been the woman I told you about. Was there a man with her?"

  "Jonathan, there was no couple on the shuttle plotting to steal from the mine. That friend of yours is lying." Cat looked away for a moment. "But, there's something I didn't tell you."

  "What is it?"

  "They found the Ops Director a few hours ago. His body was thrown into one of the shafts in Sector Eight. Not far from where your father was seen with the woman."

  Jon's heart thundered in his chest. For all he knew, his father could be at the bottom of a mineshaft right now. Or maybe he did go to Hathor. There had to be a way to find out.

  "If you can't confirm my father was on the shuttle, your investigation skills aren't worth a damn." Jonathan headed back to the bar to pour another drink. But his attempt at staying cool wasn't working. His hand shook so much that half his drink splashed onto the countertop.

  "Look, I need you to stop causing trouble and trust me. All you need to know is that your father left for Hathor." She stood up and grabbed her jacket. "Let me handle this."

  "Sure." He gulped his drink down, refusing to make eye contact with her. The next thing he heard was her footfall across the floor. The door opened and closed, followed by silence.

  After resetting the door to lock, Jon sprinted back to his room. When he entered, Ilana was sitting on the bed examining his tablet. Startled, she dropped the device. Jon picked it up. Luckily it hadn't broken when it hit the stone floor.

  "Were you looking for something?" he asked, as he sat down next to her.

  "I was checking the shuttle schedule. There's one leaving tomorrow. Who was that?"

  "Cat. A security monitor showed my father walking with a woman before the explosion."

  "Did they really see her on the monitor?"

  "They couldn't identify her." Jonathan expected Ilana to be relieved, but she started crying again. "What is it?"

  "Please, Jonathan. You have to help me leave." She clutched his shirt, her nails digging into his chest. "Why don't you come with me to Hathor? I could help you look for your father there."

  "I don't know. What if these people go after my family?"

  "Jon, your family is wealthy. You can hire a team of security guards to protect them. Will you get the passes? Can we leave together?"

  "Yes, Ilana. I'll get them. We'll leave on the next shuttle."

  *****

  Much later in the evening Jonathan headed over to see his mother, Estrella. Taking an aircar there was the quickest way, compared to spending an hour travelling in a ground vehicle.

  After the aircar set down on the pad, Jonathan instructed the driver to wait for him. It was a clear night, the sky filled with countless stars and Demeter shining bright enough to illuminate his surroundings.

  As he approached, he could see activity inside the house. Not that it was difficult with the glass wall encasing the lower level.

  "Jonathan." His mother came over to embrace him as he entered the foyer. Dressed in a flowing, sleeveless dress, she gathered her brown hair off her shoulders and twisted it into a knot. "I thought you were coming out tomorrow."

  "Are the girls here?" His sisters, Verda and Brisa were 17 and 21, and as far as they were concerned, far from being girls. In fact, he only called them that to tease them, which they usually didn't appreciate.

  "Upstairs. Why? Is something wrong?"

  "Let's go where we won't be interrupted."

  Estrella's grey eyes, the same color as his own, grew wide as she reacted to his words.

  "Why can't they hear what you have to say?" she asked.

  "I don't want to worry them. Please, it's important we talk."

  Instead of questioning him further, she led him to her suite in the rear of the house. Once they were inside, she closed the door and sat in her usual chair by the window.

  Jon remembered many nights he'd sat there with her as she told him stories about her life on Hathor. She and his grandparents lived in a place called the West Country. And they'd had a farm, or was it a ranch? He couldn't remember.

  The back of the house faced the ocean, and it was quiet enough to hear the waves crashing against the rocks below.

  "Have you heard from Dad?"

  Estrella's gaze penetrated him like she could see what he was thinking. It seemed strange, but when she looked at him that way, he wondered if she really could read his thoughts.

  "Not yet, but Brandon said he
was going to Hathor."

  "But he should've arrived by now. Aren't you concerned?"

  "No, I'm not, Jon," she said, her voice steady.

  "I've heard rumors that he was involved in the theft."

  "Jon, I don't care what people think. Your father didn't do it." In spite of her sharp words, there was no anger in her tone or expression. She never spoke to him in anger, but her calm could be much more intimidating.

  "I met someone who overheard the thieves. She's in danger and needs my help," he blurted out.

  "Who is this person?"

  "I'd rather not say."

  "Jon, what are you about to do?"

  "If anyone asks, just say I went to Hathor on business."

  "I don't want you to go." Estrella came to her feet, her hands balled into fists. "We'll find your father, I'm certain of it. It's not safe for you there."

  "Why not? You were born there. It'll be like going back home." He smiled, hoping to diffuse her fears. "Why don't you want me to go?"

  "Just promise me you won't go."

  "When I get there I'll go to company security and ask them to take over the investigation. Don't worry. I'll be back in a few days."

  He gathered her into his arms. Usually his mother didn't like a lot of hugging and touching. She'd shown affection to him and his sisters in many ways, but physical closeness like this was rare for her.

  "Please don't worry. I won't be in danger," he whispered. He couldn't lie to her. But he could tell her what he knew she needed to hear.

  "Whatever happens, Jonathan, you must never tell anyone that I'm from Hathor. Do you promise? Say nothing."

  "Why not?"

  "Promise me." She gripped him, her fingers digging into his flesh.

  "I promise, Mother. I won't tell anyone."

  3 Thieves Like Us

  Astarte -- Morning

  Using his father's security clearance, it hadn't been difficult for Jonathan to get the shuttle passes for himself and Ilana. But just to be on the safe side, she suggested he use an alias when getting her passes. That way, no one would know she was on her way to Hathor.

  Another advantage of using Brandon's clearance was that they didn't have to go through security checkpoints. The shuttle to Hathor was usually filled with Novacorp managers and other company workers. Just the group of passengers to mix in with if you didn't want to be subjected to a lot of scrutiny.

  Other than Estrella, the only person who knew Jonathan was leaving was his assistant at the club. Not only was she very capable, but she was good at keeping confidences. He'd only be gone for a week or so. She'd have no problem handling things until he got back.

  Cat would be pissed if she checked the passenger lists and saw his name. Thinking of it made him smile. He didn't need her approval to look for his father.

  Once they were onboard, Jonathan led the way to the private suites. An attendant showed them to their room and left them to settle in. Though it was compact, it included a bed large enough for them both. There was even room for a narrow table and two chairs.

  Jon dropped his bag and settled down on the bed.

  "Jonathan." Ilana plopped down next to him. "Aren't you glad you got one of the executive suites? I told you it would be more comfortable."

  He rested against the pillows. "You were right."

  Sure, it was comfortable. But one of the basic rooms would've been fine. Why had he let himself be talked into reserving this one? But, maybe she was right. At least they wouldn't be crammed into bunk beds with no room to move around.

  "I wish I could've gone back to my place to get my clothing." Ilana pulled off her torn jacket and threw it on the bed. "I must look terrible."

  "I'll buy you clothing when we get in." Jon drew her into a kiss.

  Ilana playfully bit his lip. "We have three days, Jon. I'm hungry. I've always wanted to try the gourmet menu."

  The engines started up, sending a vibration through the bed, followed by the ding of a warning bell. The door was closing.

  In a few moments they'd be shooting out into space. Now he could relax and enjoy three days with Ilana in a private suite. Things could definitely be worse.

  *****

  Hathor -- Late afternoon

  It wasn't often that Nadira was called to her mentor, Zina's apartment for a private meeting. But Zina wanted to discuss the theft on Demeter without having to involve Brant or any of the other Guardians.

  Riding in the ground transport vehicle, Nadira studied the people strolling down the boulevard. Zina's apartment was in the wealthiest part of the city, called the Palatine. It was filled with shops and restaurants catering to the executives and other powerful residents.

  The transport pulled out of the traffic lanes and came to a stop in front of an amber-colored apartment tower. Nadira stepped out onto the shiny marble sidewalk, scanning the pedestrians passing in front of the tower entrance. Two men walked past wearing the dark brown suits popular with company executives. A city security officer went by in the opposite direction, wearing a black one-piece uniform and shiny helmet.

  Nadira was about to walk into the building when she felt it. A stirring within her that grew stronger. Glancing to her left, she saw a tall, thin man with long black hair walking towards her, his glittering green jacket flapping as he moved. He stopped at a shop next to the building, and entered.

  At the shop window she had a clear view of what was going on inside. A man and woman were looking at a necklace the shopkeeper was holding. The long-haired man stood opposite them, his back turned. He picked up one of the large green crystals from a display, examined it, and slid it into his jacket pocket.

  It was bold to steal from a shop in the Palatine. City security regularly patrolled the area. Should she go back and alert the officer? No, Hathor was her home. He was a thief and she had a duty to stop him.

  Nadira entered the stop and stood by the door. Now he was examining a yellow stone between his thumb and forefinger, holding it up to catch the light of the late afternoon sun.

  She held up her left hand to identify herself to the shopkeeper, showing him the half-moon line that had formed in her palm after she'd developed her Guardian abilities.

  Behind the glass-topped counter, the shopkeeper stared at her, open-mouthed. His customers were transfixed as well. Nadira waited as the thief slowly turned to look at her out of the corner of his eye.

  Redness spread up the man's neck and across the side of his face, like a rash. She took a step forward. The crystal he was holding fell from his hand and bounced along the carpeted floor.

  He reached under his jacket, pulling out a small oval-shaped object. A stunner. If she gave him time, he'd use the weapon against her and the others in the shop. Taking in a deep breath, Nadira summoned up her energy. It surged from deep within her, rushing through her body like a wave.

  Now her heart was pounding faster and faster, the beats vibrating in her ears. She reached out and sent a blast of energy in his direction.

  He fell back against the jewelry display, knocking down the glass shelves and sending crystals flying across the shop. Dropping to his knees, he clutched at his stomach and cried out.

  "AGGGGH!"

  Though she was more powerful than most Guardians, her stronger abilities required her to have stronger skills. She had to be careful not to use too much power when confronting a target.

  Being hit by an energy blast was similar to experiencing an electrical shock. Sending out more power could disable or even kill. But she'd been trained to use her abilities only to defend--never to attack--unless she had a reason.

  On his knees now the thief reached out, attempting to grab her leg. Dodging out of his grasp, she avoided him. Groaning, he fell flat on the floor, his face down against the carpet.

  Zina had taught her to remain distant from her work, to do what needed to be done with no emotion. For the most part she was able to follow that directive. But at times it was difficult to watch someone suffer and know that she was the caus
e of it.

  "Guardian--thank the stars!" The shopkeeper rushed over to her, mopping his fleshy face with the back of his hand.

  "Don't you have a security guard standing by?" she asked.

  "I sent her to my other store to retrieve an item," he replied, prodding the unconscious thief with the toe of his shoe. "What about this slag?"

  "Contact city security to take him to detention. I'll wait."

  Continuing to wipe the sweat off his brow, he bowed and hurried to the rear of the shop. The couple he'd been helping took turns staring at her and at the man lying at her feet. She'd seen that look before, a mixture of awe and apprehension. Almost in unison they backed away from the jewelry display, whispering to each other.

  "That's a Guardian? She looks like everyone else. What did she do to him?"

  "Shhh--don't say anything," the man replied.

  Moments later, two city security officers burst into the shop, grabbed the thief and hoisted him to his feet. Groggy and mumbling to himself, he stumbled as they dragged him out of the store.

  Stopping the man hadn't taken much effort. Even though her hands were trembling, the confrontation had barely tired her. Her heart rate would be back to normal soon. And once she regained her full strength the trembling would go away too.

  Nadira stood by the window watching the officers push the thief into a waiting vehicle before climbing in. Behind them, the thick metal door slid into place with a loud clang.

  4 Lost and Found

  Three Days Later -- On the Shuttle to Hathor

  Jonathan spent most of the trip planning what he and Ilana would do when they docked on Hathor. At least they had recycled water for showering instead of the waterless soap passengers in the basic rooms had to use. When he stepped out of the shower, Ilana was already dressed and sitting on the end of the bed.

  "Are you in a hurry?" he asked.

  "I think we should go to the hotel separately."

  "Why?" He sat down next to her.

  "Just in case we're being followed."

  "That doesn't make sense. We should stay together."