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EARTH DATE: JUNE 24
Sol Star System, The Starship Exanthus
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THEIV STOPPED OUTSIDE a door in the crew quarters, glanced around carefully, then touched the pad that would let the occupant know of his presence. Moments later the door slid open, and he stepped inside.
Laila was waiting just inside the entryway. She was a tiny woman, with large grey eyes and black hair that curled down to her waist. She’d been a Zemyneah slave her whole life but owned by Drace Aphelion for only three years. “Theiv! Drace was looking for you!”
“Laila. I don’t have a lot of time.” Theiv paused and looked at her face. Something seemed off. “Are you ok, Laila?”
“Theiv, he flashed to the planet with his men. They’re going to try to recapture his experiment!” Her voice was urgent, her hands clenched.
Theiv swore. “Do you have what we discussed?”
Laila hurried over to her computer station and opened a hidden compartment. She took out a black pouch and handed it to Theiv. “That is all I could get. If Havyn is careful, it should last her a few days.”
Theiv took the pouch and tucked it into his pocket. “Do you want me to get you off here? I won’t be back.”
Laila shook her head sharply. “I need to stay here. Drace and his men will need to be... distracted. I am good at that.”
Theiv nodded once, gravely, knowing the risk she was taking. “Be careful Laila, Drace is dangerous.”
Laila gave a short off-key laugh, her arms crossing her chest. “I can handle Drace.”
Theiv’s eyes searched hers. There was nothing more he could say, they both had their missions, and they both understood the risks involved. Laila had the courage of a Dragon. “I’m going to flash, turn away so your eyes are not damaged. May the Creators keep you safe.” He waited for her to turn around and then activated the military flash technology. A bright light filled the room, and he was gone.