Page 5

Gone and Back

Flander looked around and couldn’t see Hel anywhere. He could only hope that the crowd had swallowed her and that she would work her way free. A few minutes later, he realized that that wasn't the case, and his mate was gone. Her name left his lips in a blood curdling scream that immediately made everyone stop and look at him. His squad immediately realized how serious this was and began to herd people on the ship in large numbers, hoping she would be among them. That wasn't the case, and there was no choice but to order the robots on board and head back to the ship.

With just his squad, there was no way that they could roam the planet without getting killed or captured. It was a serious matter that needed to be brought to Ranni’s attention. He was sure the sub chief would mobilize many of their forces and begin sweeping the planet until they found her. Gods help whoever had taken her because the Majuri would show them no mercy. If he had been the one who had found them, he would have destroyed them, and he didn't care who it was.

When they docked with the ship, he left Jaird in charge and immediately headed to Ranni’s office. He didn't find him there, so he went to his quarters and knocked on the door. It took a few moments for the boss to arrive at the door because he had been busy.

“Hel got separated from us because we were overwhelmed by people wanting to go to the new base. She's gone. We couldn't find her and had to leave. Jaird is in charge of getting the refugees to the new base, but I want to lead a group of soldiers to look for her.” Flander explained.

“No. We will set the ship to scan the surface until we find Hel, and we will not go back until we do. It is possible that they took her off the world. You need to go eat and rest because I may be sending you down there at night to recover her," Ranni decided.

Flander was unhappy because he worried about what was happening to his mate while they were waiting. He knew it was the logical choice for a leader and the choice made in the past under these same circumstances. That didn't make him feel any better, but he had no choice but to follow orders. His mood was not good when he hit the cafeteria, and everyone jumped out of his way. There was no way any one of them had heard about what had happened yet, but they could gauge his mood by the look on his face.

He forced himself to eat his food to have the energy for what would happen. Even though he was hungry, his food tasted like sawdust. Once he was done with that, he went to his quarters, where he took a shower and lay in bed thinking about what had gone wrong and how he could have prevented it. He must have fallen asleep at some point because his radio buzzed and woke him. He was sure they must have found her.

"Come to my office," the boss said.

Flander dressed and headed to Ranni’s office. “Did you find her?”

"No, she found us. She said she got carried away in the crowd, caught up in a gang war, had to hide out until it was over, and then headed back to see if we sent someone to find her," Ranni infirmed.

“Where is she?”

“Hel was exhausted, filthy, and smelled bad. We sent her to her quarters to clean up and rest. No one is to bother her until she comes out on her own.”

"I'll let her rest. I'm guessing the missions are on hold," Flander assumed.

“For now. Your squad will work at the new base assisting wherever you can.”

Flander was frustrated. He wanted to see Hel but was being sent off the ship. He wasn't sure what had happened, but from the look on Ranni’s face, he didn't believe her. Flander didn't believe her either. Maybe she was protecting someone, but they had kidnapped her, so why would she do that? He needed to talk to her to find out what was happening. Instead, he had to gather his squad and head to the new base.

He knew that he should look at it differently because at least he had her back, and his squad could move forward a little bit on the new base. His guys could do construction, which would help with the work on the apartment building they were putting in first. Everything else would stay in big tents until the apartment building was completed.

It was lunchtime, so rounding up the guys was no problem since they ate in the cafeteria. He got his food, then sat down and gave out the assignment and the fact that she had been found. Everyone was relieved because they were all friends on the squad. None of the guys seemed to mind going to the new base, which would make things easier. Flander didn't mention the story she had given or that he didn't believe it. They all finished their lunch and headed to the bay.

"Load up," Flander directed.

Once they were all onboard, the shuttle took off. It would be a short day, but he hoped they would accomplish something. As soon as they landed, he sent the others to the building site, and he went to check on the trainees.

“You are checking on us?” The male, Kunos, asked.

“I am.”

“Where is Hel at?”

“She had a bad day yesterday. It’s LT to you.”

Satisfied that those two were doing fine, he went to join the rest of the squad. Construction work was hot, sweaty, and physical. Flander knew the hard work was good for him. They ended up putting in a full day before they headed back to the ship for supper. He wasn’t sure if it was a surprise that Hel didn’t join them. That was alright because he had an excuse to go see her. She would want to know how the two new recruits were doing.

Once they were done with their meal, he headed to her quarters. He couldn’t think of anywhere else she could be. Flander knocked on the door and heard somebody moving in the room. Hel opened the door and peeked out.

“Oh, it's you.”

“Yeah, it's me. The squad has been worried about you.” He wondered if she would leave him standing in the hallway, but she finally invited him in.

“Did you come by just to check on me?”

“That, and I checked on the two new recruits because I knew you would worry about them. They are fine, but they wonder why you haven't been around. I told them you had a rough day.” Flander admitted.

“Thank you for checking on them. Everything is fine now, except I wanted to rest more. I'll see you at breakfast.” Hel hustled him out of the room.

Why did he let her do that when he only wanted to pull her in his arms and hold her tight. He knew if he questioned her story, she wouldn't talk to him anymore, and there was no way to make her do so since the boss had accepted it. He shouldn't be surprised since there had to be people on the planet who were still alive that she cared about. It was probably one of them that had taken her, and he had caught a hint when her sleeves had moved of rope burn. There was no doubt what that meant.

It was obvious to him that she had been abducted and restrained. Ropes were usually one of the easier things to escape from, and it was clear that she had. What this meant was that he was going to have to keep a closer eye on her when they were on Purgatory because he was that whoever had taken her would not be happy that she had escaped, and they would try to get her again. Flander wanted to tell the rest of the squad to look out for her, but he couldn't think of an excuse unless he admitted that her story didn't ring true.

He headed for his own quarters, prepared, and eventually got in bed, hoping to sleep. That sleep didn't come easy, but eventually, he settled down and got his rest. The alarm in the morning woke him immediately, and he looked around, confused for a moment. Getting up, he dressed and headed to breakfast, where he was glad to see Hel was already there. All the guys were giving her a hard time about getting separated from them without even questioning the story she had given. It seemed he was the only one, other than the boss, who didn't believe her.

The rest of the squad was happy to have her back and didn't worry about how that happened. They all rushed through their meal, knowing they would be back on the planet again today. Flander believed that all of them would keep an extra eye on her after what had happened. As soon as they were done, they headed to the small ship.

Their trip to the planet started right away. Flander couldn't help but wonder how many facilities Mercury had on this planet. Even in the facilities they owned, he had far more plans and items that still needed to be picked up. He wondered if Kasey was working on the plans that had already been picked up. It was easy to admit that the emperor was hard to please and difficult to work with. Otherwise, they would have gone about this at a much slower pace. This time, the trip went well, and other than plans, what they brought back was a small spaceship that looked like a child's toy. Hel told him that it might look like a toy, but it could shoot a beam that could destroy something of value on a ship and bring it down.

He didn't know if that was cool or horrible. The way things were looking, he would figure it out before long. It was good that there were no problems on this trip, but he's still worried about future trips. At least they will be going to the base tomorrow, and there shouldn't be any concerns about that day. That didn't matter because there were more days ahead when they would take trips down to the planet. Flander was giving a lot of thought to his mate and how he should proceed as far as claiming her. The problem was that she was much younger than him, and he hesitated to tie her to him at such a young age.

Flander wasn’t sure he could wait to claim her. Thinking he had lost her when she disappeared had almost driven him crazy. His plan was to wait and give her a little time to try new things and explore what she wanted to do. When he was young, he'd done many things. However, he couldn't stand to watch her do the same. At her age, he'd not known who his fated mate was, but she did. Soon, a choice would have to be made.

The ship landed, and they hurried to the facility, which looked just like a house. It didn't look as much like that once they got inside. This time, they went to a room just under the roof. It could be called an attic since the building was an A frame. It took the least time, and he wouldn't be surprised to hear that it was a place where only one or two employees worked and maybe one lived. Besides a handful of plans, this one had a box full of round globes. He couldn't even imagine what something like that would do being so small.

They got back to the ship and began to load the refugees. This worried him because he was afraid, they were overloaded with people they weren't sure they could trust. A handful of enemy soldiers claiming to be refugees could cause much damage. They wanted to protect these people, but it would be hard to ensure they could as they took more and more of them. They needed a plan, but he didn't have one. Their best plan might be to stop taking refugees and worry about the ones they already had. He wasn't sure what his mate would think about that.

They headed to the other planet, where they would unload the refugees and do their best to help settle them. As soon as the first floor of the apartment was built, they would begin to fill the rooms with people. The floors would get residents as they were completed. The first floor was almost done. Once finished, the second floor would start. Another building was already being put in, but it was one of those buildings that would be snapped together. It would be built quickly and house offices and a few living areas for those working here full-time.

Flander could not deny he'd be glad when they were done. Today, they would eat lunch at the base and do as much work as possible. Hel would not stay with them. She would help organize the refugees. The rest of the squad's hard work helped settle his busy mind. When he mated, it would settle most things. He would still worry that she wasn't ready and would resent him. That was his biggest fear. This fear may have come between them and made her doubt that he wanted her. Now, he would have to convince her that he did. First, they needed to get over what had happened with his mate getting lost and lying about it.

Now that the work was done, Flander was ready to get back to the ship for supper. While hungry and needing a big meal, he looked forward to seeing Hel. She had returned to the ship around lunchtime, so they had not seen her. That may have made sense since she had returned the plans and the items and was going through them with Kasey. He hoped she would join them for supper, but he feared he would have to find her and escort her to the cafeteria.

He was the first one off the ship when they landed, which was unusual because he usually went last. He hurried to his room so he could take a shower and clean up. Flander hurried by the cafeteria to see if she was there but was not surprised that she wasn't. Now, he went straight to her quarters and knocked on the door. She was inside because he could hear her moving around. Hel opened the door but looked down, surprised to see him standing there.

“Did your day go well?” She asked.

“It would have gone better if you had been with us.”

“I doubt that, but I was sent to do other things. We all follow orders. That's just what we do.”

“Have you had supper yet?”

“Actually, I have, and I brought a snack back with me in case I get hungry since it was early.”

“Why do I feel you're avoiding the squad?” Flander asked.

“The squad or you?”

“Is it me? Just tell me if it is.”

“You've changed our relationship. I'm not sure what you want from me," Hel admitted.

He stepped through the door and closed it behind him. “I think you know exactly what I want from you.”

Flander pressed her against the wall and gave her a kiss that told her exactly what he wanted. He could smell her desire, but he was afraid to take it too far. Humans like to date, and he wasn't sure exactly what he could do that would count for a date. It would be different if they were on one of those planets with nice restaurants, pools, and the other things many did in their downtime. It would also help if they weren't working every day.

It was a fight to come to his senses and not just take her where she stood. He wasn't sure if he shouldn't have just done it and asked for forgiveness later. Instead, he stepped away and left without saying another word. Maybe he had not handled things well, but if he hadn't left when he did, he would have probably stayed all night. One of these days, he wouldn't be able to stop. Flander knew he should discuss this with her and explain his feelings and wants. It was true that she had to see that he wanted her, but he wanted her to know that he wanted a relationship and a life with her, not just her body.

She might not understand that what he wanted was so much more than just sex. She probably remembered all those times when she had hit on him, and he had turned her down cold. When it happened, he had explained to her that she was not legal, and he could not give her what she wanted. Had she believed him? It was hard to say because she may have convinced herself that he didn't want her. Flander felt like they had become friends. Everyone said that was the most crucial step between mates.

The squad was waiting for him. They shot him funny looks. He knew it was because Hel wasn't with him.

“Someone missing?” Jaird asked.

“She already ate supper.”

“I'm sure we'll see her at breakfast," Tomsin observed.

As usual, Tanen didn’t join in the conversation. He just watched and listened. He was the quiet one who rarely said anything, but when he did speak, it was important.

“Maybe she's avoiding someone," Runner declared.

“Maybe she's avoiding you," Jaird mentioned.

Flander didn't even want to ask because he had too much on his mind already. He dug into his food, barely listening to the conversation around him. A few of the men liked to talk too much. He had nothing to say and a lot to think about right now. He should stop worrying about what happened yesterday and let it go. That's what the boss was doing, and he should know best.

It was already difficult enough for her to deal with the change in their relationship without becoming possessive and trying to figure out everything that was going on in her life. He knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't like that, and it would be like pushing her away. Flander would still watch closely because whatever happened might happen again, and she might not return this time. Flander was torn between sharing with the rest of the squad and fearing she would be taken again without help.

Finishing supper, he bid his males goodbye and returned to his quarters. Flander had some good whiskey, but it wasn't strong enough to do more than take off the edge. At least that was something, and he enjoyed the slight burn as it went down. Some humans said the burn was too harsh for them. That way, he didn't have to share it with them. Swirling the brown liquid around in the glass, he finally downed it and felt a slight burn down to his stomach. He was relaxed enough to try to sleep. Hopefully, he would.

It was morning, and their orders were simple. Every other day, they would go to the planet closest to Purgatory and try to settle refugees. On the other days, they would target Mercury’s facilities and grab the most essential information. Those facilities were spread all over Purgatory. There were twenty-one locations, but he wasn't sure they would go to everyone. They were only being sent for the most critical plans and items, and none of those facilities had anything essential or items of interest to the emperor. His interests were in items and plans for war, defense, and planet protection. Mercury made items of other kinds that would not interest him either.

Flander noticed that two facilities made farming and food production equipment. Unless something else had been hidden at those facilities, those would be left alone until the planet was safe for civilians to manage. Today was one of those days when they would target one of the facilities. He wouldn't know which one until the pilot sat near it and his mate headed toward it. Flander wasn't sure that she knew until they arrived. All of the information was locked down in a ridiculous amount of secrecy.

The way those facilities were locked down, someone who didn't have the code to get in would have to destroy it, too. That's why this secrecy seemed ridiculous. Most people wouldn't even recognize the facilities that they were now targeting. Flander was a warrior. It was his place to follow orders, even if it killed him. It was why he never asked, never questioned an order, and just did what he was told. But this secrecy might cause harm to his mate. No warrior should have to deal with the results of that.

Flander would see how things went today but thought he might talk to his boss because the secrecy started there. It began with Ranni and Kasey, and he didn't understand what they thought would help. They couldn't protect against what they didn't know. He had to admit that when Hel had disappeared, it hadn't had anything to do with secrecy. His concern was that next time, it might.

As usual, the squad gathered for breakfast in the cafeteria. Hel Showed up as well. He was glad to see her. Things could get back to normal as long as they could prevent another occurrence of what had happened previously. Once they finished eating, they all headed to the ship. Since so many of them existed, the shuttle was no longer used for refugee pickups. Looking at his mate, he considered tying himself to her so that no one could take her without taking him too. The only thing that prevented him from doing it was that he knew what her reaction would be.

They were headed in on a side of the planet they had never been to. This was an area that had a limited population. No facility was in sight when they landed, so Flander assumed it was underground. Hel went directly to a spot where he saw a metal hatch. It was heavy, with a sunk handle and a keypad for the entry code. Hel knew precisely what she was doing and could even pull up what looked like a heavy hatch. She must have been to these places enough to know precisely how to get in all of them.

This one required going down a ladder. They headed down the ladder one person at a time until they reached the bottom. That was when the robots came along. He was surprised, but the largest robot just dropped into the hole. The Android climbed down cautiously, acting like a human not used to ladders. This small place looked like it had once been outfitted with enough food to last for several months. The occupants had probably waited until all the food was gone before exiting, thinking it would be safe now, not because the gangs had moved in.

He wondered what had happened to those people, but he pushed it out of his mind because he had to concentrate on what was happening. This was a mission, and it needed to be a successful one. Hel had immediately shown Tomsin where the surveillance could be viewed. That was smart. He sat down at the panel and watched. Now, she and the Android went to where the plans and a couple more war toys were. They looked like drones, and that was something he was familiar with. While it took no time to gather the tub of plans and the three drones, the problem was it would all have to be carried up because they were underground, and there was no way to flash from there.

Hel ordered the large robot to exit first, and he jumped up. She then had the Android lift one of the drones, and his arm disconnected and extended upward so that the robot could take it. That was how all three drones were removed, and then the tub was removed last. Flander had to admit that watching the Android remove the items inside was cool. It had made it much easier for all of them, and now, with the robots standing guard, the rest of them went up the ladder. This area was remote enough that no one was around, which made him glad.

Everyone hurried to get on the ship because if you waited long enough in one spot, there would be no telling what might turn up. They were loaded and headed on their way with no issues. Flander knew he wasn't the only one relieved they'd had no trouble. It was a shame they also had no refugees. He glanced at his mate, who was working on the Android, and checked out his arms to be sure everything was as it had been before. She seemed satisfied with it, and she sat down.

They quickly made it to the ship, and everyone headed to their rooms to clean up. The squad met for lunch, but they were all assigned separately. Flander would catch up on his paperwork while Hel would assist Kasey. The other males were spread around the ship with various duties. Ranni said it was to give others time off because everyone worked daily. That was because the emperor tried to make things complicated for the boss. A few refugees could be put to work in domestic positions, such as cooking and cleaning.

The emperor said they couldn’t find enough people willing to work in this part of space. Lander didn't believe him, but if pay was no problem, he was sure they could find some refugees willing to work in those areas. That would relieve the problems in certain areas. Given time, some of them might be trusted enough to work in more critical areas. Ranni had a good record, and the number of injured or dead on his crew had decreased significantly. The last chief in charge of this area had a horrible death and injury rate.

The robots should improve things because they would be led in battle. It couldn't completely erase the risk to warriors, but it would help. Flander was sure the emperor was lying about it like he lied about everything. Ranni was lucky that the days when emperors killed anyone they wanted, including their sons, were long in the past. But that didn't stop the emperor from trying to put his son in as much danger as he could. Being the first son in that family wasn't a good thing. The boss was lucky that he was tough because two of his brothers had already died, and Flander was sure it was because of the situation the emperor had put them in. Why did the idiot think that if he killed all his sons, he would rule forever? Who could say?

Flander went to his office, where he started his paperwork and began to go through it. Ranni had a secretary who did a good deal of his paperwork, but he wouldn't get one of those until he made subchief. Even then, it wouldn't be the wonderful secretary that the boss had; it would be somebody new who needed to be trained.