I hung my head in my hands my heart rate slowly returning to normal when a thought struck me.
“Ryg, I think we may have done it” I rose to inspect the crates beneath me.
“Yes, yes great plan, remind me never to listen to you again will you” Rygel although as aggressive as ever looked tinged with sadness for the loss of his subject his gaze not leaving the stone door.”
“Thank me later then” I half laughed, “If I’m not mistaken Feschlik said the goods were here, I think we just found them.”
I struggled to prise the lid off the crate I’d been sitting on and sure enough there were the rifles.
“We’ve got to get out of here with these and fast, it won’t take long before security get here.” Looking around I now saw we were in a small corridor, there was no way we could drag them out ourselves I’d have to fetch the pilot, hopefully the corridor didn’t lead in the opposite direction.
Rygel happy to rest remained behind whilst I hurriedly made my way to the exit. The doorway out led into a cargo area, must have been Feschlik’s way of smuggling goods in and out. I found the nearest com panel and told Kornol to bring the ship round I hoped they would find it from the numbers marked on the inside doors, I doubted it would be listed as a cargo area on the station plan.
It wasn’t long before Kornol and his comrade crept into sight. Between us we managed to get the crates out quickly. As we loaded the last one on the vessel the pilot drew something out of his jacket.
“You’ve got more guts than I would have given you credit for, if you ever want to join a crew I’ll have a place for you” he smiled at me and handed me a large bag of kretmers.
“This is only a fraction of what I’m being paid so I figure you deserve it after that, you are going to have to get off the station on the first ship out before they start investigating”.
I took the credits with little joy; I was rapidly running out of time, I’d soon be heading for Nebari Prime and the thought of it made me queasy.
“Thanks Kornol, I’m not sure where I’ll end up but it’s appreciated, say hey to Pietros for me”.
I waved them off and caught up with Rygel.
“And what about me” he grumbled, “If it wasn’t for me you’d never have got in, place on his crew, he’s probably only interested in your loomas anyway.” He gave a little wink.
“Ha, you’re the best Ryg but don’t push it” I cuffed his head with my blackened hand. I couldn’t help tears from forming in my eyes, seeing Rygel again brought back so many memories, some of them too painful to deal with.
“If I make it back you’ll be the first person I come visit I promise”
We walked through the towered cargo surrounding us in silence as we reflected on what had been and what lay ahead for us.
___________________________
We heard Orlan’s deep snoring outside the door to my room, although we were exhausted we couldn’t join him.
Rygel snapped him awake and I threw my belongings together, I glanced through the window and saw station guards heading towards the Blue Aura. If we left now when the station was deserted we would look conspicuous, so I persuaded Rygel to wait until the market traders set up in the courtyard.
I brought up a log of passenger ships due to depart on the com panel. My stomach lurched as I read one had Nebari Prime on its route scheduled to leave in a few arns. I had time to wash out the dirt from the explosion from my skin but not my clothes, so I had to change back into my more practical travelling clothes.
Whilst Rygel was arranging his own transport back to Hyneria I replayed the holo message from Lomas. The part that concerned me now was finding Tirla. I memorised the instructions as I couldn’t risk the disk being found on me.
I have news of your brother he is back on Nebari prime seeking intelligence; I cannot leave you co-ordinates for his location however there is a contact named Tirla who can lead you further. Leave the Eachak symbol behind the bar at the Blackriver Inn and take lodging, she will find you. I warn you though Neri has been much changed by this struggle.
It was strange listening to another Nebari I hadn’t encountered one for nearly a cycle, we were an intense emotional people which made the Nebari government’s desire for us to be without our innate passion all the worse. His voice faltered after he said Neri’s name, as though unsure of what to say.
As the early morning crowd drifted below us it was time to say our brief farewells, I caressed Rygel’s leathery little face
“It was good to see you again Sparky” I faced Orlan “and you make sure you take good care of your Dominar”.
Rygel’s wizened ears twitched.
“Give them hell Chiana, get back alive and I’ll throw the biggest banquet that Hyneria has ever seen”.
I couldn’t look into his glistening eyes much longer, I hugged his sagging little body and left for the docking bay before the memories of the loved ones we had lost could pour into my mind. I tried to think of John and Aeryn and little D they had made a beautiful family and now it was time to rejoin mine.