Chapter 5 – Change Of Plan
753 Words
Chapter 5 – Change Of Plan
Dale was talking over the goggles with Berko, the new Chief Foreman, when Annora burst into his office.
“I hear you're going to be leaving soon,” she declared, planting her fists on her hips. “To Mercury, of all places. Were you going to tell me, or were you just going to sneak out in the middle of the night?”
“I'll call you back,” Dale said to Berko. He severed the connection and looked at Annora. “I just found out Zack is missing. I'm leaving as soon as I can, and there's not enough time to say 'bye' to everyone in Hesperus.”
“I'm not 'everyone in Hesperus.' I'm one of your old friends from back home.”
“So now you're my friend? When did that happen?”
“I've always been—”
“You tolerated me for Cole's sake. That was all.”
Annora's face reddened. “Whatever. The past is past. I'm your friend now, and I'll prove it. You'll need someone to watch your back. So I'm coming with you.”
“No way.” He shook his head. “I'm safe here, but the U.S. Government doesn't like me very much, and they still have jurisdiction on Mercury. I plan on sneaking in, as much as anyone can sneak onto a planet, and I'll be in danger the whole time. You're not wanted by the law. You don't have that sword hanging over your head like I do. There's no need for you to get involved.”
“I don't think you understand.” She put her hands on the edge of desk and leaned forward. “I've got cabin fever something awful. I need to fly. Not just up and down, either. I need real space, with simulated gravity and Birkeland engines and everything else. I even miss the sticky boots. And I hate the sticky boots. So like I said: I'm coming with you. And if you try to leave without me, I'll shoot you.”
Dale gave her a dubious look. “You don't even have a gun.”
“I'll get one.”
“Even so, you wouldn't do it. You just said I was your friend. You wouldn't shoot a friend.”
“You sure about that?”
“Um...”
She sat in the chair facing him and leaned forward, rocking back and forth. “I've got to get out of here, Dale,” she said in a softer voice. “Please take me with you.”
It was the “please” that really dug under his skin. Annora had always been brash, and for her, begging was completely out of character. It was painful to hear. She sounded not just desperate, but defeated. Dale gave her a pleading look of his own. “This is not a good idea, Annora. I understand you want to leave Venus, but not this way. You understand the danger, right? Crater is a prison colony. A third of the residents are the worst sort of people—animals who aren't fit for living on Earth anymore. And those criminals are managed by Perihelion Fabrication and Leland Agribusiness. That's 'Leland' as in Nathaniel Leland, father of Brice Leland, the guy I sent skydiving without a parachute. If Nat catches me, he'll either torture me or kill me. Or both. And anyone who's with me will also have a very bad day.”
“I'm aware of the risk,” she said with a sniff. “I come from a political family, too, you know. I'm no stranger to this stuff.”
“But you left it behind. If you go with me, you're going to have to dive back into that swamp.”
“I can handle it. You hate politics too, or at least you did, and that didn't stop you from becoming a Hesperan folk hero.”
“I didn't have a lot of choices. And this isn't about being a hero. Or a heroine. If that's what this is about—you wanting some glory or something—then you—”
“That's not what this is about.”
Dale scowled. “It's a dangerous planet. The planet itself, I mean, not just the people. The conditions on the surface are extreme, and the gravity is different.”
“I know. I'm a space pilot, remember? I've been there. You haven't. So if you can handle it, I can handle it.”
“A fair point.” He gave her a wry grin. “You'll also have to put up with me on the way there.”
Annora sighed and lowered her head. “Yeah, that's probably a deal-breaker.”
Dale's brow furrowed.
She looked up and grinned. “Gotcha, sucker.” She laughed. “You think I can't tolerate Dale Kinmont for a few weeks? I deal with passengers, co-pilots, and crew as part of my job. I put up with stuff that would make your eyes bleed.”
Dale leaned back. He tried to think of another reason for her to stay behind, but none came to mind. After several moments, he admitted defeat. “All right. I'll probably regret this, but you can come with me. I'll tell Myrtle and Hoyser.”
“Yes!” She pumped her fist and beamed. “Thanks, Dale. You won't regret it.”
“I already do.” He gave her a sad smile. “I hate to think of you getting hurt, especially if it happens because of me.”
“Well, I'm off to pack. See you later.” She practically danced out of his office.
Dale's pulse raced, but his heart sank at the same time. Did things just get better, or worse?
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