GALAXY AT WAR - Book 5 - The Paladin Knights

CHAPTER EIGHT - June 2173 - Kraptis / Tranchilite / Greko / Osolieus / Solaris

CHAPTER EIGHTJune 2173Kraptis / Tranchilite / Greko /Osolieus / Solaris

...Kraptis...

Miranda had spent an hour meditating to find the location of the resistance headquarters. Wik had found them and managed to hide herself away. So far, the government hadn't managed to find her because she hadn't ventured out of the building.

With most of the population not knowing about their king's betrayal of the Confederation, any citizen would report seeing her because of the story the government had told them. They would believe she was a criminal.

Using the combination of a rebreather and telekinesis to propel herself through the water, Miranda had entered the outskirts of habitat three. Because she couldn't pass for a krapite, she was avoiding contact with every citizen. As a result, her progress had been slow. But, finally, she had her target building in sight.

Miranda sensed movement behind her and moved further into the shadows. There was no light from the sun here as they were too deep underwater for it to penetrate. All light in the city was generated by streetlamps externally and artificial lighting inside buildings. Outside of the lamplit areas, darkness reigned supreme. Miranda held her hand out in front of her to check it was still barely visible. Satisfied that whoever was approaching would not be able to see her, she waited.

Two krapites swam past, appearing and disappearing each time they passed between the lit and unlit areas. Miranda watched them go then expanded her senses again. Both krapites entered a building further down the street. She sensed no one else moving around outside.

She propelled herself towards the resistance building which was really just someone's home. Here comes the hard part, she thought. She paused at the door. There was still no one around. She could see, with her projected mind, that there were seven people inside.

She knocked.

Inside, every krapite froze for a second. Miranda saw them start scrambling around. There was only three krapites left in the main room behind the door when she received an answer.

Who's there? The voice came through telepathically.

Miranda answered. I'm a Paladin Knight. I helped Wik Aeke' Siskana escape from her captors two days ago.

Sorry. There's no one here called Siskana.

I know she's here. I know this is the headquarters of the resistance.

Sorry. I don't know what you're talking about. Please leave.

I'm not with the government. I'm not even a krapite. Wik sent for help. I'm here to help.

As I said, I don't know what you're talking about.

I put two guards to sleep and undid Wik's binders. Please confirm this with her. Miranda looked around. She sensed someone coming as well as movement within the house.

There was silence from within as the resistance members discussed the situation. Miranda sensed them securing Wik in a room to the rear.

I don't have long. There is someone coming and I cannot afford to be seen.

The krapites swimming along the street were getting closer so Miranda shot out a bullet-like lump of ice at the nearest streetlight, causing it to break. She was enshrouded in darkness — giving her a precious few more seconds.