The Shady Shade

Chapter 3

Mekena landed smoothly on Gehera's crowded platforms. She turned off the ship's engines, arming the safety measures for when she was gone. With another check of the security systems she got up from the pilot's seat and went straight for the cargo bay wanting this to be over as quick as possible, and not because she had something against Kane. If she was true to herself, it was the stolen status of the item she was selling that made her so hasty. She doubted Grave would follow even if he knew who took it. He never did, she thought with no little disappointment as she secured the cargo as well. The small box was hidden in the back given how valuable it appeared to be. She took it and was on her way.

The ramp came down slowly, but it would have made no difference to Kane if it went a little faster. As long as it wasn't instant it would still annoy the man, Mekena smiled to herself as the thought passed through her head. He was an old and dear friend of hers and she had come to like all his quirks - and there were quite a few. But generally he was a good person...at least to her. As expected he was tapping his foot impatiently and she gave him her best smile to sooth him just a notch. It worked because although he tried to hide it the corner of his mouth twitched with his effort to not smile back. He eventually stopped trying and a moment later he was grinning brightly back at her.

The moment she stepped of the ramp she was engulfed in his embrace relishing in the feeling since she didn't get too many hugs in general.

- I have been expecting you!

- I know. You did send me a message saying just that, didn't you? She stuck her tongue out making him laugh.

- Well, come on we have a lot to talk about and it's not all good news.

- Oh oh, how much time do I have to lay low?

- None. Just follow me and I'll explain the rest when we are alone.

He went to leave but turned back around.

- Let me take that from you. It must be very heavy, he said as he took the box from her.

It wasn't, but she didn't comment on it. Instead she just followed him without another word. Kane's secretary gave Mekena his usual business smile before he went back to work. The little guy didn't like her much and she had a feeling it was because he suspected Kane and her had an intimate relationship, which he was jealous of, but it wasn't true.

When she had first met Kane they were both stranded on a strange planet in the far side of the universe. Both their ships had some fried components that they couldn't find replacements for so, in an effort to leave in one piece they chose to sacrifice one vessel and fixed Mekena's ship because it had less damage and more speed. The young man that tried to help them while they were on that planet told them it was called Earth and that it wasn't the place to be if you were not a native. Of course trying to understand his language had been a hassle but they managed. Either way not many ventured that far away into the universe.

Them being there had been an accident in the first place, after they were caught in a natural bridge that threw them near that planet. Such events were not unheard of but they were rarely welcomed. Most of those that had been seen caught in such a phenomenon never came back and regardless whether they were lost, captives, dead or worse, experimented on, it wasn't good.

Now, Mekena followed her friend into his office and only stopped when the door was safely closed behind them. Kane pointed to a comfortable looking armchair - he definitely liked his comfort - then went around his desk and took a seat.

- First things first, your money.

He placed another small package that came, most likely, from one of the drawers and pushed it towards her.