The New Prince

Chapter 33

Chapter 33: The Sandman Awakes

As they continued running down the hallways and dodging guards by hiding behind the massive pillars that decorated the castle, the doctor took her first opportunity to briefly look at Lance, "Where are we headed?"

"Launching bay…I think?" Lance answered, looking around their location. Memory was key during times like these. He remembered vaguely the area from their short stay two years before when Zarkon captured them before they had arrived on Arus. "I think we're heading in the right direction."

"How would you know?" Maryann asked. "It's not like you visit here all the time!" She whispered in frustration.

"Look smart ass. I never said I knew where we were going; I only said I thought I knew." He replied, feeling slightly annoyed. The lieutenant surveyed the area and heard what seemed like echoes of rumbling crafts. Trying to follow the sounds, his eyes gleamed when he saw a corridor that didn't look anything like the ones they've walked past. "I know we're headed the right way. Look at that hallway to the left."

The professor looked and noticed the difference in the walls. They were made of metal; gray all around. "The hallway is different."

Nodding, Lance agreed, "This is the section that breaks away from the castle. It has to lead to the launching bay. The lions must be there." He turned and saw she no longer had the mask on. "Please tell me you brought the mask with you?"

"Yes." She answered holding the thing up to him. "I don't know why, but I brought the ghastly thing. Thought we might need it." She shrugged, "Besides, it won't be long before we hear the alarms go off. I'm surprised they haven't gone off already."

"I know. We better hurry up."

They slowly walked toward the corridor but almost immediately he pulled her back behind the last pillar in the area when he saw four Drule soldiers walk out of two large double doors at the end corridor. Lance kept the professor close to him as they waited for the guards to walk away from the area. With his hands on her slender body, he felt her small waist, despite the droid suite that covered her. He also noticed the soft features of her face and took careful attention at her plump, full cheeks. Quite beautiful in appearance, he suddenly wondered what the professor looked like in a summer dress instead of the horrendous suit she wore. Damn it! I don't have time for this McClain.

Maryann noticed his strong arms and upon closer inspection found his face completely adorable. His eyes, however, mesmerized her. Hazel in color, but she knew that sunlight would turn them amber and she wondered how beautiful those eyes would look when the rays of sun touched upon them.

Their sudden feelings broke, once the unexpected foursome was out of sight.

"Come on," Lance suddenly whispered to her as he slowly guided her out.

"Well, I'm sure that place is swamped with Drules inside." Maryann sighed as reality came back to her mind. "How the hell will we get in?"

"You're going to have to find us a good hiding place." Lance suddenly smiled.

"What do you mean?" Maryann asked, almost flabbergasted. "You can't expect me to go in there!"

Shaking his head he answered, "No, I expect an android to go in there." The lieutenant answered as he pointed at the mask Maryann held in her hand.

Sighing, she nodded, "Right."

Putting on the mask, Maryann walked over to the double doors and pressed a button on the side of the wall. The doors opened and she walked in watching as Drules and droids that worked on various crafts. Oblivious to her, they continued working as she began scanning the area and saw where the lions stood.