The Sympathizer

Chapter 35

Our trip is scheduled for the earliest shift of the axis. We board a small stealthy beetle space craft together with the human volunteers. Our trip timed before the programmed atmosphere switches from night to day. 

I've been awake all night, my anticipation for this mission making it hard to sleep. Lazarus stayed up as well, he only came to bed a few hours after I settled in. I could feel him shifting around but I pretended to be asleep. I can only wonder what must have been playing on his mind. 

The human volunteers walk in front of us across the ramp, in a steady line. Their footsteps in sync with one another. I'd already provided Ron numerous experimental devices we Sympathizers have been developing, each device tucked neatly under toenails or embedded into his skin. We couldn't risk placing anything on clothes, those will be discarded anyway. 

I stare at the back of his head, hoping the devices General Lyra allowed me to use will prove useful. Sadly, most aren't foolproof yet but they go undetected by Plutonian censors and that is all that matters for now. 

Ron and his comrades cross the threshold over the ramp and are guided to the far wall by the pantry. A few of Lazarus's trusted guards flank them on either side but I came alone. Only the Sympathizers know I'm involved with this trip to Earth, I wasn't allowed to share this information with anyone. 

If the public found out about us smuggling humans, it would be over for me. And Lazarus. I turn to him, noticing that he's been silent since we woke up. Maybe he's just as worried as I am. 

"Thank you for your services, dear officers," He greets the humans while two Plutonians work the control board, getting us ready for lift off. They set up the magnetic fields that counter act gravity and I hear the steady whirr of our drive's engines as they come to life. 

The beetle space craft is oblong shaped with spindle like structures coming out from either side, making it look like a small black insect. It's one of our fastest ships, used mostly when we want to be quick and discreet. 

Only a few commanders and leadership are allowed to use these for space travel. 

The ramp seals shut behind us with a whoosh and I feel the resultant draft run down my arms, causing a slight shiver. I turn to see Ron staring at me but he looks away the moment Lazarus walks up to them. 

"Please feel free to get comfortable for the journey," Lazarus gestures to the sleeping bags that have been laid out for them in the two rooms to our left. "And do enjoy the delicacies we have provided for your services. Your involvement today will help us Plutonians and humans in the long run and for that I am forever grateful." 

An attendant lays out an array of dishes for the humans and I watch their eyes go wide with dismay. 

Glazed and well seasoned wargol meat, sectioned into chunks and pieces, steamed rhye, pickled  algae, fresh fruits and vegetables from our own genetically modified gardens on Pluto, cream puffs and cream rolls that fill each plate to the brim. 

This isn't just a meal, its a feast. 

Lazarus's palm brushes against mine. "Come let us adjourn to our room. We should give them some privacy." 

I catch Ron's eyes on me again as Lazarus leads us to a smaller compartment that seals shut behind us. We sit on the small makeshift bunkers and watch the screen that showcases different segments of the ship. 

The humans hesitantly take a seat one by one. They stare at the food, no one making a move to eat. A Plutonian steps forward and instructs them to help themselves and only then do they slowly pile their plates. Soon they are devouring every morsel of food laid out to them, especially the two slave humans who volunteered.