Escape Route

Three

The walk to the Rebel Base was long, and we were constantly stopping to empty our boots of sand that seemed to find its way into our footwear with each step that was taken.

Ty-nine, on the other hand, was having the time of his life, speeding up and down the sand dunes.

"How much longer?" I asked.

"Five more minutes, tops," Killian replied, pushing his sweaty dark hair out of his eyes.

"Good, I don't know how much more sand I can handle in my boots," I sighed in relief.

'We'll have to get some sand boots when we get to the base," he told me.

When we reached the top of another large hill, a large and very impressive building came into view.

"Wow, this is so cool," I said, taking a step forward. Unfortunately, the step I took was the wrong step, sending me tumbling down the hill.

Killian called out after me as I reached the bottom of the hill. I could hear him running down the hill, careful not to fall himself.

"Are you okay?" He asked, helping me up.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, rubbing the sand out of my eyes.

Killian helped me stand up and brush the sand off my arms.

"Let's get you inside before you fall again," Killian chuckled, taking my hand and leading me into the building.

With my free hand, I tried to get as much sand out of my hair as I possibly could.

The building's interior was black with white accents. It was magnificent compared to my small house. I couldn't decide what to look at as I walked down the corridor with Killian. My mind was racing, trying to comprehend all the action around me.

People passed by in weird outfits and hairstyles. Some people had pale blue skin, while others had cherry red. Some groups of people carried blaster guns while others carried swords that were only useful in hand-to-hand combat.

I could feel someone looking at me, so I turned to find Killian staring at me with an amused expression on his face.

"What are you looking at?" I asked, feeling insecure.

Was there still sand in my hair? Did I stick out like a sore thumb?

Millions of questions raced through my mind as Killian continued to stare at me.

"I have never seen someone so curious about anything in my entire life," he told me, a smile appearing.

"My whole life was spent on Maddox's farm, doing exactly what I was told to do. I assume you have to do the same thing here, but you do this on your own free will. This will be the first time in my life where I am allowed to call the shots," I said, happiness bubbling up inside me.

"Then come along, Autumn, let me introduce you to the boss, Jasper Kendricks. I'm sure that he'll be more than willing to give you employment," he said, tugging on my hand.

I eagerly followed Killian to a very large and official-looking office. Sitting in what looked almost like a throne was a Meradin. I could tell by the violet skin and bright, crimson red eyes that had always intimidated me. There were a few Meradin slaves that worked on the farm with me.

"Who might this be?" He asked.

"This is Autumn. I found her on Tiamat. She was looking for a job, so I thought you might be able to help her and her droid find something to do," Killian said immediately.