Lustral || Complete

VIII

     Ardon nodded at the viewscreen. "There has to be an emergency switch to let the Shapeshifter's out. But Liri, think about it, we can't fit that many people on the Calypso or break atmosphere filled to the brim—too much weight." 

     Liri's fingers flew over the key's. "Agreed, but we're going to take as many of them as possible."

     "Right." Ardon nodded and pressed a button on the side of his eyewear. When it beeped, he said, "Syd, we need to modify the plan."

     "Of course you do," the Captain stated dryly.

     "I can't tell you all the details fast enough, so pop your goggles on and see what we see." He tapped the side of his glasses once more.

     "Holy Nebula! What have you gotten us into Rowe?"

     "It's my doing, so we will take as many as we can to Dubrovn," Liri stated.

     "I'm positive there are several other cargo ships in the docking bay that wouldn't mind some extra cash."

      Liri smiled. "Good thinking, I'll pay whatever they demand."

     "No worries, this isn't my first rodeo."

     "Rescuing Shapeshifters will make us famous," Mauvrick's voice crackled to life on the com.

     "Big deal," Jax scoffed. "We're going to be in a lot of trouble if we don't get out of here soon. We unloaded everything over ten minutes ago, and we're starting to draw unwanted attention from the dock manager."

     "I'm sending you the blueprint of where we are heading. Have Mauvrick and Sasha to clear a path for us," Liri commanded.

     "Copy that. What's your ETA?" Syd asked.

     "Five minutes."

     "We'll be ready in three."

     Red lights flashed, bells screeched to life and water sprayed from the ceiling. The doors to the shapeshifter's holding rooms hissed open. Within moments, the many prisoners were free and thundering down the hallways, some carrying the young and frail.

     "I guess so," Syd said, her com crackled before going silent.

     Ardon chuckled. "That's one way to get them out without looking too suspicious."

     "Ardon," Liri's words rushed out. "No one is taking those little ones—they need us."

     The door hissed open as he pressed the panel. "What way do we—"

     "Eddie, there's a fire somewhere in the building, but I don't know where," a Draconian guard hollered at his similar-looking co-worker. "What should we—"

     Ardon rushed over and hollered, "We need to get them out of harm's way. Direct them to the docking bay immediately."

     Eddie crossed his muscled arms over his chest, and his co-worker took a step back. "And just who the fuck are you to be giving us orders?"

     Liri spoke up, "He's with me, and I'm the sole heir to Delaney Pharmaceutical Labs."

     "So," Eddie shrugged.

     "Have you ever checked into who funds everything here, buddy?" Ardon pointed at Liri.

     The man's arms dropped to his side. "Oh, well, I need to clear it with my boss, so—"

     "I'm so glad I brought you with me, Mr. Rowe," Liri yelled. "Now, you can understand why I contacted internal affairs. I didn't think the shifters were being taken care of and just look, these incompetent men are going to allow them to burn to death!"