Terra Dawning Read Free

good at taking his mind off of problems. She just had a way about her that made you forget everything in the world except her when you made love. That was why Elrond didn't see the lock plate on his door change, or noticed that it moved.
    That was why it was such a surprise when he felt the barrel of the strange weapon gently tap his thigh. He froze and looked behind Ari, who had yet to notice they were no longer alone. The being in the obviously armored suit motioned for him to be silent, as Ari finally came out of her spell to ask him what was wrong.
    When he motioned to the intruders, she jumped off him in surprise. The suited being held up a hand and took a step back. From a device in one gloved hand, a voice issued.
    “I'm really sorry to interrupt you folks. But I'm afraid you'll need to get dressed and come with me. Please be quiet, and please hurry.”
    “Who are you?” Elrond asked. “What do you want with us?”
    It took a moment for the reply, and Elrond suddenly realized the device was a translator.
    Through the translator, Gail replied. “This isn't the place for this discussion. We will answer your questions, but you have to come with us.”
    “I don't suppose refusing is really an option is it?” Ari asked.
    The closest suited figure slowly shook its head. “I'm afraid not, however, we are on a tight schedule, so if you would like to have your clothes, I suggest you both start putting them on.”
    “Well, you're way too nice to be Hyclarion Rangers, and too small to be lizards. Of course, if you did work for the Duke, you would have simply shot us,” Ari said, as she scrambled into her clothes.
    Once both 'prisoners' were dressed, Gail and her team hurried them down the corridor and back into their small ship. Team Three had followed her, since Team Two had already gotten they're quarry into the ship.
    Gail and her team quickly closed and sealed the lock, and were back underway for their base within ten minutes of docking. As far as they knew, no one had noticed that they'd been in the base at all.
    “By the gods! Elrond! They're taking us deeper!” the other young man captured by Team Two said. “Who are these people?””
    “I don't know, Jaric. But, I don't think they mean to hurt us either. So just relax, and do what you're told, okay?” Elrond replied.
    Gail had been removing her helmet while the two men had been speaking. The atmosphere in the ship had been altered to accommodate the prisoners. However, it wasn't fully ideal for them. There was still enough oxygen in it for Gail and her people to breathe, although it was still pretty thin.
    Gail smiled at Elrond. “Thank you. You are correct; we do not intend to harm you. We simply want information at this point.”
    Elrond looked confused. “What kind of information could you want from us? We're simple prospectors, and everything we know is available at any terminal.”
    Gail lost her smile. “Elrond, I would really appreciate it if that would be the last time you lie to us. We know who you are, as well as what you've done. As far as the information you have being available to us... well, let's just say we're connected to a different network.”
    “So if you know who we are, why are we still breathing?” Ari asked, a little miffed.
    Gail turned to the cute redhead. “Because, like you, I follow orders from someone else.”
    Elrond looked floored. “How did... How could you possibly... Do you have any proof we can use in a tribunal?”
    The older man had asked that almost in a panic. So Gail decided to become a bit more wary about what she told them. “No, we don't. Which is why we need more information.”
    “Can I ask where you're taking us and when you'll be bringing us back?” Ari asked.
    “The name of our destination wouldn't mean anything to you. As far as going back, that depends on how cooperative you all are. I should warn you that we breathe a different atmosphere than you do. Ours is much richer in ohto and has a lower