Chapter 33: Targeted

Darren looked up from his practice circuit board and gave his instructor an annoyed glance. The material they were covering was so basic it almost seemed like they had started over. He briefly considered confronting the instructor right then and there, but decided against it. There was too much of a chance that the instructor would feel threatened, and perhaps there was a good reason for the class.

Darren's circuit was finished in less than a minute, and a small green light notified the instructor, who sighed and motioned Darren outside the room. The door closed behind them as the students started to whisper amongst themselves. The instructor cleared his throat. "Darren, you continually outperform yourself and the other students whenever we test you. You're always finished early, you learn quicker than anybody else, and because of it, you've taken the position of loner upon yourself."

Darren shrugged. "Maybe I don't see it that way. I can't help my abilities with repairs and such. Why call me out to scold me for not making friends easily?" The instructor scratched his chin. "You 'can't help your abilities;' that's true. So why haven't you applied or even considered applying for a promotion to a squadron leader's ship, or a higher position in leadership?"

Darren winced. "I'm not a leader. I prefer to remain out-of-sight for the most part. With leadership comes responsibilities, and I prefer living simple. Besides, at the rate my current crew is going, I'll be in a squadron leader's ship regardless." The instructor's eyes brightened. "Ah, so you're in ship fifty-six. Brilliant young pilot, I hear. Single-handedly won us the battle, or so the gossip goes."

Darren grinned. You're making quite a name for yourself up here, Sara. Just as I did on Shirn..."Well, I'd imagine that's stretching it a bit...but yes, she did quite well." "She?" The instructor's thoughtful look returned. "It's been quite some time since we had a decent woman pilot. Why do you suppose that is?" Darren saw where the conversation was going, and he didn't like it. It was time to steer it in a different direction. "Does it matter? Perhaps now that we have an excellent example of a good female pilot, others will follow, and talent previously unexplored will be brought to light."

Thankfully, the instructor let it drop. "Perhaps. You're done for this class period. I was going to go over some of the failed experiments, but I can see you already know them. Take care, and congratulate your pilot on her achievements." "I will. Have a good day." Darren turned and left for the cafeteria. He wasn't hungry, but for some reason felt the need to eat. He walked in and was immediately pulled to the side by Venom. "We need to speak. Now."

Darren let himself be led to a table near the corner. "This has to be important, or you wouldn't risk being seen with me. What is it?" Venom turned in every direction to make sure nobody was listening. His laptop was strangely absent from his hands. "Something's going down. Something big. Communications between Destiny and unknown contacts are at an all-time high. Whatever spooked the higher-ups has me worried, because they'll do anything to save their own sorry hides."

By now, Darren could read between the lines. "There was a huge battle. Sara did better than anyone else, so you think Sara's going to be a target." Venom put both hands out, palms up in a mock hand-cleansing. "I didn't say it. I just looked at the facts and came to the most logical conclusion." Darren smiled unexpectedly. "Since when did you look out for others?" Venom smiled back, not unkindly. "I thought it best to help you this one time, and who knows? I may need a favor in return someday."

Darren stood to end the conversation, spying a crowd gathering around what he knew to be Sara. Venom stood as well. "We probably won't talk again, Darren. But if I need you, you'll know it."

Darren nodded and made his way through the tables and chairs to the small crowd of people. Politely pushing his way through, he discovered it was indeed Sara, surrounded by a crowd of curious questioners. "How'd you do so well?" "What was your score on the simulator test?" "What's your room number?" Darren rolled his eyes and stepped next to Sara, offering his arm. "Walk you to class?"

Sara stood and slid her arm in his, practically jumping at the chance to leave. Somebody took her tray and went to put it away, hoping to gain favor in her eyes. Once out of the cafeteria, she hugged Darren quickly and kept walking. "Thanks. They came out of nowhere before I was even finished eating, kept asking questions, and I didn't think I could just push someone and walk away."

Darren grinned. "It would've been an easy way to keep them from mobbing again, though. Knock one down, and they'll fear you as 'Sara, the fan-killer.'" Sara smiled, but it didn't last. After a moment, she hesitantly asked "Is that what it was like for you on Shirn? Mobbing fans, people wanting your personal information, never a moment's peace?" Darren kept grinning. "Not exactly celebrity material, are you?"

He laughed as Sara rolled her eyes. "Sara, we're not major attention-grabbers. Everybody loves attention; you and I just need less and from fewer people. Unfortunately for you, your job on Destiny is rather high-profile." Sara nodded. "I know, I know. And my talents are best suited for my job, and my personality is best suited for my talents, and on it goes."

Darren smiled distantly. "Now you've got it. Welcome to my world." Sara shot him a look that said "You're not helping," but he didn't catch it. Sighing, she asked "Why did you offer to walk me to class? You know I don't have one. In fact, I thought you had one." Darren shrugged. "I got out early. And walking you to class was the best excuse I could come up with that would stand under scrutiny."

Sara noticed the direction he was walking was away from their room. "So where are we going, then?" Darren frowned. That's a good question. Where do we go from here? "I'm not sure. But stay away from our room for the day. Somebody I know just told me you could be attracting unwanted attention. I know, I know," he said, noticing her exasperated sigh, "you can't help it. I don't fault you for anything; I just want you to stay at Diana's room for a while."

Sara glanced at him. "You remember that Thomas and Diana are married and share a room now, right?" Darren winced. He'd forgotten that. "Well...to be honest, no, I hadn't remembered. I'm out of ideas. Know anyone else you trust?" A name popped into his head and he silently prayed Sara would find someone. "No, I can't think of anyone who would let me stay." Darren sighed. "Well...there is...one other option."
~
Celia May opened her door and blinked. "Darren. Sara. To what do I owe this visit?" Darren looked up and down the hallway and motioned Celia aside, pushing Sara into the room. "C, there's not much time to explain. Basically, someone's upset because Sara's a good pilot, my sources tell me she could be targeted, and our room's probably not the safest place for her. I figured since you two got along so well, you could put her up for a night."

Celia blinked again. "So...where are you going to stay? And doesn't bringing her here make me a target too?" Darren shook his head. "I’ve already made arrangements for myself. And no, you're not in any danger. See, even if they did watch the cameras near your room, they wouldn't have time to send security guards here. They're already waiting inside ours. Four, if I remember correctly. I'll take care of that later. The commander expects me to go talk with him, so I won't. It’ll give him something to chew on."

He turned to Sara. "If, by chance, security does come and find you...protect Celia. Consider her an innocent caught in the crossfire, and use any means necessary on the guards." Sara leaned forward and hugged him, whispering fiercely in his ear. "If you do anything rash, expect to sleep on the couch. I want you back in one piece." Darren grinned and kissed her quickly. "As long as you don't do anything rash, I won't have to do anything rash." He turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Sara turned to Celia, who was eyeing her with no small amount of suspicion. "'Any means necessary?' 'Innocent caught in the crossfire?' Care to explain?" No, thought Sara. But I'm going to have to, even if only to get you off my back. "Darren already considered that guards would come for me here. Because he trained me back on Shirn, he knows that I know the steps needed to protect someone who shouldn't be involved in a fight."

Celia snorted. "I can fend for myself, Barbie. I don't need you fighting for me." "That may be," Sara replied evenly. "But if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to fight, and so I have to take full responsibility for whatever happens to you." Celia sat down on her bed, confused. “You’re taking responsibility for me, even though it was unfairly given to you?” Sara shrugged. “Darren knows what he’s doing. Even if I don’t see a reason for putting me here, perhaps he does.”
~
Darren took the elevator to the second floor and made his way quietly to the ISP room. The hallways were empty except for two or three students meandering aimlessly around. The bar from the previous night was still simulated, and surprisingly full considering the time of day. Slipping quietly through the crowd of people, Darren settled in a different corner than before. No sense in taking any chances.

A quick scan of the crowd revealed no familiar faces. Darren closed his eyes and tried to relax. Sara could take care of herself, so he didn’t need to worry about that. Venom was most likely safe. Celia was protected by Sara. Tim...Darren smiled. There was something about Tim that exuded a confidence of life. He’d be fine. So who was missing?

The room’s atmosphere changed almost imperceptibly, causing Darren to open his eyes. Something or someone was causing a rise of barely discernible tension. A gray-uniformed man that Darren recognized as the commander’s aide entered the room and sat on one of the barstools. The man barely touched his drink while obviously looking for someone.

Darren closed his eyes and waited silently. No more than two minutes had passed before he felt the air near him shift. “Can I help you?” he said quietly. The aide sat close to Darren and nodded, speaking when he realized Darren’s eyes were closed. “Yes. You can help me, and by helping me you can help other people.”

Darren opened an eye. “I’m listening.” The aide smiled. “Good. You may have noticed a lot of...activity among our faculty here. We believe we must take greater precautions with certain members of your crew.” Darren frowned. Being approached so quickly was something he hadn’t anticipated. “What do you want? Be brief.”

The aide nodded. “As you will. We want Sara to be safe from the prying eyes of the public. There are places on Destiny that very few people are allowed to even know about, much less enter. You know where Sara is, don’t you?” Darren opened his other eye and leaned forward, inches from the aide’s face. “Yes. But let me make sure I have this correct. The commander wishes Sara set apart to be ‘protected,’ while I rat her out?”

The aide scribbled numbers on a piece of paper and passed it to Darren. “We’d be willing to make it worth your while to change crews, avoid her, and so forth.” Darren fingered the paper, scratching his chin. “That’s a lot of money. All I’d have to do is tell you where she is?” The aide nodded. “Simplistic. Quick. Profitable.” Again with the nod. “Well? Do we have a deal?”

Darren stared at the man in uniform thoughtfully. “It’s certainly tempting...” The aide’s smile was pure relief. It quickly disappeared as Darren’s fist smashed into his left shoulder. Darren’s left hand closed over the man’s mouth, silencing his scream. Pulling him closer, Darren spoke cordially. “I apologize for taking it out on the messenger, but surely you understand. As a man of both honor and loyalty, I simply couldn’t let that go so easily.”

The man nodded and gingerly removed Darren’s left hand from his mouth with his good arm. His voice was tinged with pain. “Why do you think I was so hesitant to give you the message? I’d probably have done the same thing in your position.” Darren slid back in his seat slightly. “Go back to the commander. Show him your arm; I’m pretty sure it’s dislocated. Tell him he can keep his money. Tell him I won’t tolerate any further intrusions. And let him know that if this continues much longer...he won’t have control over the light in his room, much less Destiny.” Darren stood and walked to the door as casually as he could.

Once in the hallway, Darren’s walk turned to a run as he headed for the staircase. The aide watched him go, torn by loyalties. Darren held a great deal of respect in his eyes, but how could he ignore his duty to the commander? After a moment of considering, he lifted his radio to his mouth with sad, pain-filled eyes. I’m sorry, Darren. But I have people who depend on me too.

Darren raced up the stairs and ran full-speed down the fourth floor towards Celia’s room. Be safe. Be safe. Be safe. Scenarios danced through his mind, each more horrifying than the last. His footsteps beat a frantic rhythm on the hard polished floor, forcing other people to sidestep or risk collision.

He reached the room and checked the hallway for guards before throwing himself into the room and locking the door. The room was empty, but there were no signs of a struggle. Sara wouldn’t have gone with guards quietly, so they must have left on their own. A note on the table caught his eye and he picked it up.

All pilots and crew are required to meet at their ships at 1300 hours in the hangar.

Darren looked at the clock. 1254 hours. If it had been true, there would have been announcements, orders over a loudspeaker...this one was fake. So once again...now what? Pounding on the door shook him from his thoughts. “Open up, Darren! We know you’re in there!” He opened the door to find six guards and a different lieutenant. This one knew the previous lieutenant had died, but didn’t know why. Darren enjoyed watching him tremble, but felt the need to help him just a little. “Sara isn’t here.”

He expected doubt, and he wasn’t disappointed. “You led us to her hiding spot, Darren. Now let us in.” Darren gladly obliged and watched them search the room thoroughly. When they found nothing, they assumed again. “Where is she hiding? Did you move her?” Darren shook his head and said “No, lieutenant. I didn’t move her. Apparently she left without telling me.”

The gray uniforms moved a step closer to Darren. The lieutenant got as close to Darren’s face as he dared and leaned in. “Don’t lie to me, Darren.” Darren laughed directly in the man’s face. “Or what?” He let his statement sink in and continued, “I wasn’t lying when I said she left without telling me. Threatening me won’t get you anywhere. But let me assure you,” he leaned in, “that the commander’s double-crossing has not gone unnoticed.”

Darren turned and left the room. Once in the hallway, he pulled out the paper from his pocket and read it again before dropping it strategically on the ground. The hangar would be an excellent place to have everyone assembled. He walked a bit faster than normal, but didn’t run. There was no point in running yet. If they wanted to have him there, then he would be there at his own pace.
~
Sara and Celia waited just outside the ship. Celia checked her watch and sighed. “What in the blazes is going on here? They give us an order to appear, in uniform and formally arranged...by ourselves?” Sara blinked. Just...us? “Uh-oh. You don’t suppose they already found us and got us out here in the open for a reason, do you?” Celia checked the exits nervously. “Now that I think about it...that order did seem a little fishy.”

Sara groaned. “Now you think about it?” “I didn’t hear any comments from you about checking the note,” Celia retorted. “We were both busy with getting ready. And until we find out what’s going on for sure, we’re staying right here!” Sara ignored her and went into the ship, sitting down in her chair. Celia stuck her head in. “I’ll pretend you didn’t hear me so I won’t have to scream at you. They wanted us at attention, remember?”

Sara brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Yes, I know. I’m just warming up the engines.” She rejoined the puzzled Celia. “Why on Shirn would you want to do that?” Sara shrugged. “It seems prudent.” Celia smiled unexpectedly. “You know the word ‘prude’ is in ‘prudent,’ right?” Sara returned the smile. “Darren doesn’t seem to mind.” The stunned look on Celia’s face was worth millions.

The sound of running reached their ears. Sara shot a concerned glance at Celia, who leaned inside the ship to check the instruments. A beeping from the radar drew her gaze, causing her to gasp. “Sara! The orders may be bogus, but there are enemy forces launching an attack at this moment. We’re the only ones ready to go.”

Sara looked from the direction the footsteps were coming to Celia, then back to the footsteps. “Don’t we need our mechanic and navigator?” Darren appeared abruptly her field of view, hotly pursued by the lieutenant and his men. “Sara! Shut the doors of the ship, now!”

Sara punched the door button and jumped inside as the door began to close. Darren increased his speed as his window of opportunity grew smaller and smaller. A flying dive was the only way to get through before it closed completely, and he executed it perfectly. He slammed to the metal floor of the ship, wincing slightly. Probably should’ve run faster at first. “Thanks for waiting, ladies.” He glanced at the beeping radar and shook his head.

Celia noticed. “I know, I know. A false order that turned out to be true. We have no choice but to go out and fight, hoping they send backup. I can do navigation.” Darren nodded. “The moment we got in the ship, the men fled to escape the vacuum left by the hangar doors opening. We’re good to go.” The seconds from check-up to launch seemed like eternity to the three tense crew members. Sara realized with a start as she sat down in her chair that entering space in two consecutive days was another precedent they had just set. Oh well. Not like we had much of a choice...The vast feeling of emptiness consumed the D3 Suppressor.

The radar lit up suddenly, red triangles displayed on every side. They were completely surrounded by larger ships, fighting alone against the alien forces. Sara grimaced and turned hard to her immediate right, hoping to break through the sphere to freedom. Although many enemy ships died from the high-powered fire, she was forced to turn back or hit a wave of returning detonations.

Again and again ship 56 tried to get free of the closing forces, but they were hard pressed for space. The constant shifting of their enemy made it difficult to escape a run unscathed. When Sara was about to give up hope and try to ignore the damage done to the ship...

“Sara!” The speaker overhead squealed to life. “Hang in there, Sara!” The Gray Knights had arrived. Backing them up was Striking Viper and Holy Force, all three determined to repay what Sara had done for them. The outward alien ships turned to face this new attack as the inward-most ships kept the trapped ship inside.

Celia looked up from her panel in sheer panic. “Sara! We have to leave now! There’s a huge-!” The whole ship shuddered suddenly and stopped moving. Sara slammed a fist against her controls in frustration. “I can’t do a thing! Nothing’s responding!” Darren looked around nervously. “This isn’t good.”

The sound over the speaker was fading. “...Sara...this is Daniel...can’t pursue...” Sara flipped a switch. “Daniel! Don’t worry about us; we’ll be fine. Take your forces and retreat! We’ll handle ourselves!” Daniel’s voice came back, filled with regret. “...understood. Sorry we couldn’t...not enough forces...good luck.” Sara nodded to nobody in particular. “Thank you for coming to help. Ship 56 out.”

The ship fell silent as Sara looked at the other two people onboard. Celia was looking around the whole place, nervous and panicked. “We’re going to die, aren’t we?!?” Darren was also looking around nervously, but shivering. A scraping sound could be faintly heard through the hull. Darren pointed at the roof of the ship. “Whatever they’re using to immobilize us is also being used to drag us somewhere.”

Sara moved closer to him. “Are you cold?” Darren shook his head no even as he wrapped his arms around himself. “I shouldn’t be.” He reached out and took Sara by the shoulders, staring into her eyes. “Whatever happens, we need to trust each other.” The burning ice in Sara’s stomach returned. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?” Darren let go of her and slumped against the wall. “I don’t know entirely, but the closer we get to this unknown destination...the more this feeling of dread increases.” He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.

“Who...or whatever they are...they want us alive.” An alarm went off inside the cabin. Oxygen was being drained from the main tanks by an outside force. Eyelids became heavy and closed of their own accord. First Celia, then Sara and finally Darren slipped into sleepless dreaming.
- posted by Nick @ 8/31/2004 02:23:00 AM