HeartFast by Linda Mooney

Author:Linda Mooney [Mooney, Linda]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-13T07:07:58+00:00

Chapter 19

Arrest

" Damn them all!"

Deceiver turned to Commander who was piloting Three back to home bay. They had taken the long way back, without the benefit of any shortcuts, in the false hope they would intercept Master Hunter and StarLight along the way. It wasn't until they'd punched through the surface of their home world that they admitted the two might not be returning any time soon. If ever.

Now, as the Guardian transport ship approached the docking station, everyone could see the half-dozen police craft and two official vehicles used exclusively by the Committee parked in the middle of the concourse.

"What are we going to do, Deceiver?" Corona asked softly. Everyone was tired. They had eaten from the supplies packed aboard the ship, but it had been a long, exhausting mission. To a man they wanted to retreat to their beds for some much needed rest once they landed. No one wanted to mess with whatever nonsense the Committee was determined to instigate the moment they were on the ground. The Guardian leader frowned. "Nothing. There's nothing we can do." He sighed loudly. Whatever he said to the authorities, he knew the others would back him unflinchingly. As they expected, the moment the outer door was opened, two uniformed police flanked them as they emerged from the 226

HeartFast

by Linda Mooney

craft. Overhead in normally restricted airspace, news shuttles hovered. Filming. Reporting.

A tall figure in a black tunic approached the group, stopping less than ten feet away as his eyes raked over them. They all knew who he was searching for.

"I am Serien Tark. I'm chairman representing the Committee in charge of upholding the laws and edicts of the HandFast. Where are Master Hunter and StarLight?"

"They're not here," Deceiver spoke out, taking a step toward the chairman, singling himself out.

Tark screwed up his face. "What do you mean, they're not here? Where are you hiding them?"

"Not hiding them anywhere," Deceiver answered noncommittally. "You're welcome to check out the transport if you think we're keeping them concealed." To his surprise, Tark gave a nod to the two policemen standing beside the craft, who immediately disappeared inside. The action suffused him with further resentment.

"Then you know where they are," the Chairman accused.

"I sent them on a search mission," Deceiver lied. Well, half a lie. Behind him, the other Guardians kept straight faces.

"We met with the Ombitra on Greater Biris. Because of their flying abilities, I sent Hunter and Star to tail the enemy ships, hoping to get an idea as to where they came from."

"You realize that by doing so, you violated the edicts of the HandFast."

"How so? I read no such edict that would prove I'm in violation," Deceiver snapped.

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HeartFast

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"You removed their ability to report back to the Committee," Tark replied smoothly. "You interfered with StarLight's need to be tested. That makes you culpable and liable. Captain?" Motioning to one of the police, the chairman pointed to Deceiver. "Arrest this man and charge him violation of HandFast edicts."

"And while you're at it, arrest yourself," an angry voice demanded from behind them.

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