Losing Mars (Saving Mars Series-3) by Swanson Cidney

Author:Swanson, Cidney [Swanson, Cidney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Williams Press
Published: 2012-04-08T07:00:00+00:00

28

HOPE

But when it came time to make the acquaintance of the M-class ship, Jessamyn discovered news most unwelcome.

“The engines will have been altered, naturally,” said Cameron Wallace. “In order to prevent interplanetary travel.”

Jessamyn stared at the Chieftain in dismay. “You’re giving me a ship that won’t get me home?”

“I’m giving ye a ship in need of some alterations,” said Cameron. “And I’ll load the parts ye’ll be needing in the hold. Anyone with a remotely mechanical bone in their body can do the work required. But I suggest holding off until the time comes to launch. The deep space engines leave a signature in their wake that would set off alarms and get ye shot out of the sky. Or worse.”

Hope and frustration competed inside Jess, and she stuffed her hands deep into her pockets. It wasn’t a perfect, functional ship, but with some work, it would get the Raiders home.

“So I’m leaving the engines be for now,” continued Cameron. “Don’t want to bring Lucca’s pets sniffing around to see what Clan Wallace is up to, now do I?” Darkly, she added, “I leave that to me cousin Brian.”

“Cameron’s absolutely right,” said Kipper. “The Chancellor’s been pushing new legislation to bring the ban on flying down to one hundred kilometers. Sending an M-class with interplanetary capabilities into airspace in the current political climate would be foolish.”

Jess had no choice but to agree. She couldn’t risk drawing the attention of the Terran government again.

“She mostly leaves us be, those of us with actual power outside her control,” continued Cameron. “So long as we play by certain rules. One of which is, don’t attempt space travel. She’s no fool. She knows where tellurium’s to be found, and she’ll suffer no one but her own self to go after it once she truly runs out.”

“But MCC’s sent how many missions here in the last century?” asked Jess. “Without bringing ruin to your clan—”

“That remains to be seen,” said Cameron, glowering. “Thanks to me fool cousin, Clan Wallace is very prominently on the Chancellor’s radar.”

Jess felt color rushing to her face. “Cameron, there’s something you should know. That wasn’t your cousin’s fault. It was mine. The Chancellor’s only after Brian Wallace because she wants me.”

“Jessamyn drugged and stabbed the Chancellor in the course of completing the mission,” added Kipper, drily.

“Did ye really?” asked Cameron. “Well, well, lass. That’s something Brian left out. Ye’re a bold one. But I beg to differ a wee bit: no matter what ye might have done to her, the Chancellor wants more than just some red-haired inciter. She wants her nephew back as well. Her nephew last seen in the company of me cousin, Brian.”

Cameron crossed her arms as if to begin anew her rant against him, but then she sighed and shook her head. “This has gone on long enough. I’m behaving like a child. Would ye tell Brian from me that I’m willing to let bygones be bygones if he is?”

“Of course,” replied Jessamyn.

“Is he well, then?” asked Cameron.

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