Odyssey by Alexander Elliott

Author:Alexander Elliott [Elliott, Alexander]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 4th Ave Press
Published: 2017-12-03T07:00:00+00:00

The explosive device was in a trash receptacle, and seemed to have done more damage to buildings than people, though many were injured. Several of their shipmates were sprawled in the street, either unconscious or stunned. It was clear the Pacificans were the target of the explosion, but many Saharans were also injured. Swanson activated his hand comm and reported in, answering questions and providing a few first person facts. Kiren could not hear what was being said, but watched as Andre suddenly stiffened and slipped the comm back in his pocket.

“We need to get out of here, now!”

Kiren didn’t bother to ask questions as they wound their way through the crowd, still carrying their bulky purchases. Once they were in the clear, they moved quickly back to Kiren’s quarters, where he shut and locked the door.

He turned to look at Kiren’s confused expression.

“Sorry. My orders were to get you away from the scene and to safety as soon as possible. There was nothing we could have done to help back there anyway, and your mission has top priority. I’ve been briefed about the possibility of something like this happening, but no one knew when or where they might strike. We have a buoy stationed above the city, so hopefully we can glean some helpful information from the images.”

Swanson stopped talking when he realized Kiren had that far away look again. She blinked twice and then looked up at him.

“I heard you, Andre, but Sh’zul wanted to make sure I was not harmed. He knows I am safe now, and he asked about you, too.”

Andre encircled her with his arms, holding her close before pulling back enough for a kiss.

“Sh’zul isn’t the only one who wants to keep you safe, though I have a feeling the Rxyl occupy the safest place on the planet.”

Swanson released her, and they got busy filling her pack with supplies. Kiren activated the viewscreen in the front room and requested recent news reports, hoping to see what else they could learn about the attack. Most of the stories were the same – images from the street, reports of injuries being treated, and a general outrage something like this could happen on Sahara of all places. Everyone from President Morales on down condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Even the interviews with average citizens in the street were all favorable to the growing relationship with Pacifica.

The newsfeed from the Carruthers Media Group, however, was full of talking heads about the negative influence Pacifica was having on Saharan society, and ‘serious concerns’ about the safety and welfare of its citizens. They also called into question the President’s ability to maintain law and order, and her misinformed decision to ally herself with foreign interests.

When Kiren began to object rather forcefully, Andre explained the Carruthers Media Group was in the pocket of Senator Roux and his cronies, who were also behind the terrorist activity. Technically, she was not cleared to know, but he wanted her to understand what was going on and provide some reassurance her superiors were watching the situation very carefully.

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