Gamma Raiders: Storm Squadron Alpha: Scifi Alien Romance Novel (29 page)

“I’m sorry, you’re going to distribute supplies? To whom?”

Ja’al smiled. “To anyone and everyone that needs them, Lana.
That
is what we do.
That
is why the Raiders exist. The Kamaran Empire has caused too much suffering in the world as a result of their greed and brutality. We do what we can to make it better.”

Lana’s mind spun. His words rang true. And it made perfect sense, in its way. The stories whispered about the Gamma Raiders revealed that they’d captured more than a few high profile ships. But not one member of the crew seemed to care a lick about material possessions. Even the ship itself, aside from the obvious technological advantages like their systems disruptors and cloaking devices, seemed to be boiled down to the essentials. Nothing extravagant. Nothing wasted. And now she understood why.

Unless he was just spinning a story.

“You don’t believe me,” said Ja’al.

“I don’t know, Ja’al. It would explain a lot. I just don’t understand why. Why do all that? Why do you even care?”

“That’s not my story to tell,” said Ja’al.

“Adaar.”

“Yes,” he said. He sat back and folded his hands on his lap. “But like I said, it’s not my story to tell.”

“Great. So why bring it up at all?”

Ja’al shook his head. “Because there’s no easy way to stop the wedding, Lana…things might get interesting in there. You’ll be going in with Adaar, posing as the Emperor’s relatives. Except that you’re obviously not who you say you are. And we’re going to have to make a few modifications to your appearance.”

Lana’s face lit up as it dawned on her. “And that’s why it was so important for you to get the lightcycles. So that he…so that
we
can disguise our appearances.”

“Yes, and that’s not all. There are genetic scanners to fool, as well. Fortunately, the good doctor has prepared a special serum that will throw them off. As I said, security is going to be tight, and everything about this is risky.”

“No kidding. This sounded crazy before, but…” she trailed off.

“So you understand, now, why it’s so important for you to be able to pass as a noble when you’re out there with them. Regardless of how you actually feel about Adaar,” he looked at her curiously, probably hoping she’d betray some reaction. Lana held her face as steady as she could manage. “The two of you need to seem like you’re in love out there. Nothing to suggest that you’re anyone other than who you say you are.”

“I can handle it,” she said.

“I believe that you can, Lana. We wouldn’t be going through with this if that wasn’t the consensus opinion.”

“Consensus? Isn’t Adaar the captain?”

He smiled. “Adaar is our leader. He’s also a fair man, and he cares about the opinions of those he trusts. He trusts us…and he trusts you to pull this off.”

“But you don’t?”

Ja’al clenched his fist, a line crossing his face before he finally spoke in a careful, measured tone. “I trust you too, Lana. I think that you’re capable of doing this. I just want to make sure you don’t lose it when the time comes.”

“Why would I do that?”

Ja’al shook his head. He seemed to wrestle with himself. He reached out and grabbed her hand. “After the dance, you’ll speak with Ellistra in her private chamber. And it’s up to you to convince her to call the wedding off. She may say some things that…”

She had never heard Ja’al so unsure of himself.

“Whatever happens in there…whatever you hear…whatever is said…keep your wits about you and know that it’s all part of the plan.”

Lana’s brow furrowed. “You know something. If you’re so worried, why don’t you tell me what to expect?”

He looked down. “I’m sorry, Lana. But I can’t. Just promise me that you’ll keep your cool. That you’ll come back here when it’s all over.”

“You’re scaring me.”

Ja’al gripped her hands. “Promise me, Lana.”

“Okay,” she said. She hated being kept in the dark. It infuriated her. But whatever Ja’al wasn’t saying pained him, too. It was a promise to the captain she knew he would keep.

She could still refuse to go through with it. But Tanner was only getting worse. And she may never have another chance to help him. He was worth the cost. Worth risking whatever it was that Ja’al was keeping from her.

Lana drew in a deep breath. “I promise.”

Chapter 13

Lana stepped off the transport shuttle in front of the palace, awestruck by the sight before her. Anara was widely known for its breathtaking views, but nothing her imagination conjured did justice to the sight before her.

Towering spires of marble and obsidian, hand-carved remnants of a bygone age, were surrounded by the most ornately decorated steel and tarkanium support bridges she’d ever laid eyes on.

Seated on top of the planet’s tallest waterfall, torrents of surging water seemed to erupt from the palace itself, as though the building were supplying the entire planet with the life-giving flow of water that spilled into the Anaran Ocean.

“My gods,” she said, taking Adaar’s hand as he pulled her forward. “Have you ever seen anything like this?”

“It’s magnificent,” he said. “And it’s worth protecting.”

“Right,” said Lana. “Of course. I’m sorry.”

“You’re allowed to appreciate it, dear. All the royals do. That’s why they built the palace here. Just try to act like you’re not so entranced. A sight like this is supposed to be commonplace to you.”

“You’re right. I just wish the circumstances were different. I wish Kira could have seen this.”

Adaar smiled. “Kira has been given a special task for today. She’ll have her chance to see the planet.”

“She’s not helping the rest of the crew?”

“I’m afraid not. What she’s doing is far more important. A personal favor to me.”

“That’s a little cryptic. What’s going on?”

He looked at her and smiled. “All in good time. Right now, we need to stay focused. We have to act like we’re in love. Will you be able to convince them?” His golden skin looked radiant against the natural backdrop of the Anaran sun. The long silk coat of his formal attire fit his body perfectly. Kira was right…He
was
insanely hot. And even though they had a job, that didn’t mean she wasn’t allowed to enjoy herself. It would only help complete the illusion, after all.

She smiled back at him warmly. “Maybe I will, my love. Maybe I will.”

“Okay, let’s not lay it on too thick. We’re Kamaran royals, not lovesick newlyweds.”

“Business, business all the time,” she said. “It’s not my fault you fancy folks can’t appreciate the finer things in life. It
is
a wedding after all.”

Adaar smiled at her. “Cute. But it’s show time. Are you ready?”

“Oh yes,” she said. “Let’s go stop a wedding.”

They approached the palace gates and greeted a pair of gruff looking Kamaran guards at the entrance. Both of them were heavily armed, pulse rifles slung from their backs and sidearms at their waists.

“Not dressed up for the ceremony?” asked Adaar as he presented their pilfered invitation.

The guard looked at him coolly as he snatched the holoscreen from Adaar’s hand. He studied the pirate Captain’s face with a scrutiny that made Lana worry. “You look familiar,” he said.

“I hope so,” said Adaar. “You should know every guest on your list.”

The guard’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh, don’t mind the Duke,” said Lana. “He’s just eager to get his lips wet with his first glass of Anaran champagne.”

“Can’t say I blame him,” said the guard as he turned back to the holoscanner. He read the information and the security identifier into his handheld scanner. His eyes widened, and he shrugged.

“May we?”

The guard’s scanner buzzed and a red light flashed. “Hold up,” he said. “This says you never accepted your invitation. They’re not expecting you.”

Adaar reacted quickly. “What? There must be a mistake. I told my attendant to take care of this personally.”

Lana’s eyes flew open as she dug her heel into the ground. “Good help is impossible to find. We should have fired him years ago.”

“We’re here and we’re planning to attend the ceremony,” said Adaar.

The guard shook his head. “You’re not cleared. I’m going to need an extra identifier. Please hold out your hand.”

Lana’s heart raced as Adaar lifted his arm. They were going to sample his blood to check his genetic markers. She whispered a silent prayer that the doctor’s makeshift serum would stand up to the scanner.

She held her breath for what seemed like an eternity.

Finally, the scanner flashed green.

“Alright,” the guard said. “You’re clear to proceed.”

Lana smiled at him as they stepped through the next station, the weapons check, without a hitch.

“Gods, that was close,” she said.

“Nonsense, dear. The doctor knows what he’s doing. Did you think I would risk your life without making sure we’d get in the door? I’m a professional.”

Adaar led her through the vestibule into a grand high-ceilinged room covered in the most beautiful artwork she’d ever seen. A large crowd of guests had gathered around a glowing green statue carved from the deep Anaran coral. “This is unbelievable,” she said. “I knew the artists on this planet were talented, but gods!”

“Now
that
, Lana, you’re allowed to gawk at. This statue was commissioned by the High Councilor to celebrate the birth of the princess. A detestable man, by all accounts, but his taste in art is unmatched. Anara is home to the finest artists in the system.”

“Clearly,” she said.

“Let’s not linger, though,” he said. “We don’t have long before they call us into the ballroom. And we need to make our rounds so the crew knows who’s here.”

“You mean, you don’t have the guest-list already figured out? Part of your rigorous planning?”

“Of course we do, dear,” he said. “But it’s prudent to double check. Besides, it’s not every day you’re invited inside the walls of the great Anaran palace. I don’t know about you, but I’d appreciate the chance to take a look around.”

Lana smiled. “Sounds good to me, Duke,” she said.

Adaar flashed his radiant blue eyes at her as she wrapped her arms around his elbow.

Inside the grand ballroom, a pulsing sea of guests made their rounds, catching up on all the latest scandals and private gossip from the far corners of the galaxy. Shady political deals and trade negotiations were never officially conducted at an event like this, but some of the more opportunistic types planted fertile seeds.

Lana surveyed the crowd. “I’ve never seen so many important people,” she said.

“Don’t get nervous now,” he said. “They’re not as important as their titles would have you believe. Everyone here is flesh and blood. They’re not so different from us.”

“Except that their decisions influence everyone. And look at the way they move. The way they stand. Gods, look at the way they’re dressed,” she said, her eyes following a group of beautiful Anaran women that she assumed was the bridal party. “They’re all so beautiful.”

Adaar’s cerulean blue eyes met her own. “They don’t know what beauty is, Lana Riley. And what they do have is only skin deep.”

Lana felt her cheeks flushing again. She was grateful that the doctor had taken such painstaking care with her appearance. Maybe it would be enough to hide her embarrassment. She felt suddenly self-conscious in her long black dress. “I don’t fit in here,” she said. “I’m not like them.”

“No, Lana. You’re not,” he said. “I wouldn’t trust you for a second if you were.”

“That’s not what I mean,” said Lana. “Look at how gracefully they move. How comfortable they seem with all this. They’re all so perfect, and I’m just…”

“More stunning than anyone here. And more intelligent. More compassionate. I’ve never met anyone like you, Lana. And apparently, you’re not even remotely aware of just how incredible you look right now.” Adaar nodded towards a group of Malotravians standing near the grand staircase, staring at her. “They all seem to agree,” he said.

“They’re probably whispering under their breaths that I shouldn’t be here.”

“I’m going to let you in on a secret, Lana. There’s not a single person here who isn’t pretending. Every one of them,” he swept his arm wide, “feels the same way you’re feeling now. They’re all worried that someone is going to discover that they’re faking. That they don’t really belong. Everyone is just waiting to be exposed. They spend their entire lives…and an ungodly amount money…trying to hide that fact from everyone else. But the truth is that none of them belong. You, Lana Riley, are nobler than any of them.”

Lana didn’t believe it, but she appreciated the compliment all the same. Attending a ball like this was the childhood fantasy of some girls, but she never cared about all the trappings. Nonetheless, being here at the palace, in all its splendor, she couldn’t help but appreciate the majesty of it.

“Let’s take a spin about, shall we? I’m sure our companions would appreciate it.”

Adaar held out his arm. Lana gripped him gently, trying to maintain the appearance of comfort and ease that everyone else seemed to display. Even if they were all just pretending, they were doing it well. She didn’t want to betray her discomfort and draw unnecessary attention.

A Yordaskian man in a flamboyantly adorned, multi-colored coat passed by them, followed by a small crowd of attendants. His boots were too stiff, making his gait painfully awkward to watch. He swung his legs around in a humorous display, ambling forward in the most unnatural way imaginable.

Lana choked, holding in her laughter.

“You see what I mean, dear. The Earl of Yordask looks comfortable doesn’t he?”

“That man is an Earl? He looks more like a court jester.”

“He acts the part, too, though he thinks he’s the most important man in the room. But I wouldn’t worry too much about him. He’s too busy trying to put on a show of his own to pay attention to anyone else.”

Adaar led her forward through the archway and onto the ballroom floor. Except for the Yordaskian Earl, the guests all seemed to wear their regal formality with a class that Lana could never deign to match. She hoped no one tried to speak to her, to ask about political events that she knew nothing about. Her limbs grew stiff as anxiety flooded her body.

“What’s wrong, dear?” said Adaar, squeezing her hand.

“I don’t belong here,” she said.

“Thank the gods for that,” said Adaar. His eyes softened as he looked at her, taking her elbows in his hands and pulling her closer. “If you were the sort of person who belonged here, I wouldn’t have brought you here in the first place. But I trust you, Lana Riley.” He squeezed her arms as he spoke, and Lana felt comforted by his assurance.

“All we have to do is make it through to the ceremony,” he said, “and we’ll be on our way. The Head of Ceremony will call us all onto the floor soon, and the dance will begin. If you can make it until then, we’ll be in the clear.”

“Right,” said Lana, pulling her face tight. “Ada…”

He spun back to her and laid a finger on her lips. “Do not speak that name here,” he said sternly.

That was a pretty intense reaction
, she thought. But then, it shouldn’t surprise her that the name of feared pirate leader shouldn’t be said out loud in a room full of paranoid nobles.

“I’m sorry, Duke,” she said. “It won’t happen again.”

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said. “We need to keep the element of surprise on our side. And even a whisper among the crowd would put us in danger. Things may get complicated soon enough. No reason to make this harder.”

Lana looked out at a beautiful Anaran girl with soft, dark skin and an elegantly tailored dress made from satins and silks that flowed from her body with the grace of a ribbon in the breeze. There was more beauty in this room than she’d seen in her lifetime.

Adaar, too, held his body with a poise and grace that seemed natural. Even those in the room who’d spent lifetimes mastering the art of body language and presentation couldn’t match the ease that he embodied. With his perfectly cut features and his penetrating blue eyes, he could have any woman here. Any woman in the universe. And for some reason, he kissed
her.

“Why me?” she asked.

Adaar raised an eyebrow. “My dear?”

“I mean…look around at this place. Look at you. Why did you kiss me?”

“Lana,” he said as they came to the edge of the reflecting pool in center of the ballroom. “Have a look.” He pointed down at the image staring back at them from the crystal clear waters. “You, of all people, should never need to ask that question. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’re ten times the noble that anyone in this palace pretends to be. And…” His lips parted into a soft smile. “I’m proud to be standing at your side.”

Lana nearly melted into the reflecting pool. It probably would have helped cool the heat rising in her chest. The rest of the palace, the mission, and the guests all seemed to fade into the background. And for a brief shared moment, it was only the two of them.

The flicker of the comm piece buzzed in both of their ears simultaneously as Ja’als voice sounded through the speaker. “Sorry to interrupt, but we still need to get a handle on this situation here. We don’t have much longer before they call for the dance.”

Had he been listening this whole time? Lana glared at Adaar, who seemed to understand. He shook his head and placed his hand gently on her arm.