Page 27 of A World Enough

“Yes, wait till we get out of here first,” Brogan said.

Camber nodded. She checked with her mind map and waved Brogan forward.

They eventually got to the ship hangar. The space was full of both small ships and cargo ships.

Brogan leaned closer to Camber so she could see much better. “Wow, this is like a sci-fi movie.”

“What’s a sci-fi movie?” Camber asked.

“You are living in it,” Brogan said flippantly.

Brogan would never have believed that the people she had seen living in an ancient, Stone Age world had the gateway to the stars and the gods hidden behind a piece of technology.

It was disgusting to use the people on Oipra this way.

Camber pointed to one of the smaller ships. It had the ramp down at the back, but the rest of the hangar was busy with workmen and pilots, and ships being loaded with ternite.

She knew this ship with the ramp was their one chance out of here.

Camber whispered to Brogan, “This is the one, our chance to stow away and get the ship past planetary defence.”

“The same two guards we saw are on there. I can hear them.”

“Two?”

“Not bad having a wolf to help you, eh?” Brogan said.

Camber rolled her eyes. “At least it’s much better odds for taking control of the ship.”

“I’ll need you to take these off, if I’m to overpower the soldiers,” Brogan said.

“No, if you’re such an alpha wolf, I’m sure you can help me take them out without two hands.”

“This is insane,” Brogan said angrily.

“Keep your voice down. You could be leading me into a trap,” Camber said.

“Bloody hell. Let’s go, then, to our early deaths.”

Camber ignored Brogan’s sarcasm. “You can hear footsteps or talking. Tell me when it’s clear to go.”

Brogan sighed and pushed in front of Camber.

“Such a gentlewoman, Wolf.”

Camber was thoroughly annoyed. Why did she even get hot over this wolf?

Brogan held her hand up and held and held. “It’s too busy,” Brogan whispered.

“I might be able to help,” Camber said.

She rummaged in her satchel and took out a ball made of a black rubbery substance, and a small catapult. It had a viewfinder on the handle, allowing her to aim towards the furthest wall.

Camber made her shot at the door where goods were being brought out and transferred to cargo ships. The substance exploded beside the door and knocked over a shipment of ternite. It created the diversion they needed.

While many of the ground crew ran over to investigate, Brogan waved them on.

They crouched but walked as fast as they could up the ramp. Camber touched Brogan’s shoulder and signalled to let her lead the way again.