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I put the sandwheel into a higher gear as I got closer to Gofrin. The one story building ahead was our destination. I gave him a mock salute as I zoomed forward. Seeing his expression in the rearview mirror was the high point of the day thus far.
The building was near. The large tires of the vehicle spun out as I applied the brakes. I had to act fast to regain control. I tapped on the brakes and turned the wheel away from the building. The vehicle switched direction before I was able to bring it to a complete stop. Its engine sputtered once before I heard a metallic groan.
“I’ll have one of my people look at that.” Gofrin got out of his vehicle. “Let me show you where we keep the others.”
We went inside the rustic building where several of his fighters were already at work maintaining the sandwheels. After a quick run-through, I learned that they were dual-powered by solar energy from the back panels as well as the standard fuel cartridges.
“We hardly ever have to rely on the fuel cartridges,” my cousin boasted. “It benefits us to remain in the desert.”
“You designed an impressive mode of transportation.”
“They hold up to twice their weight and retain up to three quarters of their top speed when fully encumbered.”
“That is impressive.” I looked to an open window and saw the sun was steady climbing. Cammie was likely up by now.
Gofrin spent a couple more minutes conversing with his fighters before we went outside. I started the engine of my sandwheel. It sputtered and choked.
“Rone, look out.”
I raised my head to see that the tall, flexible tube of the exhaust pipe got itself twisted around when I previously brought the vehicle to a hard stop. Instead of facing away from the vehicle, it was angled right over the interior. I barely had time to cover my face before the exhaust pipe let out a loud belch and sent sand pouring over my head.
My cousin hawed with laughter. “I bet you weren’t expecting that.”
I dusted myself off and kicked out all the sand I could from the floorboard. I was willing to give my cousin the benefit of the doubt, but I also wouldn’t put it past him to give me a deficient vehicle as a practical joke. “If you can find a way to keep the exhaust pipe from dumping sand into the vehicle, I think the Fleet might have use for these.”
Gofrin put a stopper on his braying laugh. “You want your soldiers to use my sandwheels?”
“You know I dislike repeating myself.”
He stroked his chin. “Why should I have them made for your army?”
“The soldiers could use them to get from place to place on the moon bases. You’d be expanding your defenses outside of Zol by helping me.”
The last part got his attention. “It would be good to keep this planet clear of renegades.” He folded his arms. “If this small gesture helps you in the fight, then I’ll do it.”
“It’s settled. Should we head to the oasis? Cammie and I have to leave later this morning. We have one more stop before we go home.”
My cousin climbed into his sandwheel. “We better take this one back since yours needs repair.”
Once I got in, we set off. Gofrin talked over the roar of the engine. “I thought of visiting you in Kajal, but the family and I don’t like the city. Too much artificial lighting and not enough desert and grassland.”
I supposed I could not fault him for being set in his ways when I was guilty of doing the same at times. “You and your family are welcome to visit. Sofra may need to leave the launch bugs at home.”
He grinned. “Aside from your mate’s irrational fear of hopping insects, I can see she’s good for you. She made you loosen up and find a sense of humor.”
“You know it’s not easy being a leader. Cammie has a way of navigating challenging personalities, my own included. She’s everything to me.”
“I must admit, I was skeptical at first when you said your mate was from Earth. Now I'm convinced. She hasn’t jetted back to her planet yet.”
“Our bond holds us together.”
“All this poetic speech over bonding. You’ll make me gag before breakfast.”
We arrived at the oasis. My soldiers were diligent in doing their morning practice drills. Further down by the water, some members of Gofrin’s community were starting their day.
I found Cammie outside in front of my cousin’s house. She stood, talking to one of his wives, Jeleen, while children chased each other in circles. Cammie held Gofrin’s youngest, the two-year-old Eleko, in her arms.
I was not prepared for this. Seeing Cammie with the little one in her arms had an effect on me. I stared for a long time. I could see myself, see us, with a child of our own.
