Neutral Space(42)

“Your breasts are perfect.”

“If I’d have known non-army issued underwear was such a turn on I’d have switched a long time ago.” She teased me.

We came down just as lunch was being set on the table. Kheda looked at Sarah and smiled. I gave her an approving nod as well. Mark was lost. I’m sure Sarah would tell him soon enough.

Dad and Mark went back to his house to keep working after lunch. I was going to go too, but Sarah wanted me to go pick up the boys from school with her. So I helped her wash the dishes and quietly thanked her for taking Kheda shopping. I don’t know how they did it, but I was happy they did.

Kheda stayed behind when Sarah and I went to get the boys. She said she’d start packing our things so we could enjoy one last evening with my family. I drove the transport out to the same school Sarah, Luke and I once went to. The yard was already crowded with kids when we pulled up. Matthew came out to greet us, but Gabriel was talking to another kid. I whistled for him and waved him over. He pointed at me and said something else. The other kid punched Gabriel, and he hit him right back.

I was out of the transport before Sarah could say anything. I tore the two boys apart and held them at arm's length. “What did I tell you about fighting?”

“Uncle Jackson, he was saying mean things about you.”

“They’re only words.”

“You’re a coward then.” The boy spat. “My dad served in the war. He told me what they were like; then you go and marry one of their filthy kind.” Gabriel moved to hit him again. I freaked out. Kheda and I had to leave now. If this kid told his father, and he believed him, this could be really bad.

“Get in the transport, Gabe.”

“But Uncle Jackson.”

“Now.” I looked at the kid, never thinking I’d have to deny Kheda, my own wife. “Gabriel is confused my wife is Telaithan, not Kelsairan.” He wasn’t buying it the kid was too smart. I didn’t bother trying to convince him further. I let him go and went back to the transport. I told Sarah to drive so I could talk to the boys. I should have done it yesterday before they went to school.

“Gabriel, Matthew, I want you to understand something. I’m in a lot of trouble. Not for anything I did wrong or anything Kheda did wrong, but for things they say we did. Most of it is untrue.” Gabe looked like he was going to say something, but I stopped him. “Most of it, Gabe, there are things you do sometimes to survive you’re not proud. I did one of those, but I’m here.

“I love Kheda, and everyone says I’m not supposed to.”

“Yeah, like Tommy Pearson.”

“Just like Tommy, I have to ask you to do something. You’re not going to be proud of it, and it’s something I’m not proud of asking you to do, but we all have to in order to survive.”

“Why, Uncle Jackson?” Matt asked. He was younger and didn’t really understand what was going on.

“I shouldn’t have come here. It put you in danger because I’m in trouble. I’m sorry.”

“But we were all worried about you. We’re glad you came.” Gabriel offered. “We like Kheda too.”

“Then will you do what I ask?” The boys nodded.

“Deny I was ever here. Deny you ever met Kheda or that you know I married her.”

“You’re asking us to lie?” Matthew looked at me confused.

“About this and only this.” I looked away from them. “You have no Uncle Jackson until this is over, all right?” They both hugged me, and all three of us were crying.

“What did you do, Uncle Jackson?” Gabriel asked.

“Someday you’ll know my whole story and proudly say I’m your uncle, I promise.” Sarah looked at me concerned. “Take a vacation, Sarah. Go somewhere, anywhere.” She nodded. I figured they’d go see Mark’s family, but neither of us said it. “Sarah, I’m sorry.”

“I know, Jackson but, the boys were right it was worth the risk.”

We pulled up to the house, and I jumped out before it stopped. “Kheda, get our stuff let’s go.” She and my mother were seated in the kitchen; both of them stared up at me. “We’ve got trouble.” She zipped her one piece further ready for a fight before running upstairs for our things.

“Jackson, be careful.”

“I will. Mom, I’m telling you the same thing I told Sarah and the boys. I was never here.” She nodded. “Go to Sarah’s and warn dad then go to with Mark, please.”

Sarah dropped us at the ship before she left for her home. I was already taking off as Kheda closed the hatch. I knew I was being paranoid. I knew we had more time, but this was my family. I couldn’t take any chances with either of them. Kheda sat down beside me, and I told her what happened. She rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder, but I wouldn’t slow down. The race was on to make it to Sirus Three before they found us.





Chapter 17





I



t was only a two-day trip. Kheda and I took turns at the controls, never leaving them for more than a few minutes. Reality finally returned, and it wasn’t pleasant. Less than an hour outside Sirus Three, four army ships approached. I jammed their scanners and long-range communicators, but I answered their hail.