Neutral Space(50)

She slept with the new medkit by her side. We didn’t have cause to use it in the next three months. I bought her plenty of fresh fruit while I was on the trade ship and she was rationing it out slowly. She offered me some, but I never took it. Her belly was sticking out now, and she switched over to the dresses I bought her. I finally worked out all the pieces of the conspiracy and Kheda was appalled. Now the hard part was how to get the governments to listen without being killed in the process.





Chapter 21





W



e took two weeks working out a plan right down to the most minor detail. However, we were going to need help. Jeannie would be no problem. She even made suggestions to improve our ideas. The hard part was getting help from Kheda’s family. Somehow she managed to track down her brother and set up a secure channel. A Kelsairan woman with long black hair and gray-blue mottled eyes answered the call.

Kheda seemed amused. “You must be Thris.”

“Of course I am. If you’re calling to accuse my husband of getting you in that condition, then you can save your breath because…”

“My husband is the father of my children. I called to speak with my brother.” Kheda replied.

“Kheda,” now the other woman was amused, and I was confused. Thris disappeared and returned with Aya.

“Kheda thank Kelta. We’ve been worried. You…” he started then looked at her “You’re pregnant. Where’s Jackson? Is he all right?”

“I’m fine, Aya. Thanks for your concern.” I moved into view before letting Kheda retake control.

“When is the child due, Kheda?”

“The children are due in approximately three months. I’m carrying two a boy and a girl.”

“That’s great news. Do you…”

“Aya, that’s not why I’m calling. This is a secure line, but we still have to be brief. What I’m going to ask is dangerous, and even if you don’t agree to help us, you can tell no one.”

“One question first. How’s my ship?” He grinned, and I knew he’d help us. Kheda explained exactly what she needed him to do but not how to do so. She knew it would be hard to work out the details on his end and let it be. He asked only that we sit still for a week.

We called a week later, and he said we were good to go. Ren had already left Aran. So I sent out a copy of the list to every name that attended the last three meetings with an ultimatum to meet at the base on Micea or risk being exposed. I also sent copies to their contacts in both governments. The politicians that would attend the meetings were mere puppets. I needed those pulling strings to know I wasn’t playing. They had four weeks which would give me plenty of time to get there and plenty of time to get Kheda to safety.

Everything was packed and ready to go when Ren’s ship arrived. Kheda wore a grey dress, and her hair grazed her shoulders. The sides were pulled up and out of her eyes, and she looked so beautiful. The hatch opened, and Ren stepped out. She ran to greet him, and he smiled.

“Another generation to bring into this world.”

“Looks like you figured out the clue I left just in time.” Another man said in greeting as he stepped off Ren’s ship.

“Daddy?” Kheda took a step forward “Oh Kelta, it is you.” She rushed into his arms.

“Aya told me you were pregnant, but I didn’t believe him. I had to see it for myself.”

She took a step back then looked at me. She reached for my hand, and I came forward. “Jackson, this is my father, Sen.” I looked up at him. He was taller than Aya with the same blue eyes, but his hair was darker and his features more angular. I don’t know if he was more intimidating because he was nearly as big as Tam or because he was Kheda’s father.

“Well now, Jackson, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My brother and Ren both told me nice things about you. Aya seems to hold a grudge something about a ship.” I looked to Kheda.

“He won’t let it go until he gets it back.” Her father was still smiling though he apparently found it amusing.

“I take it you have a plan to make them listen and not get yourself killed?” Sen asked. I nodded. “Good, you can fill me in on the way.”

“You’re coming with me?”

“How else were you planning on landing?” Sen asked.

“My ship’s beacon code is human military intelligence.” He looked at me impressed.

“But I have diplomatic asylum. We’ll double your chances if I go. Besides, I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” I nodded finally.

“Kheda and your children will be safe in my hands.” Ren volunteered. I hugged Kheda, never wanting to let her go. It was the first time we were apart for more than a few days since we left Kras. I kept wondering how I would ever get through this and why I was doing this. Then I felt the children growing inside her, my children and I knew why. I loved all three of them more than I loved myself. I had to do this for us and all the others like us.

“Come back to me, Jackson.” She whispered in my ear.

“Just like we planned Kheda. , You know what to do if something goes wrong.” I kissed her and let her go. Ren took one of her bags, and I watched her leave. “I’ll see you again, Kheda. I love you.”

“I love you too, Jackson.” She called back as the hatch closed. I wiped the tears from my eye with the back of my sleeve before looking to her father.