Doorways Chapter 9a

“You're to bring back that Princess and get to that dinner.” Axel firmly stated the obvious anyway.

“I can't!” Darius yelled. “Are you all mad? I'll be arrested as soon as I get back and Alexandria will be re-deported! All this will achieve is getting me, and definitely Bowles, in very serious trouble!”

“The Border Patrols won't stop you on return if you leave the Minor Sector in fifty hours exactly.” Elizabeth Fox spoke up. “That's not only a shift change, but it's a complete rota change too. The shift that are in that area now will move over to the south sectors and the whole line chain will be rearranged. Again, Bowles will throw a spanner in the works.”

“Who are you?” Darius frowned at Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth Fox.”

“Darius!” Zach interrupted. “Look, I've known you since we were kids and I can't sit here and watch you go on like this.”

“I don't believe this.” Darius rubbed his eyes. “You aren't listening! I can't bring her here! If she was an illegal citizen then, then she'll be one now! The only difference is that now she's a rather well known illegal citizen.”

“I'll have to go.” Elizabeth stood up. “I didn't get chance to tell Tony and Fred I'd be late. Radio if you need me, but I wouldn't leave it longer that thirty minutes.” She nodded and left.

“Fred? Frederick Fox?” Darius aid in surprise. The woman who'd jetted off to Zoran to claim her husband.

“Qualified pilot.” Axel shrugged sadly and trailed out after her.

“I'll go and find Sergeant Bowles.” Netty's lip trembled and she fought with the tears as she left.

“Long shot, I know.” Zach smiled. “Sorry Darius. None of us meant to upset you and we didn't mean to be so overbearing.” Zach closed the door behind himself.

Darius stared at the door in utter disbelief. They'd all risked all that for such a hare-brained plan? It was something his students would hatch, but not fully grown, professional adults! Sergeant Bowles had carried out criminal acts towards his own Military, for crying out loud! Elizabeth Fox was risking her pilot's license! Surely she couldn't think this was the same as her own past situation? Her man had a legal entitlement, he was her husband.

“Shit.” Darius jumped to his feet. “Zach! Hang on, Zach!” He sped down the hallway after the others.

The mini cruiser was a reconditioned model that Elizabeth had 'borrowed' from a rental firm she worked for. It was looming, dormant, in the Samsons' Villa grounds and Darius just looked at it in despair.

“This is lunacy.” He exhaled loudly. “Look, if this goes pear-shaped, you knew nothing about it. OK? I'm no pilot but I can manage basic flight controls.” Darius said to his friends.

“I doubt it.” Elizabeth laughed and looked very much like her son. “That crate's about ten years old for a start. I'll fly it.”

“Elizabeth it's too dangerous.” Darius tried.

“You crashing it into the nearest chunk of rock is dangerous.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes and climbed into the cruiser.

“Sergeant Bowles! I can't believed you risked your job for this.” Darius turned to the soldier.

“Pfft! What risk? I'm in charge, remember? I'm good anyway, no risk. Come on.” Bowles nodded.

“What? Hey! Bowles you can't come too!” Darius exclaimed.

“Oh?” Bowles rumbled.

“I ... mean ... oh OK then.” Darius watched the Sergeant climb the ladder. “No Zach. You're staying here with Axel.”

“Yes sir.” Zach smiled.

“We're responsible for lying through our teeth if anyone asks where you are.” Axel said seriously.

“I will slap you if we miss this shift change.” Netty's face appeared at the cruiser hatch.