Page 97 of Stealing Jia

Bebo lumbered up.“You are sure the transporter can handle our extra weight?”

“Only one way to find out,”Zarek said.

Oni touched her comm-link and the energy storm engulfed us.

Chapter Twenty-One

The lightning hurricane dumped us back on our ship. The only thing keeping me upright was Trayon’s firm grip. “And I thought your transporter beam sucked.”

“We have the best technology.”

“Tell that to my cells.”

“The last transfer has been completed,”Sariel advised.

Trayon nodded and studied the scanners intently.

Spotting Soval, I rushed over to him, held out the twins and explained the situation. He scanned them. “Ten minutes in the regen tube and they will be fine.”

“Thank the Lord.” I scowled when he ran his scanner over me. “I’m not hurt, but I want you to give Chiara a thorough exam too.”

“I was not injured Mother Jia.”

“Not physically, but I’m going to have nightmares for months after watching the Gorum fight. Please let Soval check you over.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.”

Chiara uncoiled from my neck and allowed Soval to pick her up.

“The children will be cared for, my lady.”He put the twins in a life-support box, bowed and walked away. Chiara’s little face peered over his shoulder.

“I’ll come for you as soon as Soval finishes his exam.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Practically vibrating with nerves, Oni walked over to Zarek. “The device is ready.”

“The Rodan battle group is pursuing us, Commander,” the navigations officer advised.

“Acknowledged.” Trayon looked down at his gauntlet. “We are 5.1 parsecs from the planet. Trigger the device Oni.”

“Done.”A blinding silver light filled the viewscreens.

To my astonishment the entire Rodan fleet vanished in a billowing cloud of debris. “Yes!” I punched the air triumphantly. The monsters would never hurt another soul.

The tense silence on the bridge suddenly erupted into horrific battle cries.

I hollered mine.

Everyone turned and stared at me. “What?”

“You sound like a deranged banshee,” Dad said.

“It’s not that bad.”

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