Page 32 of Heart's Keeper

Lana smirked at her. "You believed me when I told you."

Elise couldn't seem to argue that. "I was shocked and unprepared to think otherwise."

"So, it was good I wasn't lying."

"Right," Elise said. "But can't say what these guys will think. And, for the record, you were correct in saying some still think you a fugitive. They might believe who you are and still start shooting."

"Or worse, try to lock me up," Lana added. "Yes, I realize it's not the best plan, but it's all I have."

"At least you know the risks."

As they rounded a corner, the station gate came into sight. Immediately, the men atop the wall spotted them. Their guns went up, and Elise put an arm out to halt Lana from walking farther as her other hand went toward her gun.

“Stop right there,” one of the men called out. “Identify yourselves.”

Instinctively, Lana spread out her hands and raised them to show she was harmless. "I am Dr. Lana Hart. This is my...associate. Ex-soldier, Elise Stirling."

The men didn't respond save to raise their guns a little higher.

"Dr. Hart, eh?" the man who spoke looked down at them with sharp, gray eyes. His short light brown hair was neatly cut as his beard was neatly trimmed. He looked well-kept, not a speck of dirt on his armor or uniform. "I've heard that name somewhere...can't quite recall though." His eyes drew over to Elise. "Elise Stirling, however, rings a bell. Zero division, weren't you?"

"That's right," Elise called out.

"And what in all of heaven's good light are you two doing just strolling up here from out of nowhere?"

"We heard your signal," Lana replied. "We were on our way back to Earth's systems when we caught on to your message."

The man's eyebrows rose. "That right?"

"Yes, and we've come to talk about Xolis."

The men glanced at each other without moving, while their leader, from what Lana could gather, merely stared back at them.

"You've come to just talk, huh?"

"Yes."

"And I suppose those you got hiding around are here to join up in the conversation?"

Lana fell silent, and Elise shifted beside her.

"Oh, you honestly think we didn't know? Come on, two girls just strolling up all by their lonesome? I don't think so. We got readings of a ship landing nearby. So, why don't you tell us what you're really doing here?"

"I promise you, sir—"

“Call me Jameson.”

“Sir...Jameson,” Lana said carefully, “that I am being very honest with you. We are here to talk about Xolis. And the threat they pose.”

“I see.” Jameson leaned out and waved for them to come closer. Cautiously, they stepped nearer to the gate as the men kept their aim tight on them.

“Here’s the thing though,” Jameson said. “This is a private facility. This whole planet is under our careful eye. And that message was addressed to the Xolis folk, not to anyone else, you understand? Anyone else who comes is considered trespassing." Lana opened her mouth, and the man halted her with a hand. "And as such, you are trespassing. Trespassers are shot on sight."

Lana and Elise didn't move, and it seemed the whole forest around them went very still and quiet. Lana could imagine her team taking aim, ready to strike at any moment.

"I think it would be better for you if you didn't shoot us," she said.

"Is that because those you got hiding will respond to such an action?"

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