“Command and Control. They took over the High Council almost a millennium ago with their agenda of expansion through the sector, then the quadrant. Their propaganda teaches that the Hareema are the manifestation of perfection, and it is their divine right to rule over and guide lesser beings. Pure manifest destiny drivel.”
Ontarii nodded.That sounds about right. “But you don’t agree with this policy? There are others like you who don’t want to rule over ‘lesser beings’?”
“Yes.” The little face surrounded by white fur made an expression that resembled a mixture of disgust and regret. “We don’t have the numbers to be in open rebellion against the council yet, but so far we’ve been able to get our agents into key positions. We’d hoped to further infiltrate the operation on Earth and on Zanthar before making our move, but the introduction of new technology has forced us to act.”
“New technology. You mean whatever it is that makes you guys immune to Zantharian bioelectricity?”
“Yes. It was an invention of an Earthling engineer, actually. One that he didn’t realize would be used to not only take over your planet, but to cause the eventual downfall of his own people.”
Ontarii’s brow furrowed. It was a lot to take in. Could the little creature be telling the truth? Were there some Hareema who didn’t like the way their compatriots were doing business in the universe? Could an internal rebellion be the key to his enemy’s defeat?
“Listen, I don’t have much more time if I’m going to make it out of this chamber alive. When we’re finished talking, you will set me on the bars of your cell, and I will unlock the lock. Then I’ll scramble up to your companion’s cage and free her as well. You two will stand at the entrance of your cages while I shift into something that will hide your escape.”
The little creature’s eyes narrowed. It looked like he doubted his own ability to get them out safely, but, as Ontarii saw it, they had no better chance than this.
“Once we make it out the exit and into the halls, I will shift again, but then I’ll have to leave you. It will be up to you and your human to convince the Hareema that you are one of them, taken the shape of the prisoners. You will make your way to the docking bay, and then onto the Zantharian shuttle you find parked there. They’ve managed to capture one of your smaller vessels. It makes sense that you take it, as you’ll already be familiar with the controls.”
Ontarii had a thousand questions. The plan seemed to hinge on his ability to bluff other shapeshifters. There were too many things that could go wrong.
“Wait, so you expect us to—”
“You’re a smart man,” the puffball interrupted. “And I’m afraid I don’t have time to repeat myself. We have to go now, while the guards in the surveillance booth are changing shifts. Follow the yellow line to the docking bay. Now, put me on the bars.”
Ontarii wanted to hesitate. The risks seemed almost insurmountable. He risked a glance upward at his mate. She was watching him with suspicious eyes.
“Be ready,” he told her, then set the creature on the bars.
The thing’s hands and feet had sticky pads on them that allowed it to climb up the bars without difficulty. It made its way to the lock and pointed its tail at the opening. Suddenly the tail became gelatinous, taking on the familiar red tint. The Hareema put a portion of itself into the lock and it clicked open.
Then the white poof was hurrying up the bars again, intent on doing the same to Jennifer’s cage.
She jumped when the creature appeared. “Ontarii, what is that?”
“Just be calm, Jennifer, and stay ready. We’re getting out of here.”
He watched as she steeled herself, stepping closer to the cell door. The creature again inserted its tail, now taken on the characteristics of its original form, into the lock. The door of Jennifer’s cell clicked open.
“Stand next to the door but don’t open it yet,” Ontarii said to her, keeping his voice as quiet as he could. “Be ready to move when I move.”
Jennifer took up position while the white puffball made its way back down to Ontarii.
“Here we go,” it squeaked, then scurried out of the cage and onto the floor in front of it. Suddenly the poof was gone. In its place was what resembled a mirror. Ontarii could see himself, as the mirror grew, spreading out to become a flat surface only an inch or so thick but growing taller by the moment. When it had stretched itself high enough to cover the door to both cages, it began to faintly vibrate.
That must be the signal.It’s now or never.
“Let’s go,” he said to Jennifer, opening his cell door far enough to squeeze through. The Hareema had clearly made itself reflective to hide them from whoever was performing surveillance on the prison. Ontarii moved as close as he could to the creature and then looked up.
Jennifer had pushed open her cell but stood there.
“How am I supposed to get down?” she asked him.
At that moment, a small piece of the reflective surface extended itself to make a platform for Jennifer to stand on. She took a hesitant step, seeming to make sure it would support her weight. When it did she put both feet on the platform.
Like some sort of living elevator, the platform lowered itself until Jennifer was able to hop down to stand beside him on the floor. She gave Ontarii a smile.
Even though they were in the middle of a dangerous escape, he couldn’t help himself. Ontarii gathered her into his arms and planted a scorching kiss on her lips.
Jennifer looked surprised at first but she soon folded her arms around his neck and surrendered to his mouth.
