She nodded, pressing the brake pedal and slowing to a crawl.
An automated message blasted from a loudspeaker. CJ winced at the noise. “You are approaching a Space Force installation. Stop your vehicle at the barrier and raise your hands. Do not attempt any sudden movement.”
CJ shot a glance at Domik, who nodded, his face a solemn mask as he gazed toward the light. She moved forward until she reached a boom gate, where she stopped the truck, putting it into park and raising her hands. Domik did the same, but not before resting the pistol between his knees. Out of sight of the guards, but not out of reach.
The thought was reassuring to CJ.
How did I get to trusting an alien more than my own people?
A guard approached; his own gun held at the ready. He paused, gun raised to his shoulder, masked face cast in shadow from the floodlight behind him. “Slowly get out of the vehicle, hands raised where I can see them!” He shouted, his accented voice belying his southern origins.
CJ swallowed and glanced at Domik, her heart pounding in her chest. “Dom?”
He turned toward her, dark eyes solemn as they met hers. “I’m right here, Clodagh. I’m not leaving you. Not again.”
She nodded, finding the strength to open the door of the truck.
Will they believe us?
She took a deep breath and stepped onto the tarmac with her hands raised.
Only one way to find out.
