Tarizon, The Liberator, Tarizon Trilogy Vol 1

  Luci turned off the VC. She was shocked that someone had tried to assassinate the Chancellor and he was near death. She knew this meant Videl Lai would seize power and that the Prophecy was coming into fruition. She and Peter had talked about it endlessly when they were together, like a novel they’d both read. But could Peter, the father of her child, be the savior of the world? It seemed incredible, a bad joke, that this naive, unspoiled teenager would be given such an impossible task.

  Her stomach twisted at the thought of Peter’s plight. Where was he? What was he doing? Had he heard the news? Had they tried to assassinate him again? Was he still alive? She took a deep breath and tried to relax telling herself he wasn’t her concern. He wasn’t part of her life anymore. The baby kicked and squirmed in protest. She cried out in pain. “Ahhh. . . Okay! Okay. I know he is your father. I care about him too, although I shouldn’t. He’s not my mate.”

  Sola entered the room. “What’s wrong?”

  Luci looked up forcing a smile. “Nothing. The baby just kicked me. You want to feel him move?”

  He shook his head. “Nah. Let’s go out. I’m sick of this compartment. Let’s go to a club or something. ”

  “No. I don’t feel up to it. The doctor said I should get lots of rest.”

  “Oh, come on. You’re no fun anymore.”

  “I’m sorry, but I’m pregnant if you hadn’t noticed.”

  “Yeah. I noticed all right.”

  Luci took a deep breath trying to stifle her anger. “Did you hear about the Chancellor? Someone tried to assassinate him.”

  “It’s about time,” Sola spat.

  Luci’s eyes widened. “What did you say?”

  “I said. The skutz had it coming?”

  “The vice-chancellor may be sworn in if he doesn’t quickly recover.”

  “Good.”

  “Good? Videl Lai will try to subvert the Supreme Mandate and suspend all our civil rights.”

  “Not our rights, just the mutants, which is probably a good idea.”

  “Are you a Purist? I thought you didn’t give a skutz about politics?”

  “I don’t, but I’m sick of Central Authority wasting all our precious resources on mutants who contribute nothing to the economy.”

  “Wow! I suppose you want to kill all the rhutz too?”

  “I didn’t mind them when they were just feeding on the rodents and minding their own business, but now if one of them gets run over there has to be a damn investigation. It’s ridiculous.”

  “They’re a sentient life-form. They can read your mind for godsakes!”

  “The more reason they should be eradicated. They have no right to read my mind.”

  She laughed. “They don’t do it for sport. It’s the way they communicate. They can’t talk, you dirk bird.”

  Sola’s face turned red. “Well, If you think I’m going to sit around here while your obsessing over your Earth-alien’s baby, forget it. I’m going to find someone who still likes to have fun!”

  Sola turned and stormed out of the house slamming the door as he left. Luci took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The baby squirmed uncomfortably. She stroked her stomach gently.

  “It’s okay, honey. He’s gone. Now you can have some peace and quiet.”

  A feeling of immense joy and happiness suddenly overcame her. She’d made her decision, she realized. If God gave her the opportunity to be with Peter Turner she’d take it. There was no doubt in her mind now. She wanted to be with a man who loved her and the baby, a man who respected all life-forms and believed in liberty and justice for everyone, and a man with the courage to fight for all those things. She just prayed somehow she’d get that opportunity.