Chapter Eight
"Well, they're stable, but they're a long way from better." replied Baile Gorma to Coran.
"If they live through this, it will be a miracle. " Coran said, sipping at his coffee. "It will be a miracle if any of us survive."
Baile nodded, "Yeah, Cor, If Zarkon's troops do come here, you know they won't have any mercy on anyone-especially the wounded. Of course, we could get them evacuated, but it's risky now. By the way, how is our "bug out" going, Cory?"
Coran ran his hand through his hair-a nervous gesture. "Good, Baile, pretty good. Garrison ships are transporting them to Pollux. So far, we haven't had any Doom ships in wait for them. Zarkon may take Arus, but there won't be anyone except Castle and Garrison personnel here."
Baile laughed softly. "Don't forget me, Nan, and you, Cor! We're too stubborn to leave."
Coran replied wryly. "Don't you mean stupid, Baile?"
Baile laughed,"Good one, Cory! I knew you didn't become a diplomat for nothin'!"
BEEP! The comm sounded.
"Minister Coran, you have a priority one message from Planet Doom, sir! It is Lady Hagar on an encoded channel."
Coran heard Baile quip,"I would use the term "lady" loosely if I were you, bub!"
Coran gave Baile a look that would kill and replied, "Thank you, patch it though, please."
Baile, for once, made a discret exit to leave Coran alone. Thank heavens for small miracles.. The image of Hagar came over the screen.
"Ah, Prime Minister Coran, how are you?"
Coran glared at her image. "Hagar, I have no time for this. What does Zarkon want?"
Hagar cackled and said, "My! You are direct! I like that in a man!"
Coran winced. "I will be blunt, Minister Coran." Hagar held back the urge to cackle at Coran's distress. "I do not call on behalf of Zarkon, but for myself."
Coran wondered, what on Arus does she want?
Hagar continued. "I know, Minister Coran, that you have been a badboy. You've been evacuating your planet!"
Coran blanched. Hagar grinned. "Don't worry, Zarkon doesn't know, He's too busy gloating to be concerned. I will not inform him of this. I will be nice, Minister Coran, and help your princess and Captain Akira escape from Zarkon."
Coran was astounded. Hagar help them?
Coran asked,"For what price, Hagar?"
The witch cackled with glee, unable to resist the opening to snag Coran up again.
"Well, Prime Minister, you're not a bad looking man-how about a tumble? After all, I've heard that the pen is mightier than the sword!"
Coran felt a tad ill at her offer.
Hagar continued on, "Actually, there is no price. I do this out of personal revenge, Prime Minister. I will deprive Sarkon of the things he has gained. He has wronged me for too long. Are you interested, Minister?"
"You knew I would be, Hagar." Coran said.
Hagar smiled hideously. "Good, Prime Minister,I just had to check! Oh,and by the way, if you are wondering, Zarkon has not consumated his marriage with Allura yet-but it might be tonight, or tommorrow. He is looking forward to it!"
Coran was angry. The thought of Alfor's daughter being taken by that evil fiend!It wasn't to be bourne!
Hagar interrupted his thoughts. "Prime Minister, I will contact you when Zarkon returns."
Returns! But then Allura will be...oh poor child!
As if reading his thoughts, Hagar said, "Don't get your jockeys in a jumble, Prime Minister, I will get her before Zarkon does! She and Akira will be on one of Zarkon's finest starcruisers to Arus. This I promise you. Keep watch. I will call you only one more time,to let you know when they will depart from Doom....remember, Prime Minister. I am still on the side of Zarkon - this is simply a personal matter between he and I...goodbye, Prime Minister. Toodleloo!"
The transmission cut off. Coran sighed wearily and thought. I'd never thought I would see the day when Hagar would actually help us...I hope she can be trusted for both Allura's and Keith's sake.
