Free The Arrival by Adair Hart Page B

get along well, but business is business.”
    Evaran tilted his head. “I see. If that Kreagan outpost was exposed, that shipping lane could be shut down and halt these slaving runs.”
    “Maybe. I try to avoid dealing with aliens in general,” said Lord Noskov. He extended a hand out. “No offense, of course. However, it is in my best interests to be aware of what is happening on and around Earth.”
    “I understand.”
    Mikhail handed the tablet to Lord Noskov. “Located the base. The logs show it to be in the Appalachian Mountains.”
    Lord Noskov scanned the tablet and then handed it to Evaran. “I know you will want to use your card on this for more detailed information.”
    Evaran eyed Lord Noskov. “You know a great deal about me. We must have had some interaction together in the Earth’s past.”
    Lord Noskov snorted. “That’s putting it mildly. Every nonhuman power group has some idea about you, although I personally know more than most. That is a casualty of you being a time traveler.”
    “I see,” said Evaran. He placed his UIC on the tablet and, after a few moments, had extracted the location and limited information it had on Greecho’s base. He handed the tablet back to Lord Noskov.
    “The base looks to be entrenched and heavily defended from a cursory scan, not like that will be an issue for you, but still noteworthy,” said Lord Noskov.
    Evaran nodded. “Noted. Thank you for the information. You have been most helpful.”
    “Well. Since this is so early for you, how about you remember that in any future meetings, including ones in the past.”
    Evaran studied Lord Noskov for a moment and then wheeled around to head back to the Torvatta.

    Evaran studied the front right screen, which had a wire-frame view of the base inside the top of the mountain. The only part exposed was a set of three circular landing pads that jutted out from a large ledge over a steep slope. In front of them was a set of closed high-tech hangar-bay doors. The Torvatta hovered out of range of the base atop the Appalachian Mountains, but close enough to see the landing pads out the front screen.
    “Query. Where do you want the Torvatta?”
    Evaran rubbed his chin. “Land on the leftmost pad. I will then infiltrate their base.”
    “Analysis. Lord Noskov mentioned heavy defenses. We will be detected and infiltration will be difficult.”
    Evaran shook his head. “Not with the Torvatta stealthed. I will need you to stay here.”
    U4 tilted her head at Evaran. “Analysis. You believe Lord Noskov’s mention of the name V refers to my successor in your future time stream.”
    “I do not wish to deal with this right now,” said Evaran, fidgeting in his seat.
    “Analysis. Your conclusion for me to stay here is illogical. Not all options have been explored.”
    Evaran pursed his lips. “Just trust me on this. I can handle whatever comes my way like I always have.”
    “Affirmative,” said U4. She turned and interacted with the console.
    The Torvatta moved forward and landed on the leftmost landing pad.
    Evaran stood up and checked his utility belt. After exiting the Torvatta, he crept up the walkway from the landing pad to the ledge. He froze when the doors slid open. Greecho, along with four other men and a host of silver-and-red-plated humanoid robots, walked out with weapons trained on him. Jake stood next to Greecho, with a yellow one-piece suit and a collar around his neck. Greecho held a chain that connected to the collar.
    “Well … was wondering when you’d get here,” said Greecho. “Didn’t see your ship, but you’re standing on pressure-sensitive paneling. Not too smart. I also know it was you who took Kathy.”
    Evaran backed up a bit and activated his left forearm shield. “She is free from you.”
    “Not for long,” said Greecho. He raised a finger. “Oh, don’t worry. Jake didn’t give up that information willingly.”
    Jake looked up with a bruised face and marks on the side of his