Hidden

She wanted to be alone. Jen needed to be alone. It had only been three month's since Kanaii's death, but the ache was still there. Taurus was a protected planet in the Interstellar Nature Conservancy, a true Eden. It was also as far from the buzz of civilization she could get without leaving the galaxy. The last scouting trip to scan and collect food supplies from the Tauran vegetation was finished. This planet's version of wild ginger was a unexpected treat. Fresh spring water was collected and stored. Charlie had his run and was back in the kennel. Now there was just enough time for a hike while her ship finished replenishing its energy stores. There was a lake at the bottom of the canyon, and Jen wanted a chance to observe some of the surveyed animal and bird life in the area. A magnificent firebird rookery was on the far side of the lake, and she wanted to see it.

'Kanii would have loved this, ' she thought to herself as she hiked down into the canyon. The scent of wild mint conquered the air. She still caught herself thinking, "I have to let Kanii see" or "I can't wait to tell…" Jen traveled alone for so many years before she met the former Time Agent. She was used to staying at a distance with new acquaintances. Turning her soldier skills to the business of search and rescue training took her many places. She had many friendly acquaintances, but true friendship was harder. The wanderlust would kick in and she would find herself yearning for to see new planets, new civilizations. Leaving was so much easier when there was no ties. So much to see, so much to learn.

They met thirteen years ago after she finished her tour as a medic after the Trinairan conflict on Epilson 3. Both were waiting to be debriefed before discharge. The older woman became her mentor in the healing arts, and soon a trusted friend. Her Time Agent stories schooled Jen in the ways of the galaxy. Kanii even convinced Jen to take Charley on board seeing in the dog a gentle companion for the lonely trips across galaxies. When Kanija's time came to pass into the Zan ancestral home, it came too soon for Jen. She grieved the loss of her friend. Visiting the planets of the Interstellar Nature Conservancy was a healing break before the next assignment.

Jen climbed down a faint, winding animal trail towards the lake. As she rounded a granite cliff, a flash of sunlight bounced off metal about a hundred yards to the right. She froze, ducked into the shadow of a tree, and snapped down her visor binoculars. It was a reflection off a window of a man-made bunker set into the hillside. She stepped further back into brush and crouched down for a closer look. As the sun moved down toward the horizon, she noticed three other reflections. A large fortified complex was build into the hillside with doors and windows hidden by the granite boulders and surrounding mountain foliage. This was not on the charts.

She tapped the wrist strap on her right arm and whispered "Kira, alert." The ship's chameleon circuit was engaged so it safely hidden from prying eyes. No one was authorized to live on this planet. Jen scolded herself for being so careless, then looked around to determine the best route to return unseen. Fortunately the light was fading and nightfall was soon. She hid behind an exfoliated granite ledge disappearing behind bushes to wait and watch.

As the sun set the air grew cold and crisp. She would need to go back soon, but did not want to risk using her wrist strap. The flash it produced would alert the inhabitants to her presence. A cry rent the air. Eagle? She adjusted her binocular visor to low light and could see movement near the entrance of the closest bunker. Two tall reptilian figures in military fatigues guarded the door. Another cry split the air. Jen paled. Not the cry of a raptor; this was a man's scream.