Unexpected Allies

I stood without concealment in front of Skeeter and Kreli. This was the first time in a while I could feel myself sweating. Even though I knew I could take them down in a fight, could I get to Sasha and get off the planet afterward? The danger of going undercover without a solid plan and escape was staring right at me.

"Your concealment is good but not good enough. There are times when you become void of magic. Most people wouldn't notice, but Kreli and I are the best of the best. Your abilities and the fact that you snuck away to the girls' dorms mean you are here for the same reason we are."

I stopped setting up my teleportation spots and looked into Skeeter's eyes. "And what reason is that?"

Kreli was the one to reply, "We have loved ones taken by The Company, too. We joined up to save them and years later haven't been able to succeed."

I cross my arms and take in the situation. "So what can I do to change that?"

"You seem to have come here simultaneously as your girl. My guess is you purposely targeted this location. We want to know about your plan."

"I see. This place probably isn't the best to talk about this."

Skeeter held out his hand, gesturing me inside. "Let's talk in my quarters."

I cautiously make my way inside and follow Skeeter and Kreli. I think about how much I should reveal to them. Sasha and I weren't prepared to make new allies or save specific women. On the other hand, we planned on saving them all anyway, so maybe a couple extra sets of hands would improve things. 

Skeeter leads us into an ample studio living space. It was much nicer than I expected for an officer's quarters, but given the nature of The Company, I'm sure they have to treat their high-ranking officials very well. I sit on one of the couches, Skeeter sits across from me, and Kreli sits in an armchair between us. 

"So, 'Hudson', tell us why you are here."

"My name is Healer of Worlds; I know it's unusual, but it is both my mission and my name."

I take a deep breath and decide to let them know everything, but I ease them into it. I started by explaining that Sasha and I wanted to take down the Preservers, and then I had to explain who they were. After describing timelines and why their changes are so dangerous, I moved on to why we are targeting The Company. I ended by explaining why we picked a place with workers of all types to join our cause and letting them know that the overall plan was to steal supplies and liberate the women. 

"How will you get everything off the planet? Do you have a ship or a fleet of ships?" Kreli was rightfully confused. Now, I would have to explain the pocket dimension and that our current personnel total is three and a supercomputer.

"Nothing that impressive. Sasha is very good with portals, and I have a pocket dimension. I planned to slowly steal supplies before we determined a way to distract the Guards long enough to evacuate all the women and farmhands."

Skeeter and Kreli look at each other and then back at me, "That's a terrible plan. It really isn't even a plan at all."

"Yes, I know. We have many goals, but the path to them isn't clear or easy. We need people who share our passion and leaders to help guide those who join our cause. I will help you save the women you came here to save if you will help me with my fight against the Preservers, The Company, and anyone else who uses the innocent to further their gain."

"If my sister comes with us to the pocket dimension, will she be forced to fight?" Kreli's voice shook as he spoke.

"No, not directly. It will be a safe space for anyone escaping evil with nowhere else to go. If she wishes to work, there will be things she can do; otherwise, if she wants to spend her time carefree, safe from danger or responsibility, that's okay too. The important thing is saving people from those who wish to harm them."

Kreli sighed deeply; I think he was holding his breath. Skeeter also looked relieved and clapped his hands together.

"Before I agree to anything, I need to see your pocket dimension."

"Is that a good idea? I can bring you there but won't unauthorized teleporting be monitored?"

"Nothing in this room is watched. The benefit of being an officer is discretion."

I sigh and stand up. I walk over to an empty place in the room and focus on what Sasha taught me about opening portals. It would be embarrassing to open a portal in the middle of nowhere or Iona's home. The portal opens, and I quickly take a look inside. I could clearly see Al. I take a breath and allow Skeeter and Kreli to step through first. 

"This is just a simple house." Kreli looks around, clearly unimpressed. Al speaks up in my defense.

"Hello, guests of Master Healer. I am Al, an artificial intelligence tasked with monitoring the multiverse. This house is the simple lodging of Master Healer and Mistress Sasha, but this dimension is much larger and ever-expanding."

I open the door for my guests and then enter the white void. The space to the right holds Iona's home, and to the left, the makeshift farm area. They spin around a few times, trying to take in everything. Finally, they look at me with stunned expressions locked on their face. 

"I'm sorry I doubted you, Healer of Worlds. You clearly have immeasurable strength to create something like this. I will follow you and help you however I can." Kreli drops to one knee and bows his head. Skeeter doesn't speak but nods in agreement.

"Stand up, Kreli, there is no need for that. I am here to fight and serve those who need me, not to be praised or worshipped."

Kreli stands, cheeks red in embarrassment, and we return to Skeeter's room through the portal.

"I will work on transferring Kreli's sister and my daughter to Grechi 50. Kreli, can you scout out other Guards who can easily be persuaded to our cause? Promise them power, money, fame, we can provide it all."

I nod my head, "Anything within reason can be provided."

Skeeter looks at me. "I will get you a few shifts at the farm. Figure out the best way to gather everyone so we can transport the people and as many farm supplies as possible to your base."

We figured out more of the fine details before separating for the night. Skeeter also gave me some pointers on controlling my magic so my concealment wasn't so erratic. I bid the two of them goodnight and left for my bunk.

It was going to be a difficult few days. I couldn't see Sasha for a while; I hoped she would be okay while I was figuring out the plan. I decided to use magic to replenish my energy instead of sleeping to practice the concealment techniques Skeeter taught me. After a few hours, the sun rose, and it was time to become Hudson and go back undercover.