Sister World: The Arrival: Sister World, #1

By Debra Zannelli

The first of the Sister World Trilogy, Sister World , The Arrival, tells the tale of the dangers faced by the people of Terah.  Existing in an alternate universe, Terah, a mirror image of Earth, has had a very different existence.

Since the terrible conclusion of their second world war, the free people of Terah have been forced to remain in hiding, resisting the brutal control of Frauliege.  When the alternate universe and the means to travel is discovered, Frauliege knows that she can now conquer two world.  In resistance headquarters, two teens learn the impending fates of both worlds.  With their armies pinned down and no one else free to make the journey, they brave the wormhole and begin searching for their mirrors, hoping to not only save this strangely similar world, but the family that would be theirs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Debra Zannelli
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393529972

Book preview

1

FORGOTTEN

I’m bored. Beccara looked over to her brother, pushing the deck of cards aside. If I lose another game of Catch the Weasel, I’ll turn myself over to Frauliege."

That isn’t funny. He turned to his sister, whose dark-green eyes looked ready to cry. Staring at her, his eyes, much like her own, begged her not to.

I know you don’t mean it. I’m pretty sick of it too, but there isn’t anything else to do right now.

She looked at the cards spread before them. I wish I’d taken some other… there wasn’t time. I don’t want to think… Her voice trailed away.

Beccara tucked her skinny legs beneath her. Small, pale lips drew back in a frown. Too little food had made high cheekbones seem sharp, the prominent bones hiding the pretty girl she could have been. Dark brows and thick, black lashes emphasized the paleness of her skin.

Here. She grabbed the cards.

Go ahead. He grinned, and for just a moment, years melted away. Looking like the fifteen-year-old boy he was, he brushed the thick, black hair, very much like his sister’s, out of his eyes.

Hurry up, I’m waiting.

Don’t rush me. She expertly shuffled the cards, snapping them together, wondering if anyone heard. As usual, not an eye turned their way.

"You’re getting good at that. Couldn’t do it better myself. You wouldn’t remember, but Uncle Chardak

had to have Dad shuffle for him." Cara turned away, unable to smile. Kahill looked down at the old tank suit he wore. Two years old, it still hung loosely from his thin shoulders. Its brown faded to a color he couldn’t describe.

There’s something serious going on. They’re not even talking to each other. Now, can we get back to the game? Seeing her frown, he grinned. I’ll try to lose.

You never do. Cara’s usually deep voice whined. You’re the luckiest kid in the camp.

Luckiest. His voice filled with the anger that seemed always ready to bubble over. Was I, were we lucky when they took our father, killed our grandparents?

Kahill, don’t. She reached out, taking his hand. I’m sorry.

His voice fell, chin sinking to rest on a narrow chest. It was a long time ago. You probably forgot…

I remember. Her voice turned cold, harsh edges to her words. I heard their cries. Cara turned away from her brother, pushing the painful memory aside. Nothing’s happening. Maybe I should go, try to nick some food from the kitchen.

We need to stay here. He looked her over. You could use the food though. Dad would say you’re becoming a bag of bones.

You’re pretty much a stick figure too, you know. Most of my friends find it hard to believe that you’re two years older than me.

His dark eyes grew darker. I want to hear what Oppy’s going to say. When he called this meeting while we were eating breakfast, he seemed awfully worried. He asked Dr. Banner to join them.

Okay, I’ll sneak us some food later. She looked around the room. The men stood quietly, backs rigid, hands tightly clasped. The general looked like a coil ready to spring. They won’t know we’re here, if we’re quiet.

They wouldn’t notice us if we suddenly burst into flames.

A lopsided smile seemed to hang off her face. That’s not always a bad thing.

He scooted closer. You’ve changed.

You still think I’m a baby. Her eyes narrowed.

Being thirteen doesn’t make you a grownup.

Around here it does.

They both grew quiet as they thought of the friends they’d lost.

I should have gone with them. I should fight too. I’m old enough.

You can’t. If you got caught, they’d use you against Dad.

Kahill stared at the floor. Still…

Besides, you do a lot around here.

I teach. You do too. Actually, you’re better at it.

Not really. They’re just drawn to me because we’re the same size. I can look them in the eyes. Stop frowning. It’s important… the stuff we do. Those kids are our future. And I’m not just repeating what the grups say. It’s true. We’re gonna win. Her voice lost its quiver, and he turned to see her eyes had narrowed, a look of certainty in them.

I was wrong. You’re grown up, I just didn’t notice.

She smiled, and he couldn’t miss the transformation. You look like Ma.

I wish I had a mirror. I’d like to know what I—what she looked like.

He shrugged.

The air around them grew heavy, and Kahill looked more closely at the military men who stood as if at attention. The scientists, shifting from foot to foot, had long, drawn faces. They were all staring steadily at the hatch, waiting for it to open.

Beccara leaned closer to her brother’s ear. They were worried before. It’s worse now.

Hans is late.

The soft whoosh of the door was followed by the sound of the hatch opening and guns being drawn. All eyes stared at the circular stairs, only their staccato breathing could be heard.

The tall, skinny man standing in the center of the circular cavern continued pacing. His footsteps thudded on the rocky floor, drowning out the sound of the streams flowing on either side of the chamber.

Steam laid upon the stream that rose from far below Terah’s crust, bringing with it the tremendous heat of the planet’s core. Frost covered the edges of the stream descending from the icy reaches of the northern climes.

The cave, sandwiched between the two, was always a steady, comfortable temperature and where the two joined, the temperate lake kept those hidden within with plenty of water.

Soon, the stairs rang with the soft putt putting of bare feet. Oppy turned to face the newcomer, not knowing they also turned.

I have important news from Telgar. Hans looked to each face. A curt nod acknowledged the general. A smile greeted the scientists. It’s good to see you are all here.

The general’s lips curled, eyes rolling.

I told you he doesn’t like Banner. Cara elbowed her brother.

Vogel doesn’t like scientists. He never cared for Dad, and he hates kids.

Then he’s a fool. A stubborn look took over her face.

No, he’s not. He’s a soldier. He only has time for those who can help him win the war.

An elderly man with long, grey hair billowing around a slack-skinned face turned away from the general. His watery blue eyes were far from those of an old man. Steely and serious, they were penetrating and keen. He nodded to Hans, walking to Oppy’s side. The two forgotten children crawled closer.

What does…? Snapping his mouth shut, Oppy stared at Han’s feet.

Following his gaze, Kahill and Cara saw bloody footprints showing clearly on the well-worn rocks.

He shrugged. Shoes wore out. I buried them in the snow and kept going. There wasn’t enough time to get another pair. Seeing the pained expressions on those around him, he hurried on. It doesn’t hurt. Not anymore.

They must be frozen; that’s why you can’t feel them. Oppy’s voice was harsh. You should go to the hospital.

Not yet. The message must be delivered.

You could lose your feet, might have to amputate if you wait too long. We need you and your feet. There aren’t many who can run so fast or so far.

We’re wasting time. If you don’t hear it now, we may no longer need messengers. I’ll head to the hospital when I’m done.

Oppy looked away, almost looking directly at the silent youngsters.

Frauliege’s scientists discovered the parallel universe. She knows we can travel there by using the wormhole.

I was sure. Dr. Banner looked at the general, scowling.

Hans ignored the rising tension. I was told to tell you that Dr. Bendak’s theory is correct. Could you tell me what it means?

While Dr. Banner answered, General Vogel’s hands balled into fists.

Wormholes were predicted by the Theory of Relativity. Dr. Chardak’s work proved it was more than theory. The hypothesis says it’s much like the holes made in the earth by real worms, a spiral-like tunnel connecting different universes. He believed that if you could survive the immense energy within, you could use it to travel to other worlds.

Bendak was close to proving that travel through the wormhole would take you not to just another world, but to a parallel universe. There would be a world like our own, where each of us would have a counterpart. There was no way to know what differences there would be, where our histories diverged. His equations pointed to a fractured timeline, one that showed that you would arrive two years earlier than when you left. He was unable to prove it because wormholes land in the same place but don’t stay for more than a few days. The closest is only available to us four times a year. Bendak was taken, and Chardak had to hide before they could test their theories.

Telgar said Frauliege has been successfully using the wormhole. Hans looked down at his feet.

Our Sister World is in danger. Dr. Banner’s eyes narrowed as if in sudden pain.

I’m aware of these things. Frowning faces turned to the general. How could Frauliege know if the trip was successful?

You can make a return journey. Messages can be sent. The laser accelerator sends light through faster than a man could travel.

Messages written in colors, in light waves. How long has she known this?

General, Hans’ eyes watered as his feet warmed, Telgar thinks she’s known for two years.

As have we. Dr. Banner slowly shook his head.

I’d have sent men if we were sure they would survive, if we were certain of what we’d find. I don’t have enough men to waste on unproven theories. General Vogel turned to face Dr. Banner’s scowl.

We are not here to argue. Oppy placed himself between the two men. We must work together, no blame, no excuses.

General Vogel, breathing deeply, lowered his voice. I can see how this gives Frauliege a new world to conquer, but how does it help her win this war?

Kahill sucked at the air that seemed unable to fill his lungs. That’s the question I wanted to ask.

I’ll explain. Oppy once again circled the small space. Telgar was sent as a traitor and was accepted because he worked on the Super Bomb. The bomb that turns matter into energy and cannot be used against us without killing her also.

If it can’t be used here, it couldn’t have been tested. How can we be certain of its power? The general was once again frowning.

Let me finish. Telgar believed a large bomb would be powerful enough to completely destroy all life. Frauliege tested a smaller version; the island is now a wasteland. Telgar’s studies say that it will take many years before people could live there again. It’s a terrible weapon.

So Frauliege has a bomb she can’t use.

Yes, General, but that’s not true if she has another planet on which to live.

Exactly. Banner nodded, looking over his shoulder at the cave’s many tunnels. We shouldn’t speak too loudly. There are many families living here. They don’t now have to know that our end has finally come.

General Vogel stepped farther away from the tunnel’s entrance. The otherworlders, they will not be prepared. One day, Frauliege will be the ruler of two worlds.

That’s what Telgar believes. Hans nodded, eyes searching the floor.

Telgar became a spy. Oppy’s eyes closed, his breathing a long, sad sigh. He and Bendak agreed.

General Vogel interrupted. I heard that Telgar was more interested in proving his theories. That they fought over building such a weapon with Bendak insisting that all research, all knowledge be destroyed before it could fall into Frauliege’s hands. It was said that Telgar didn’t care about the consequences.

Oppy nodded. That’s what was said. Being what she is, it was easy for Frauliege to believe Telgar. He turned Bendak over to her. Told her men where he was hiding. Telgar is now a trusted hero of the regime; Bendak was forced to work in the camps. It was a deal with the devil. He gave Frauliege his knowledge, but it was knowledge she already had. She didn’t know that we knew.

Cara saw the color drain from her brother’s face. How could they do that? Our grandparents were killed.

I’m sure they didn’t expect the soldiers to come so quickly. Her hand, hard from many hours of labor, clutched his arm. He would sacrifice himself but not us, them. You know that.

I guess. His hissed words leaked through closed lips.

Dr. Banner nervously clutched at the collar of his tank suit. The wormhole arrived sometime last evening. It’ll be here three or four days at most. I’ve been monitoring it. The entrance will most certainly be guarded. We have to send soldiers to free the entrance. We need to send those who are able to quickly adapt, learn this new world’s language, as ambassadors, to inform their world, to save them.

We could send Arnavi and Verne with the soldiers. They are teachers and would make good ambassadors.

But, the general turned to face him, we needed to know this sooner. We have no soldiers to send. Our troops have been caught in the hills. They haven’t lost, but they haven’t won. His face turned hard, voice a growl.

Frauliege will put her plans into action, and we cannot even warn our sisters. We do not, cannot know what she has already done. Our world and our Sister World may already be lost.

Your questions are answered. General Vogel looked at Hans’ drawn face. You should go to the hospital; I’m hoping we will still have need for your feet.

There’s more. Impatience hardened Hans’ voice. She’s searching for Chardak.

Oppy’s face paled.

Hans headed for the hospital housed in the tunnels below. An ashen face ran past where Cara and Kahill sat.

Kahill chewed on the knuckle of his right hand.

You know what this means?

He looked away, refusing to look at his sister.

Cara stood. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him up.

We’ve got to go.

She didn’t wait to see if he followed, or if anyone had noticed their swift departure. Cara ran, crossing the pond as fast as she dared. Losing sight of Kahill in the narrow passageways, she made her way to their sleeping chamber, quickly throwing clothes into a tattered duffel bag.

Cara, what…

Tell me why they want Uncle Chardak?

He was working on a way to stop the wormhole from moving around, make it stable. Your turn, what are you doing?

I know you remember where the wormhole is. You’re taking us there. We’re going through. I saw that look; thought you’d go when I’d be too busy to notice.

I’m going through.

Not alone.

I have to, you don’t.

Of course I do. I know I can help. We’ll be safer together. Don’t waste any more time.

His eyes closed, a sigh escaping. You’re right. It’ll help if the others see us together. There will be two like us, a father, an uncle like ours. Maybe we can stop Frauliege from taking them. They’re after Chardak; if they can’t find ours, they’ll capture theirs.

We’ll make them listen.

I don’t know how to speak to them. Kahill held his hands out. "

We’ll find a way. No more arguing.

Exasperated, his hands balled into fists though he knew there was nothing he could do.

You pack. I have some things I want to take, have a few ideas of my own. When do you think we should leave?

He looked away, calculating. We have about an hour. It’s a pretty long walk, and we don’t know where their patrols will be. It will be dangerous. I want to get there while it’s still light.

I’ll be back here in thirty minutes. Wait for me.

I will. Defeated, he knew he would wait.

Cara made her way to the farthest cavern, negotiating the confusing maze of twisting tunnels. Long ago, the river flowing above had carved them from the soft limestone that had hardened into the walls around her. She burst into the smallest of four research chambers, barely glancing into the largest, where she should have seen her father.

A large, dark-skinned man spun around at her noisy entrance. Cara, what’s wrong?

Beccara’s fingernails bit into her palms. Wilbur was a friend, but he was also a grup and might not approve of what they planned to do.

I need your help.

A biologist by trade, Wilbur had been born a holy man of his tribe. Other scientists, due to the circumstances of his birth, shunned him, not believing a man brought up as he had could be a serious scientist. Those of his tribe felt betrayed by his acceptance and affection for the ways of modern society. Belonging nowhere, he had gone his own way. The friends he made were mostly children. They didn’t question his birth or what his beliefs were. His easy smile, his obvious affection, and the way he listened to them, brought him many youthful visitors.

Concern washing over his soft features, he placed his palm on her forehead.

Are you ill? You don’t have a fever.

I’m not sick.

He stared into her eyes, finally lowering his. What do you need?

Cara lowered her eyes. I need to borrow TEV.

Wilbur scowled.

I know TEV’s your baby. She spoke quickly, feeling the swiftly passing time. I’m not going to play with it.

I didn’t think you would.

It’s an emergency. I can’t tell you…

He paused, forefinger tapping his chin. I haven’t been able to fully test it.

It worked on the dogs. I know, she responded to his frown, there’s only a few, and the results haven’t been verified, but you don’t doubt them. Neither do I. If it only works on some animals, it just might be enough.

Enough for what?

Enough to save a world. She ignored the look of surprise on his expressive face. When he remained quiet, she continued, Do you think it will work on people?

I don’t know. There’s no way to test it. His questioning eyes stared into hers. I would like to think it would. TEV should be able to translate basic concepts, our thoughts. It might even correctly translate more complicated ideas, but the language differences, I just can’t tell. I did teach it to learn quickly, but if the people you’re trying to talk to are so unlike us, it might not be able to translate even the most basic concepts.

I think where I’m going, the people won’t be so different. Words, things won’t be the same, but they’ll be people like us. She tried to read his eyes. I think it’s exactly what I need. Please let me take it.

Take it where?

She turned away from him, knowing she wouldn’t lie. To people who don’t know that Frauliege is coming.

I don’t like this. He stood back, an appraising look in his deep, chocolate eyes. You’re going to do something dangerous. I can see it in your eyes, but I can’t refuse. Our soldiers have no need for it. It’s not a weapon. In my heart, I know TEV could be valuable. Don’t tell me where you’re going. I don’t need to know, and I can’t tell what I don’t know. The others won’t understand the trust I’m placing in one so young, but you’re wise in ways we don’t understand. He handed her a square, ordinary-looking metal box. Completely smooth, its microphone and speakers hidden beneath its shiny surface. Take it before I change my mind. If it can help you, perhaps that’s what it was meant to do.

Ruffling her dark-black curls, they swirled about her face. Promise me, you’ll bring TEV home.

I won’t make a promise I don’t know I can keep, but, she spoke quickly, I promise to try. She picked up the device, surprised how light it was. You can build another.

I shouldn’t have to.

She ran from the lab, TEV held firmly against her chest. Cara made it to her room with only minutes to spare.

Heedlessly, she tossed clothes into the faded yellow knapsack. Kahill told her that once, it carried toys. She had no memories of those times. The bag, quickly filling, brought with it only one memory.

The memory hit her hard, pushing her to the floor.

The soldiers had broken into the house they’d just left. She’d held her father’s hand as he helped her run across the rocky terrain.

Halt. Lights had flooded the darkness, followed by the harsh voice that still gave her nightmares. Bendak, your services are required elsewhere.

What about the children? Her grandfather’s voice shook.

The light had been blinding, only the sound of their voices, the shifting of feet told her that there were many men facing them.

They are only extra mouths to feed. Shoot them.

The sound of the gun being cocked so loud, Cara had covered her ears.

No. The scream had been her grandmother’s as she stepped in front of the children.

Kahill grabbed her hand, forcing her forward. He’d spoken, agony in each whispered word. I know where to go. Dad told me. We have to get to the resistance. Don’t make it not matter what she did for us.

Kahill walked in. Cara jumped when she saw him, nearly hitting her head on the low cavern roof. The memory faded.

Don’t sneak up on me. I hate that.

Stop whining. He squared his jaw, making him look more like their father. I didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t think you’d be back yet.

I said I would, didn’t I? She stared down the soft rise of her snub nose. I’m ready. How about you?

He looked at the straw mat that was her bed, frowning at the duffel bag, stretched to its breaking point.

What’s in the bag?

I don’t think I want to tell you. An eyebrow rose high on her forehead. Well, are you ready?

Not quite. He turned his attention to her feet.

I know we hardly ever get to wear shoes, but you must have at least one pair hidden away in the, you know, get ready to run bag.

Feel stupid, I should have thought of it.

At least one of us did. He grinned at her reddening face. We’ll need them where we’re going. The ground’s pretty rough.

Cara reached behind the remnants of the once dark-green shower curtain that served as a closet door.

Gotcha. She pulled out a battered pair of shoes.

Where’d you go?

You don’t need to know. Pulling hard on the laces of shoes she’d outgrown years ago, Cara stood.

Come on then. We don’t have a lot of time, so I’m going to walk my pace. Either keep up or head back.

He turned away from his sister, almost hoping she couldn’t keep up. Beccara kept up.

How are we going to get out of here? She spoke in a whisper, having forced herself to keep quiet until they were far from the housing chambers.

Remember the time Raven was so mad at me.

Cara nodded. I remember. That old battle-axe didn’t want to take care of us, hated kids. Not sure why she did it in the first place. I was glad when you took over.

Yeah, me too. She left as soon as I convinced them I was old enough. Anyway, she’d gotten angry because I got out of the caves. I wanted to see our soldiers off. They were going out on a raid. I didn’t think about the danger I put myself, put everyone in. Raven only yelled about it, but Oppy, well… he explained it to me. What if I’d gotten caught? I could have been forced to tell Frauliege where we are. Oppy had Wilbur plant a buckthorn bush in front of the opening, even though it was already barely big enough for me to fit through.

How are we going to get out then? First, you said it was barely big enough for you to get through, and that was awhile ago. You’re a lot bigger now. Buckthorn bushes aren’t easy to walk by, let alone walk through.

Painfully, I imagine. He grinned. I’ll make myself as small as I can. Still pretty skinny. Haven’t reached my full height yet, either.

Approaching tunnels that were seldom used, the roof seemed to fall in around their heads. and the walls closed about them. Cara held her breath. She hated tight spaces. Her breath whistled as she sucked at the air.

In the dark, Cara walked into Kahill, not knowing he’d stopped.

It’s here. Little light shone through a narrow gap. It’s gonna hurt, but this is the only way we’re getting out of here without the grups catching us.

You said grup. She stifled a giggle. I never heard you call them that before. I thought you said it was childish. Guess you’re not as much of a grownup as you pretend to be.

Shut up. There was laughter behind the words.

Quietly, they crept along the floor. The inch-long blades of the buckthorn bush had spread into the crevices between the rocks.

Here, take my duffel. I don’t think I can make it through carrying that thing. Hand it to me when I’m on the other side. Then, I’ll take yours.

Don’t forget to cover your eyes.

I’ve heard ‘blinded by the bush’ as often as you have. I’m not dumb, and I’m not letting those thorns anywhere near my eyes.

Pushing his way through, he ignored the sound of his ripping clothing, biting his lip to stop from crying out as the thorns reached out to him. They cut the back of his hands, but he didn’t lower them.

I made it. You still have time to change your mind.

She pushed her bag to him.

I’m not changing my mind.

Cara squared her thin shoulders, forcing herself not to cry. She crawled out from under the bush, dry eyes looking up at her brother.

You look awful.

Talk about yourself. Kahill looked at her arms, seeing the blood, like little streams running down where her arms had been exposed.

I know we don’t have much time. Cara reached into her duffel. I brought a first aid kit. We’ve got to clean our cuts and cover them. We can’t afford to get sick. I’ll take care of you first.

She saw the surprise on her brother’s face. I’m pretty good at this, fast too. I’ve been helping out at the hospital. I know what I’m doing.

Not waiting for a reply, she quickly cleaned his wounds. The deeper ones hurt, but Kahill didn’t make a sound, only clenching his fist and grinding his teeth.

I’m only going to wrap the deep ones, so I don’t use too many bandages.

I think it was pretty wise of you to take them. I’m impressed. Your turn. He reached for the bandages.

I can take care of myself.

While Cara worked, Kahill quickly climbed to the top of the rocky outcropping where the cave extended beyond the forest.

Did you find it?

There. It’s barely visible. Kinda like a snake. You can make it out by the flattened grass.

He pointed to a small, barely visible track weaving between the grasses, spilling out to where rocks worn smooth by arctic winds, stood like fingers pointing north. It was used by animals a long time ago. Later by men crossing the island, taking people all the way from the inlets to the ocean.

Cara looked up to the cloudy sky. The clouds will give us cover, but it makes the night come even quicker. We’d better get going.

Quickly nodding, Kahill scrambled down the rocks. Soon, they were walking on dry, brown, lifeless grasses.

I hope we save their Bendak. Do you think we can?

He shrugged his bony shoulders, his voice uncertain. I don’t know.

We have to try; no one else from our side is going. At least the otherworlders won’t be afraid of us. Why will Frauliege go after their Bendak? She doesn’t need the information he has.

You’d know if you didn’t spend your days hanging around the biology lab, playing with the animals.

I don’t play.

I spent a lot of the last few months hanging around the soldiers, listening and learning all I can about waging war. If he’s like Dad, he’ll be taken because of the people he knows. Dad worked with a lot of admirals and other officers, developing submarine sonar, but he also knew of the wormhole, other worlds. Frauliege will take their Bendak to keep him quiet should he figure out what’s happening.

Then he wouldn’t be able to contact the military men he knows. She nodded. I think she’ll take their government officials before the scientists.

The government first, then the military. Once they’re under her control, she’ll go after anyone in positions of authority.

They marched on in silence, Cara running every third step. Kahill paid no attention to her, concentrating on the barely visible path as it twisted through the overgrown grasslands.

What does a wormhole look like?

Kahill shrugged. I don’t know. You can’t really see it. You just sort of feel the pull. In the diagram Dad sketched, it sort of looked like a tornado, but I don’t think he meant that to be how it really looks.

I heard him say that you’d feel it first.

Yeah. His young face looked suddenly old to her. There were worry lines around his eyes. He looked so much like their father that she stumbled, reaching out for his hand. If Kahill was surprised, he didn’t show it. Taking her hand, he acted as if he were helping her across the rough terrain. At the edge of the grassland, he paused, head cocked to one side, listening.

I don’t think Frauliege sends her men through in daylight. We don’t know where we’ll find ourselves. For us, it’s less important. If we’re questioned, we’re just kids. For her purposes, her troops must arrive without alarming the otherworlders.

Cara shrugged, pointing to the deep ruts showing in the mud. Been used a lot lately.

Over there. He pointed to an old, brown, two-story building that looked about to fall down. Let’s see if we can sneak by.

He crawled. Be as quiet as you can be. See if you can find the wormhole.

He looked at his sister’s face, her lips pulled back tight against her teeth.

Don’t say it, she hissed.

Say what?

Don’t tell me to be careful or quiet again. I got it.

They continued crawling, listening to the quiet of the too-still night. In northern climes, darkness came late and left slowly. It was in this half-light that they had to make their way.

I feel it. It’s hard to breathe.

Yeah. Like someone’s pulling me. We must be close.

Her brother, crawling before her, twisted the knapsack he carried so that it laid against his stomach. To the right of the building was what appeared to be a large, blurry fog bank. Sitting on the porch directly in front of the wormhole was a small band of Frauliege’s stormtroopers, elite fighting forces. Their shiny black knee boots reflected the light pink of the ebbing sun.

I don’t think they’re expecting anyone. Looks like they’d rather be anywhere but here.

They do look bored. Over there. He pointed to where the soldier’s guns were laying one upon the other.

They don’t even have their weapons near them, let alone have them ready.

Looking around, a small smile settled on Cara’s face. If our troops were here, they’d make mush out of them. They’re not even talking to each other. They look about ready to fall asleep.

I think it will be easier to get past them than I expected, but don’t be foolish. Even half asleep, these guys are dangerous.

What are you planning to do?

I’m going to create a disturbance, get them to look away, then we can make a run for it. By the time they realize what’s happening, we’ll be sucked into the wormhole and on our way.

"What kind of disturbance?

He pulled out a pack of matches, pointing to a pile of dried brush sitting a few feet to the right of the soldiers. In his other hand, he took out a stolen bullet.

I don’t know where you went, but I went to the munitions room. There’s gunpowder…

You throw the gunpowder into the brush, then the matches. Get us a nice little fire, one that’s too close to be ignored.

He grinned. Maybe you haven’t been playing with the animals.

Told you. Now, let’s get as close as we can.

Once again, he inched forward. Can you hear that?

What is it?

"That’s