| Chapter Sixteen “They’re gone,” Hannahoko told Erin in a whisper, “All the Russians are gone! I hope so much that Dylan will be able to protect our citizens underground.” Even though they checked the room for tapping the Queen was still cautious about speaking too loudly. “Don’t worry, Hannah’ everything will be okay.” “I hope you’re right,” said the Queen. The two girls were sitting on Hannahoko’s bed going over their plans for the next day. “I know I am,” Erin said confidently. Hannahoko smiled at her bodyguard. “So Scoot said the colonies are evacuated with the exception of a few brave that stayed behind to fight,” the young Queen said. “And we have the royal squadron. Dylan and the pirates, and I just know Matt will be back with the penny.” “Back with what penny?” asked a male voice. Both girls looked up and saw Nick standing in the doorway. Hannahoko stared at him, she did not know what to say. “What are you doing here?” she finally managed, “I thought you had ‘business’ back on Earth.” She threw her chin in the air trying not to show her hurt. “What are you talking about?” Nick yelled in agitation. “I’ll let myself out,” said Erin, “But I will be close enough, so don’t try anything Armstrong.” Erin brushed past Nick as she walked through the doorway. He stepped into the room and walked over to Hannahoko. “Erika told me all about how you had to go back to Earth, you could have said goodbye, you know!” Nick looked pretty scraggly, Hannahoko observed. He was unshaven and his hair was a mess. Hurt came into his eyes for a brief moment but it was quickly replaced with anger. “After what I did for you, you have the nerve to accuse me of not being a good friend?” “Well where were you?” she demanded. She wanted to tell him that she needed him, that she had no idea what to do about the Russians and Mona and the penny. That she wanted someone that would understand to talk it over with. But instead she didn‘t, she did not want to give him the satisfaction. “I was imprisoned in your dungeons, your majesty, if you must know. Erika imprisoned me there. What in this world or another made you believe Erika?” “Why were you in the dungeons?” Her brown eyes softened. “Erika wanted me to trick you into telling me where the penny was. I said no, and she threw me in the dungeons.” “I’m sorry Nick,” she said as she dropped her gaze to the floor. “Yeah, well you should be,” he said. “I’m sorry,” she repeated. He sat down beside her. “Look, its okay we just have to get you out of here. They are planning your assassination.” “I can’t leave, I need Matt to come back with the penny.” “Why does Matt have it? Why would you give it to the Kidd?!” “Because I didn’t know what it was! And he was going to help us, and I was so happy to see him. And he wanted it...” “He wanted it? Why would he want it?” “You don’t think? No, Nick, he wouldn’t...” “I’m beginning to think our friend is as dumb as a fox, Hannahoko.” ********************* More and more penguins came up from the ground in horrendous amounts of numbers. Abruptly, without warning, the Kidd crawled on top of the boulder and screamed these words to the mutants, “Penguins, take me to Mona, I have the penny!” |