J exits the raptor/shuttle, as does Marla. What surprises J is that only the Prefect accompanies them down the ramp. J realizes that they are nowhere near the city and he begins to wonder if they ever left the Gondawan continent. Suddenly, J relaizes where they are-they are approximately 25 kilometers from the capital city of Corinth, which means they did actually cross the large ocean separating Gondawa from the other continent. J isn't sure what the Prefect is up to but not wanting to waste this opportunity, J suddenly dives towards the prefect, knocking him to the ground. At the same time, he removes the sidearm and looks at Marla.
"RUN!" J points in the direction he wants he to run towards, to the east of their position. He knows there is a wooded area not more than 100 meters away, which will provide her with excellent cover. He watches as Marla hesitates for only a second, mouthing to him "Be careful". J can only nod as he gets up, holding the weapon on the Prefect. Once Marla is safely away, J lowers the weapon. The Prefect gets up, wiping the dirt from his trousers and shirt. He looks at J.
"Why did you do that? I was letting you two go."
J looks at the raptor, then back at the Prefect.
"Really? And just why would you do something like that, I mean, won't your masters be pissed about that?"
The Prefect laughed a little before replying.
"Let me worry about the council. They will soon have other problems to concern themselves with Colonial. Now, before someone becomes suspicious as to why we landed, go."
J stood there, unsure as to whether he should run. But if he did, then what? The Fleet Admiral would certainly have no choice bbut to turn him back over to the Gondawans or the Terrans. No, J decided it was in his and the Fleet's best interest to stay and go forward with the trial. He walked up to the Prefect.
"No Demetrius, I have to finish what was started by your council. May I suggest that you tell them the raptor had mechanical issues and when we landed, Maral was able to escape."
"And what about you? Why weren't you able to escape?"
"Simple, I was still inside the raptor when Marla made a break for it. I have this feeling you do not agree with the actions of your council. Don't tell me you are a part of the rebellion?"
Demetrius smiled.
"No, I am not a part of the rebellion although I have friends who are. You are correct Colonial, I am not happy with the actions of the council and neither are many others, including members of the Terran government. The problem is there is someone in the government who is very involved with the rebellion but not in a good way. I fear that by sending the woman Marla back to them, that you may very well have placed her in danger."
J was not really sure where to go with this information. He looked around then back at the Prefect.
"Well, we better get back in the air and to the city or contact someone to let them know we are landed, otherwise, someone is going to get suspicious."
Demetrius looked at the Colonial, his head cocked, unsure how to take this man now.
"You still have the chance to leave Colonial but I can tell you are a man determined to see this to the end, so shall we?"
Demetrius gestured to the raptor. Once inside, he instructed the pilot to send a message to the Colonial Fleet that they experienced engine trouble and had to land but were now preparing to resume their journey to Corinth. Looking at J, he whispered.
"I wouldn't worry about the woman, her people are nearby and will get her to safety. I sure hope you know what you are doing though."
J just sat there, his head resting against the seat back. Thinking to himself, J wondered the same thing.
"You an me both friend, you an me both. Where's Elea when I need her?"
The raptor lifted off and streaked towards the city and to J's fate.