CHAPTER 1

Adrian was sure he could pull it off, even though, it had never been done before, but the thought of being the first gave him a feeling of exhilaration. Think about it, Evie; if we make it, well be free, free to make our own decisions. No more controlled living.

Evie looked concerned. I know, Adrian. The thought of it sounds so wonderful, but Im afraid. Besides, where will we go? Will we have enough fuel and supplies to get us to wherever you have in mind? Theres just too much to think about, and I dont want to talk about it anymore, okay?

Adrian seemed confident. Youre right; its a big step for us, but dont concern yourself. Ill work it out.

She frowned. I know you will, but how will you get the Starship without getting caught? Im afraid for you, because the First Lords will turn you to spirit, and I cant stand the thought of that happening to you. I love you so.

He groaned. Stop it now, Evie. I know what the punishment is, but I wont let it happen. Remember? I fly those ships, and I have access to all of them. The only thing that might be a problem is loading the extra fuel and supplies. But well work it out. Well make it.

She stood up and paced. Tell me, Adrian, if we do leave Ineion, where are we going. I want to know. Do you have all that worked out?

He cleared his throat. No, but I will. Im putting together a plan, but it will be several weeks before its completed. And, Ill need your help getting the supplies.

Evie opened wide her pale, blue eyes, tossed back her long, blond hair and questioned, Me? Now how am I supposed to do that? Our life is controlled; remember?

If I do anything thats not normal, they will know. Ill be shipped off to a colony, somewhere out there in Orion, or be turned to spirit. Sure, I want to be free, but with my body.

Adrian walked over to her, reached down, pulled her hard against his tall, rugged body, cupped her breasts in his hands, nuzzled his face in her silky hair, and sighed. I dont want you to lose your beautiful body, either. He then pulled her tighter and smothered her with kisses.

She pushed him away. Dont, Adrian; if were caught, you know what will happen.

He smiled You dont have to remind me, but I cant help it. I love you so very much. Youre mine, and youll always be mine. They cant make you marry him; not while Im alive, and youre not here.

Clinging to him with tears flowing, she reached up, kissed him, and then, pulled him tightly to her. Adrian wiped away her tears, passionately returned the kiss, and held her for a few minutes. He then pushed her away, and kissed her on the top of the head. Youre right; youd better go now, before youre missed. And try to think of a way to get those supplies. Now go!

Watching as she turned and walked away, he wondered what life would be like without her, or what it might be like without his body. Hed never feel her soft and warm against him. Hed be able to see her, but never able to touch. He thought, and what does it mean when the First Lords say, if you try to leave Ineion, and youre caught, youll be spirit forever.

How long is forever? he questioned. After all, living here in body is forever. I cant imagine living forever without my body, but Im willing to take that chance.


Evie returned home, took a shower, and then went to bed. Lying there, she thought of how shed miss her family, especially her brothers, Lennie and Michael. Of course, shed miss her mom and dad, but not like those two. Theyre so carefree, always joking and so much fun to be with.

Picturing them in her mind, Lennie resembled her with his blond hair, blue eyes, and average frame and height. Michael was different with darker hair, green eyes, very tall, and rugged built like Adrian.

She had superior intelligence, but not like her brothers. Both were above superior, and were multi-talented. But Michael was the most skilled, and was her last thought as she drifted off to sleep, hugging her pillow, dreaming of Adrian.

Pacing the living room floor of his small apartment, Adrian tried to figure a way to get his hands on one of Ineions top sophisticated starships, the Titan 10. It had to be a Titan 10 to break away from Ineion and into another galaxy. No other starship had that capability. Its fuel supply would be ample enough to get far into space, and then switch over to fueling it by antimatter. Gravity drive, or folding space, was a main feature of the Titan 10 for speed. Adrian knew it had to be this ship and no other. If he couldnt pull it off, then attempting to leave was useless.

In his mind, he visualized the escape as he undressed, showered, and then went to bed. Lying awaiting sleep, he whispered, Evie, soon well be free and together. No more serving the Judges and the Lords. No more doing their will. But our will be done.

As he fell asleep, his dreams were filled with planning the escape. He saw his friend, Lord Raphael, a starship commander like himself, and a Titan 10 engineer. Lord Gabriel, his other friend, starship commander, and engineer is with Raphael. Soon after that, he is awakened by the alarm on his clock. Shaking his head to clear it, he thought of his dream and wondered if it meant he should trust his two friends for help.

Evie woke early in the morning with an idea on how to get the needed supplies. She decided shed ask her brothers, Lennie and Michael, for help. She thought. After all, Lennies friend does operate a supply store. But could she trust them? Surely her brothers wouldnt report her to the First Lords?