by Edward Lake
I placed my hands on my chest. “But why me?” I shook my head at her. “A woman like you could have any man she wants. Why risk everything for a woman pretending to be a man?”
Right away, she glared at me, and her eyes watered. “Maybe I don’t want a man.” She boosted herself to her knees and covered herself with the shiny sheets on her bed. “That’s the second time you’ve turned me down.” She let out a nervous giggle. “No man has ever turned me down.” Her face became serious. “I’ll give you one last chance, tonight, in the ballroom where the dance party was.”
I looked down and fidgeted with my hands. Her tone seemed more somber than before, but her eagerness was troublesome and I didn’t trust that she was being genuine with me. “Sadie, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I would be very lucky to have you.”
“Then have me—tonight in the ballroom, when the sun sets.”
My body trembled all over. In my heart, I saw no real future with Sadie. The realization was crushing and depressing. All this time, I thought she was so much more than what she had shown me. Deep down, maybe there was more to her that she was perhaps afraid to show me.
But for my own sanity—and safety—I needed to find a way to end this. I put my hands up and shook them at her. “Tell me why. Tell me why and I’ll do it.”
She wiped her tears away. “Because I really do like you, Zena.” She spat out an uneasy laugh. “I sat there in that room, all night, thinking about you and what you said about your brother.” Her face reddened as she squeezed the sheets. “I don’t think anyone in my life loves me enough to do what you’re doing. To risk your life to save him. I admire your bravery.”
My trembling calmed, and my heartbeat normalized. “Thank you.”
She loosened her grip on the sheets. “So meet me at the ballroom tonight.” She bit her lip and ran her hands through her hair. “This isn’t a game, Zena. I really do want you.”
Suddenly, footsteps from the hallway echoed throughout the walls.
“I have to go.” I spun around and hurried to the door.
But before I could dash outside, Sadie leaped from the bed and ran over to me. She took my hand and gripped it hard. “I’ll find a way out of here. So tell me you’ll be there at sunset.”
I turned my head and looked down at her. “Okay. But I must go—now!”
She looked up at me with fluttering eyes. “Hmm, you’re tall. I like that.”
I kindly rolled my eyes at her. “It’s the boots.” I dashed into the hallway and stood at attention.
Evander emerged from around the corner and marched down the hall. He wasted no time and came right up to me. “Any activity from Sadie, soldier?”
“No, sir,” I lied.
Evander shifted his eyes and checked me from top to bottom. “Very well then.” He lifted his communications device to his mouth and turned on his radio. “I need two soldiers to report to Sadie’s room and guard the door.”
Within seconds, a soldier responded. “Right away, Captain Cain.”
Evander was noticeably troubled by something. He looked me dead in the eyes and firmly ordered, “When our relief gets here, I want you to follow me downstairs to the High Priest’s chambers. I need you to ID a suspect who might have some information about the attack at the ocean.”
“Affirmative, Captain.” Trace Knox. I did not figure him to be a snitch. But surely, if his life was put on the line, there was no telling what he might do.
Thereafter, when our relief arrived, Evander and I ambled to the elevator and went down to the lower levels. He led me down the hall and into a small interrogation chamber. It was a cagey, dark, and cold pit of misery. Sure enough, Trace Knox was at the center of it, sitting on a large chair and locked down with metal restraints.
Commander Vault and Pastor Saros stood on opposite sides of the chair while Evander and I stood in front of Trace.
“Have you ever seen this man before, Declan?” Evander asked me.
I locked eyes with Trace and carefully studied his face. He appeared to be very relaxed.
“No, Captain.”
Commander Vault leisurely walked to me and neatly folded his arms behind his back. “Think long and hard about that night, soldier. Sir Knox has already told us everything he knows, so you need to be very sure about your answers.” He glared down at me, towering over my head like a tree branch.
I looked Trace up and down, steadily shaking my head. “I’ve never seen this man before, Commander.”
He spun his head to Trace. “Is he lying, Knox?”
Trace immediately said, “No.”
Pastor Saros blew out a frustrated sigh and bent down to Trace’s ear. “Sir Knox, I pray to God that Sadie’s sudden appearance at that ocean party does not lead back to you, because if it does, I won’t lock you away this time.” He let out a boorish laugh. “No, that would be too easy.” He rose to a standing position and paced around the room. “Your punishment will be death. But not a quick one. No, it will be a long-lasting death, drawn out for days, ending with a brutal assault that will be extremely painful.”
Trace slowly nodded, unchanged by the High Priest’s threat. “I understand, Pastor Saros. But like I said before, it’s been over two years since I’ve seen or heard from Sadie.”
Commander Vault threw his hands up. “Well, I think it’s safe to say this was a waste of time.” He marched over to Pastor Saros. “Even so, I would certainly enjoy having this delinquent killed for your contentment.”
Pastor Saros waved off the suggestion. “No, that won’t be necessary. Knox can keep his life for now, and when the time comes, I will have you carry out the proper punishment.” He faced Commander Vault and pointed a warning finger at him. “We are running out of time, Commander. I need you to find the mole—or I’ll remove you from your rank and elect a new Commander—someone capable of sniffing out a spy!” He rushed out of the chamber and stomped his way to the elevators.
“Captain Cain!” Commander Vault shouted.
“Yes, Commander?”
“Assemble a task force of slave soldiers. Report back to me when they are ready for takeoff. I’m sending you to Mercilus, the former home planet of the Serpents. You will search every cave and every corner of that horrid place. There must be something in those mountains that can help us find their stronghold.” He clenched his lips and blew out a hard huff from his nose. “I will stay here on Sodus and track down the mole.”
“Right away, sir.” Evander turned toward the doorway and gestured for me to follow him out of the chamber. “Head back to the Soldiers Academy and await my orders, Declan. When all the troops are assembled and ready, we’ll travel to Mercilus.”
At first, I was excited to learn I would be embarking on my first mission. However, I also worried about Sadie. How could I leave at a time like this? “Forgive me, Captain, but as members of the Holy Guard and considering the danger Pastor Saros and his family are in, don’t you think the Holy Guard should stay on Sodus and watch over them?”
He shook his head as we walked to the elevators. “No. Finding the Serpents and destroying them is how we keep the Saros family safe. There will be plenty of soldiers on guard to protect the Holy Planet.”
When we reached the elevators, from the corner of my eye, I saw Evander checking me. “You’re worried about Sadie, aren’t you?”
I wanted to lie again, but something told me he would see right through it. “Yes.”
He sighed and lowered his head a bit. “I told you to let her go, Declan.”
The bell for the elevator chimed and the doors opened. Together, we stepped forward and stood side by side. Evander pressed the button for the main floor. “I have the feeling you haven’t been fully honest with me when it comes to Sadie.” He glanced at me with a scowl. “Anything you’d like to tell me?”
I looked up at him and shook my head. “No, sir.” I wondered what Evander would do if he knew about last night and my recent encounter with Sadie. Perhaps he still wishes he could be with
her. The itch to be nosey and uncover more information about their history danced on the tip of my tongue. “Look, I wasn’t going to ask, but I have to know. What really happened between you two?”
Evander flashed a wavering smile. “She shattered my heart. We shall leave it at that.”
We remained quiet for the rest of the ride up, yet I had already made up my mind. I’ll be there, Sadie, tonight, at the dance hall. I had to say goodbye and explain to her that we could never work. Saving my brother was more important. That was my mission.
23
Zena
That night, I sent messages to Taft, Bon, and Atom on my communications device, wondering where they were. Taft was the first to reply and let me know they were at a local brewery, not far from the Soldiers Academy. When I arrived at the swanky spot, I found them huddled around a table with other slave soldiers. After checking the room further, I noticed several Holy Army soldiers monitoring my peers. Typical Saros oppression.
The brewery was beautifully crafted, lined with golden trim and plenty of shine, like most of the buildings on the Holy Planet. Everyone was hooting and hollering about their time as fighters on the North Star—and bragging about how good they looked in their uniforms. A lively grin stretched across my face, and I casually strolled up to all the boisterous fun.
Evander’s voice sounded over the loudspeakers. “Attention, slave soldiers of the Holy Army. I need every recruit from the North Star’s District Four to report to the Soldiers Academy at once. A critical mission has just been handed down by Commander Vault. When you arrive at the academy, battleships from around the city will pick you up and await orders from me. Any slave soldiers who do not comply with this message will be dealt with.”
Like a burst of wind, all the fun in the room flew right out the window. A collection of moans and groans followed as everyone dispersed.
I managed to catch Taft and the others before they made it to the rear exit. “Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?”
With Atom and Bon standing beside him, Taft turned around and flashed an uneven smile. “Hey, Declan! Nice to see you again.”
His breath reeked of brew. “I think you might have had too much to drink, Taft.”
He broke away from his friends and stumbled toward me. “Well, you should have joined us.” He tripped on his own feet and nearly fell.
I grabbed him and did my best to hold him up. Atom and Bon rushed over, too, and helped me.
“Where have you been since we got here, Declan?” Taft mumbled.
“Please, Taft, try to focus, if you can.”
Finally, he inhaled deeply, then exhaled and stood on his own power.
“I know. I’m a mess.”
Before I could say anything, a soldier shouted, “You four! Move on with the others. Your recreation time is over!”
I glared at the man and shook my head. It was like being back on the prison yard all over again. Atom and Bon turned around and headed toward the door.
I spun around with Taft and walked beside him. “I need your help, Taft. I’ve gotten involved with someone I shouldn’t have. And now, it feels like I’m losing control of the situation.”
He peeked at me with his eyebrows raised. “Is this about you disguising yourself as a man?”
“Yes. I need you to watch my back if something goes wrong. I’ll find you later and explain. Hopefully it won’t be too late by then.”
Thereafter, less than an hour before our scheduled takeoff to Mercilus, I went to the Saros estate to find Sadie. Just as she told me, I crept to the long stairway that led to the dance hall. I evaded a few soldiers before I could get in, then tiptoed to a large pillar on the far side of the room and hid behind it. I stayed there for a moment and looked around. The room seemed so much bigger with no one inside.
Naturally, somehow, Sadie had found a way to escape from her room and emerged from the shadows. “You came.”
I turned around and took a deep breath. “Geez, you startled me.”
She peered into the distance, then turned her head to check behind us. She looked back at me and smiled. “Well, we’re safe now.” She stepped into the dim light and revealed the see-through lace robe she was wearing. She walked over to me and carefully set her hands on her chest. “So what do you think?”
I scratched my head and checked her from head to toe. “You look… amazing.” I crossed my arms and held my head up high. “I shouldn’t be here, but I promised you I would come.” I looked down at her and slowly stepped closer. “I came to say goodbye, Sadie.”
She ambled to me and touched my waist. “Don’t talk like that.” She placed her hand on my cheek and leaned her head to the side. “Kiss me.” She smelled so good, and her hair was damp and shiny.
“Captain Cain is taking us to Mercilus.” My lips quivered. “I may never see you again.”
She wrapped her hand around my head. “Then shut up and kiss me.”
I grabbed her nice robe and pulled her so hard it ripped. At last, our lips connected, and the warmth of her mouth sent a tingling sensation down my spine. We kissed for a few minutes, over and over until I had difficulty breathing. Then our lips separated.
Sadie let out a deep sigh and licked her lips. “I know that my interest in you might seem strange—or devious. But I want you to know it’s real.” Her eyes grew wide. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you, Zena.”
I put my hands on her chest and slowly moved them down to her waist. “Maybe, when the war is over, we’ll find each other again.”
She placed her hands on my armor and gradually slid them down to my hips. “I’d like that.”
I bent my head low and puckered my lips. Sadie reached around to the back of my neck and caressed me with her petite hand. Once more, our lips touched and we shared a tender kiss.
Then, without warning, a loud thump echoed from across the room. “There she is!” a woman’s voice screeched from afar.
Like a flurry, soldiers stormed us from all angles with guns aimed, ready to shoot at any moment. “Step away from the pastor’s daughter, soldier!” one of the troops hollered.
I put my hands up and stepped backward. “Don’t shoot!”
They swarmed me and dragged me to the other side of the stage.
“Let her go!” Sadie cried. One of the soldier’s tried to grab her, too, but she managed to push him away. “Get your hands off me!” She hurried over to me and shielded me with her body. She pointed a finger at the soldiers one by one, her hand shaking. “All of you, back away!”
In the blink of an eye, the area fell silent. Confused looks on their faces, the soldiers stepped back. They took a moment to glance at each other, then back at us.
“Her?” one of the soldiers said.
The High Priest and his wife stormed into the dance hall and trotted to the stage. Pastor Saros arrived first and rushed to the soldiers. “Where is she? Where is my daughter?”
The soldiers, perhaps in disbelief or unsure of what to do or say, remained silent and moved aside to reveal Sadie and me.
Pastor Saros’s mouth dropped when he saw Sadie in that revealing robe. “Declan? I don’t understand. Why would you—”
“My priest, sorry to interrupt,” one of the soldiers cut in. “But I’m afraid the situation has become much worse.”
Agnes caught up to her husband and wept. “My God, Declan. How could you betray us like this?”
Sadie reached down and took my hand. “Zena.” She shuddered mightily as her mother stepped closer. “Her name is Zena.”
Pastor Saros and his wife, both stone-faced, looked at each other. Agnes spun around and covered her face. She let out a muffled scream under her hands and slowly fell to her knees.
Pastor Saros reached out to Sadie with a shaky hand. “For God’s love, please, tell me this isn’t true.”
She groaned and gripped my hand harder. “Sorry, Father.”
He quickly turned his head to check his sobbing wife. “You will be punished for what yo
u have done to your mother and me.” He snapped his eyes back to Sadie. “As High Priest of Starlight, it is my duty to uphold God’s will, for the will of the Holy Spirit is law.” He glared at Sadie, redness in his eyes, and waved his hand over her. “Take her to my battle station.”
My insides rumbled as I helplessly watched them snatch her away from me. They dragged her to the exit on the far side, and all I could do was listen to her screech. Tears welled from my eyes as I looked down to the floor. Declan, I’ve failed you and the family.
I imagined Pastor Saros would have ordered the soldiers to kill me right there. But he had other plans in mind. “As for you… Zena, your death will serve as a lesson for the rest of the galaxy, like Samson before you.”
Samson? I wondered. I had never heard that name before.
“Strip her down and take her to my chambers. She will be killed at dawn, during my sermon.” He turned around and helped his wife to her feet. He carefully escorted her off the stage and led her to the rear exit. “Death to Zena! In God’s name, we shall bring death to this savage!”
The soldiers wasted no time and attacked me with relentless fury. They beat me down to the floor and took my gun. They pulled my helmet and armor off, then ripped my underclothes to shreds. They laughed when they saw the cloth I had been using to keep my chest flat. One of the soldiers reached down and snatched it off my body.
Together, they picked me up and carried me to the elevators that led to the lower levels. Everything had gone numb. I couldn’t hear or feel anything around me. For a moment, it felt like time had stopped, and I was stuck in some kind of daze.
When I arrived at the dismal holding cell, the soldiers tossed me inside like a bag of trash. The ache of my naked body dropping onto the stone floor woke me up from my numbing trance. I gasped and covered my head.
One by one, the soldiers took turns and stomped on me until I was a bloody, black and blue mess. Finally, after the brutal thrashing, they left me on the grimy, cold floor to soak in my own blood.
The soldiers left the chamber and locked me away in the darkness. With one voice, they hooted about my impending execution, parading down the hallway like they had just won a battle.