“I accept and understand your position, Dali. I know I’m asking a lot, but I’m not asking you to do it for him. I’m asking you to do it for me.”
And therein lies the crux of my dilemma.
Navda has done so much for me and Sadie so how can I turn him down in his time of need? And Dante is my brother. Like with Axton, I don’t approve of what he‘s done, and I can’t claim to hold a whole lot of love in my heart for him, but I don’t want to see him dead either.
Neve wouldn’t understand. If she were here, she’d kill him herself but there has got to come a point where we stop trying to justify death with more death. If Mom were alive, she would say don’t give up on your brother—he needs you. If Sadie were here, she wouldn’t agree either. But she’s not. She’s off trying to save my other brother from himself. If I’m supporting that decision, then it’s extremely hypocritical to deny the same support to Dante. I crank my neck from side to side, desperately trying to alleviate some of the stress.
“I’ll do it. I’ll help you.” I glance at Haydn and Rylan, and they nod, instantly supporting my position. “You can count on the three of us.”
Win and Dali are engaged in animated whispering over in the corner of the room.
“Thank you, Logan. That means a lot to me.” Navda plants a hand on my shoulder.
“Fine,” Dali reluctantly confirms. “We’re in, but we are only doing this for you because we owe you. I truly hope you know what you’re doing.”
The moment the ship enters the claustrophobic Calanthyia airspace, tiny goose bumps lift all over my skin. I’m on edge, and there’s good reason for it. Most of my altercations with Dante have ended in disastrous consequences, and I fear this outcome will be no different. My eyes distractedly survey the wasteland below. Miles and miles of flat, drab sand eventually give rise to peaked dunes and solid rust-colored towering cliffs overlooking cavernous drops to the barren land below. It’s no wonder there are no inhabitants on this derelict planet. Nothing grows here, and few beings can survive the dry, cloying air, the water-free environment, or the extreme heat of the three burning hot suns. Only endless daylight and infinite boredom waits on Calanthyia.
“This place creeps me out,” Haydn mutters in my ear.
“I know.” I lean my head back and briefly close my eyes, worry for Sadie crowding my mind again.
“Any more from Sadie?”
I shake my head. “Nothing so far.” My foot taps incessantly off the ground. “I hope she can get the job done quickly ‘cause it feels like I’m going out of my mind.”
He scrubs a hand over his clean-shaven jaw. “I can relate.” I arch a brow in question, and he sighs. “This whole mess with Kesla is running on a continual loop in my head.”
“What’s up with you and her?” I was surprised when Sadie informed me of whom she was to Haydn and more than a little shocked when the baby news was revealed, but I meant what I said. There should be no impediment to him having that kind of life while continuing to perform his duties, if that’s what he wants.
He sighs again. “I don’t know what I’m feeling, to be honest.”
“Try me. I doubt it can be any more complex than what Sadie and I are dealing with.”
“Bit of a relationship expert now, huh?” His teasing has a slight edge to it which I decide to ignore. He leans his arms on his legs as he gathers his thoughts. “We were so close when we were kids, but I never thought anything of it. Of course, I was sad to leave her behind when I took up my bodyguard role, but I didn’t dwell on it too much. Over the years, she has wandered into my mind often, but I didn’t fully understand why or what I was feeling. It’s only the last year, since my conscience developed and, uh”—he glances nervously at me—“since I developed certain feelings for Sadie that I began to recognize what it might be.”
“Do you love her?”
His face contorts into a semi-grimace. “I’m not sure.”
“But you slept with her?”
“We don’t all have to find enduring love to have sex, Logan!”
“I didn’t mean it like that, only that I know you, and I can’t imagine you’d risk your position by sleeping with someone you didn’t love or at least care very deeply about.”
“She came to my room when we were in Talla and poured her heart out to me, and I told her I loved her, too, because that is what it felt like in the moment. And when we touched, it felt right, and I couldn’t imagine it being like that with any other woman.”
“But?”
“But then I discovered that she’s meant for another. She’s been in a relationship with Felix for years.” He practically growls his name, and no further explanation is needed. Felix was Haydn’s rival for the bodyguard position, and I can still remember the antagonistic competition between them. Either of them could’ve performed the role, but, in the end, I chose Haydn because he was the better person. The person I felt I could get along with more easily, and while it’s not a prerequisite for the position, that’s always been important to me. Haydn has been much more than just my bodyguard, and I’ve never once doubted my choice. Not for a second.
“It’s as good as a done deal with him.” He picks at the corner of one nail. “She told me she would end it, that I only had to give her my word, and she would commit to me. But we were leaving, and I didn’t think I’d see her again so …”
“So you told her to commit to him and forget about you,” I surmise.
A small smile graces his lips. “Stars, am I that damn predictable?”
“Haydn, you’re my best friend. I know you as well as you know me. It’s not difficult to guess your reaction.”
He runs a hand over his newly-shorn locks. “She says the baby is mine, and I want to believe her, but what if she’s mistaken? What if it’s his?”
“That’s an easy one to confirm. Make an appointment for a paternity scan.”
He hangs his head. “I know, and she’s already chomping at the bit to do it, but …”
“But you’re terrified it’ll confirm you are the baby’s father because you’ll have to confront your feelings and terrified it’ll say it’s Felix’s kid because then you’ll lose her forever.”
Haydn shakes his head. “I’m gonna have to start acting outside the box.”
“No, thanks. I’ve had enough unpredictability from you these last few months. Just be you.”
We are both quiet for several minutes as the ship starts gradually lowering toward land.
“What do you think I should do?” His brow furrows.
“Get the test, Haydn. Then you’ll know what you’re dealing with at least.” He nods. I slap his back. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, buddy, it’s that love is messy and complicated. If it’s too easy, then it isn’t the real deal. It can’t be, because passion doesn’t follow the path of least resistance. It’s this fiery, out-of-control entity that sucks you in and spits you out more hurt and more alive than ever before.”
“What does it feel like? Being in love?” His words strike a chord deep inside me. I asked Axton that question once, and he totally fobbed me off. I won’t do that to my friend even though I know I’m about to come across like the sappiest dude that ever existed.
“Like the most amazing, scariest feeling in the entire galaxy. Sadie makes my head hurt, my heart race, and my body come alive like I never thought possible. She consumes every part of me, and I never stop thinking about her, all day long, it’s nonstop. When I’m with her, I want to touch her, hold her, feel her body moving with mine. When I’m not with her, I crave her presence like I can’t breathe if she isn’t sharing the same airspace as me. When something good happens, I want to share it with her. When something awful happens, she’s the only one I want to console me. When she’s hurting, I want to absorb her pain and protect her from ever hurting again. And when I’m connected to her, and her soul tangles with mine, I’m in heaven. I … stars …” Talking about her brings every one of those thoughts and feelings to the surface,
and I’m torn between elation and despair because I need her now. So badly.
“Wow, Logan.”
“What? No quips about how I’ve traded in my man-card?”
“Nope.” He looks quietly contemplative. “I understand now, why you let her do this. Because you love her. You trust her to make the right decisions, and you support her even if you don’t always agree. That’s the real measure of true love.”
I’m sure I have the goofiest look on my face. “I know. And now I hate you, jackass, because I was already missing her so much, and this conversation has made it ten million times worse.”
“Aww, poor Logan.” Thick sarcasm coats his words, and I nudge him in the ribs. I knew the teasing was coming.
“You need to put these on to protect yourselves from the elements,” Navda says, interrupting the moment as he hands me a shiny silver bodysuit and matching helmet.
We all suit up and stand by the hatchway as the ship docks. A small group of loyal Narik soldiers are with us for protection, but we’re taking no chances. This is Dante we’re dealing with, and he has no clue that we’re about to pay him a visit. He’s definitely a supporter of the “shoot now and ask questions later” line of thinking, so we need to be prepared. I unlock my weapon, holding it steady as we alight from the ship onto a solid black metal landing pad atop one of the cliffs. Cocooned from the heat and the glare of the sun, I sweep my eyes over our surroundings. All I can see, stretching far into the distance is bland landscape, dipping and curving between flattened ground and mountainous cliffs.
“The entrance to the facility is this way.” Navda’s voice is clear inside my helmet. “Follow me.” We troop behind the king and his military contingent until we reach the edge of the cliff. Bowing down, Navda lays his hand flat on the ground and a tiny red light rims the outline of his fingers. A flashing light emits from the ground and Navda straightens up, ushering us back a little. A sleek glass shuttle emerges from the side of the cliff and its doors open granting us access.
“What is this place?” I ask.
“You know how seriously I regard my nation’s safety, and you’ve already seen the underground facility on Narik, but I wanted to create other options for my people so we’ve built some safe havens on a few remote planets as backup in times of need. This is one of our smaller compounds, and we’ve built it into the side of the mountain. Get in and I’ll show you.”
There’s clearly no limit to this man’s genius or the lengths he’ll go to in order to protect those he loves.
We all file into the shuttle and once the doors are secured we descend fluidly along the side of the mountain. We stop at the midway point, and Navda escorts us out onto a glass-tiled platform spanning the circumference of the mountain. Haydn and Rylan insist on walking ahead of me as we round the bend. Navda holds up a hand to halt us. Using fingerprint technology again, he places his hand against the side of the mountain, and another flashing red light confirms authorization. The air swirls around me, like a sudden onslaught of wind, and the platform beneath my feet shudders as the side of the mountain opens, and a large, glass square materializes, sliding outward at a steady pace.
“Holy crap!” Rylan exclaims, articulating my sentiment perfectly. The glass structure glides to a smooth halt, looking like it’s dangling in mid-air, and a doorway opens at the side affording us entry.
“Let the guards take position at the front. By now, Dante will be aware that he has visitors, and the comm I scheduled should be reverberating around the facility. Stay alert at all times, because we don’t know how he’ll react,” Navda instructs.
Once the guards are safely inside the compound, Navda steers us forward.
We are in a vast, open-ceilinged lobby with plain black flooring. Craning my neck, I look up, counting floor upon floor rising high above us. At ground level, numerous elevator banks line the side of the lobby, and there are a few corridors extending in different directions. To my right is a long, narrow table with various shelves and cupboards underneath. Unlocking his helmet, Navda places it on top of the table, motioning for us to do the same.
A fresh, gentle breeze swirls around my face as I remove my helmet. Our feet squelch on the glossy floor as we follow the guards and Navda out toward one of the corridors at the back. An automated message replays over and over as we walk, confirming our identity and that we have come in peace. Nervous adrenaline floods my body and my hands are sweaty. Keeping a steady grip on my weapon, I stay focused and on high alert as we advance.
A smooth silver-paneled wall stretches on our right as we exit the lobby along a narrow passageway. The ground shifts underneath us and I sway. Everyone glances at Navda. “Don’t panic. The facility is merely resettling itself.” Dali looks over her shoulder at me, and we exchange worried looks. I feel it too—the pungent trepidation in the air.
Turning the corner, we enter a large communal space showing clear signs of habitation. Remnants of food linger on plates and bowls atop a square dining table. Steam rises from forgotten cups. A holoscreen plays reports from the galaxy over a blazing fire. Overturned chairs indicate a hasty retreat.
Navda remains composed as he walks to the wall, punching buttons on an embedded control panel. The image on the holoscreen changes, showcasing a map of the facility. Moving red dots indicate heat signatures shooting upward. “They are heading to the solarium. There’s an escape tunnel up there. Move, now!” Navda urgently commands his troops.
We race toward the elevator shaft at the far corner of the room and take chase. No one speaks as the shuttle races toward the top of the compound. My heart slaps frantically against my ribcage. Haydn and Rylan are the model of cool, calm, and collected as they stand on either side of me, weapons activated and raised, ready to face whatever is awaiting us.
The instant the Narik soldiers step foot in the solarium, laser fire breaks out. Three of them drop to the ground, dead on the spot. The rest ducks behind columns in the room trading gunfire. Haydn, Win, and Rylan keep me, Dali, and Navda at the rear as they cautiously peep out the elevator door and gradually slip into the room.
More shots whip across the space, followed by a few obvious thuds as fresh bodies slump to the ground.
“Screw this,” Dali mutters, gripping her weapon and extending her arms. “If we’re going down, we’re going down together.”
“Let me go first.” I push her behind me as I edge out of the elevator, weapon poised and ready. A shot whizzes over my head, and I duck down, aiming my weapon in the direction it came from. Shots continue to crisscross around the space. The solarium is split-level, and our assailants have the upper ground and the vantage position. All of Navda’s soldiers are dead bar two who are valiantly pushing their way forward.
I step over the inert body of a soldier as Dali and I race across the room, darting behind a column. Navda steps right into the center of the room with his hands held up in the air. “Stars! Does he have a death wish?” I shake my head as I watch him trek across the room.
Four exiled members of the Saven Royal Guard line up alongside the glass railing on the top level, ceasing fire. Officer Vero scans the room, his eyes locking on mine. Simmering fury boils the blood in my veins as I look upon the traitor who tried to kill Sadie. I step out of the shadows, straightening my shoulders and keeping my weapon raised and ready. Haydn and Rylan step in front of me as I join King Coryn’s side. Dante appears with Advisor Mellor, lording it over us from above.
“If you had told me you were coming, Father, I would’ve organized a much better welcoming party.”
“He’s saved your ass, Dante. And more than once. Doesn’t that count for something?” I shout.
“Guilt is a funny emotion, or so I’ve been told.” The caramel hue in his eyes burns fiercely.
“I’m not here to take you in, Dante. The U.P.C. has decided that termination is an apt punishment for all defectors, which is something I cannot support. You’re my son, and I won’t lose you. You’ll be safe with me in Narik. They can’t g
et to you there, but we need to leave immediately. It’s only a matter of time before the Military Reserve discovers your whereabouts and comes for you. What do you say? Will you come with us?”
Dante purses his lips as he reviews his father. Then his gaze flits to me. “I know why he came”—he gestures toward King Coryn—“but why are you here? What’s your vested interest?”
“I’m here because Navda is my friend and he asked for my help, but I’m here for you too. Despite what you have done, you are still my brother, still a Saven, and I don’t wish you dead. I’ve never been your enemy, Dante. You chose that role for yourself.”
He leans over the edge, malice shining in his eyes. “I. Had. No. Choice!” he yells, his voice bouncing off the walls. “Everything has always been so easy for you. You’ve had everything handed to you on a plate. You’ve never understood me.”
I step forward, brushing past a scowling Haydn. “Bullshit, Dante! We were close as kids, but you turned on me. It didn’t have to be like that. And don’t pretend to know anything about my life. Nothing is easy about it right now, but you don’t hear me complaining. That’s the key difference between us. I’ve always known my place was to serve my duty and protect the Saven people. I would’ve played my part even if I hadn’t been heir apparent. It’s never been about me—it’s always been about what’s best for Saven. We could’ve worked together, but instead you positioned yourself as my enemy. You did that, not me.”
I shake my head, anger getting the better of me. “If you got over your entitled, self-pitying, whiny ass, you’d realize that. We’re all dealt a hand of cards, and how we deal with them determines our path in life. You had so many other options, Dante, but you chose this life, this path. You did! At least fucking accept responsibility for that instead of constantly looking for someone else to blame!”
Saven Deliverance Page 9