The Worker Prince

by Bryan Thomas Schmidt

  Tela nodded, looking around—just Nila and Davi. Brie had gone on ahead. Good!

  Davi chuckled at the relief on her face as she said, “You be careful, okay?”

  Tela blushed a bit. How could she still be jealous of Brie after all the time they’d been spending together?

  “We can handle it,” Davi reassured her.

  Tela settled back on her skitter and nodded in confirmation, then started it up and rode away after the others.

  O O O

  Bordox and Corsi followed a winding trail through the forest, until they saw flashes ahead.

  Bordox perked up, eyes locked on the direction the flashes had come from. “What was that?”

  “Looked like lasers,” Corsi said.

  “It came from up ahead.” Bordox accelerated his skitter and sped around a bend in the trail as Corsi hurried to keep up with him.

  O O O

  Davi and Nila had used their blasters to cut large vines from the thick canopy of the forest to make a makeshift tow line. As they finished tying the vines into longer ropes then began attaching the two skitters together with Davi’s in front.

  “We won’t be able to go very fast, but it’ll get us there,” Davi said as they finished. He stood admiring their work as Nila smiled. His Academy training had paid off.

  “Where’d you learn how to do all this stuff?” she asked.

  Davi laughed. “Military Academies teach all kinds of skills. You never know what you’re going to need.”

  Nila smirked. “Bet you never thought you’d be towing a skitter.”

  Davi shrugged. “There are a lot of things I’ve done on this planet I never thought I’d be doing. Including training my cousin to fly.” He winked at her and she smiled again. “Let’s mount up and get going.”

  Nila climbed onto her skitter as Davi settled back onto his.

  “Might be a bit rough at first so hang on,” he warned her then took his time accelerating. Nila did her best to match his steering.

  O O O

  Bordox stopped in a clearing as Corsi pulled up alongside. He couldn’t believe what he saw.

  On a trail to the west, Xander rode a skitter and towed a girl on another skitter behind him.

  My gods! I found him! He ducked down, motioning to Corsi. “Keep your head down!”

  “Is it him?” Corsi asked.

  Bordox motioned urgently. “Let’s get in front of him and surprise him. Call in the men. Quietly!”

  Corsi nodded, reaching for his communicator.

  Bordox smiled, his body tingling with excitement as he activated his skitter’s weapons system. At last, he would get his revenge!

  O O O

  Davi stopped a moment and adjusted the vines. He’d strung them too loose the first time, making the ride rougher for Nila than he wanted. He cut them in half and retied the ends so the skitters would ride closer together. This time, he attached them with four lines instead of two, checking to be sure the knots were tight.

  “That should be better.” I wish Tela would hurry back with that motivator.

  “I’m sure it’s fine,” Nila said. Her eagerness to learn and willingness to do whatever it took made up for the fact she sometimes took longer than the others to get up to speed during training. And he was proud of her progress.

  Davi settled back onto his skitter. “All right. Here we go again.”

  He accelerated again, looking back to check on Nila.

  She smiled at him, offering a thumbs up.

  Good. Maybe this time we can make some progress.

  O O O

  Bordox quickly divided his men into groups and sent them in various directions, while he and Corsi continued on the same trail as Xander. He was so excited; he had to force himself not to move in before his men were ready. He couldn’t risk allowing Davi to escape. This would be the highlight of his career to date. Not only could he take down his own rival, but he’d also be ruining the reputation of his family’s rival clan at the same time.

  He started humming a favorite song as he rode along.

  O O O

  Davi stopped a moment, scanning maps of the forest on his datapad. The vines and brush were thicker here, filling in space between the trees almost like a wall. “This side trail should be a short cut,” he said to Nila. “Shall we give it a try?”

  She shrugged, relaxed on her skitter with complete trust in him. “I follow orders. You’re the officer.”

  He laughed, clipping the datapad back onto his belt before accelerating off the main trail onto the short cut. “I wish all soldiers were this easy to please,” he joked.

  “I’m saving my demands for when it matters,” Nila teased.

  They both laughed.

  O O O

  Bordox ordered his men to move in from all directions on Rhii and his companion. Bordox grinned as he and Corsi accelerated around a bend in the trees. Verifying his weapons had fully charged, he spotted his men closing in ahead. But his heart sank. Xander wasn’t there. Bordox cursed.

  “Where could he have gone?” Corsi asked, looking puzzled.

  “Search the whole area! Quickly!” Bordox yelled.

  Corsi winced and began issuing orders over the comm.

  “He can’t be allowed to escape!” Bordox fumed as the men scattered. “You, too, Corsi! Go! Go!”

  Corsi nodded, accelerating his skitter up a side trail.

  Bordox cursed again and examined the ground. How could Xander keep slipping through his grasp? They’d tear every inch of this forest apart if that’s what it took. He had to be out here somewhere. He would not let Xander Rhii humiliate him again.

  “Not this time Rhii!” he shouted. “You’re mine!”

  O O O

  As Davi and Nila pulled their skitters to a stop inside the cave, Tela rushed toward them.

  As soon as Davi stepped off his skitter, she embraced him. “Thank God you’re back. We’ve had reports of LSP troops searching the forest.”

  “LSP troops here?” Davi couldn’t believe it. His body stiffened with worry and his jaw tightened, his mind racing for a plan. “How’d they find us?”

  “I don’t know, but we’d better be careful on the trails from now on,” Tela said.

  Davi nodded. Tela was still holding onto him. He liked it. “So, does this mean we’re going public then?”

  Tela rolled her eyes, letting go and looking around. Nila had already disappeared. They were alone.

  “Is it that embarrassing?” Davi raised an eyebrow at her.

  “No, of course not.” She sighed. “It’s complicated. We’re about to start a war. And since my father disappeared, I haven’t wanted to get involved.”

  “Your father disappeared?” Davi hadn’t known.

  Her face turned sadder as she explained. “My father was a scientist. He made some discoveries the Alliance deemed threatening. They sent him to the top-secret prison on Legallis. Another worker spy, they claimed.”

  “Top secret prison on Legallis? Must not be too secret if you know about it,” Davi said.

  She shrugged. “I have no idea where it’s located, but it’s known to exist. A secret prison there for workers declared a threat to the Borali Alliance.”

  Davi’s mind started racing. Could his father be there? He had to make some inquiries. Maybe Yao or Farien could find something out for him. “How long ago?”

  Tela shrugged. “I was a little girl. Twelve years, I think.”

  “Your father is still alive?”

  Tela’s eyes brightened as she nodded. “Before she died, my mother had contact with a man who’d been making deliveries on Legallis and encountered my father working at the dock. They sometimes use the prisoners for various projects, and then send them back to the prison.”

  Davi’s heart pounded with excited thoughts about his father. He promised himself not to say anything to Lura until he’d had the chance to get more information. He turned and started back toward his quarters.

  “What’s the matter? Did I
say something wrong?” Tela called after him, but he didn’t hear her.

  O O O

  Xalivar timed his arrival at the Council chamber so he could make a grand entrance when the meeting was well underway. To increase the Council’s anticipation, he’d had Manaen send a message to Lord Tarkanius about Xalivar receiving shocking news of great import to the Council, which he would deliver in person.

  All eyes fixed on him as he entered the chamber, and the session ground to an immediate halt. Lord Niger had been addressing the Council, but seeing Xalivar, he stopped and returned to his seat.

  Xalivar smiled inside, his exterior expression remaining very grave. He could smell the tension of prideful men, their rivalries, bitterness, and drive for power, and it energized him as it always did when he entered their presence. All the more so when their every eye focused on him. “I apologize for my lateness to the proceedings,” he said, making his way to the dais.

  Tarkanius nodded. “Your aide notified us you would be late. You have important news for us?”

  “Yes,” Xalivar said, mentally preparing as he set his facial expression with the appropriate tone—a mix of shock, sadness, rage and worry. “I recently uncovered a shocking conspiracy against the Borali Alliance which has compromised the Royal Family,” Xalivar said.

  He heard gasps and watched the shocked reactions from those present.

  “The Royal Family has been implicated?” Lord Hachim asked.

  Xalivar blanched internally at the choice of words but maintained his composure and nodded. “I’m afraid so. The conspiracy was led by my own sister, Princess Miri,” Xalivar said.

  More gasps and shocked reactions.

  “Princess Miri has been a loyal member of the Borali Alliance her whole life,” Lord Kray said, her eyes already denying it could be true.

  Xalivar fought the urge to scowl. Kray always sided with Miri. They were the oldest of friends. Well, let’s see her argue with this!

  “I have uncovered evidence that my own nephew, Prince Xander Rhii, was adopted by Miri from workers.” He waited for the gasps and shocked reactions. “This illegal act occurred completely without my knowledge and remained hidden from me, until LSP forces, under my command, uncovered the plot during their search for the fugitive, Xander Rhii.”

  “Your own sister raised a worker child in your household, and you didn’t know?” Lord Niger asked.

  He saw others’ faces fill with a mixture of doubt, disbelief, and challenge.

  “Not until now. I was quite shocked and disturbed by the revelation,” Xalivar said, ignoring Kray’s icy stare.

  “He’s an officer in the Borali Alliance military, an Academy graduate … the entire Alliance may be compromised,” Lord Obed said, angrily fanning the flames. Since Obed’s son had written the report, Xalivar wondered how much he already knew.

  Xalivar looked at the floor, forcing as much sadness onto his face as he could muster. “I fear it is so. My own men have informed me they are closing in on him now.”

  “And what of the Princess? What does she have to say about this?” Tarkanius asked.

  Xalivar knew Tarkanius was among those who had met with Miri in private, causing Xalivar to question his loyalty. All will be brought to light soon enough, Tarkanius. And those who betrayed me will answer for it.

  “She’s away from the Palace, but she will be found and brought to me. I rushed here to inform the Council as soon as the evidence came to light.”

  “Your aide managed to come and go over twenty-five minutes ago,” Lord Obed interjected with an accusing tone.

  “This is a very serious accusation you are making,” Lord Simeon said, ignoring his colleague. “We will initiate a full investigation.”

  Another possible traitor heard from. “I will assist you in any way I can,” Xalivar said.

  “Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, High Lord Councilor.” Only Tarkanius seemed to maintain his composure at the news. He nodded from the dais. “Your forthrightness before the Council exemplifies the honor with which you serve.”

  Too little, too late, Tarkanius, my old friend. You’ve already proven where your loyalties lie. Xalivar nodded back. This was going far better than he’d imagined. “Thank you, Lord Tarkanius.”

  “As soon as the Princess and her son are found, they must be brought before the Council,” Lord Obed said, his face a cold stare.

  “Of course,” Xalivar said. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have urgent matters to attend to.”

  Tarkanius offered a sympathetic look. “Of course. Please keep the Council informed.”

  Xalivar returned the look and smiled as he turned and hurried down the aisle again. Several Lords nodded warmly as he passed them. When the door closed behind him, he heard the room explode in chatter.

  Good. Let them discuss it. Let them become distracted from whatever plans Miri set afoot. None can dare trust her now! He smiled and quickened his pace. Despite Obed’s attempts, it had gone so perfectly. He didn’t even notice the bounce in his own steps.

  O O O

  To:HRHMRhii@Federal.emp; YBrahma@PresimionAcademy.edu

  From: DRhii@vertullisonline.com

  Subject: I am safe

  Dear Mother & Yao:

  I hope this letter finds you well. I want you to know that I am fine, but I miss you both and long for the day when I can see you again. I have been very busy with many activities I am not at liberty to discuss at this time. But I assure you, all will be revealed in time, and I am working hard to make you proud of me.

  In the meantime, it was brought to my attention that many worker prisoners are being kept in a secret government prison somewhere on Legallis. I have reason to believe my biological father, Sol, is among those prisoners. There is also a man called Telamon, who would be there. I know the prison is top-secret, but perhaps you can make inquiries through channels for me. I would like to know its location and attempt to confirm the presence of these two men there.

  Again, I cannot tell you what I plan to do with the information you provide, but hope that my past actions and behavior would serve to reassure you I will continue acting with honor in all I do.

  Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  With love and fondness,

  Davi

  Davi clicked send and hoped the e-post would arrive undetected. His mother would be very worried about him. It had been too long since they’d had contact and she’d be relieved to get any message. He promised himself when things got better, he’d set aside extra time to spend with her. He treasured her love and devotion to him. It was something he never wanted to lose.

  He wondered how Yao would receive his message. Yao knew of his heritage, and perhaps also knew by now about the warrant and his involvement with the workers. He hoped their deep friendship would supersede Yao’s loyalty as an Alliance officer. Yao had always been a free thinker, more sympathetic to his own sensibilities than the strict order of the law. Either way, the e-post had been sent through public servers with special encoding. It could not be traced to his location at the WFR base. Even if it did get intercepted or their sympathies for him had been tempered, he still bore little risk of discovery.

  He’d asked around about the prison after his conversation with Tela. Many had heard the rumors of its existence, but few knew any facts. He’d concluded the only way for him to find out if his father lived would be to seek help through more official channels. He felt confident that Yao and Miri would be discreet and careful. If they decided not to help him, his inquiring of them would not raise great alarm.

  He sat there for a few moments longer, before checking his inbox in a rush. Nothing. And then he realized how stiff with tension he’d become and chuckled. Of course, they couldn’t respond this fast. Give them time on this, Davi. It won’t be easy to uncover information.

  One of his greatest longings, ever since he’d discovered his true identity, had been to know his father. He’d never had a father and always dreamed about i
t. From what everyone told him about Sol, he was a great man. Davi longed to know him, and he knew Lura longed to see him again, too. At the very least, he wanted to know what had happened to him.

  He said a silent prayer asking for God’s blessing on both his father and his quest. When had he stopped praying to gods and started praying to the workers’ God alone? He couldn’t remember exactly. He’d changed so much in such a short time. He’d never have imagined it when he left Legallis for Vertullis. He headed back to his classroom for another session with the simulators.

  O O O

  Lords Tarkanius, Kray, and Hachim convened in the back room of a lounge near the Council’s offices. Tarkanius had arranged this meeting after the revelations at the Council meeting earlier in the day.

  “As you both know, disturbing facts were presented to us at the Council meeting,” Tarkanius began. “I thought it wise, given recent discussions, for us to have the chance to express how we feel about Miri’s request for our help in light of these new revelations.”

  Both Hachim and Kray looked at him with uncertainty. They, like Tarkanius, were wrestling with what to do. Everyone on the Council knew Xalivar had never been a credible witness. He would lie about his own mother if it served his political ambitions. But at the same time, having read Bordox’s report after the meeting, they all knew the facts were not in question. Despite their uncertainty about Miri’s motives, she’d played a major part in the deception, and it didn’t bode well for the Alliance’s Royal Family to be infiltrated by a worker.

  “I’m sure Miri had good reasons for her decisions,” Kray said, remaining loyal to Miri as expected. Tarkanius knew she above all had never liked or trusted Xalivar. And her reaction to his accusations in the chamber had confirmed that opinion remained unchanged.

  “I’m sure the reasons seemed valid to her at the time,” Hachim said. “But that doesn’t mean her decisions were made with the Alliance’s best interests in mind. Given the facts, it would appear not.”

  “Being born a worker does not make him a spy,” Kray said. “He may have just discovered his own heritage for all we know.”