Defiant (Battle Born Book 13)

by Cyndi Friberg

  Torrin and Kage chatted casually for a few minutes, taking frequent drinks of the murky blue liquor. Arton shuddered. He couldn’t stand the stuff and didn’t understand why it was so popular, but this wasn’t about him. They were assessing Torrin, deciding what to disclose if they chose to recruit him. Well, Arton was still deciding if they should recruit him. Kage was more instinctual when it came to new recruits, and he liked what he’d heard about Torrin. Basically the assassin would have to really piss Kage off for the overlord to turn him away. Besides, Kage only approved recruits to apply to the brotherhood. It was the full membership that decided whether or not to bestow membership on each applicant.

  “So, how does this work?” Torrin asked as Kage refilled his glass. “I suspect you’ve already learned who I am and my skillset. Why should I offer those skills to the Outcasts? As I told Arton and Rex, I already have a job.”

  Kage pressed back into his seat, black eyes openly assessing Torrin. “We’re not offering you a job. We’re offering you an entirely new life, an opportunity to start over and shape the future any way you like. Very soon, we’ll be leaving this star system.”

  “And going where?”

  “Our destination is only known to the brotherhood, but I will tell you we’ve located a planet that is capable of sustaining humanoid life. It is currently uninhabited. We intend to claim the world as our own and build a new civilization, a civilization entirely our own.”

  “Really?” Clearly he was surprised by the revelation. “Do you have any idea what it takes to settle an uninhabited world? Are you prepared to live without nutri-gen kiosks and regeneration bays?”

  “We have no intention of abandoning technology. We have several thousand ships at our disposal. Some will be kept for transportation, but many will be utilized in the settlement. Yes, the lifestyle will be challenging in the beginning, but we won’t be living in grass huts or dragging water in buckets from the river. We have a much smoother transition in mind.”

  Torrin narrowed his gaze and seemed to consider Kage’s words before he said, “Tell me more.”

  Chapter Ten

  Thea’s panicked gaze shifted from Drex to Jenna then back. “You’re insane. You’re both insane. There’s no way Abaddon is an alien. Every member of the RF has dedicated their life and resources to purging Earth of alien interference. That means all aliens. It doesn’t even make sense that our leader would deceive us like that. He wants Earth for humans just as much as the rest of us. In fact, he wants it more. Abaddon is the driving force behind the resistance.”

  She still identified herself with the Resistance Force, Drex realized. How disappointing. “Indulge me for a moment,” he suggested. “If we can prove to you that Abaddon is lying, will you help us expose him as a fraud?”

  “Absolutely.” There was no hesitation in her response. “That bastard has my grandmother. Even if he’s not a fraud, he’s going down. But we have to find her first. I will not lose the one and only person in my life that means anything because I trusted the wrong people.”

  I don’t like the wildness in her eyes. Jenna pushed the thought into his mind. Drex was surprised and pleased. It was the first time she’d initiated telepathic communication, at least with him. I think we should take her to Lunar Nine. We cannot have her bolt and warn the RF leaders.

  Lunar Nine? Why not the Triumphant. General Lux was anxious to speak with her.

  It’s because of Sedrik that I want to take her to Lunar Nine. With a little more time, I think we can flip her. If she’s thrown in a holding cell, she’ll clam up, guaranteed.

  She was probably right. Sedrik Lux only had one mode, full-on military aggression. Thea required something with a little more finesse. Still, he wasn’t sure Lunar Nine was the answer. All the evidence of Evonti involvement was right here on Earth.

  “Can I go now?” Thea asked, ending the extended pause. “You know how to find me when, and if, you find proof of your ridiculous allegations.”

  Jenna scooted to the edge of her chair, drawing Thea’s attention. “You said Abaddon told you I was a hybrid. How did he find out? The specifics of my past are not widely known.”

  Thea shrugged, but suspicion narrowed her eyes. “I also told you he’s a spy. He knew all sorts of things the other RF leaders didn’t.”

  “There are only two ways Abaddon could have found out about my past,” Jenna persisted. “He had access to Top Secret files, or he has access to technology sophisticated enough to remotely analyze DNA. That sort of technology is found on Evonti spaceships.”

  Thea just stared back in silence. Her gaze, however, reflected more than her expression. She might not be willing to admit it to Jenna, but Thea clearly had doubts of her own.

  “Aren’t you even curious to see what’s up there?” Jenna asked, a hint of challenge shaping her smile. “You have very pronounced opinions of the battle born, yet you’ve never even met one?”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Thea rocked back in the office chair, maximizing the distance between her and Jenna. The two clearly mixed like oil and water. “I know they’re more advanced than we are. That doesn’t excuse their bully tactics. Besides, what about him? Isn’t he battle born?”

  “I’m Rodyte, but I’m not battle born,” Drex told her. He moved behind Jenna and rested his hands on the top of her chair. He wanted Thea to focus on Jenna. His mate might annoy the other female, but Thea was afraid of him and they needed her to feel safe, willing to cooperate.

  Uncertainty creased her brow as her gaze settled on Jenna. “I thought…” She sighed, looking slightly embarrassed.

  “Go on. What did you think?” Jenna’s tone mellowed, coaxing instead of commanding. “You wouldn’t believe some of the misconceptions I had before I met Drex.”

  Thea’s jaw dropped for a second, then she snapped it shut. “Why didn’t I see it before? He’s not your bodyguard. You two are a couple! No wonder your perspective is so screwed up.”

  Don’t argue with her, Drex advised. There’s a Phantom standing by in low orbit around the city. We can bio-stream out of here at any time.

  Confusion rolled across their transfer ink. Jenna was clearly distracted by the announcement and he wasn’t sure why. Since when can we bio-stream onto a Phantom? The shuttles always landed before.

  Being the guest of General Lux had its advantages. Sedrik thought it important that Drex be updated on any new developments that might affect the alliance with Earth. It’s a prototype, love. Focus.

  Sorry. I’m not sure why she rattles my cage.

  They annoyed each other because they were so much alike. They were both strong and independent, fighters—no, crusaders. Drex wisely kept his opinion to himself.

  Jenna let out a deep breath as her emotions stabilized, then she continued her discussion with Thea. “Yes, we’re a couple, which is part of the reason I want you to see things for yourself. Right now you’re depending on the RF leaders for most of your opinions. I know much of what they’ve told you is nonsense, but I don’t want you to take my word for it. Spend the day on Lunar Nine while Drex and I figure out a way to prove to you that our theory is correct.”

  She scoffed, the sound quiet yet harsh and hallow. “I’m not leaving the planet with a Rodyte. You must think I’m an idiot. That’s how human females disappear.”

  Drex felt his eyes narrow, but meticulously suppressed the emotions trying to surge within him. He’d been dealing with prejudice, in one form or another, his entire life. This feisty human would have to do better than that if she hoped to upset him. “If I wanted to ‘disappear’ you, Thea, I wouldn’t need to leave the planet. You’re safe because I mean you no harm. The battle born mean you no harm.”

  “Even so,” she sat a little straighter and looked directly into his eyes, “I decline her kind offer. I have no interest in leaving my world.”

  “All right. How about a destination right here on terra firma? In fact, it’s even in the United States.” He was getting ahead of himself. The
Bunker was a Top Secret facility. Visitors couldn’t just drop by.

  Thea looked at Jenna, nervously licked her lips, then asked, “What did you have in mind?”

  He chose his words carefully, unsure what would set off her temper and what she would accept with a disinterested shrug. “I know it must be incredibly painful, but have you seen any of the videos of the accident?”

  “‘Accident’?” Her nostrils flared and fury made her dark eyes gleam. “Of all the words used to describe what happened in L.A., I hate that one most.”

  “So pick another,” Jenna suggested impatiently.

  “There were two Evonti ships involved in the tragedy,” Drex interjected before the conversation devolved into a cat fight. “Have you seen images of them?”

  “Yes.” Thea’s attention was locked on Jenna with overt hostility.

  “Would you like to see one in person?”

  Thea snapped her gaze back to him, her irritation forgotten. “That’s where you want to take me? To see one of the ships involved in the massacre.” Her expression was unreadable, but the oddest combination of emotions radiated off her, anger, resentment—and hope. Why would touring the ship bring her hope?

  “The battle born don’t control the facility,” he admitted. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll see if I can arrange it.”

  Jenna asked Thea a question as he walked from the room, but her emotions were calm, her mind focused, so he knew she’d maintain the momentum they were building. He didn’t have a direct line to Morgan Hoyt, Director of the human taskforce. However, Foster and his men had been dispatched from the Bunker, so Drex figured the head of security would have some way of contacting his boss.

  Foster stood on the wide stone landing at the top of the front stairs. He nodded once to Drex then went back to visually scanning his surroundings. Drex approached with steady strides, keeping his hands in plain view. “I need to speak with Director Hoyt. Can you arrange it?”

  “Would you like me to set up a phone call, or is this an emergency?” Foster wanted to know.

  “It’s important and time sensitive, but not an emergency.”

  Another nod communicated his understanding as he pulled a radio off his hip. “F-force to base.”

  “Copy, F-force. Go ahead,” a female responded over the primitive device.

  “I need Queen Bee, ASAP. Over.”

  “Stand by.”

  Foster looked at Drex and said, “If she were unavailable, they would have told me. It should be just a minute.”

  “Thank you.” The exchange was similar to what took place between battle born soldiers. Rodyte communication devices were just internal, increasing flexibility and speed.

  “This is Queen Bee. Go ahead.” That was definitely Morgan’s voice.

  “I’m here with Law Dog.” Foster grinned. “He’d like to speak with you.”

  “Copy. Go ahead.”

  “No proper names or specific locations,” Foster warned. “Hold down the button to talk.” Then he passed the radio to Drex.”

  Drex thanked him again and took the radio. “This is Law Dog.” The codename made him smile. “I have a concerned citizen in desperate need of enlightenment. Any chance I can give her a very limited tour of your facility? The foreign object you recently acquired would greatly improve our credibility.”

  “You’re always welcome, Law Dog. Do you need transportation?”

  “Negative, and thank you.” Morgan signed off and Drex handed the radio back to Foster. “Thanks.”

  “Anytime.” Foster resumed his watchful pose, so Drex returned to the library. “We’re good to go.” Both women nodded as he looked at Jenna. Should I warn her?

  A wicked smile bowed her lips for a second, then she sighed. I’d enjoy the look on her face, but she doesn’t need more excitement in her life.

  “We’re going to bio-stream you onto a shuttle,” Drex told Thea. “Remain seated and try not to panic.” She shot him an annoyed look, but Drex suspected her attitude would change as soon as the bio-stream engine engaged. The first time was harrowing for everyone.

  He contacted the pilot, signaling their readiness. He remained standing while the two females continued to sit. The control computer analyzed each person’s position and selected destinations accordingly.

  Thea screamed as soon as she felt her body disintegrating. The sensation was unnatural and often engaged a person’s fight-or-flight response. First-time streamers often fought like trapped animals even when they thought they were mentally prepared for the journey.

  Thea’s scream trailed off as she materialized on one of the shuttle’s center-facing seats. “Oh my God!” Her hand flew to her mouth as she muttered, “I think I’m going to throw up.”

  “Bathroom’s back there.” Jenna pointed to the tiny lavatory tucked away in the back corner of the shuttle.

  With stubborn focus, and slow, deep breaths, Thea seemed to fight back her nausea. She rested her head against the seat back visibly trembling. “I don’t think humans are designed for that.”

  Jenna smiled. “It’s hard to believe right now, but you will get used to it.”

  “No I won’t, because I’m never doing it again,” Thea vowed.

  “Then how will you return to New York?” Jenna challenged.

  “I’ll take a bus if I have to. That was the worst carnival ride I have ever been on.” She closed her eyes, face pale and still.

  Drex told the pilot their destination, then strapped into one of the center-facing seats. Thea sat across from him and Jenna sat on his left. The females also secured their safety restraints before the pilot took off with a sharply banked turn.

  Knowing Thea needed some time to recover, Drex and Jenna lapsed into companionable silence. Drex tried to relax, but speculation and anticipation buzzed through his mind. If they could convince Thea that Abaddon was an alien, it was likely she could become their inroad to the mysterious leader. But Abaddon never attended the meetings in person, so a physical confrontation was unlikely. Maybe a physical confrontation wasn’t necessary. Without Evonti support, the RF was a far less menacing threat. They still needed to be controlled, or better yet, dispersed, but disrupting supply convoys was about as far out as their reach extended.

  “Penny for your thoughts.” Jenna’s melodious voice drew him back to reality.

  “I’m just working through possibilities.”

  She nodded, then reached over and took his hand.

  His heart leapt in his chest and warmth cascaded through his body. Her resistance to the idea of becoming his mate was eroding a little more every day. It thrilled him to watch warmth fill her eyes and feel her emotions start to resemble his. Hope expanded inside him with almost painful intensity. It was happening. It was actually happening. A compatible female was warming up to the idea of accepting him as mate. The realization was so sweet, he could think of nothing else for long peaceful minutes.

  They were nearly to their destination before Thea spoke again. “Will I be touring the ship they dragged out of the rubble or the one that ran away?”

  “This is the ship we recovered whole,” Drex told her. “There are systems on it that even our engineers are struggling to understand.”

  “And the Evonti gave it to Solar Warden.” She sounded suspicious, though her expression revealed far less than her voice. “Why would they do that?”

  “We don’t know their ultimate plans for Earth,” Drex explained, “but one thing is certain. Rodytes are not invited. The Evonti want us gone, and Solar Warden was helping them drive us back to our own star system. Solar Warden was stopped, so in my opinion, they have turned to the RF.”

  “No matter what we do, humans end up subjugated to aliens.” Thea shook her head and stared at the main viewscreen. “Sucks to be human.”

  Clearly it didn’t matter how many times he told her that Rodytes didn’t want to subjugate humans. She would believe what she wanted to believe.

  They arrived a few minutes later, floating down into
the underground hangar through the massive doors concealed in the little used parking lot.

  Thea shook her head, a distracted smile parting her lips. “Someone has been watching X-men movies.”

  Drex didn’t understand the reference, but it clearly amused their guest. If she thought the hangar was interesting, wait until she stepped aboard the Vengeance.

  Morgan wasn’t waiting for them as they climbed down from the shuttle. A tall, dark-haired human male stood with his hands locked behind his back. His eyes were a curious mixture of brown, green and gold. Drex had heard the combination described as hazel. The human wore black pants and a camo-print T-shirt that accented his muscular build. He moved forward as they approached, hand extended.

  “Name’s Elias,” he greeted as Drex shook his hand. “Morgan is stuck on a conference call, so she sent me. I’m her second-in-command.”

  “I’m Drex, this is Jenna and Thea.” He motioned to the females in turn, finding the informality odd yet liberating. Titles and stringent protocol seemed foolish in covert organizations.

  “I heard your conversation with Morgan, Law Dog.” He chuckled. “Are you only interested in the Vengeance?”

  Drex nodded. “We have strong indications that the leader of the Resistance Force is, or is working for, the Evonti.”

  “Really?” Elias looked at Jenna and Thea, but neither female spoke. “The ship is this way.” He led them to the left as they exited the hangar. Drex walked beside Elias, the two females a few steps behind. It wasn’t an intentional snub. Neither of the females seemed interested in conversation. “Can you explain what led to that conclusion?”

  “The leaders of the RF are using an Evonti com-unit to contact Abaddon. Also Abaddon never appears in person and his or her image is shadowed during the sessions. He also disguises his voice.”

  “Yeah, that sounds a little fishy.” Elias glanced behind them, then lowered his voice. “Who are we hoping to ‘enlighten’, Jenna or Thea?”