Cronus

by K. A. Finn

  'What do you mean no one could go near him?' Desyl scratches his head and looks as if he's having second thoughts about continuing. 'Please, Desyl.'

  'Rumour is Rayde figured out after a few years Gryffin could be a bonus to the Nomad and I don't mean in a good way. He trained him day and night. He'd come back from missions and be sent straight to the training room. I don't know how he survived everything Rayde put him through. He'd be pushed to work with the implant in his head instead of against it. The training sessions could be fairly brutal.'

  'In what way?'

  'Rayde wouldn't let him stop until he allowed the implant to take control. As part of his training, he'd put Gryffin up against prisoners. If Gryffin hesitated in killing them or showed any remorse after he finally did, Rayde would punish him.'

  Terra stares out at Ares again. 'He told me some of the scars on his body were from Rayde.'

  Desyl nods. 'He didn't hold back.'

  'When did it stop?'

  'I think it was still going on when Rayde handed Ares over to him. There are rumours it went on longer, until Gryffin was made High Commander. The story is that Gryffin finally got tired of the way Rayde was training him and stood up to him. That's probably when Gryffin's cards were marked with Rayde. Rayde lost his obedient cyborg and had to figure out a way to get him back. Or get back at him.'

  'So, he escaped the hell my father put him in to end up being abused by his rescuer.'

  'Hey, hold up a second. Yeah, it wasn't right what Rayde did, but he did save Gryffin. He spent years helping him. He was hours from death when Rayde found him. I just think he got greedy when he saw the potential. When you're commanding a group like the Nomad and you come across someone like Gryffin... well, he was going to take advantage.

  'Anyway, whatever his reasons for doing what he did, Gryffin didn't grow up like someone on Ultar or Earth. He didn't socialise, didn't talk to people, didn't make friends. Rayde barely let him out of his room. He was alone for years in the lab then alone again on Ares thanks to what Rayde did. In a lot of ways, he's still that sheltered kid. But do not repeat that to anyone. I'm in enough shit as it is. Growing up, the only close relationships he had were with people who hurt him. He hasn't got a clue how to deal with anything other than that.'

  Terra shivers as a cold chill settles on her skin. Desyl is right. She never thought about Gryffin's life like that. She knew what her father did to him was horrendous, but never thought about what effect the things he missed out on would have on him. How can he possibly show her love when he's never experienced it himself? The anger, the natural pull towards the fight, was beaten into him for most of his life.

  The loyalty he felt to Rayde for saving him stayed with him, which is probably why he is so angry with her and Desyl when he found out they left people behind on Ultar. Those two things instilled in him by Rayde made him a formidable leader and someone who can be depended on to do everything he needs to do to keep his crew safe. Unfortunately, it didn't help her.

  Gryffin may care for her. He is certainly loyal to her, but that doesn't mean he will ever know how to love her.

  Desyl places a comforting hand on her shoulder. 'Hey, you okay? I didn't mean to upset you.'

  'I'm glad you told me. I needed to know.'

  'Probably doesn't help, but I know he has feelings for you, even if he doesn't know what they are.'

  'Yeah, but is that fair on either of us? I can't keep putting pressure on him to do what I think he should. I get angry at him because he doesn't say or do what he should. But he doesn't know what he should say or do.' She lies back on the metal floor and puts her hands over her face. 'Damn it. How is this thing between us going to work?'

  Desyl rests an elbow on the ground and looks down at her. 'Guess that's up to you. You need to decide what you want from him. I'm not saying he'll never be able to express how he feels. He's come a long way since meeting you. You just need to understand what you're dealing with. If what you have with him now is enough, great.'

  She drops her hands to her sides and stares up at him. 'And if it's not?'

  Desyl shrugs. 'Can't answer that one for you. What I do know is that he's changed a lot since he met you. That has to tell you something about how you've affected him.'

  'Changed. Yeah right. He's more stubborn.'

  'No seriously, Terra. He's... calmed down a little.'

  'You're being serious?'

  'You have to see it. He hasn't killed anyone in weeks.' Terra laughs at the smirk that spreads on Desyl's face. 'No, seriously though. He has changed. He's letting you guys in. He probably doesn't even notice he's doing it, but I can see it.

  ‘I heard him having a conversation with Roman a few days ago. I mean a real two-sided conversation. Okay, it was Roman doing most of the talking, but Gryffin's answers went on for more than one word. He'll deny it until his last breath, but you and Roman managed to find a way through his walls. Bray not so much yet, but then again, he did nearly kill himself to stop Alpha going through the Port, so who knows.'

  'You might be right, but I don't think he'd see that as a good thing.'

  'From what I can make out, Rayde told him getting in touch with his humanity would make him weak. It'll take time to change that way of thinking. Deep down he knows it's a good thing.'

  'I'm not so sure. I've lost count of the number of times he's tried to push me away because I'm someone who can be used against him.'

  'Yeah, but that's just the way he thinks. You have to accept that he sees things differently thanks to Rayde and the Foundation. I think he's beginning to get that having a crew and having a family are the same thing. We just need to convince him that having people to watch his back is actually a plus.'

  'Which will be difficult now. The very thing he's been saying would happen, did happen.'

  Desyl nods. 'Yeah. Roman's death is going to hit him hard sooner or later. He was warming to him. Anyone could see that. Gryffin is a great leader, but I think he likes having someone to have his back. He thought Rayde did, but it was different with Roman. He was starting to like having that father figure again. Fucking shame and a waste. Gryffin will retaliate against the Foundation. You know that, right?'

  'I know. I think we're going to lose him because of what they did to Roman. I'm terrified he'll revert to what feels safe and normal.'

  Desyl smiles sadly and scrubs his hand over his short spikes. 'You might be right. Not sure what we can do about that. If I even look at him the wrong way right now I'm going to get my head chewed off. I'm on shaky enough ground as it is.' He gets to his feet and brushes off his trousers. 'Speaking of which, I'd better get back before he breaks his restraints and comes looking for me. I presume you're not coming.'

  'I think I'll stay here for another few minutes.'

  He gives her a quick smile then disappears down the stairs. Terra stares at the ceiling, looking for answers that fail to show.

  She had hoped once Gryffin escaped her father's clutches he'd had a happy life. Learning what she just did sickens her. For some reason, it makes what her father did seem even more horrible. Her father's jealousy of Roman and Maggie had put their son in his twisted sights. If he had just controlled his feelings, Gryffin's life would have been so very different.

  The second he took ten-year-old Daegan Sawyer from Maggie, he set in motion a series of events that changed all their lives. Daegan was the only survivor of the project. If her father had never gotten his hands on him, perhaps the project would have been ruled a complete failure and binned years ago. Daegan would have grown up on Earth with Bray, and Gryffin would never have been created.

  And she would never had met him.

  She drags herself to her feet and brushes off the seat of her trousers. That thought doesn't bear thinking about. No matter how difficult he is, she knows how she feels about him. She just not sure that's enough.

  22

  DIXON SPACE STATION

  Avoca jumps to his feet as Bray bursts through his door. The Hunter fl
ings a small computer storage unit at him and paces the room in front of Avoca.

  'Brayden—'

  'Watch it.'

  Avoca frowns and opens his mouth to speak but Bray interrupts him. 'Watch it!'

  Avoca bends down to pick up the drive and plugs it in his unit. His breath catches in his throat when he notices the name of the file. 'Bray—'

  'Stop saying my name and watch the damn video.'

  Avoca licks his dry lips and does as he's told. He watches in horror as the Scientist threatens a young Gryffin with his brother's safety. The video ends, leaving the room in an uneasy silence.

  'How did the Scientist know about me?'

  Avoca's heart races in his chest. He knows Bray knows the truth and is waiting for him to admit it. But can he say the words?

  When Balfe forwarded the request from the Scientist for more information on the boy - on Gryffin - he had been told in no uncertain terms to comply. They couldn't afford any delays to the project. That's what Balfe kept stressing to him. Give the Scientist everything he needs and keep things moving. The guilt of what he'd done was part of the reason he sought out Bray when he decided to make his move. 'I told him.'

  Bray kicks Avoca's chair, sending him crashing against the desk, winding him. The Commander resumes his pacing and Avoca slowly turns to face him. The man in front of him is someone he doesn't recognise. Thanks to his new ocular implant, he resembles Gryffin more than the man he has come to care for like a son.

  'I had no choice.'

  Bray points his finger at him. 'Don't you dare go there! There are dozens of files just like that one. You want to know what's in each one?'

  'Bray, please.'

  'My brother allowing himself to be hurt. Hour after hour of him quietly taking the abuse because he thought he was protecting me. He let the Scientist take his fucking hand off, Avoca. All because of you. All because you let him think I was there, on the side-line, waiting to be modified if he didn't toe the line. You're no better than the Scientist. You were holding the knife just as much as he was.

  ‘That's why you came to Tyrat. What did you think when you saw my name? You must have recognised the surname. Or was it Daegan's name on my file? You saw more in me than just stopping whatever the Foundation was planning. You saw a chance at redemption.'

  The years of being called on to do the unspeakable without argument had finally come to a head. Balfe and the other members of the group stamped all over him, threatening his career, his life, and the life of his loved ones. For what? So they could greedily take what didn't belong to them. Take the lives of innocent children, destroying countless parents' hearts when their children disappeared without a trace. It's not as if the project even worked. It's a colossal failure and always would be.

  He gets to his feet and approaches the furious Hunter. 'Do you not think I hate myself? Do you not think the guilt hasn't eaten at my soul? I have allowed horrific things to be done and did nothing to stop it. Yes, I came to Tyrat to get you out for my own selfish purpose. I needed a little redemption. Just a small amount so I could perhaps sleep for an hour without nightmares.

  'I recognised Daegan's name on your file, and yes, I knew at that stage I had to get you out. Do you have any idea how much I kicked myself for not getting to you sooner? A few weeks earlier and I could have gotten you and Gryffin out. I could have saved both of you from spending time in the crate.'

  'Hold on. Gryffin was there the same time as me?'

  'Why, yes. I assumed you knew that.'

  'I knew he was at Tyrat, but I never checked his records.'

  'So you don't know...'

  'Don't know what?'

  'Bray—'

  He pulls out his gun and points it at Avoca. 'I'm at the end of my fucking patience, Avoca. What don't I know?'

  'Gryffin... You and your brother were in the crates at the same time. You won a fight and were sent to the crate. He was in the cell next to yours.'

  Bray's gun wavers as Avoca's words sink in. 'He was the prisoner led in while I was fighting.' He's speaking to himself, remembering his time in Tyrat out loud. 'I spoke to him. He was freaking out when they threw him in the crate. Kicking the door. Just like I had. He was there? My brother was beside me during one of the worst times in my life and I didn't know it.' He lifts his head and looks at Avoca with so much hatred. 'On the shuttle I asked you, straight out. I asked if my brother had been used in the project. You said no.'

  'I couldn't tell you. It would have just clouded everything for you.'

  'My brother was a few feet away from me.'

  'I thought you knew about your encounter in Tyrat.'

  'Well, I didn't. He probably doesn't either. Did you know when you broke me out?'

  'I thought you knew.'

  'I didn't know he was my brother then, did I? But you did. Why not just tell me then who he was? Why carry on with the lie? You get a kick out of making a fool out of me? Give poor little orphan Bray a second chance.'

  'Absolutely not! Bray, whatever my initial reason for breaking you out of Tyrat, I grew fond of you.'

  'Give me a fucking break. I was a way of getting to Gryffin. A way of trying to fix your mistake.'

  'I don't blame you for not believing me. I don't deserve your trust, but I am speaking the truth. I think of you like a son, Bray. Nothing will change that.' He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a tattered piece of paper. He passes it to Bray.

  'What the hell is that?'

  'Open it.'

  He opens the sheet and reads the list of names, spotting his brother's name near the top of the list. 'Are these all the kids they took?'

  Avoca nods solemnly. 'I never forgot them, Brayden. Not one of them. I had to dispose of their belongings, falsify search party logs, report attacks on the ships that didn't happen. The Scientist may have physically taken their lives, but I am well aware I helped bury each of those children in a grave of lies. I did that and I will never be able to wipe my slate clean. All I can do is give everything I have left to make sure this ends.' He takes the page from Bray and carefully folds it along the crease before tucking it back in the pocket of his shirt.

  Bray loses his fight and slumps onto the edge of the bed. He drops his head, shaking it slowly from side to side as he digests the information or tries to get a hold of his temper. Avoca hopes it's the latter, although he deserves everything Bray can do to him. Bray lifts his head and focuses his cybernetic eye on his mentor. Avoca has to look away. He's responsible for that too.

  'I can only—'

  'If you say apologise one more fucking time, I'm going to throw up.' Bray sits up and blows out a long breath. 'I owe you my life, but so help me I want to kill you too.'

  'I deserve it. From you and your brother.'

  Bray snorts as he wipes a hand over his face. 'Surprised he hasn't come looking for you yet.'

  'To be honest, I've been expecting him.'

  Bray pushes himself up and walks over to the door. He stops in the doorway and takes a deep breath. 'There's no redemption. Stop using me to help deal with your guilt. It ends now. We're done.'

  The door silently closes behind him leaving Avoca alone. His bones suddenly feel like they can't support the weight of everything he's been carrying around for the last two decades. He collapses onto his bed and firmly clasps his trembling hands together.

  He understands why Bray feels betrayed by his actions. It was only a matter of time before his involvement in the project would take everyone he cares about from his life.

  First his wife and children and now the man he loves like a son. And he's got no one to blame but himself.

  OCARRO COLONY

  Milla looks up as the door to Creed's cabin opens. A tall woman enters, shaking the rain from her blonde hair and heavy coat. 'Fucking rotten out there for a change.' She freezes when she notices Creed has company. 'Well hello. Are these people friends or do I need to shoot them?'

  Creed laughs and kisses the newcomer. 'Friends.'

  'Th
at's a relief. Where are your manners? Are you going to introduce us? Although, looking at the pair of them, I'd guess they're both Nomad. Heard he'd loosened the reins and let a woman join.'

  'Chayse and Milla. This is Elora Hardy.'

  Chayse stares over at the blonde-haired woman. 'You're fucking kidding me. Arms dealer Hardy.'

  She smirks and helps herself to a bowl of stew. 'Not quite what's written on my business cards, but yeah. I have been known to dabble from time to time.'

  'And you're with Creed?'

  Hardy runs her hand down the side of Creed's face then kisses him again. 'As often as I can be. This fine man is all mine.'

  'How the hell did you end up together? This place isn't at the top of the spots to visit.'

  Hardy nods. 'You're right there. I came here about a year ago. I'm sure you know I took a step back from the life of crime when the Foundation came to the Sector. I moved around a bit and found myself here during a particularly boring time of my life. Fuck, I missed dealing guns. My transport needed repairs and I was sent to this gorgeous beast of a man. The rest is history.

  'So do you... you know...'

  'We know exactly who each other are. I'm incredibly nosey. I went digging in his personal shit one day and found the comms unit Gryffin gave him.' She reaches in her pocket and holds out a Nomad comms unit 'I got one too. I knew then he had connections to the Nomad. With a bit more digging I found out who he was. I confronted him. We had an impressive row and I left.'

  'For a day,' Creed says with a grin.

  'Damn irresistible man. Yes. I left for a day. Haven't left again.'

  'Small Sector for the two of you to find yourselves here.'

  She chews thoughtfully then shrugs. 'Not so much. It's not surprising we both found each other. There aren't many places with zero Foundation or Nomad connections. We both wanted to get away. Could hardly do that somewhere we're known. So, here we are.' She sits down next to Creed and crosses her legs. 'Can I presume your leader has decided to call Creed back into the fold?'