Talia Jager

by Without Hesitation

  A smile spread across his face. “You are the best.”

  “I know.”

  Nero, who had been on Ever’s back, climbed onto my shoulder.

  “What is that?” Bristow asked.

  “This is Nero. He hitchhiked back with us from Terronda.”

  “Does he bite?”

  “I’m sure he does, but he hasn’t bitten us.”

  Bristow shot me a look, but then smiled, and held out his hand. Nero looked at me and I nodded and said, “He’s okay.”

  Nero then jumped onto Bristow’s arm and crawled up to his neck sniffing him. Bristow laughed and tried to get him back in his hands.

  “I hate to interrupt, but there are things that need to be attended to,” Galton stated.

  “Bristow, could you entertain Everleigh while I catch up with Galton?”

  “Of course,” Bristow responded with a smile.

  “Don’t go too far. I want you both to join me in a few minutes.”

  In the command center, everyone welcomed me back. Vika gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. We were all very worried about you.”

  “Thank you, Vika.” Speaking loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, I continued, “You all did a wonderful job taking care of Valinor. As your Empress, I thank you.”

  Galton went over everything that had taken place since I had been gone. The weather had been mostly good, but one storm caused some damage.

  “One of the dams broke, but we got it fixed and water supply has been good since. Food is growing. President Loera of Flion wants to set up trading. And Hettie passed away,” Galton reported.

  “Oh, no. She was a lovely lady.”

  “Her daughter has taken over the shop.”

  “I’ll stop and see her. I also want to see the families of those who died when the Razor was destroyed.”

  Galton brought me up to speed on a bunch of small things that had happened in my absence. I was beginning to think he was stalling. “We need to talk, Galton. Can we go into the conference room?”

  “Shall I get Vika?” Galton asked.

  “No. I’d prefer it just to be the four of us.” I waved to Bristow and Ever as we entered the room. “Please, join us at the table.”

  “You want me to be here?” Ever asked.

  “Yes.”

  She followed and sat next to me.

  “I need some answers, Galton, and I’m hoping you have them for me. I should be dead, but for some reason, I healed. What do you know about that?”

  Galton swallowed, but Bristow was the one who spoke first. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean exactly what I said. First Caspar tortured me and then we crashed on a planet. I was also shot by a guard in Terronda. Yet, I don’t have a mark on me. I healed.”

  The three of us looked at Galton waiting for him to say something. He seemed reluctant to speak and it angered me.

  “Let me tell you what I know. I have nanites. What I don’t know is why.”

  Galton took a deep breath. “Your father, Atlas, was a brilliant scientist as you know. He had perfected using nanites to heal someone and word got out. We’re not sure how or by who. While your father was working, you were running around playing when someone broke in trying to get the nanites. Bristow’s father, Braylon ran in with a couple of guards. There was a firefight with the intruder. Nobody realized you were in the room and you got hit in the crossfire. The intruder was killed and you were critically injured. Your mother pleaded with your father to help. The nanites hadn’t been tested on a child, but he agreed and put them in you.”

  “And I healed.”

  “You healed.”

  “Why didn’t he or someone tell me?” I asked, my voice shaky. When Ever put her hand on mine, it didn’t go unnoticed.

  Galton forced his eyes back on my face before continuing. “I’m sure he was going to—”

  “But he died, Galton! He died and you helped raise me and never mentioned it. I have machines running through my body.”

  “I’m sorry, Empress. I only had your best interest at heart. You never really got hurt after that, but anytime you fell down and healed quickly, I waited for the questions. They never came.”

  “I never asked. You never told.”

  “I figured I would when you stepped into your own, but something was always going on. There’s no excuse. I apologize.” He looked away, tears brimming in his eyes.

  “What if something had happened? A side effect of some sort.”

  “We figured it was fine. It had been years since your father injected you and there had been none.”

  Bristow reached over and took the hand that Ever wasn’t holding. “I know you, Kace. I know what you’re thinking. This doesn’t change who you are.” His eyes were sympathetic and he gave me a half-smile.

  “That’s what I told her,” Ever said.

  “They’re right, Empress. You’re no less of a person.” Galton tried to sound reassuring.

  “No. I’m something more.” I sighed. “I want the details of what went down when my parents were killed.”

  Bristow sat up in his seat. This concerned him, too. We had talked about it plenty of times, but neither of us asked for the particulars before.

  “The details?”

  “Yes.”

  “You know them. Late one night, your parents were in the lab when it was attacked.”

  “You told me that my parents were killed because someone was trying to take over the planet, but that’s not exactly true, is it?”

  Galton stroked his chin for a minute before taking a deep breath. “People had tried to get their hands on Valinor—that part was true. You’ve seen that happen yourself. But, no, your parents’ deaths were not for that reason. Atlas, Braylon, and Raysel had been in the lab all day working on Project Infinity. With the nanites and another success—”

  “Splicers?” I guessed.

  Galton’s eyes widened and he nodded. “Yes, with the success of the nanites and the Splicers, he was researching something new. Your mother had gone in to check on him, convince him to get some rest. A team of four highly trained assassins attacked. Your father always had a plan. With the push of a button, the computers were wiped clean and a self-destruct began. They tried to fight their way out, but the lab exploded before they could. Your parents, Bristow’s parents, and the four assassins were killed in the blast.”

  “Why did he have to blow it up?”

  “So everything would be destroyed, so nobody could get their hands on his research. Your father was a good man, Empress. He did not want his experiments and discoveries to be used for bad things. He wanted to keep you safe. He knew whoever hired those men would want to know who he tested the experiments on and that would lead them to you. He feared that you would be abducted.”

  “Like the Splicer children. Caspar was the one who captured them, turned them into thieves, and used them to do his dirty work. He wanted me because he thought I had knowledge of these experiments.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “Nothing. I don’t know anything. Did anything survive the blast?”

  “The lab was destroyed.”

  “What about anyone else who worked with them?” I probed.

  “I’m not a scientist. Sometimes your father would ramble about something, but I could never make heads or tails of what he was saying. Atlas kept most of the big things to himself. He and Braylon. You could talk to Ode and Curt. They were his assistants.” Galton met my eyes. “I’m sorry that I don’t have more answers for you. I know how frustrating it is. Your father was a friend to me. I miss him everyday.”

  “Tell me what you know of the Splicers,” I asked.

  “There were twenty sets of parents who volunteered to bear children. They were sent to live about a hundred miles away along with any family, just in case the children were more animalistic than they were supposed to be. They were to raise their children and train them how to use their animal senses to protect others. When they w
ere adults, they would have made great warriors or guards. They too were attacked and nobody was left.”

  “What happened to them?”

  “Some were killed, the others abducted.”

  “Where did they find the volunteers?”

  “All of the volunteers came from right here, Empress.”

  I stole a look at Ever, who looked just as shocked to hear this news. She and her whole crew were originally from Valinor.

  “What was Project Infinity?” I asked curiously.

  Galton hesitated, clearly not comfortable with this topic. “Your father was working on finding a way to extend life.”

  “Immortality?”

  “More like slowing the aging process down, scanning DNA and correcting undesirable genetic conditions, enhancing DNA, and downloading one mind into another carrier.”

  “Whoa…” Ever said.

  Whoa was right! I had no idea what to think of this. I understood when Galton said my father was a good man and tried to create things that would be helpful, but all of the things he created could be dangerous in the wrong hands. I was beginning to think it was a good thing everything was destroyed.

  “Galton?” Ever asked.

  “Yes?”

  “Did you ever figure out who the leak was?”

  I hadn’t thought of that.

  “No.” His answer was simple, but terrifying.

  “So most likely there’s a traitor among us,” I said softly, like all of a sudden we weren’t safe.

  “I guess that’s one way to look at it. We haven’t had any trouble since that day.”

  “Of course not. There was never anything to leak.”

  “Unless the leak is the one who told Caspar that Kaci might have information,” Bristow said. “Think about it. If the leak believes Kaci knows something, he or she could have told Caspar and that’s why she was abducted.”

  “But I don’t know anything.”

  “This person must think you do.”

  “Or it could have been a coincidence,” Galton said.

  “Caspar’s dead. That doesn’t matter. However, having someone who is not loyal does concern me. Galton, can you quietly arrange for a couple of people you trust to look into this?”

  “As you wish, Empress.”

  Galton returned to the command center and Bristow had something to do, or so he said. My mind was reeling from these new developments. Part of me wished I hadn’t come back, but when I looked at the horizon and just the joy of being outdoors in the fresh air, I knew this was where I belonged

  “You okay?” Ever asked.

  “I’m not sure.” It was the most honest answer I had. We walked around the compound. “Do you think the others would like to come down and see the planet?”

  “Maybe. I can ask,” Ever answered as she peeked in the rooms we passed. “So, where’s your throne?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I don’t have a throne.”

  “Too bad.”

  My eyes shot over to her at the deep tone in her voice. “Would seeing me sitting on a throne be a turn on for you?”

  She took a step closer. “I guess we’ll never know.”

  Just before our lips touched, Bristow walked in. “Oh, sorry.”

  Ever just smiled and said, “I’m going to check in with Briar. See if they want to come.”

  Bristow cornered me while Ever talked to Briar. “So…you two?”

  My cheeks warmed. “Yeah.”

  “Just one question, Kace.”

  “What?”

  “She worked for the enemy. I’ve seen her criminal log. Why her? What’s so awesome about her?”

  What could I say? How could I possibly explain everything she was to me? Everything she wasn’t? There were no words to make someone else understand. “Do you trust me, Bristow?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then trust me on this. Things aren’t always as they seem. Not everything is black and white. There is both good and evil in everyone.” I thought about killing Caspar and his man. “It’s a long story and I’ll tell you about it later, but right now, just trust me.”

  He squeezed my hand. “As long as you’re happy.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Good luck with Galton.”

  Ever and I waited with Galton and Bristow for Briar and Huxley to jump down.

  Briar’s face was lit up the moment their feet hit the ground. “It smells so lovely.”

  Huxley rolled his eyes. “I like the compound idea. Doesn’t look like much, but I bet it is inside.”

  “Galton, Bristow, this is Huxley and Briar,” I introduced.

  “Guys, this is Galton, my second in command right now, and Bristow, my best friend and family.”

  Galton stood there scowling, but Bristow extended his hand and I didn’t miss the way he held Briar’s longer, or the blush on his cheeks, or the way she smiled.

  “Don’t they have any manners?” Galton growled. “Bow before the Empress!”

  I didn’t have time to say anything before Huxley replied, “What?”

  “It is customary to bow before the leaders of a planet when you are on their planet. It shows you respect them and will obey their laws.” Galton’s eyes looked like they were going to bulge out of his head.

  I put up my hand to stop him from saying anything further. “Enough!”

  “Empress, this is not appropriate!”

  “I said enough.” My hands clenched and unclenched. “Galton, may I talk to you for a minute. And don’t mistake that for anything less than an order.”

  We stepped out of earshot.

  “I understand your anger toward them. I even get that you don’t trust them yet. But I do and I need you to trust me. If you can’t, you need to excuse yourself so that you’re not around my guests. You will treat them with respect. They do not need to bow. You know I have never been one for such formalities.”

  When I finished, Galton took a moment before responding, “I understand, Empress, and will obey your wishes to stay away. But I will be keeping an eye on them because I vowed to look after you.”

  “I do appreciate it, Galton.”

  Back with the crew of the Nirvana, I apologized, “I’m sorry for Galton’s behavior. He’s very protective and traditional. Where is Zabe?”

  “Someone had to stay with the ship,” Huxley answered.

  Bristow and I showed my new friends around Valinor until the sunstar went down. We visited the lake where Bristow and I skipped stones, the farmlands, the village, the schools, and around the compound.

  “There’s plenty of room here if you wanted to stay,” I heard myself saying. It wasn’t something I had planned. It just kind of came out.

  Briar was the first one to answer. “We have to find our families first. Only then can we think about where home is.”

  “I know. I just wanted to offer. I wanted you all to know you’re welcome here.”

  “It’s a great place, Akacia. Thank you for such an offer,” Huxley said with a warm smile.

  Ever had a different kind of look on her face. She was upset.

  “What?”

  “You’re forgetting an important detail,” she said.

  “Being?”

  “We’re wanted criminals. You would be charged with harboring fugitives.”

  “Oh. There is that,” Huxley commented.

  “Maybe the Authority would listen to reason. Since Caspar is dead, you won’t be doing these things anymore, right?” My gaze shifted to each of them.

  “Right,” Briar answered and I wondered why Ever hadn’t spoken up. “But I don’t think the Authority is going to pardon every crime we’ve ever committed.”

  She was probably dead-on, but I hated it. It wasn’t right. Caspar was finally out of the way and they still couldn’t live their lives. They’d always be on the run.

  A big feast had been prepared for my return and Ever, Briar, and Huxley stayed as my guests. Bristow sat across from Briar. I noticed them stealing glances at each other t
hroughout the meal.

  “Not bad,” Huxley said with a smirk.

  “You could stay and teach them a thing or two,” I teased, but part of me wished he’d take me up on it.

  “It’ll give you a reason to come visit us.”

  “She’s definitely just going to visit for your eggs, Hux,” Briar joked.

  Ever was unusually quiet.

  “The eggs are absolutely a reason to visit,” I joked. Turning to Ever, I said, “Will you stay just tonight?”

  “Kaci, I—”

  “I know you have to get going, but it’s just the night. You can leave at first light. I just…please. I want one more night.”

  She reached out and touched my face. “Alright.” Facing Briar and Huxley, she told them to return to the ship and she’d be back in the morning.

  Briar hugged me first. “I’m sorry about the whole handing you over thing. I am glad to call you a friend.”

  “Me, too.” I squeezed her tight. “Tell Zabe I said goodbye.”

  “I will.”

  Huxley was next. “There will always be eggs for you.”

  Hugging him, I said, “There better be.” In his ear, I whispered, “Take care of her.”

  He pulled back and looked me right in the eyes. “I always do.”

  “Fare thee well,” I said, giving them Valinor’s goodbye saying.

  “Safe journey,” Briar and Huxley said back, then disappeared.

  Just as we turned to walk away, I heard, “Akacia!”

  “Zabe?” I spun back around.

  “Did you really think you’d get off without saying goodbye to me?”

  “So you do care?” I teased.

  Never one for many words, he wrapped his big arms around me and squeezed. And that told me everything I needed to know. He cared.

  After Zabe was gone, I took Ever by the hand and led her to my bedroom. Nero trailed behind. She looked around the room, studying everything from the books to the pictures of my parents to what was in my closet.

  I reached out and jerked her toward me, crushing my lips against hers. She whimpered against my mouth. I walked her backward until we fell onto my bed.

  The kisses were long and slow as if we had all the time in the world to do nothing but kiss. My hands cradled her face wanting to keep her as close to me as possible. We were panting when we broke the kiss, but instead of parting, we stared into each other’s eyes.