by NB VanYoos
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Using the fictitious call as an excuse, Tyler begged Greelen’s forgiveness for having to leave early. Although she was obviously disappointed, she took the news stoically since her friends had at least seen her with the Admiral. Since the evening was early, Greelen said she would stay with her friends. Tyler, thankful for that arrangement, agreed. He thanked her for the wonderful evening and left with promises to do it again sometime.
Before leaving, Tyler was graced with an awkward introduction to Toosia’s friend. The man appeared friendly and did not seem upset at having to be stood up after so short a time. Tyler offered Toosia the opportunity to stay for a while longer, but she turned it down, undoubtedly wanting to hear more about why they were leaving so quickly. She appeared calm, but Tyler imagined what crazy thoughts were running through her mind. Unfortunately, he wanted to tell her everything, but was afraid of what that might do to their relationship—especially since it bordered on treason.
After arriving at their quarters, they separated to their respective rooms to prepare for bed. They had spent a quiet, somewhat tense ride back, with Tyler keeping quiet while Toosia maintained her patient demeanor. He knew that would change.
Tyler slipped into bed confused and overwhelmed with fear. Even the Admiral’s great courage did not help. The Admiral had faced death many times, but this new menace was far worse. At least in battle, the Admiral understood every threat. In politics, he knew almost nothing. Everything he thought he knew could be wrong. The complexity, the suspense, and the fear of being branded a traitor hung heavy. It was a true test of his ability to be more than the drug dealer from Earth. He was beginning to sense it wouldn’t end well.
He heard sounds in the hallway and a silhouette of Toosia appeared in his doorway. The light from behind gave Tyler hints of what lay beneath her gown. She stood silently, considering what to say.
Tyler helped. “Do you need something?” he asked.
“I need you to be honest with me and tell me what is bothering you. What is so secret?” She remained in the doorway, arms crossed and adamant. “Nayllen, you have kept me out of your life for too long, and I am not going to let you do it again, not now!”
Tyler heard resolve and pain in her voice. He cringed as her pleas to be involved tore at him. He didn’t want to hurt her or disgrace her family. What would she do if he told her? She could be culpable if she knew and it all went bad. He froze in indecision.
“Damn it, Nayllen, tell me what is going on or I will leave this time and never come back!”
He realized she was about to cry, and another stab of pain shot through him. He had to tell her. Without her, he was nothing and didn’t want to continue the charade.
“Okay, Toosia, okay. Please come inside and shut the door.”
As he said it, he imagined Nayllen watching the scene from somewhere far away and secret. He had no illusions that Nayllen could eavesdrop anywhere within the capital complex. Nonetheless, he had no other option than to tell her.
Toosia quietly closed the door and moved towards the light switch on the wall.
“Toosia, please keep the lights off …” he didn’t know how to finish. If she knew how insecure they were, she would probably get scared.
She accepted and moved through the darkness towards the bed. The dim light coming in through the windows allowed him to see her ghostly figure stop at the side of the bed, arms crossed, waiting for him to reveal it all. A halo of light surrounded her as Tyler watched with his second vision.
He slid to the other side of the bed, flipping the covers back for her to get under. She hesitated but finally slipped underneath while maintaining a respectable distance. He expected that, but having her near was comforting.
“All right, Nayllen, what is going on?” she asked quietly.
He wasn’t sure how to start, so he simply began from when he received the note from Nayllen. She listened silently as he recounted his encounter, properly editing out the screen showing views from inside the Imperial chambers and their own quarters. He impressed upon her his belief that Nayllen held a great deal of power behind the scenes. He laid out everything, including his theories about the motive behind Nayllen’s desire to recruit the Admiral.
Tyler finished with an apology for keeping it from her earlier. He explained how he thought he had now endangered her by involving her in the plot. She lay on her side facing him, her non-emotional face glowing in the sparse light. He watched her thinking about what he’d said but couldn’t read her thoughts.
She looked directly at him, no emotion to betray her. “I need to sleep on this.”
With that, she turned over and backed up next to him. He was too stunned for words, so he simply wrapped himself around her. His thoughts were a jumble of emotions, fear, and confusion, but having her next to him pushed those thoughts aside as they both fell to sleep.