He's reluctant to let go of me, but eventually Markov switches to his medical training mode and helps us load the injured into several waiting jump ships. We separate the council members so that if we're attacked our enemy can't try to take out the whole government body again. It was illogical and stupid of them to agree to meet all in person on Mars in the first place. When the doctors clear them all their first order of business will to be to elect a new chairperson in the absence of Jeffs. They'll also have at least one other council position to fill with the one death they suffered. The grouchy woman Grace is in surgery, so she has a good chance of returning to the council.
Markov makes sure that Derek, Zion, and I go to his hospital ship. Derek and Zion quietly accept this and follow my lead. We buckle into a familiar jump ship. Captain Fukuda sent his personal one for our transport to the hospital ship. He said something about not trusting anyone and he'd cut off his right arm before he let one of the galactic troops touch us.
"It's going to be awhile before we can figure out who to trust again, isn't it, B?"
"Derek and I have learned the hard way that no matter how safe we feel, there's only a few people that can truly be trusted in any situation." I look over at Derek. He's got his eyes closed, but he nods at my statement.
I turn back to Zion. "But yes, I think it'll take some time to figure out who exactly was part of all of this. I suspect the galactic forces have already started their own investigation into their personnel and those of Ash Corp."
"And what about Jeffs. He got away didn't he?" Anger tinges Zion's tone and he gazes straight ahead at the main window.
I lean my head back and close my eyes. "I think so. I didn't hear any one saying that he was caught."
"So we're going to let him just get away with all this? After all he's done?" Zion's voice is loud in the small passenger bay.
"No we're not. We're going to go after him," says a soft-spoken raspy voice from behind us.
I open my eyes and twist in my harness far enough to see Red striding down the aisle toward us. I unbuckle and rush over to meet him with a strong hug. He hugs me tight before letting me go. He's got dark circles under his eyes and looks like he's aged a few years in the last few days.
"What do you mean, Red? Who's going after Jeffs?"
"I've pulled a few strings to get you and Derek off the most wanted list for starters."
I look over at Derek who has unbuckled as well and is walking toward us. "That's great. What do you mean for starters?" he asks.
"Commander Guram also got permission from the council members to appoint a task force to go after Jeffs. Using galactic resources." Red grins.
I narrow my eyes at Red. "The council members are scattered all over in different ships and most are injured. How could he get something like that passed by them already?"
"He's resourceful. And he is the one who pulled you all out of that hole."
"So he used their anger and pain to get them to agree to getting revenge on Jeffs?" I raise my eyebrows at him.
"Something like that." His green eyes, despite looking exhausted are twinkling.
"There's more?" I prompt.
"They've not only reestablished you and Derek as full citizens with no blemishes on your records, they've promoted you to lead investigators on the team to find Jeffs." Red looks like he just ate the last bag of fresh chocolates.
"Seriously?" Derek says as he trips over Zion's feet to reach Red and me.
Zion struggles to get out of his harness. "What about me?"
Red looks over at Zion. "They've given you the option of going with Derek and Bren, or taking charge of the reconstruction of the main Martian mine. Full supervisor credentials."
Zion looks like he's going to faint. He grasps onto the back of one of the seats as he stares open-mouthed at Red.
I grin.
"That's quite a lot of information to process for all of us, Red." I look at Derek. "What do you think? We have no idea how long it will take to find Jeffs. We could be away from Delta station for a long time."
"Don't forget the job comes with galactic top security investigation credentials. And the newest and fastest galactic ship." Red winks at me.
Derek grabs my hand and squeezes. "This is not only a great opportunity for both of us, but we get to finish what we started. Track down Jeffs, the man responsible for your mom's death and for all the attacks around the galaxy." He pulls me close, our faces just a breath apart. "And we'd be working together. You'll get your dream to see other stars, and I'll get more than just a security job. And again, we'll be together." He grins and leans in to touch foreheads.
My body warms from my toes to the top of my head. "Since you put it that way, I'm all in." I pull back to smile at Red. He grabs Derek and me for a group hug.
After he finally lets go we all turn toward Zion.
"So what do you think, Z?" Zion's smile fades as he realizes it's his turn to decide.
"Although I want nothing more than to work with you Brenna, you know my home is on Mars." He tilts his head as he studies me. "You understand, right?"
I step up to him and wrap him in a hug, being careful of his ribs. "Of course I understand, Z. You were always meant to do great things for Mars. This is your opportunity and your time to shine. I'm very proud of you." I kiss his cheek and let go of him. "And I promise I'll keep in touch this time." I wink at him as he rolls his eyes, grinning at me.
The sound of the lonely AI's horrific wail still wakes me up in a puddle of sweat every night. I wonder if there are still AI digging machines stuck in mines that weren't retrieved and turned off. Each night I assure myself as I try to go back to sleep at least the council won't allow that kind of research to ever happen again. Because now I hold the ownership to the design, and I will never let anyone twist my mother's research into something so evil again.
<<<
About the Author
I was raised on a hippie commune by my mother, who had previously worked on the Apollo program in Downey, California.
Today I am a space enthusiast and fangirl of most things YA, Sci-Fi, fantasy, romance, or paranormal. Addicted to SF and writing conventions. Book Nerd.
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Other books by Heather Lee Dyer:
Recycling Humanity series:
Recycling Humanity
Starlight Max
Biolab Zeg
Midpoint Station
Talia’s Planet
Non-fiction:
Creativity Over Perfection: The World Needs Your Book!
Delta Fringe Series Boxset: Books 1-3 Page 54