Page 42 of Across the Crimson Sands

“About time,” he growled, motioning for us to follow him. “We’ve got a lot to discuss.”

As we trailed behind him, I noticed Arilee’s wide-eyed amazement at the high-tech surroundings. Her wonder was... endearing, in a way I hadn’t expected.

Davor led us to a secure room, its walls lined with screens and holographic projectors. As soon as the door sealed shut, he turned to face us.

“Alright, Rokan. Explain,” he demanded, his gaze flicking between Arilee and me.

I explained the situation, laying out Gorin’s demands and the potential consequences. As I spoke, I felt Arilee’s hand brush against mine, a silent show of support that sent an unexpected jolt through my system.

When I finished, Davor’s face was grim. “This complicates things,” he muttered, tapping his fingers against the console. “We need a plan. A foolproof one.”

“That’s why we’re here,” I said. “You’re the best strategist I know.”

Davor’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “Flattery will get you everywhere, old friend.” He turned to Arilee, his gaze sharp. “And you, girl. Are you prepared for what this might entail?”

Arilee straightened, meeting his gaze head-on. “I’m not going back to Gorin. Whatever it takes.”

Her determination sent a surge of... pride? Admiration? Something I couldn’t quite name through me.

Davor nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Good. Because this won’t be easy.” He activated a holographic display, a 3D map of the Krelaxian Training Grounds materializing before us. “Let’s get to work.”

I studied the holographic display, my eyes tracing every detail. The complex sprawled before us, a maze of buildings, open areas, and fortifications. Arilee’s sharp intake of breath told me she understood the magnitude of what we were facing.

Davor tapped a series of commands, and the image shifted. Suddenly, we were looking at a network of maintenance shafts and tunnels snaking beneath the facility.

“This is all the intel we have on the underground systems,” Davor said, his voice tinged with frustration. “There may be more, but this is what we know for certain.”

I nodded, my mind already racing with possibilities.

“Gorin chose this location for a reason,” Davor zoomed in on a central courtyard. “It’s a trap, plain and simple.”

My fist clenched and unclenched as I thought it through. “We expected as much. Gorin won’t honor any deal, no matter how much we offer for Arilee’s papers.”

Arilee’s hand found mine under the table, her fingers intertwining with my own.

“Precisely,” Davor agreed. “And that’s not the worst of it.” He tapped a section of the map, and it exploded into a maze of red lines. “They’ve upgraded their security systems. Non-Krelaxian biosignatures trigger immediate lockdown.”

“Shit,” I muttered. Arilee’s grip on my hand tightened.

“As soon as you walk in the front door, Gorin will know.” Davor scowled. “He’s expecting two guests. No more.”

“That’s not all,” he continued. The map zoomed out, revealing a shimmering dome surrounding the entire complex. “Dampening field. No unauthorized communications in or out.”

I felt the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. “We can’t bring in backup, can we?”

Davor shook his head. “If I had time, I could figure out a way to get the rest of the team in there with you. Better yet, I’d get them in early, place them around the entire damn site and turn their lock-down against them. But with the time we have left…” He scowled. “Our options are limited.”

Arilee leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. “So we’re on our own?”

Davor’s grim nod confirmed our worst fears. “Yup. But remember, I said the options were limited. Not completely gone. We’ll just have to get creative.”

I felt Arilee tense beside me, her fingers tightening around mine under the table.

“What do you have in mind?” I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil roiling inside me.

Davor’s lips curled into a predatory grin. He reached into a hidden compartment beneath the console and pulled out a sleek, metallic case. “I’ve had a few goodies come in that might help. First things first. Concealed pulse disruptors.”

He flipped open the case, revealing a set of small, innocuous-looking devices. I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. Arilee shifted closer, her body heat radiating against my side.

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