Page 69 of Captured
“Senators found him a few months back,” Darhk answers. “They assassinated him before we could warn him. That is Colonel Hicks. He’s been in charge since Garrick died.”
I frown and stare at the stout, severe-looking man.
“What do we know about him?”
“Not as much as we’d like.” This time Harko is all business. “He’s been working for the Rebellion for a decade, but before this, not much information.”
I grunt, my eyes locking on the newcomer. He is the obvious suspect, but we can draw no conclusion yet. Walking next to him, I recognize the stern-faced, skeleton-thin woman as Governor Taylor, a lifelong politician whose family has ties to her seat of power dating from a time when humans still held what they called elections.
“This changes nothing.” I say. “Our plan is still intact.”
But the dangers have risen. Why is there a soldier with them? If the Rebellion is so blatantly distrusting of our friendship, then there is no telling what their shuttle carries. More soldiers? Explosives? There are too many unknowns, too many things I don’t control. It’s only because of Harko’s genius that the Rebellion’s shuttle is sealed away from the Pearl, explosives rigged all along the tunnel and on the other side of the hatch. Harko might be many things, but careless isn’t one of them.
It’s too late to turn back. The Rebellion is here and our trap is set. All we can do now is follow our plan.
We remain in silence as the humans walk down the short tunnel to stand in front of the hatch door. Darhk presses his hand to the access panel, granting them access inside the Pearl. Then they stand before us, Colonel Hicks in the middle, Governor Taylor to his right and slightly behind, the soldier in the rear.
It seems that the lack of trust goes both ways.
As I look back at him, the older man’s steel gray gaze sets on us with cold assessment. I have no doubt he is the one who ordered the soldier’s presence. That he knew how much of an insult that was is still unknown.
“Prince Darhk.” He nods respectfully to my brother before setting his eyes on Harko and me.
“These are my brothers, Prince Rakir and Prince Harko,” Darhk makes the presentation, pointing to me, then Harko. Colonel Hick’s cold, cold eyes glance over Harko before settling on me.
“You’re late.” Colonel Hicks speaks in a controlled, even voice. “The rendezvous was set days ago.”
There’s no saying what goes on beyond the facade of the human’s face, no hint at his true feelings. The face of his companion is just as devoid of emotions.
“A small mishap.” Darhk states, like he would ever let this happen. There are no miscalculations where Darhk is involved, no accidents and no surprises. “All is settled now.”
“Good to know.” But Colonel Hicks’s face tells another tale.
Tension fills the air as the humans watch us. They’re nervous.
“The List.” Colonel Hicks breaks the silence, his face like marble. “Do you have it?”
“Yes.” I say, reaching into the fold of my vest. A flash of my exoskeleton darkens my skin, a reminder for the humans of who we are, what we are. I bring out the small crystal square, the perfect copy of the data frame Harko built as a decoy. Their eyes lock on it, greed plain on their faces.
Who among you has a soul painted in blood?
“The knowledge on this data frame has cost many lives to obtain.” I muse, flipping the fake between my fingers. “Tell me again why I should entrust it to you?”
“We are the Rebellion!” Governor Taylor answers with a scoff. “We’re fighting against the Senators. Surely, you can appreciate that.”
“You?” I turn to her, not bothering to hide my annoyance. “What battles have you fought? How many men and women have you lost lately? The Drakians have fought battles, lost warriors for you. Do not tell me you are the only ones fighting.”
“Weare the hope for humanity., the Governor spits out. “The Drakian nation seeks peace, but only humanity can rebuild itself.”
Colonel Hicks hushes the woman with a single, pointed glance. She recoils, but her features are still twisted with outrage. Or repulsion.
“Forgive her, Prince,” Colonel Hicks placates. “She’s a politician. She does not know about war. The Rebellion is grateful to the Drakian nation for their friendship.”
I lock gazes with Colonel Hicks. He’s an old soldier and has seen his share of blood, I can tell. He knows the price of freedom, the rivers of blood that are needed to give the people the peace they want so bad.
Doubt furrows into my mind. He does not have the demeanor of one who could turn his back on his brothers.
“Use it well.” I extend my hand to Colonel Hicks.
