Page 55 of Chosen
“Nothing has happened yet, but I find myself in a predicament I’m not sure how to get out of.”
“Tell me what’s happening.”
I take a deep breath and explain everything that had occurred from the time Jamie had arrived to now when I’ve found out the results of the autopsy. By the time I’m finished, a deep wariness sets over me. I’ve grown accustomed to never having to explain myself to anyone and to do so to another Sector Leader is a humbling experience.
To his credit, Magnus’ expression remains stoic and nonjudgmental. He’d made a good impression on me at the previous summit and I now know that my initial thoughts about him had been correct. He’s an honorable man. I wish I hadn’t allowed my stubbornness to get in the way at our last encounter. Looking back, I realize, he had been trying to offer me help while sparing my pride.
“It sounds like you have little time left before your cousin makes his move. If I may speak freely, I’d like to share some of my observations of him when he’d accompanied you at the summit.”
I’d almost forgotten that Braeden had accompanied me to the summit because he’d stayed in the background most of the time. Usually when we went on official trips he was my mouth piece.
“You may.” I brace myself for his words.
“I didn’t think much of it at the time because my focus was on making sure the summit ran smoothly, but I noticed when the Sector Leaders were mingling with each other he wouldingratiate himself with them. It was almost as if he was in the role of Sector Leader. He and I had a brief conversation that made me a bit uneasy.”
“What was said?” I asked.
“He didn’t come right out and say it, but he hinted that he had a hand in the running of Sector 10 and that you were basically just the figurehead who enforced the laws because of your brawn. I’d asked him to clarify because I surely must have misinterpreted what he was saying. He laughed it off and said that he was only letting me know that the operations in Sector 10 are running smoothly. He then asked for my support for Sector 10 regardless of who the leader is.”
If I had any doubts before this conversation, they were all gone. I’ve always had the fear of saying and doing the wrong things in gatherings like the summit. I preferred to listen and observe before making my decisions, so I had been fine with Braeden mingling with the other Sector Leaders and members of their envoy.
At the time I figured he was making connections on behalf of our sector and report anything he found useful back to me. But apparently he was simply making connections for himself.
Considering what had happened at the summit with the former Sector 6 Leader he had many opportunities to ingratiate himself with the other leaders.
Though I oversaw 10, if three or more of the other Sector Leaders believed that one of the sectors was being run to the detriment to the other 13, them, then an emergency hearing was called among the other Sector Leaders to have that Sector Leader removed.
Besides, a challenge that was the only other way to get a Sector Leader removed although since thesuperioushad taken over as the rulers on this planet, it had only been used once andthat had been shortly after the sectors were created. It was such an obscure law that I’m sure many of them have forgotten it.
I had been thorough in studying all these laws once my reign began, and apparently my cousin had as well. He knew he couldn’t beat me in a challenge so it was apparent to me now that his plan was to sow chaos throughout the sector.
It now made sense why there had been so many emergencies around Sector 10 lately. And each time I was away, there was a staff switch. I noticed when I was going through the files, the assignments lined up with times when I had been away from the fortress.
Why didn’t I see it coming? I’d put all my trust in him only to be faced with the ultimate betrayal.
“You seem lost in thought. Are you going to be okay?”
My face burns with embarrassment. He must think I’m so incompetent. “I will. But I need your advice.”
“I could have given you advice when you were here to collect Jamie, however we’re beyond that point. What you need is help. It sounds like your cousin will probably make his move at any time now. If you give your permission, I and an envoy can be there by sun up your time. Together we can root out the traitors and you will be able to take down your cousin.”
Intellectually I knew it would need to come to this. I will have to kill my cousin. But it won’t be easy. He’s set his claws into this corrupt system so deeply, I didn’t know who to trust.
“Yes,” I grant him the permission he needs.
“I’ll start immobilizing. We will be entering your territory in stealth mode so don’t notify the air traffic controllers in case your cousin has gotten to them already. And gather up as many of your people who are still loyal to you. You’ll need their support.”
I’m so appreciative of his readiness to assist me that it humbles and shames me for how I’d treated him. “I’d like to apologize for my behavior at our last meeting.”
“There’s no need for apologies. We are allies, and I trust that if I ever need your help I can expect your aide.”
“Of course. Sector Leader, Magnus…you have my thanks.”
He nods. “I’m signing off now. A lot must be done before my arrival.”
Once the call has ended, I pause to determine at what point did Braeden decide to turn on me. I’ve fought many battles in my lifetime. Most of my life has been struggle and strife, but the one person I never thought I’d have to go to war with…was Braeden.
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