Page 31 of Veras
“If you have a constant flow of it, forever. But if you go off planet, the effects fade. Quickly. And this weakness is what led to my people’s demise, I’m convinced of it. But even with Inkonexo betraying us, I still do not know how he, and the Aavvee, managed to destroy everyone.”
The information dump from the last few days swirled and marinated in my mind. The niggling question I had about Nozaroc would find an answer; I just hoped it was sooner rather than later. Because we only had a short amount of time before we’d all be goners.
“Why did you bring me here?”
“It is the center for the portals. Every known and explored portal tracked and catalogued. It is the most powerful and strategic place on this planet, other than where my people resided—at the core. It will tell us where the portal to Earth resides.”
“Portal to Earth?”I can go home?
“I promised I would keep you safe. Now you know how.” Veras swirled his hands over the panel, and another hologrampopped up. “It is here. About halfway back toward the way we came. In the jungle.” He grabbed my hand.
Before we turned, I caught a glimpse of unusual colors. Tan, creamy-pink, and brown. All colors rarely seen on this planet. I found my body moving before I knew my feet had shifted. I repeated the hand gestures Veras had used to expand the hologram, and I found myself in another lab. There were more tubes. These were narrower, and they were mostly empty. But a few were occupied.
With humans.
My throat closed, and I couldn’t breathe. I rocked on my feet because my heart raced so quickly. Or maybe that was the lack of air. For a few seconds, I thought I’d pass out until Veras tackled me, pressing on my chest and breathing into my mouth.
“Breath, little General. Breathe for me!”
I sucked in a wheezy breath and pushed him away, crouching on the ground and hanging my head below my knees until the dizziness passed.
“Is that normal? You cease to take in air?” He randomly patted my chest. “Are you even more fragile than I thought? What will I do if this happens again?”
Leave it to my emo alien to make it about himself. As soon as I was able to speak, I pointed toward the corner. “What. Is. That?”
Veras squinted and looked at the group of humans sharing one large pod like a person-sized aquarium.
“Those are Earthers.” His voice sounded too quiet. A blast of his emotions, mainly guilt, smashed into me.
“You knew they were here.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.” Veras reached for me.
“Why didn’t you tell me?Why?” I pushed his hand away, feeling completely betrayed.
“I did keep it from you, but I would never betray you. I have opened myself up to you.”
Now it was my turn to look away from him, understanding for the first time why he avoided me when he felt angry.
“There is a good reason. I assure you. Your feelings of betrayal are battering me. I beg you. Please stop.” He pulled at his hair, raising and then dropping his hands.
“Then explain.”
“I fear it will only hurt you further.
“What is it? Tell me why you didn’t mention the other humans. They need help. We have to save them.”I wouldn’t be alone.
“There is nothing to save. They are as good as dead. Only being used for parts. There is no brain activity. The Aavvee scientists must have discovered a part of your genetics that they find beneficial.” He crouched in front of me. “That knowledge would only hurt you. You cannot save them.”
Shoomp. Shoomp. Shoomp.The sound of portals being activated.
As if on cue…
The bad guys showed up.
CHAPTER 14
“They found away past the Guardians. They are here.” Veras swiped a few more holo-screens, and we could see the Aavvee coming in one after the other, with Inkonexo in the lead. But instead of walking like we had, they flew across the jungle in sleek-looking vehicles.
