Page 114 of Between Earth and Eternity
I know how this looks to him. Not only is Vallen gripping my hand, but I’m wearing his clothes too. But it’s not my job to make sure Payson is okay with this; what I can do is help him understand that it isn’t personal. He and I have our own issues to work out. If he chooses to be angry with me, that’s on him.
I don’t linger on Payson’s face too long, trying to mimic Vallen’s stoic energy. Bex stands on Vallen’s other side, pulling out his datapad as if he’s going to take notes.
For a moment, I wonder if it might have been better if Vallen had eased everyone into the idea of me joining Nova, but standing beside him is natural and comforting; much like everything about him, I am coming to find. I’m grateful he wanted to stand together to have this discussion.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice.” Everyone except Pace gives Vallen a subtle nod. “I know this isn’t typically how we do things when inducting someone, but I think most of you know Skyler, so I’m sure you can picture how she pretty much demanded to learn what we were up to,” he says, half joking.
A few chuckle in agreement, but Payson’s gaze narrows on me, and it makes me squirm.
“I don’t have to remind you of the qualities we look for in recruits, and Skyler is no exception. That being said, I would like to officially cast the motion for her to be part of Nova, effective immediately.” He glances around the room. “Does anyone have any objections to this?”
“Hell no. If you ask me, it’s about damn time,” Laz says, placing his hands behind his head.
“Your professionalism is always appreciated, Laz,” Bex says under his breath. Maybe they aren’t lovers after all; maybe the sneaking around was all Nova related. I have no idea how a secret underground revolution works. I have a lot to catch up on.
The room is quiet for a moment, and I think we might be off the hook, but I hoped too soon because Payson stands.
“So nowyoudecide who’s part of Nova?”
Did he not hear what Vallen just said? But he’s angry, and people tend to open their mouths and close their ears when they’re angry.
“No,” Val responds calmly. “I am giving each of you the chance to speak now if you have any concerns. This is a team decision."
Payson sits back down, a flash of embarrassment on his face before he goes back to sulking. “You could have told her no. You should have, in fact,” Pace says, staring directly at me. I glower back, matching his irritation.
“From my understanding, Mr. Reed, she only started to suspect something was amiss because you and Mr. Soren were so careless in your dealings. Especially on Sega,” Runa adds.
Laz looks like a little kid getting caught in a lie, and I can’t hold back my smile.
“In my defense,Ididn’t take her on a date. Just saying,” Laz replies, putting his hands up defensively.
“You two befriended her rather quickly, I might add,” Runa replies.
“Not to mention, there was a good stretch of time when you guys were always seen with her and Miss Walker,” one of the crew members says.
There really are eyes everywhere, but on both sides, it would seem. Laz folds his arms like a petulant child, while Payson seems to become more frustrated. This isn’t going well.
“We were told to blend in. Making friends seemed like a good way to go about it,” Laz replies.
“It was a bit excessive.” Runa raises an eyebrow.
Payson whispers something under his breath, and Laz rolls his eyes.
“Mr. Reed, if you truly think it was unnecessary for me to give Miss Andrews any attention, please share with all of us,” Runa scolds, hands on her hips. “That’s what we are here for, to discuss.”
Payson clears his throat. “I said you gave Skyler special treatment after the Sega incident, which ended up getting youreassigned,” he says with air quotes around reassigned.
“I had to, you fool. I assumed she saw you and Laz, so I had to cover your tracks in case she said something to the authorities. And, as it turns out, she did see you that day. Laz told us she confronted you about it,” she hisses. I knew there was something more to those interrogations.
“I told you to keep that between us.” Payson seethes, glaring at Laz.
“Dude. Seriously?”
The three of them start to talk over each other, and a few others join. I’ve been here for less than five minutes, and because of me, they’re arguing.
“This isn’t all on them.” I speak up over the noise, and everyone turns to me. “Payson especially was there for me more than once when I was on the verge of a panic attack. I would have been much worse without his help.” It’s my attempt at a peaceoffering, and it’s the truth. “Both of them have been there in my not-so-finest moments. I am ashamed to admit I wasn’t able to handle it on my own, but they supported me, even if it wasn’t the best thing for Nova. They helped me through some tough times.” I turn to Runa. “And it seems I owe you my thanks as well.” I give them a moment to digest the words. “I will take some of the responsibility if it makes it easier for you all,” I add, hoping I’m making a good case. The last thing I wanted to do was ruffle feathers.
Captain Carter is the first to speak, clearing his throat. “If what Miss Andrews says is indeed true, then it only proves that she is exactly what Nova needs. Good people exist everywhere, but finding those willing to sacrifice for something greater is far more rare.” I gulp at the profound thought behind his words. “And if Vallen trusts her, then so do I.” He places his hands behind his back, offering a slight bow.
