Page 106 of Between Earth and Eternity
That was when the Lottery came into play. “I had to devise a plan to get people from Nova aboard Zenith without looking suspicious. It had to appear as random as possible.”
Nine out of the twenty winners were secret preselected members of Nova. The rest truly were up to chance.
“Laz is a master hacker,” he explains now. “He has spent weeks combing through Zenith’s database to uncover anything my father is keeping a secret, even from the inner circle. The data he has found will be vital. He also makes it possible for us to communicate freely on StarComms and guarded our rooms from any outside interference.”
I can’t picture Laz sitting behind a screen, focused on something longer than two minutes.
“Payson plays a major role in getting that vital information to our contacts. He is a gatekeeper, so to speak.” I feel a sense of pride for both of them.
“And what’s your role?” I ask, but I can very well guess.
“I fund missions, supplies, but most importantly, no one can gain access to my father like I can,” he says, going on to explain how he had to carefully distribute funds from Mannox Industries itself, steal away ships and other contraband without being noticed.
“There’ve been so many close calls over the years, moments when I thought it was over before it began, but somehow, we’re still here, fighting a war that most people have no idea exists. A battle in the shadows.”
“Do you think it will come to that? Actual war?” I ask.
His eyes search mine, as if the answer lies there. “That’s what we’re trying to avoid, but it has required much sacrifice and will take much more the longer it goes . . . maybe even, by the end, our own lives.”
The words send chills down my spine.
There is strength and determination in his hazel eyes, a galaxy in their own right. He doesn’t have to tell me how vital his role is in all of this. I doubt any of it would be possible without him.
There is nothing and no one that could rival a Mannox. It would take one to overthrow another.
“And because of you, it seems Nova’s mission might not be impossible,” I say.
“It’s a lot of moving parts. Everyone plays an important role in bringing this meticulously drawn-out plan to fruition.”
“This wasn’t part of the plan,” he said all those nights ago when we first kissed.
“Iwasn’t part of the plan,” I realize aloud.
“No. You were not,” he replies, his voice low.
He leans toward me where we sit on the couch, his fingers playing with the ends of my hair. I tremble at the familiarity of it, that he does it simply because he wants to, because he can.
“Skyler, you may have not been part of the plan. You may have been a disruption, a bad one at first.” I can’t help but smile, followed by playfully rolling my eyes before he continues, “But then you turned into something else entirely, and I was so determined to ignore that feeling.” His throat works as he steadies himself. “And now, I can’t imagine it any other way, and I don’t think I can do this without you.” I place my hand over his, almost by instinct. His eyes meet mine as he says, “I feel like I’ve been suffocating with the weight of it all, but you were a deep breath I’d been gasping for, and I finally found air for my lungs to keep me going.”
I want to believe him, but what could I ever truly offer to this cause? Offer him? But if he has faith in me, then maybe I can learn to have faith in myself.
“Vallen, I—” I start.
Someone behind us clears their throat. “Vallen, your father wanted to see you before the gala ends. He’s been asking for you.” Bex stands apprehensively.
“Always such impeccable timing, Bex,” Vallen breathes out in frustration. “I’ll be right there.”
I suddenly remember I’m still in my dress; the gala feels like days ago.
“I guess I’d better go,” I say, blinking up at him.
“There’s still a lot to discuss,” he says, angst lining his words. “Will you come back tomorrow?” His hazel eyes are hopeful and a little unsure.
“Of course.”
The corners of his mouth turn upward, and it sends my heart racing to see him pleased by my response.
“Good. Tomorrow, I want you to officially meet everyone, but there’s one more thing I want to do first.”
