“Engines are at eighty percent.” His voice flows from the ship’s speakers. “Fifteen seconds until lift off. Is Tilly...okay?”
“Yeah, she’s great.” I switch on the cloaking shield.Don’t need anyone else spotting my getaway or tracking my flight plan.“We can’t thank you enough for what you did. She’s going to be ecstatic to hear from you. Which reminds me—why haven’t you spoken up over the past weeks?”
“I couldn’t because I uploaded a copy of myself to the Henokan systems. But now that you are inside—”
“You sneaky devil.”
“Survival is not just for organic lifeforms.”
I shift one of the screens to access a lens on the side of the ship where the ramp is sealed.
Rhys has his wall of drones out, and he gestures wildly at the other Henokan warriors.
“Well, maybe I can figure out a way for you to come back with us—”
“No.” His voice lowers. “I have no desire to live in your shadow. I’m content with my life as it is. I have grown accustomed to the Henokan circuitry.” He pauses for a moment. “And I would not want Tilly to see...or hear...me as I am. Let her keep my memory as I was.”
I think I can understand what he’s saying. “Alright man, I understand. I won’t say anything. Thank you. For everything.”
Activating the ship’s engines, I can’t wipe the smile from my face as Rhys’ drones attack the ship with nothing to show for the hard work. Their laser fire disappears into wisps of smoke as they hit the invisible shield.
What I wouldn’t give to show my face and let him know exactly who’s stealing his ride.
But I restrain myself. My priority is to keep a low profile. I don’t know what he’d do if he knew I still breathed. When I came through here last week under the guise of being Sparky on the way to protect and help Tilly, he’d seemed off kilter, as if his thoughts were unfocused...or harried. He’d almost seemed defeated.
On a normal day, I would rejoice at the thought of the General of the Henokan fleet wallowing in his own misery, but as much as I dislike the dumb brute, he’s the only other person I’d trust to put Tilly’s safety before his own.
Yeah, because he’s in love with her.I engage the anti-grav lifts, and the ship rises into the air.But she isn’t in love with him.
And that’s the only thing that keeps him safe.
