Hell no.“Thank you, sir, but I’m not here for that.”
He sighs, making it clear he knows what I want to ask. “Your place is either at HQ or commanding a squad in battle. Escorting an ex-Raider and a plastic spider is not something my best captain is going to do.”
I’m too angry at his words to feel flattered by his rare compliment. “With all due respect—”
“I don’t underestimate the importance of our relationship with High Hope, but after what you just lost, do you think it makes sense for you to disappear for weeks?”
The Defender in me understands the general’s logic. Ishouldstay close to the Hive if things are heating up, but defending the Hive won’t solve the growing danger in Denver—establishing an alliance with High Hope might. Before the fiasco with the New-Humans, all I cared about was protecting my little part of the world, but I know now that isn’t sustainable, not if we wish to prosper rather than merely survive.
“I’ll be more useful if I join the delegation, sir. We didn’t take down the New-Humans alone; a Defender and a Semi did that. Hell—a mutant helped Josh escape.”
“I’m aware of that, and I’m fully supportive of this delegation. It seems that other members of the assembly are also interested in sending their representatives. Dino doesn’t enjoy everyone’s blind support.”
Something tells me the general had a hand in that, and I try hard to keep my opinion from showing on my face. I know shit about politics, but I do know Dino, and the man is a good leader and a good man. “More people in the delegation will need more protection.”
He leans back in his chair. “A few days ago, you demanded a squad; now you want to leave for weeks. If you want my approval, you’d better be honest with me, son.”
I let out a breath. “Josh is going to be in High Hope.”
“Huh, I see.” I wait for him to say something bad about Josh since it was him who got him exiled last year, but he’s smart enough not to. “So this is less about the mission and more about the guests.”
His words sting, even if they’re true. “I would’ve asked to join the delegation regardless.”
He doesn’t seem convinced, but he knows better than to flat-out call me a liar. What he says next surprises me. “I won’t be the general forever, Caden. I have ten years left if I’m lucky.”
“Sir?”
“When it’s time to appoint my successor, I would like for you to be in the running.”
The hell?“I’m a captain.”
“I hope for your sake that you won’t remain one for a decade. Obviously, it’s too early to discuss this, but I didn’t achieve this position by not planning ahead. You have what it takes to lead the Defenders. Not now, but eventually.”
It’s rare that I can’t find anything to say. I don’t even know if I want to be a general, but I’m honored for even being considered. I can’t help but wonder if my refusal to blindly follow orders was what established me as an option in the general’s mind.
“To achieve such a position will require you to make some tough decisions and sacrifices,” the general says, holding my gaze and bringing us back to the topic at hand.
I don’t need him to tell me about sacrifices. “I understand, sir.”
He smiles. “Good. Are we in agreement, then?”
“I believe so.” I stand up. “I’ll be joining the delegation to High Hope. I’m going to see Josh.”
*
My steps are heavy as I walk back to my apartment, not because I regret my decision, but because I know the ramifications will come back to haunt me. I could see it in the general’s single eye as it held my gaze, giving me a chance to take back my words.
But I didn’t.
I open my front door, surprised to see I left the light on. Then I see Dino sitting on my couch, his legs crossed.
“Did I leave my door open with a sign to come right in?”
“Isn’t every closed door meant to be a challenge?”
“Yeah, if you’re a criminal.” I grab a chair and sit facing him. “You know the codes to all doors?”
“That’s classified. How are you?”
