Deploy?I can’t have heard correctly. We’ve barely beguntraining. Most of the recruits still struggle with basic combat maneuvers, let alone the complex tactical operations we’d need for field work.
“A rebel incursion has been confirmed,” he continues, voice flat and emotionless. “A location in outer Pyrem harbors one or more females and displays evidence of organized defensive capabilities.” My pulse races, blood rushing in my ears. “Our mission is direct: locate to neutralize threats and retrieve viable females for processing at Riverton.”
Such a dismissive way of saying kill her rescuers and send her to be bred.
“You have twelve hours to prepare. Pack only field essentials. We move out at 0500.” A pause, then, “Effective immediately: all variance and transit files are now restricted to leadership only. Local terminals will display as restricted until further notice.”
Arayik’s gaze sweeps across our formation, landing briefly on me before continuing. “Any questions will be addressed during mission briefing at 1900 hours. Until then, you are dismissed to prepare.”
This is it—the very mission I feared and hoped for in equal measure. The chance to sabotage from within; help instead of harm and make a difference.
But am I ready? Can I maintain this disguise under field conditions? Against real threats? Withreallives at stake?
The others break formation, muttering excitedly about finally seeing action. Their eager voices make me sick—they sound like children promised a treat, not men being sent to destroy lives.
I remain rooted to the spot, mind racing through possibilities, contingencies, and dangers within them. This is happening too fast. I need more time, more information, more?—
“Ashford, Spinel.” Arayik’s voice slices through my spiral of thoughts. “A word.”
Dread pools in my stomach as the others leave me with Corin and the three leaders. Whatever this conversation is, it can’t be good.
Nothing is ever good with the Commander.
“Your performances during training have been…” Arayik pauses, as if searching for the right word. “Inconsistent.” Neither me or my fellow recruit offer a response, and he continues as Corin fidgets, “Under ideal circumstances, I’d remove you both from the team as you haven’t improved nearly enough in the the week I gave you. Under normal circumstances, you would require at least another month of conditioning before field deployment.” How does one train their voice to be so emotionless? “Neither are an option any longer.”
Elias shifts, drawing my attention. His expression is unreadable, but there’s a tension in his shoulders I haven’t noticed before. Kellen stands perfectly still, watching the exchange without input.
“Ashford, you will serve as our Empath support during this operation.” I want to roll my eyes because what the fuck else would I do? “Your ability to influence emotional states without contact will be valuable when dealing with potentially hostile females. Some may resist collection to the point of self-harm.”
Collection. As if women are items to be gathered and stored. I swallow hard, forcing down a surge of rage that threatens to scream at him.
“Spinel, you will remain outside on perimeter watch. Both of you will be under direct supervision at all times,” he adds, stepping closer until his mask occupies much of my vision. “Any deviation from orders, any failure to perform as required, and youwillbe removed from the team. Permanently. Is thatunderstood?” The threat is clear: we won’t be returning home if we fail this.
“Understood, Commander,” I manage, unblinking as I hold his gaze. I want to scoff when Corin mumbles a yes and lowers his head.
He nods once before granting us distance. “1900 hours. Tac room one.” He strides away, though his second and third do not follow.
What now…
No one speaks for several seconds, and I get the sense they’re both struggling to say what they want without forming the words.
Elias is first. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.”
I nod, and as I turn to leave the awkward bubble, Kellen calls, “Rest in your room this time, Ashford.”
My legs freeze mid-step, his cryptic warning sending ice through my veins. But when I peer back, his expression gives nothing away.
I’m so fucked.
At least they’re allowing me on this mission…perhaps I can figure out how to save these people before I’m killed.
I have no idea how I’ll manage it, but I have less than twelve hours to figure it out.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CASSIA
The convoy rumbles down a dirt road, each jolt sending vibrations through the metal frame and into my bones. Dust billows in our wake, a choking cloud that obscures the landscape behind us. I sit rigid in the back seat, my hands clenched tightly in my lap, my knuckles ache beneath their gloves. The air inside the vehicle is thick and stifling, heavy with hot metal.
