“That would be very kind,” I say.
He nods once, then turns away, already issuing instructions to two others. Korr watches him go.
“He will challenge us,” he says.
“Yes.”
“He will also defend what he builds.”
I glance up at him.
“You sound certain.”
“I am.”
There’s no arrogance in it, he’s speaking from experience. I frown as I nod. Hope is not a promise. It’s opportunity. And it will be on us to make something of it.
Around us, humans and Zmaj begin marking spaces along the floor with charcoal and broken tile. Someone is sketching supply routes. Someone else is arguing over load distribution for the upper floors.
Adran crosses toward us then, expression thoughtful rather than guarded.
“You’ve changed the equation,” he says quietly.
“No,” I reply. “We’ve expanded it.”
His gaze shifts briefly to Korr, then back to me.
“You’re certain about this alliance?” he asks.
I don’t look at Korr when I answer.
“Yes.” Because I am. That faint memory tugs as I look at him. “Do I know you?”
It slips out without thinking about it. I can’t shake this feeling he is someone I should recognize. Someone I knew a long time ago or something, but can’t quite put together the face and the name.
A slow smile forms on his face and he shrugs. He pauses long enough to inhale deeply and let it out as a sigh.
“Once, I would imagine,” he says, a weight and sadness layering over his words.
I shake my head, frowning. It’s still not coming to me…
“I know I should… but…”
“I was… of some significance once. No longer. On the ship though, my face was in many places.”
“No!” I exclaim.
The face is different. He looked much younger in the vids and on the screens. Youngest member of the Council. Youngest leader ever to earn the title…
“Yes,” he says. “Time has worn my face, but I was the Secretary General.”
“Oh,” I say, covering my mouth with my free hand, tightening my grip on Korr’s with the other.
Adran studies my face for a long moment, then nods once and steps away, already calling for a headcount of available engineers. I release a slow breath.
He survived. The de facto leader of all humans. Or he was on the ship. What will Rosalind think of that? How will the two of them get along?
“You know him?” Korr asks.
