“Yes, sir.” Aera and her team reply like they’re used to taking orders.
Vandal moves a portion of the holographic screen before him and opens a star chart. “What about this Solcrue battle cruiser? I’d like to take that for a joy ride.”
“Can we take the whole ship?” Ash asks.
“Sure as shit,” Navi waves from the back of the females’ group. “Esthi and I can tag team. It will go faster than with Ravenger. You know Craze will want in on the mayhem.”
Chasm puffs out a breath.
Brodin gets Aera’s attention and whispers to her. While my Brothers work on a plan, Aera’s quietly defending her right to join the mission.
“There is no future if we have no people,” she retorts.
“You are the last. You cannot throw your life away.”
I agree. But I know that wherever Aera goes, I will follow. And it’s not just because I am Bonded to her. It’s because she’s the only one who looks at me the way Navi looks at Craze or Leah looks at Savage. I am certain it will not last once Aera uncovers my past. But I just need a few more recordings of her to assemble a companion program in my mind, something to keep me company when I am alone again.
“You didn’t send me here because I was the most qualified,” Aera bitterly remarks to Brodin. Her frustration draws me back to their conversation. “You sacrificed to protect me because of what I am, because of something I can’t change about my body, my blood...or whatever.”
Brodin hushes her. “Yes. Because as far as we know, you are the last. If we lose you, there’s no getting back what is still out there, waiting.”
“Our people need food, Brodin,” she asserts. “I can fight. One of us needs to go. I am the healthiest because of your plan. And my heart matters too. It’s the reason we’re where we are. It’s in my blood, like you said. I am not letting our colony starve again just because you don’t want to send me. And as much as it upsets me that I thought you were trusting me to take the mission, and now I know that wasn't the reason, and it really hurts…”
“Aera,” Brodin quietly sings. “That’s not what I meant to imply.”
Aera has the same problem as I do. She is valued for something she cannot control and has trust issues.
“Think of what you’re risking,” Brodin insists.
“Iam.” Aera stands firmly, frustration narrowing her eyes. “It sounds like those women can take control of a Solcrue ship. If they can do that, they can certainly hack other systems. If I die, they are the backup. But do not take this from me. Do not lock me in acage. You won’t like what I turn into.”
It’s something I can relate to.
Aera is fired up, and her pinked cheeks show it. “I signed up to Omega Force to protect my people.No oneis taking that from me.”
“Omega Force?” Chasm asks.
Aera turns around. “Yes, sir. We are all trained and have been active from the last five years of the war until now.”
“So you can operate StarJumper suits, fire Solcrue weapons, fly, the usual things?” Chasm asks.
“Yes, sir,” Brodin replies.
Savage unlaces his arms. “Not many of you left.”
“No, there are not.” Brodin looks away.
Savage taps a fist over his digibadge. “I am honored to serve with you.”
Brodin taps his fist to his heart.
Poppy’s red eyes burn into me from across the room. She’s watching everything and everyone from beside Clover and Toriszi.
Chasm puts together a list on the holo display of Rebels, Relics, and Rogues that are a go for the mission, including Aera fromCenturion. When Brodin begins to protest, Chasm picks up an orb from a nearby crate and throws it at him.
Aera catches it. Brodin flinches.
Chasm calmly nods. “My decision stands. Aera can go. All others fromCenturionare mandated food and rest until their reaction time is back to normal.”
