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The compulsion took hold and he joined the other guard on the floor.
“Is there a key to that chain?” Eden motioned toward the thick links securing Neloff to the wall. “How does it open? There isn’t a lock. Or can you Flow right out of the restraint?”
“This isn’t an actual prison. There should be a manual trigger.” He found the control panel on the wall near the door and triggered the locking mechanism hidden in the links.
Neloff lifted his arms with a groan and rubbed the abused flesh. “How did you find me?”
“Stubbornness and shared dreams,” Kyrex said. “I need to take her to safety, but I’ll be right back for you.”
“No,” she objected. “Take him first.” She pointed the rifle at the guards. “If they so much as blink, I’ll blast them.”
“Not a chance,” Neloff insisted. “I’d rather die than leave my mate in danger.”
Kyrex didn’t give her time to argue. He pulled her into his arms and she braced for the disorienting sensations that he’d surprised her with before. Even knowing what was going to happen, she let out a little gasp. The breath-stealing acceleration lasted longer, so she figured they were going farther than they had before. The rush ended abruptly and her stomach heaved. She barely had time to register her surroundings, the living room of a house or apartment, then she covered her mouth with her hand and desperately looked around for somewhere to vomit.
Kyrex rushed her into the adjoining kitchen and positioned her over the sink. Not her favorite place to puke, but it was better than the living room floor. She emptied her stomach, then rinsed out the sink. Kyrex handed her a glass of water.
“I’m fine.” She gave him a little shove. “Go get Neloff.”
* * *
Verbet sat up in bed sipping a fragrant mug ofwessin. He had been in the hospital on Torret for six days now and his worthless half-brother had ignored him completely. Verbet shrugged but he felt anything but indifferent. All Jevara’s neglect was doing was reinforcing Verbet’s decision to join the rebellion. Well, that wasn’t accurate. The rebels despised Jevara and all of those loyal to him. Verbet felt the same way. However, the rebels were determined to establish a representative form of government and Verbet had every intention of replacing his half-brother and becoming Torret’s next emperor. To do so he needed an army, and the rebels were as close as he could come to that right now.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and carefully stood up. He was still weak and easily fatigued, but he was grateful to be alive. The suite was lavish for hospital accommodations, large and elegantly furnished. There was even a railed balcony with a lounge chair so the patient could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine—both simulated of course. The entire city was under water.
Opening the decorative door, Verbet stepped out onto the balcony. The room faced the rest of the city, which put the energy dome behind him. As with most Torretians, he longed for nature. He dreamed of sweeping meadows and snowcapped mountains. Instead, he faced row upon row of crowded towers, tram tubes, and greenbelts. It was orderly and clean, but it was also artificial.
Forcing away his discontent, he squared his shoulders and renewed his determination. Torret was the planet he would soon rule, so he’d better stop longing for nature. He pushed up his sleeve and activated his subdermal control panel then navigated to the communications center. The system operated independently from all of the public networks, and he was relatively sure Jevara was unaware that Verbet had a private network. Even so he used a code that added another layer of security before he sent the comm request.
“How did you get this number?” a cold male voice demanded moments after the comm connected.
The speaker hadn’t identified himself, but Verbet recognized his voice. This was Boslin, Laidon’s brother. Most considered Laidon the leader of the rebellion, but Verbet knew the rebellion was actually a bunch of independent cells. They worked toward similar goals, but there was no formal organization, no universal leader. Boslin ran one of the largest and most active cells, but Laidon was much more popular.
“Your brother gave me his comm code shortly before he was arrested,” Verbet explained. “He approached me several times hoping to take advantage of my relationship with my half-brother.”
“Verbet?”
Verbet cringed. Maybe these rebels weren’t as competent as he’d hoped. “I am relatively sure this line is secure, but I prefer we not use names.”
“Fine.My brotherhas been rotting in a detention cell for weeks now. Why wait so long to contact us?” Boslin’s cold tone made his displeasure obvious.
“The delay was unavoidable. I requested a day or two to consider my options. During that time, I was involved in a near fatal accident. I am currently outside my hospital room.”
“I’m sorry. I did not realize.”
Already Verbet was feeling shaky and nauseous, so he got right to the point. “To prove that my interest in working with you is sincere, I will arrange the escape of your brother.”
“Will he still be a fugitive?”
Verbet rolled his eyes. What a ridiculous question. “He has been a fugitive since this rebellion began. I cannot erase the past. If you are not bothered by his incarceration, I will not waste my time.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Boslin grumbled.
It was exactly what he’d meant. Verbet tensed. He hated people who would not take responsibility for their actions and opinions. Maybe he should look elsewhere for support. But the rebels were convenient and bloodthirsty. Besides, Boslin existed in the shadow of his brother. Verbet was interested in working with Laidon. Boslin was simply a means to an end.
Annoyed and ready for the conversation to finish, Verbet used an ultimatum to speed the process along. “This isn’t a negotiation. Accept my offer or I will find another ally.”
Boslin’s voice changed, grew stronger, more assured. “Make the arrangements. I look forward to working with you.”
