“Enough, Laytrii. Once the female is removed from Baelon’s control, that will force him and his scientists to divert their attention to her recovery, and that distraction will give us the opening we need to execute our primary objective. A rare chance to stop Baelon forever.”
Laytrii’s gaze lingered on Azazel for a moment before she stepped back, her crystalline body refracting the chamber’s light. “All right, I concede to your suggestion, Vaeloryx. I guess we’d better evaluate the best way to retrieve this human female. What have you surmised thus far?”
Vaeloryx turned to the group, his posture commanding but calm.
“Since Baelon’s private sector is near the Nexus Core, we can use that to our advantage.” His steady stare met Azazel’s. “The Nexus Core is how Baelon became the undisputed dictator of the Krystalii. It magnifies his already powerful psionic abilities to override anyone else’s. If his attention is focused on you, we can slip in and disrupt the core to not only weaken Baelon, but also the ship’s defenses. That should cause him to divide his forces.” He looked at Azazel. “That hopefully will give you the opening you need to complete the recovery of the human and afford you the probability of leaving theNyrlith.”
Azazel kept his tone even.
“And how do you propose we do that?”
An opal Krystalii, his form sleek and angular, nodded.
“There’s a private deck near Baelon’s residence that houses his personal fleet of ships. You can take one of the small ones to escape.”
Azazel frowned. He’d never piloted a spaceship before. Even when they planned to escape the Akurns—who created him and his brothers—in a small space shuttle, he never had a chance to travel in it. He’d teleported them far into the future instead.
Vaeloryx must’ve sensed Azazel’s unease. “Most of those ships are self-navigating. All you have to do is use your construct—” He pointed to JR14. “—to interface with it and put in the coordinates for your escape.”
Azazel’s grin wasn’t humorous. “So, let me make sure I understand. For this to work, I’m going in as a distraction to give you a chance to sabotage the Nexus Core?”
Vaeloryx’s smirk matched Azazel’s. “Ah, well, that’s one way of putting it. However, dividing Baelon’s forces between us gives you a better chance to rescue the woman and escape—an advantage you would not have on your own.”
“Laytrii and I will lead a team to the Nexus Core and
Kyrix will go with you to help you free the female. Once that is done, he’ll guide you to Baelon’s private space dock. There he’ll help you determine which ship is the best for you to take.”
Azazel glanced at JR14, whose multifaceted eyes shone with a faint orange light.
“What is your analysis of this, JR14?”
JR14 tilted, his body giving off a low whir.
“Probability of success: 47.3 percent.”
“Comforting,” Azazel muttered.Why bother asking?
JR14’s announcement earned a faint chuckle from Vaeloryx. “Your companion is blunt but correct. Baelon’s Elites will sense our movements once we put this in motion. Now, with that in mind, shall we proceed?”
Azazel’s gaze swept over the gathered Krystalii. They were a ragtag group, and their colorful crystalline bodies bore faint cracks and imperfections—a testament to their struggle. He forced himself to unclench his fists held behind his back. “I believe this sounds promising, but I’d prefer we sit down and plan each detail further.” It was a chance to consider the plan’s viability. And, if it fell apart, at least he’d give himself an opportunity to come up with a Plan B beforehand.
With a nod, Vaeloryx gestured to a cluster of low, crystalline structures that formed a rough semicircle behind him.
“Agreed. No reason for us not to be comfortable while we do so.” The surfaces shimmered with a warm glow that cast delicate patterns on the chamber floor.
Azazel studied the crystalline seats. He let loose an inaudible sigh. Exhaustion wracked him, making it hard to move, and he’d like nothing better than to sit down and take a breather. But it looked like Vaeloryx wanted to jump into this planning session right away. So, taking time out wasn’t on the menu.
Not like he had a choice, no matter how low his energy was.He’d used a lot of power to teleport to theNyrlith. And even if he was at full strength, the psychic restraints embedded within the vessel were stronger than he’d first assumed.
Gazing around the austere environment, he grimaced as he lowered himself onto the seat of a crystalline formation. Its smooth surface contoured around his frame and was surprisingly comfortable. JR14 stayed perched on his shoulder, and his metallic limbs shifted as he settled.
“Before we start, I must warn you about something,” Vaeloryx said, his voice smooth as he took his seat. “You must refrain from using your psionic energy, especially your telepathic abilities, as much as possible.” The aquamarine crystals along his cheeks lit into a soft silver.
“Because Lord Baelon has unfettered access to everyone’s thoughts by using the Nexus Core, it gives him the ability to crush all attempts at rebellion, big or small.”
Azazel’s eyebrows rose. “Then how do you communicate with each other without him knowing?”
Vaeloryx turned until the side of his chest was visible to Azazel. Embedded there, where a human heart might be, a faint, silver glow flared to life.
