“I’m surprised those ancient battle suits chose you,” Laytrii observed, her crystalline emerald features catching the light as she spoke. “How unusual.”
Kaelith regarded them with a calculating gaze. The streaks of violet in his obsidian eyes widened.
“They may aid you, but do not trust your safety to them alone. Since the ones who created them didn’t live long enough to conduct adequate tests on them, they remain unpredictable. It’d be unfortunate if they crashed just when your survival depended on them.”
“Noted.” Azazel’s tone was smooth. “However, can we go over a few things before we retire for the night?”
On his shoulder, JR14’s spider-shaped red-and-gold metallic frame gleamed in the low light. The android’s iridescent wings flicked once, a lilting, mechanical sound. Azazel took his previous seat with Toni nearby.
Once everyone settled, Vaeloryx leaned forward, his angular features set in stern lines.
“Please begin, human.”
Toni’s mouth dried. She hoped Azazel wouldn’t say anything to jeopardize their alliance.
Azazel began.
“I’ve been thinking about what we did before when I found Toni.” He gave her a sideways glance with a serene smile. He turned back to the Krystalii. “And I believe we should repeat what we did earlier, but with a few changes.”
Kaelith crossed his bulky crystalline arms. The movement made a soft, grinding sound, like stone shifting.
“What exactly do you propose?” His voice held a note of interest, but his skepticism remained clear.
“The first thing we should do is sabotage the energy core of theNyrlith.” Azazel put up his hand to forestall questions. “Just enough to disrupt the systems and force Baelon to divert resources to make the needed repairs.”
“Disrupting the Energy Crux is all well and good, but what of Baelon’s psychic network, the Nexus Core?” Saphirae’s voice carried a weight of quiet authority. “Without destroying that first, his forces could stop us with very little effort.”
Azazel sat back and steepled his fingers.
“That’s the second part of this. Since Baelon and his Elites won’t recognize my psychic signature, Toni and I will infiltrate the Nexus Core at the same time you create chaos when you take down the Energy Crux. Your insight into the ship’s systems is invaluable—” He nodded at Vaeloryx. “—and you have a much better chance at amplifying the disruption there than I would.”
Tharion looked from Vaeloryx to Azazel.
“That sounds risky.” His eyes narrowed. “And no one has mentioned the Dimensional Rift Epicenter that creates a pathway between our dimensions. Without neutralizing that, Baelon’s invasion force can continue gathering unlimited resources from there. He’ll be unstoppable if that stays open.”
Toni flipped her hair behind her shoulder. That was the whole kit and caboodle, wasn’t it? Disabling the ship and the Nexus Core wouldn’t matter if they couldn’t close that portal.
“That takes us to the third phase,” Azazel continued. “When Toni and I disrupt the Nexus Core at the same time you take out the Energy Crux, it’ll divide Baelon’s forces even more. And once that happens, it’ll give us the perfect opportunity to sabotage the Dimensional Rift. From what I can tell from the map you’ve shown us, it’s by the Nexus Core. During the chaos, Toni and I should have enough time to shut the Rift down as well.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “Once that’s done, I’ll contact my allies in this galaxy and ask them to converge on theNyrlithwith an overwhelming force that will prevent him from taking control back.”
Toni snorted. Oh sure. Easy-peasy.
JR14 clicked his front pincers together.
“Statistical probability of success: 38 percent, factoring in current resources and known variables,” he observed. “Advice: organic male and female should retain optimistic outlook.”
Toni shot the android an amused glare.
“Wow. Way better pep talk, widget-wonder.”
Azazel’s full lips turned up in a half-smile, but he didn’t comment.
Vaeloryx tapped his crystalline fingers on his thigh, the sound sharp and deliberate.
“Your plan carries a heavy reliance on coordination and timing. What assurance do we have that you can handle the interference at the Dimensional Rift Epicenter? And just how will you contact these allies to do as you say? I warn you, Baelon’s reach far extends beyond this ship. He may have already eliminated whatever allies you think you have.”
Toni stilled as doubt flared. She pressed her lips together and clamped down on the sensation. As she struggled, a warming flow from the suit delivered added strength to her mental shields, giving her a chance to breathe in a sigh of relief. Now wasn’t a good time to drown in doubt.
“I assure you, that is something I am not concerned with.” Azazel sat back and rubbed his scruffy jawline. “I have every confidence they are even now ready to board theNyrlithat a moment’s notice. Once I disable the Nexus Core, I can open an outside psychic path with them.”
