Chapter 17: Sefina
Menace steadies me at his side the entire way to the outpost. I’ve never felt as safe and protected as I do in his arms. It wasn’t a priority to preserve my life when I grew up believing our duty was to each other and the rebels. But I’m not as eager to die when I have Menace to look forward to. I want more of him. I haven’t had nearly enough yet.
“Menace and I will guard while you and Sythius get the cloaking device. Remember, it’s not going to look like one. It looks like a dented thermal regulator for hyperpup engines.” Fracture pulls up a map of the outpost. “I found a recording in the ship’s database that suggests CSP have been storing parts in this room.”
I mentally note where it is down a hallway that feels like a kill box.
“It’s there for a reason,” Sythius mutters. “I see that look on your face, Sef. I think you need to let me take this one. They won’t question or shoot me.”
“You’re so sure,” I remark.
He nods and shifts inside his leather jacket like its positioning is off. “I put it there.”
Menace and Fracture look over at him.
I’m caught in the crossfire of glares. “Why?”
“I was working cargo, remember?” Sythius bounces a knee as we circle the base and Fracture checks for combatants.
There are three heat signatures inside the concrete. It’s a reasonable risk to take, so he lands in the center.
Sythius gets up, walks into a room down the hallway, and emerges a minute later in a Solcrue sergeant’s uniform with a cargo badge.
I slip away from Menace to pick up a rifle and inspect Sythius’ uniform. “Awfully convenient.”
“No. This is grunt quarters. I have stayed in this room before.”
“That’s why you’re so familiar with the ship?” I ask.
He grimaces. “Unfortunately.”
“Working for the enemy doesn’t make me trust you any more, just less,” Menace sneers.
Sythius squints at him as if expecting him to attack. “I know. But it can be helpful now. I’m not asking any of you to change your opinions of me. Just trust me to do this one thing.”
Fracture clips on a weapons harness and saunters up to us. “His voice patterns suggest he’s being honest.”
Menace growls at Fracture, who seems to understand his sentiment and nods in response.
“Would you rather risk your mate?” Sythius challenges, meeting Menace’s gaze. “She’s the only other one who can fit through the security door inside. There’s a reason they built the building the way they did, to keep Titans out.”
“You underestimate us,” Menace counters. “I could break in through a wall.”
Sythius lifts his hands in innocence. “You don’t want me to do it, fine.”
“Hang on,” I say, reaching for his wrists. “Sythius.”
He lowers his arms and lets me take his hands, a gesture of faith I’m hoping he feels and the Titans will get over.
“If you want to do this, I trust you. And you’re right. You’re better suited to do this.”
Sythius wraps his fingers around mine. “Promise you won’t shoot me the moment I’m on board.”
“No promises,” Menace rumbles.
I give Sythius’ hands a reassuring squeeze when he tries to pull away. “No one will shoot you, or I will shoot them.” I throw Menace a playful glare.
Sythius wants to believe he belongs somewhere, and I know the rebellion is going to need all the help it can get if we’re going to be successful. “If you help us, we will help you. We don’t have to like each other. But if we want to survive, we need each other.”
