“I have spoken with other Rogue guards. While there are those loyal to your father, many are loyal to you because you are true to your Storm. Whispers are circulating of a Torchbearer among us because of that firestorm you put out to get the situation under control onTiatith.”
She walks toward me, the disc still in her hand.
“But why is Jorusk still here? Why are you?” I ask.
Eluni blinks. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“No.”
Blaize whistles at me.
I look up at my copilot to see us docking in the males’ ABR terminal. “You disregarded my requests?”
“Collaborated to help you,” Jorusk offers. “Because you’ve helped us.”
Eluni taps the wall, and Allele closes the drawer.
“It was for your benefit, sir.”
I jerk and look back at the computer screen. “Allele?”
I am still in your implant, Aura.
I’m irritated and turned around and fighting a sense of betrayal because my crew decided they knew what was best for me when they don’t know how out of control I feel inside. But the hopeful looks they give me break me down. Even Fieri throws me a glance that, for once, makes him look like hedoesn’twant to murder me.
I sigh. “How long have I been out?”
“Two whole days,” Fieri replies like I was sleeping on the job. “Thought you were dead.”
“But you…” I point at Jorusk.
He lifts his hands in innocence. “Everyone thinks I am evil because of what I look like. But I am like this to survive my homeworld just as you are yours and humans are theirs.”
“We decided together,” Eluni interjects. “Tonotreturn to the fleet.”
“You mean you went AWOL?”
Eluni slaps the disc into place over my shoulder blade. “For a Torchbearer Prince among Fades, I will do anything.”
I wish she wouldn’t say it like that. If I am a beacon of hope, I’m doing a piss-poor job. I shift under the uncomfortable sensation of the disc.
Blaize docks us and then turns around in his seat. “Aura, you’re my friend, Fieri’s too. You’ve stood with us like any good soldier, never once taking anything for yourself despite your title. And after your boom onTiatith, we know the rumors of a Torchbearer aren’t rumors at all. We have to protect you so you can find your mate, find balance, and the strength you need to lead our people home again. That is the Torchbearer’s purpose.”
“But we left…” I start.
“Because the stars were prettier than Storms, or so we thought,” Eluni remarks. “But many of us have come to realize we are not whole without them. The Nebs close in and threatenus more every day. We need a safe planet to call home. But we need someone to lead us there. It is what many speak of when they think no one is listening.” Eluni smiles. “Few ever think a munitions tech cares about politics or Storms.”
“And this?” I hook a thumb over my back.
“That device will drain a standard defense Storm but must be replaced after each use until I can build a better capacitor system. But for your entry, this will suffice.”
Eluni hands me a second disc. “A backup. You can place it anywhere that’s comfortable. I’ll be on standby with more as you need them.”
The group is quiet.
Silence is usually comforting. I often fly alone when I’m not working. But I can’t stand it today. “So— You’re all coming with me?”
“We are your guards, sir,” Blaize remarks.
