“They didn’t come in through a portal,” a man replies, walking up to us with a tablet in hand. He wears a blue button up shirt and jeans, with an ABR badge hanging around his neck. “They landed on the dome. Dropped in by hacking the shield generators. Did it during the race, while we were all distracted.”
Ohni doesn’t appear to like that answer. “Fix it.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Now, Evan.”
He nods sharply and hurries off.
Ohni hands me my com, the private one that no one is supposed to know about. “General Viriden has been calling you.”
“How did you know about this?”
“Your dog wouldn’t stop barking, so the shift manager went in the room to see what the issue was.”
Zorin limps over to us.
“I’ll call him back later.”
Ohni raises her brows. “A general? Are you nuts? Answer it or answer to his Special Forces team that will show when you don’t.”
I connect the call. “General Viriden…”
His glowing face appears onscreen. “Tessi, thank the stars. I’m relieved to see you’re okay.”
“Sir, what’s going on?”
“I’m watching the drone coverage of the race. I’m glad you’re there, but…”
Zorin tilts his head as he joins us. Blood stains his face and armor. Some of it is his. Most of it is not.
“I’m sending a crew to protect you.”
I smile sadly to myself. “I think I’m good.”
“I’m sending them anyway.”
His insistence is strange. “What’s going on, really?”
“I’ll explain when we get there. Is the Mindoran still with you?”
“Yes.”
“Is it Zorin or Azrim?”
“Zorin.”
“Put him on please.”
I extend the com to Zorin. “General Viriden would like to speak with you.”
Zorin looks me over then takes the com. He switches to quiet mode and puts the device to his ear, pacing away to speak with Viriden. Even as he does, he keeps his eyes moving through the crowd of security guards, drones, and other racers who are coming out to watch.
It hurts me deeply that I found a male that wants me, truly wants me, and he’s already been torn to shit protecting me. A cold and ill sensation consumes me, just looking at him, wondering if his eyes aren’t looking for enemies but an exit from this race…from me.
“Yes, sir. I will. Understood.”
Zorin ends the call then hands the device back to me.
