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“I’ve been in this star system less than a month. My research was focused on the Citadel and Altor.”
“The vast majority of Torret is covered in water,” Tov confirmed. “The atmosphere is not breathable either, so all of the cities are domed.” He increased the magnification on the sprawling complex that was their destination. “This is Mercelon, Jevara’s private playground. The cluster, as Torretian cities are known, is actually rather small. Some of the more populous clusters go on for miles.”
Captivated by the unique arrangement, Cara studied the city, or cluster, in silence for a moment. There were six large domes and countless smaller ones. All of the spheres were connected with transparent corridors. She couldn’t help thinking of the hamster habitat she’d had when she was ten, but she kept the comment to herself. “Why did the Torretians settle here if the planet is so inhospitable?” Then a thought occurred to her. Maybe it was only inhospitable to humans. “Can Torretians breathe underwater or something?”
Laidon laughed and moved closer to the command station where Cara was standing with her mates. “I can confirm that we do not breathe underwater, nor do we turn into fish when we are submerged.”
“All of the planets in this star system were colonized by the Sarlian Federation,” Cylex told her. “They intentionally sought out inhospitable environments to see if they could overcome the challenges.”
“Torret might not have landmasses or a breathable atmosphere,” Laidon went on, “but it has other resources. We have harnessed the power of the churning currents, so we never lack for energy. Fish and fast-growing plants mean no one will ever go hungry.”
Cara smiled. Clearly her reaction to his home world had struck a nerve. “I guess it’s easier to live underwater than in space and that’s where the Citadel is.”
“Precisely.” He nodded then stepped back.
“Many of the clusters are quite beautiful,” Tov concluded. “All Torret needs is a better system of government.”
They reached their destination a short time later and then everyone but Laidon transferred to theAnolox. It seemed more natural for Cylex to pilot the sleek fighter, so Tov and Merrik sat in the second row of seats. Cara sat beside Cylex, her bound hands resting on her lap.
They were immediately cleared to land, which was a good sign. Still, Cara’s heart was pounding. Cylex flew toward one of the smaller domes. A section of the dome retracted, allowing the ship to slip inside. Cylex landed smoothly on the designated platform and then they were lowered into a much larger area.
Cara looked around in wonder as Cylex led her off the ship. Tov and Merrik, who were both dressed in the matte black uniforms of Citadel guards, were one step behind. She used her excitement to appear anxious and uncertain. A triple row of ships rested to each side a wide aisle. The station wasn’t that different from the lowest level of the Citadel, except for the transparent outer wall and the schools of fish zipping by at regular intervals.
Cylex grasped her bound wrists and hurried her along. “Stop gawking.”
She made a face at his broad back and earned a chuckle from one of the workers. She was dressed in the loose-fitting garments worn by the trainees at the Citadel. They were anything but flattering, but that worked to her advantage. The last thing she wanted was for Jevara to find her attractive.
They took an open tram to one of the large domes and Cara felt her eyes widen and her jaw drop. “Holy fuck,” she muttered under her breath. The palace was stunning, all done up in ivory and gold. She’d seen images of Versailles and the extravagance of Dubai, not to mention the temples she’d toured in Japan. None of it was this ostentatious. Marble floors gleamed beneath her feet, and every surface seemed to glimmer or shine.
She looked up at Cylex and whispered, “Clearly he’s compensating.”
He coughed, straightened his uniform top, then glared at her. “Such sarcasm will accomplish nothing. I cannot let you go.”
It was a subtle reminder. She wouldn’t be smarting off if this were real. She would be terrified.
They were waved through one security station after another. Cylex was well known in the palace, but most looked at him with fear or hatred, not respect. Merrik and Tov walked along behind them, silent and watchful. If it weren’t for their comforting presence, she would be a lot more afraid.
Are you okay?Merrik asked as they turned down a side corridor.
So far. Ask me again after we’ve spoken with Jevara.
They reached a massive double-doored entrance flanked by grim-faced guards. They snapped to attention and moved in front of the doors, blocking Cylex’s path.
“I’m expected,” he said impatiently.
“No one enters while armed.” One of the guards pointed to the table beside the door.
“I have never had to disarm before.”
The other guard shrugged. “If you refuse to take off your weapons, we are supposed to take her in alone.”
“And my guards? What good are they to me without their weapons?”
“They are not allowed to enter,” the first guard stressed. “Only you and the female may go inside.”
Cylex tensed, shoulders thrown back. “That isnotacceptable.”
“Tough shit,” guard one sneered. “The emperor said if you complain we can make your guards return to your ship.”
