Twenty-four hours in the med-bay is more than enough.
I walk the length of the small room eagerly awaiting Sover’s approval to leave for my own room, but he’s taking his sweet time. I still feel a dull ache from the wound, and probably will for several days, but I’ve had four rounds of healing injections to target rapid cell growth. I’m practically as good as new.
Well, except for the scar that encompasses a good portion of my upper chest and shoulder. He says it’ll fade, but right now it’s an angry pink ring of wrinkled skin.
I move my arm and flinch. Okay, so almost as good as new. I know I need to take it easy, but I’m antsy to get out of here. I need to see Renner.
Moving him from the path of the shot was instinctive, and I’d do it again, but when he left the med-bay, his tortured look was enough to keep me up half the night. He needs to get over himself and see that he’s not the cause of all bad things in the Verse.
When I see him, he’s getting a piece of my mind. You can’t just tell a girl to forget you and storm off. Especially if that girl is unable to go after you. Even now, my anger sends flashes of heat through me, but I pause and take a deep breath.
These thoughts pinch my conscience. I’m dangerously close to falling for Renner. Living with a false ident chip comes with its own risks, but one thing I learned early on was not to let anyone in. To protect my own heart. I did it so well that others stopped trying.
But he sees past it.
“Talie.” Sover comes into the room. His eyebrows are pinched in concentration over a datapad, looking at my recent scans, no doubt. “I’d rather keep you for another day to track your progress.”
“You can’t give me more injections, right?”
“No, but—”
“And I’m mobile and able to eat regular food, yes?”
“Yes, but—”
“And there’s nothing special about this bed versus the bed in my room.” I want to add that my bed is much more comfortable, but I leave that part out.
“Not really, but—”
“Then I see no problem.”
He sighs. “I want you to take it easy. No rehearsing, no sudden movements, and certainly none,” he wiggles his fingers at me, “of that.”
I nod, knowing he means for me not to use my ability, though I doubt that would affect my physical well-being. Then again, even after all the tests Sover has done on me in the past, we’re still no closer to understanding my gift or its strain on my body.
“I understand.” I look as contrite as possible.
“Then I suppose I can’t keep you here.” He lets out another dramatic exhale, and I see the lines deepen like he’s aged ten cycles by agreeing with me. “But please be extremely careful. You’ve been through an ordeal.”
“I will. I promise.” I kiss him lightly on the cheek and move past but stop at the door. “Oh, and don’t tell anyone I’ve left yet.”
He frowns. “Why not?”
“I would like some peace and quiet in my room.”
“All right.” His concern softens to understanding.
Freyda has been in the med-bay constantly since Renner left, and everyone else has cycled through at one point or another. She’s only gone now because of rehearsals, but I know she’ll be back the minute she’s done. Everyone means well, and I feel their love, but a girl needs some privacy.
That, and I need to see Renner without an audience.
I rush through the hall but soon stagger to a stop. The pace makes me lightheaded, and I rest against a bulkhead to catch my breath. My wound is healed, but Sover’s right, I need rest.
Going slower this time, I take a trav-tube to floor three and reach my door undetected. My plan is to comm Renner and see if I can coax him to my room to talk. Maybe I’ll mention muffins.
The door hisses open and I catch the scent of my Meloran perfume and home. My room has always been the most peaceful place on this ship for me, and I immediately relax. First, I’ll change into something soft and silky so as not to pull on the still-fresh skin. Then I’ll comm Renner.
I move toward my closet but falter when the door slides open. Renner’s armor is gone. I search my other closet, but there’s nothing there. I even go so far as to look under my bed, but his things have vanished.
And that’s when my gaze snags on my pillow.
Moving slowly, though it has nothing to do with my injuries, I reach out and touch the cold metal of the coin. It sits in the center of the white fluff, and I pick it up with dread.
“Computer?” My voice shakes. “Locate Renner Cartha.”
<<Passenger Renner Cartha is not aboard the Midway>>
My pulse pounds. “When did he depart?”
<<There is no known record of his departure>>
I frown. “Locate Renner Cartha,” I try again.
<<Passenger Renner Cartha is not aboard the Midway>>
“I don’t understand. Where is he?” I’m speaking to myself, but the computer is engaged.
<<Passenger Renner Cartha is not aboard the Midway. Last known whereabouts is Deck Seventeen at 0200 hours>>
Deck Seventeen is the cargo off-loading dock. I don’t know how he’s managed to disappear completely, but the truth is glaringly obvious. He’s gone.
Anger flares, but it’s quickly followed by hurt. He left without saying goodbye. Tears prick my eyes, and then I feel like an idiot. He told me to forget him—that was his goodbye. And this should be a good thing, I remind myself. He was always going to leave, but….
It doesn’t feel right.
He was angry that I would sacrifice myself for him. Angry I didn’t blame him for the trouble we had aboard ship. Why would he leave? The Elite are gone, and as far as I know, he’s in the clear.
“Computer, where are we?” It’s been over two days since we docked at Hexalia, and I have no idea if we’re even still there or what Delmar’s plans are.
<<The Midway is currently docked at Hexalia Spaceport. The manifest indicates departure has been submitted for 1600 hours>>
That’s less than four hours away.
“Computer, what is the destination set to?”
<<No known destination has been set at this time>>
I have high level access, which is why the computer is so forthcoming with information, but it’s still not enough.
I crumple onto the bed and press against the cool, silky softness of the sheets, but it does nothing to quell my anger. Did he take a ship like he threatened? Or did he leave for the planet? Is it possible he’s already hopped another ship? My stomach grumbles in hunger, but I have no appetite.
Leaving means he’s moving to the next stage of his plan. That’s something we both want.
My thoughts spiral around the information he’s going to give the High Council. How will they react? What will their plan of action be? He never showed me what he had, but I believe he believes it’s enough to convince them of the High King’s treason. The mere fact he was controlling the High Queen is enough to warrant his death, but…
I sit up quickly, the act pinching my shoulder. What if the information Renner has isn’t enough? I curse the stars for not convincing him to show me the evidence.
I could have assessed it as someone once familiar with court. I was young when I was taken away, but Doyua taught me everything I needed to know.
It won’t be enough.
I know it without even knowing what he’s going to deliver. The only thing that could truly convince the High Council to take action against the High King is me coming forward to accept my position as Gravless.
The thought sends painful tremors throughout my body, and I’m ashamed of my fear. With the Rising taking action against the High House and the potential danger ascending to the throne might cause, I know the mere act of announcing my existence will cause ripples throughout the galaxy, but they might be enough to shift the trajectory. They may be enough to save Xerus from corruption.
But can I do it?
Is it time to show my true self to the galaxy?
I shift on the bed, careful to avoid moving my arm too much, and Renner’s coin slips off the pillow next to me. I pick it up and run my thumb over the smooth planes worn from cycles of his fingers doing the same.
What was it his mother said? Bravery will always win. I think my mother would have said something similar.
With that thought, my plan solidifies. I don’t have to announce where I am, don’t have to endanger the Phenomena, but if I can create a recording for Renner to take with him to the High Council, then they will know my intentions to move into power should they back me.
I shove up, the pain a distant memory as I secure myself in my closet against the back wall—as blank a slate as any I can find—and record my message on a secure disc. No location records or other identifying evidence will be included.
I play the short message back five times, double checking that nothing gives away where I am, and then slip the disc into a shielded carrying pouch around my neck. Phase one of my plan is complete with a little more than two hours left before we leave.
And now it’s time for phase two. Find Renner.
Roper has told me enough about his planet to know I won’t find Renner by accident.
I wrack my mind for a solution, and one presents itself in the form of black and gold sigils. Elixa will know where I should go.
Hope swells, and I turn to the next task, my movements quick and agile. I’ll need to be prepared for the weather on planet, so I dress in thick leggings and sturdy boots, a long, deep blue tunic belted over the top. Then I pull out a heavy winter cloak, hat, and gloves. They’ll not only keep me warm but help conceal my identity.
I reach for the coin he’s left me and slip it into my pocket. It’s given me courage, but I vow to return it to its rightful owner.
My heart thumps wildly at the thought of seeing Renner one last time, but I choose to ignore it. This plan is about accepting my destiny on the Xerus throne, nothing more.