Livvy felt tears welling in her eyes as the rest of the company began to move out. She had never been an emotional person, but Radoo was cracking all the walls she had ever put up between herself and others.
She was shocked that he had spoken of her so well. No one ever had before.
“Radoo,” she leaned against his chest, looking into his eyes, “that was sweet of you, but plenty of commanders here could handle the role. I don’t want it.”
He gripped her shoulders, smiling as he returned her gaze.
“I don’t believe that for a second,” he said firmly. “You wouldn’t be content to just stay in the ranks for something like this, not after arguing so passionately for the terms. You will have complete control of all the people in the company. You can make sure everyone behaves appropriately. No violence. That’s what you want. Isn’t it?”
She shook her head. “You’re giving me too much credit, Radoo. I’m not a commander. I don’t even know where to start organizing that many people.”
“You’re the only one with the sensitivity to handle this. I know you,” he whispered. “Even after such a short time. You won’t be content to take orders in this.”
She grinned. “You may be right about that. I’ll certainly speak up if I think my ideals in this are being compromised. I’ve just never been in command before.”
Radoo shrugged. “You know what you want. You know how to handle both the soldiers and the resistance. Do you really think anyone here could do it better?”
Anxiety dug its cold claws into Livvy’s stomach. She shook her head uselessly as the full weight of her position fell upon her.
“I don’t want it! It’s too much for me. The soldiers will see me as an enemy. The resistance will see me as a traitor.” Her teeth set against each other as she stepped back, determined to fall back into her safe, comfortable position as a soldier under orders and nothing more.
Radoo stepped forward as she stepped back, his face dark. Livvy was caught off guard. She had never seen him look like this before.
“I am a Preor warrior,” he said, firmly. “I’ve been in the military, in real war. I’ve commanded, I’ve picked up fallen comrades, and I’ve lived through the blood and bone that litters the field.”
Livvy watched his face, her own memories of combat flashing behind her eyes. She could see the same pain in him that had always existed within her. That kind of pain soaked into you once you learned how to take a life. From that place onward carnage was always near. It didn’t matter how good your reasons were, entering the fight changed you forever.
To save what we love, we must become what we hate.
“I’ve seen males elevated in rank right there on the front line. Not a single one of them doubted themselves. They got on with the job as if they were born to it. Do not tell me you can’t do this.”
Doubt rose in her, making her feel shaky and sick. She made to protest again but Radoo placed a hand over her lips.
“Do not say it. I will not hear it. Livvy, you are my mate. You have the strength to do anything you desire.”
“What if I don’t desire power?” she shot back.
Radoo smiled. “If that is the case, my darling, you are exactly the person who should have it.”
She opened her mouth again and Radoo kissed her. She felt tingles sweeping through her and heat gathering in her body. Even though it was a brief kiss, she felt it everywhere, right down to her toes.
“It seems I could sing your praises here all day and you would still not believe me. Believe this, then. The position has been given to you. You can’t go to your superior officers and ask to be stood down because the mission is too important to you and you argued for it. There is only one thing to do now and you know it.”
She shook her head, eyes wide. He gripped her hands.
“Prepare,” he said. “Think about your troops, think about the mission, and work on your tactics. Embrace it, Livvy. You have no choice.”
Before she could answer, the rolling doors that led to the tunnels rattled up and trucks started rolling toward the exits. Livvy hurried to grab equipment bags and run them over to the waiting holds. Lots of Preor were doing the same, just jumping in with the soldiers and doing their part. When she saw Radoo encouraging his men, she realized he was in the same position she was.
He hasn’t told me much, but I know he had command duties just thrown at him. At least I’m taking control of an organized unit. He had to take command over a fragmented team.
She hefted some ammo into the back of a truck and felt the first stirrings of excitement. She was doing what she had always wanted to do—trying to end the conflict with peace, not blood. She had plans flowing through her mind already, and the more she thought about it, the more confident she became.
Just as they were about to jump into the trucks, the station commander hurried over to her.
“We called some local charity organizations and we have a few volunteers who are happy to come along with supplies and help administer aid in the camp. Raising the standard of living there is absolutely vital.”
Livvy nodded. “They were happy to give up their luxuries to get away from the Preor, but they have been living rough for a while now. Tired, hungry people who haven’t seen hot water in weeks are not very agreeable.”
“This is true,” the commander agreed. “Tell me, Livvy. Are there many children?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “The resistance camp has a couple of hundred people. About fifty children.”
“That many?”
“Yes, sir. Their parents are frightened of the Preor. Like most refugees, they see discomfort a small price to pay for liberty.”
He shook his head, his face tense.
“I truly didn’t realize there were so many vulnerable people there. I’m glad you argued for this plan, Livvy. The situation would have gotten out of hand very quickly if anyone had gotten shot.”
“Don’t count your blessings yet, sir,” she whispered. “The day has a long way to go.”
He saluted her and she returned it.
“As you were,” he said, hurrying down the line. Every truck was loaded up and almost ready to leave, the excitement of being on the road lifting everyone’s spirits and taking their minds away from the difficulties that lay ahead.
She jumped easily up into the truck, Radoo right by her side. The Preor warriors looked very cramped and uncomfortable, trying to fit their tall bodies and long wings into the covered vehicles. Livvy knew they were grounded by her order. She didn’t want an aerial fleet of Preor terrifying the people she was coming to save.
As the trucks revved their engines and started up the tunnel, she squeezed Radoo’s hand and grinned. She was still nervous, but it was being quickly taken over by excitement and a fierce anticipation. She was about to see her friends again and she had missed them. Those refugees had made her feel welcome, like she had a home.
She was bringing the army to them, but not to hurt them. She was bringing the might of Preor and the resources in the army to save her people. She couldn’t ask for more than that.