Free Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty by Marcus Johnson Page B

potential, the answer is yes,” Myden answered. “Now rest, the others will need you for a while longer.”
    “I
will,” Tctie said.
    After
Myden ended the telepathic link Tctie crawled onto his bed to rest. Although
his eyes were unable to close the antman fell fast asleep, exhausted from the
events of the day.
     

Chapter 12 - Quiet Moments
     
    Veda
quietly went about her work as the others repaired the base, ships, and mobile
weapons. Reban did likewise as she directed traffic. On both the surface and in
orbit of Dega Jul the Confederation forces were on high alert. Veda was
thinking about Brian when Myden stepped into the room. He stood next to her as
she programmed the detection system for use in mobile weapons.
    “You’ve
grown quite fond of him, haven’t you?” Myden asked.
    Veda
nodded. “I resisted for a long time, I really did.”
    “What
caused you to falter?” he asked.
    She
smiled. “The honest and kind heart he bears. Brian’s a fighter, that much is
proven. But under all that he cares about others. So much so it makes you
rethink your beliefs.”
    “I
can see that,” Myden said. “The stern lady of the house of Kein is not the lady
standing next to me today.”
    “Is
it that obvious?” she asked.
    “It
is,” Myden said.
    “Am
I different Reban?” she asked.
    “When
I first came under your employ you were much sterner, colder, and calculating,”
Reban said. “As the years passed you’ve become softer. And to be honest, it
makes you look younger.” She pointed to Veda’s hair. “The grey that was
beginning to show is gone.”
    Veda
laughed. “I used a little coloring to help with that. I am a lady after all.”
    “I
thought you looked at Brian as a grandson,” Myden said.
    “We’re
not related by blood or species,” Veda said. “As such, I can snag him if I
want.”
    “He’ll
live,” Reban said.
    “He
may struggle, but I believe the same,” Myden said.
    “I’ll
be praying he pulls through,” Veda said.
     
    * * *
     
    Seles
and Mira helped Brian to his quarters. Before the door closed Valis, Kivi, and
Celi entered. Brian sat in his chair and offered each of them a place at the
table. He removed his helmet and revealed his left eye was starting to flicker
between blue and red.
    “Have
the five of you had a chance to discuss what I told you?” Brian asked.
    “We
have,” Valis said.
    “We’re
prepared for the worst,” Kivi said. “But we’re not letting you off the hook.”
    “You’re
not dead yet,” Celi added.
    “As
long as we can we won’t let you,” Mira said.
    “Even
if we have to drag you back from the abyss of that weird blue world you’re
staying,” Seles said. “That’s final.”
    “Alright,
I get it,” Brian said. “I’m sorry if I sounded like a doomsayer. So why did you
want to see me?”
    “Both
Celi and I have found you’re stabilizing,” Mira said. “But once we turn them
back on you may not like it.”
    “The
pain will be unbearable,” Celi said.
    “I’m
ready,” Brian said. “I’d rather get it over with than keep waiting.”
    “We’ll
begin preparations then,” Mira said.
    Mira
and Celi left to get a few things.
    “Before
undergoing this I wanted you to look over a few things,” Valis said. “The plans
are on your computer.”
    “I
will Valis,” Brian said.
    “When
this is over I want to spar with you,” Kivi said.
    “I’m
looking forward to it,” he said.
    Kivi
and Valis left. After the door closed Seles came up from behind and hugged him.
    “Is
there anything you want before you do this?” Seles asked.
    Brian
smiled. “I’d love to do that, but my body’s killing me.”
    “I
know,” Seles said. “It’s also this.” She dinged the exoskeleton.
    “I
think we can call it a chastity suit,” Brian said.
    Seles
laughed. “That’s true.” After gazing into each other’s eyes for a while she
pulled him down for a kiss. “I don’t want you to leave me.”
    “I
won’t,” Brian said. “I’ve