Battle Beyond Earth: Reckoning by Nick S. Thomas

Author:Nick S. Thomas [Thomas, Nick S.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2017-09-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Taylor knocked back yet another drink as he sat in the bar aboard the Resolution. It was the only thing Jones could think to do with him. They both looked exhausted and stunned. Rogers stormed in with several others close behind. They all looked deeply concerned for Taylor.

"So it is true?" Rogers saw the state Taylor was in.

"Shhh," replied Jones.

Rogers realised his mistake and took a seat down in front of them so they could talk more privately.

"I heard you tried to kill yourself on Bolormaa's order? What the hell is going on?"

"Not really on her orders, and not really from her."

"What?"

"Alita, and she said Bolormaa would not return for a thousand years if I did it."

"What, and you believed her?"

Jones rolled his eyes as he felt the same.

"Tell me you wouldn't do it? Your life for millions, billions even," replied Taylor.

"Maybe if I had way of holding her to the deal, sure, but you had nothing," said Rogers.

"When do we have any certainties? I weighed up the risks, and I was willing to take the chance."

"And yet she had the ship prepped to blow, so what does that tell you?"

"That she's a lying bitch. She intended to kill you and all the rest of us, no matter. She just wanted to see you grovel," added Jones.

But it was clear that Taylor couldn't get past the fact that Alita had spoken words.

"She can never be trusted. Bolormaa. Not in a million years. She is a devil, and now so is Alita."

Taylor's eyes moved from his glass and deep into Rogers as though he were burning a hole right through him.

"I know it is tough, but that it isn't her anymore. It might look like her, but that is not Alita, and it hasn't been for a long time."

Taylor had no idea what to do with himself. He felt lost and broken, and they could all see it. They didn't blame him for it.

"Look, we need you now, we desperately need you. I know it sucks. You have lost Alita, we all have, but you still have the rest of us. You still have your life."

"And what is the point in living it? This just goes on and on. Everything I ever wanted and loved has been taken from me."

"You have an enemy," said Turan as he leaned in over them.

"I am not sure any of us were ever destined to lead a peaceful existence, but that doesn't mean we can't make sure others do. That is our burden to bear," said Rogers.

"Alita isn't gone. She can't be gone. There has to be some way to get her back."

He was close to weeping.

"There is a chance. There is always a chance. But the only way to have a shot at that is to end Bolormaa. You know this. You've always known it. Your death would serve no purpose. It would only weaken us all. Bolormaa doesn't care for promises or her word. She cares whether she can win or not, and that is all that matters now.

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