Shadow Games: A Space Opera Adventure (Shades of Starlight Book 3) by B.L. Dean

Author:B.L. Dean [Dean, B.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aethon Books
Published: 2023-05-15T16:00:00+00:00

17

After Finley summoned her camera and shut it off, reluctantly releasing Micah’s hand, she said, “Wow, Alexei, that was…”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry if I went overboard. You don’t have to show it all.”

She blinked away the remaining tears and swallowed. “No, it was perfect. I’ll post it as is, with the rest of the video. If that’s okay with you. The galaxy needs to hear your story.”

“Fin…” said Micah, his voice hoarse.

“I know. It won’t make me super popular among the Cobalt officials. And it might anger whoever wants to hurt me. But people need to see it. It’s worth the risk. And I trust you to protect me.”

They gazed at each other, and in his face, she saw only concern for her. He nodded.

“All right, then,” Alexei said. “Thank you.”

As people slowly resumed eating, resting, or distributing supplies, the three of them shuffled away.

Finley was replaying Alexei’s words in her mind.

“So you knew Perrin before,” she said, “and based on your comments, you’re not a fan of the Obsidian Force.”

“I don’t disagree with their goals, but I have a problem with their methods. We have lots of sympathizers here, though. Despite the fact that I didn’t see them doing anything to help this week, either. They cause more problems than they solve.”

“You’re right about that.”

“Some used to be part of Perrin’s old network, like my mom and I. Getting basic supplies. Now, they’re so focused on attacking the Republic, they don’t care that people are sick and starving. That because of them, the Republic is blockading planets that don’t have the crops to feed themselves. Their attacks are leading to the occupation of entire colonies, to more sanctions and embargoes than we had before, and yet they do nothing to help feed the citizens. They have a funny way of helping.”

“I’m sorry.”

He huffed a laugh. “No, I am. Didn’t mean to unload on you. Again.”

She saved a hand. “You’re frustrated. It’s understandable. I’d be passionate too, if it were my planet. I’m glad Perrin was able to help this week.”

“You did too, so thanks.”

“I don’t feel like I’ve done much, but I will get your video out.”

If the Republic wouldn’t let her, she’d ask SilverSpark to do it. Everyone needed to see this.

She sensed a presence beside her and found a girl of about ten, skinny, dirt-smudged, and clutching a beat-up hoverboard.

“Hi, Flash.”

Finley smiled. “Hello.”

“I’m a big fan. A huge fan. You’re so good, the way you fly. I want to be as good as you one day.”

“Thank you.” She made sure she faced the girl fully, with all her attention. “What’s your name?”

“Risa.”

“Well, Risa. When I said I wanted to do this, most people thought I was crazy. So I want you to look at me.”

The girl did, her eyes wide.

“If I can do it, so can you. I grew up in a colony no bigger than this one. Learning at first on a board older than yours. Work hard. Practice a lot. Don’t listen to the people who don’t believe in you.

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