Third Party by Nathan Hystad

Author:Nathan Hystad [Hystad, Nathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Audible
Publisher: Woodbridge Press
Published: 2022-06-07T04:00:00+00:00

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“Why don’t we attack the rest of them?” Adam asked.

“The Marnoler aren’t posing a threat.” I watched hundreds of Rusa people filing onto the Dread, using the floating lift. Leruf controlled it, slowly raising the platform as the next group proceeded.

Adam paced the grass, eyeing the atmosphere as the sun began to rise.

“I know you wanted revenge, but there’s a time to let sleeping dogs lie,” Des told him.

“But whoever is left will just do it again,” Adam complained.

“Big brother. Always trying to defend the little people. Listen to the adults,” Miya said.

“Kid sister, did you forget I am an adult?”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Then prove it.”

“Maybe he’s right,” Krissa added. We’d both changed into our white armor, glad to feel slightly more protected in case the Marnoler deployed more giant robotic soldiers.

“They’ll never be able to find us. Let them have Tibren, because we’re gone in the next hour.” Desmond smiled as the floating platform returned empty, and the next group of Rusa stepped up to it.

I wasn’t going to argue with his logic. My body was strong, but the punishment of the last few hours had taken its toll. Leruf was also worse for wear, and after the adrenaline faded, Krissa’s limp had surfaced again. We desperately needed sleep, and we’d get that as soon as we departed Tibren.

The Dread’s Checkpoint was charged, so we’d be able to slip back to Nulit and drop the Rusa at their home.

Edan arrived with Kily. “This will be a drastic adjustment.”

“Returning Batis Island to a livable city will take a lot of discipline,” Krissa suggested.

“We know how to work. Thank you for the chance at a real life,” Kily told her.

Krissa grinned and nodded at the woman. “You’re most welcome. I am overjoyed we found you all alive.”

It was obvious Krissa was perturbed that they didn’t have the gene responsible for their second life, but maybe it was something that could be unlocked in their future generations. Only time would tell.

“We can leave as soon as everyone’s on board,” I told Kily, and she squinted, walking closer to me.

“I told you when we met that you seemed familiar.” She reached for my cheek, and I stepped back.

“What are you saying?”

“I have been to the Founders. When I was young. My father brought me there.”

I licked my lips, which were suddenly dry. “The Founders? I don’t understand.”

“Tahil.” Des grabbed Kily by the shoulders. “Do you know anything about a man frozen in stasis?”

She shook her head. “He’s underground.”

“Where is he?” Des demanded.

Krissa observed the interaction with what I could only assume was disbelief. “He’s alive?”

“Unlikely.” Des faced her. “And if he is, this could be a good thing. We need more Rusa.”

“He’s not a good man,” she whispered.

“The Founder is respected,” Edan said. “Please don’t speak ill of him.”

“You still haven’t told us where they are,” I said to Kily.

“I… we didn’t think he was alive. How could we?”

Krissa moved for the parked Meteor. “Come with us. Lead me to Tahil.

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