War and Money by Sofia Diana Gabel

Author:Sofia Diana Gabel [Gabel, Sofia Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781794071339
Publisher: S.D. Books
Published: 2019-01-25T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

The sense of relief I feel when our fighter ships slip effortlessly from the transport into the blackness of space is almost overwhelming. Somehow space no longer feels empty and dead, but alive and buzzing with hope, and that’s exactly what I need right now. I steal a sideways look at Viga and see how she’s gripping the straps of her restraints with her eyes tightly closed. There’s nothing I can say that’ll help. Best to leave her alone.

I can still see the rear of the ship where Briett and Parna are floating behind. I’m sure they’re every bit as scared as Viga.

Finally, she reaches over and taps me on the shoulder. “Dax, was I dreaming or did you have Jarmer take Tablon with him? And put Parna outside?”

“You’re not dreaming. I couldn’t leave him. He was shot and I couldn’t have him floating around outside.”

“Why not? He’s decayed. Galactically decayed. He’ll betray us as soon as he can, if he hasn’t already. I wish you’d left him.”

“It wouldn’t be right. He helped me. We couldn’t have escaped without him. Parna will be fine. They all will.”

With a frown, Viga shakes her head. “I guess you know what you’re doing. At least I hope you do.” She points to the display. “What are those coordinates?”

“Earth. We’re going home.”

“Home?” She starts to smile, but her lips start to quiver. “With Tablon. He’ll have us all killed once we get there.”

“He won’t. He’s just as guilty as we are now.” Outside the window on my left, I see that Jarmer has put some distance between us and has gained on me a bit. Jarmella is on my right and slightly ahead, enough so I can see my friends behind her ship. “Viga, look.” I point and lean back so she can see.

“Our squad!” she shouts.

“They’re fine.” What a relief to know everyone is safe.

Jarmella falls back and I lose sight of my squad. She did that so I could see them.

Viga turns from the window. “Why are we going to Earth? The Council of Commanders won’t let us return home. Don’t you know that?”

She still doubts me. “No, Viga, evidently I don’t know as much as you do because our schools only taught us the basics. I don’t know much about politics or Global Command or the Council of Commanders or why everyone is so willing to keep fighting and dying in these stupid alien wars.”

She’s quiet and turns away. After a moment, she says softly, “Dax, the Council of Commanders have all of the real power. Whatever they say, goes. We’ve just disobeyed the main directive of the Council.”

“What’s the main directive?” How come I don’t even know that? Are most kids like me or do they all have a better understanding of how the world is run?

I hear Viga sigh. “I’m not supposed to know this, but I heard my Da’s boss say once that the main directive forbids any advancee to ever return to Earth on penalty of death.

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