Korac waited. It was his least favorite thing to do. After casing the grounds of the university outside of Iona-30, boots crunching on dead lawn, he checked under his nails for dirt. As an order on high, he appreciated the simplicity of this cabal.

History was repeating itself, after all.

Korac found a concrete column to lean against as he speculated if his rendezvous had canceled without notice. The Silver General’s time was precious. If the P.O.S. didn’t show soon, Korac would track down the ungrateful—

The scent of fear alerted him to the approaching culprit.

“Wow, I didn’t expect the right-hand man, himself. Aren’t you above petty errands?” The traitor prodded.

Korac smirked. “I just wanted to meet the traitor face-to-face, so I know who to thank when I assume the throne of Earth. I’d hoped it would be a surprise, and I am not disappointed.”

“I’m not a traitor. I know this is the right thing to do. And do you really think he’ll let you be King of Earth instead of me?”

Korac said, “Unlike you, I know who I’m dealing with.” Xelan had raised all his kids to be mouthy, apparently.

A little uncertain now, the traitor asked, “Are you trying to talk me out of it?” The scent of fear thickened.

Backtrack time. Korac said, “Not at all. You’ve become a valuable asset to Cinder and an ally to the Icarean race. My people are in your debt.”

The traitor kept their eyes on him as Korac produced a half-inch cube from his rather tight pockets. Through a clenched jaw, they proclaimed, “I’m doing this for her.”

Korac couldn’t keep himself from saying, “She won’t thank you.” The truth. Direct and pure. That girl would smite this liar the moment she learned of the betrayal.

The traitor ducked their head and dropped their gaze. “No, she won’t. She’ll never understand, but this is the only way to guarantee her safety. That she won’t die alone and afraid.”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The Probability Matrix had really done a number on this kid. Korac owed Colita some kudos. Unfortunately, she was unable to receive it. Moving on. “Did Tumu accept the DNA?”

The traitor answered, “Yes, like you said.”

That didn’t go exactly according to plan. When the garrison reported King Nox’s injuries, Korac had never fought so hard to withhold a fit of laughter in his life. The sprite’s fangs were sharp. “Then when do you depart for Enki?”

The traitor shifted and winced, uncomfortable. Their eyes darted around the grounds. “Twenty-four hours.”

“Don’t worry. We’re alone,” Korac assured.

They grew more agitated, twitchy, and looked ready to bolt.

Korac held out the cube in his palm. “Take this.”

They did and examined it. “What’s it for?”

“Think of it as a transponder. Keep that on you at all times, and we’ll know your location. It works on all twelve worlds.”

“Will Tumu detect it?”

Smart question. Korac shook his head. “No. I’ll communicate with you through it when it’s time.” The traitor slipped it in their pocket. “Also…” Korac reached behind the pillar to retrieve a backpack. He rummaged through it until he retrieved the device he sought. “Do you think you can use a space gun?” He smirked.

The traitor peered at it. It was a small gun, no bigger than a Derringer, but it was composed out of a smooth composite alloy without bullets. They said, “The trigger looks pretty straightforward, but I don’t see a chamber or a clip?”

Korac nodded. “It’s loaded. It only works if the target bears a nacre. You just point and shoot.”

“Who?” They explored the grip and feel of it in their hands.

“General Callahan. And anyone else with her at the time of extraction.”

The traitor blanched. “No fucking way! I never agreed to this.”

They turned and took a few steps away, passing under a brick arch before the General called after them. “It’s filled with tranquilizers.” They stopped but didn’t turn around. Korac continued, “If you don’t do this, she’ll die alone and afraid, as you said. A brief nap won’t hurt her. You wouldn’t need it if you could overpower her yourself. But you can’t.” Throw in a sprinkle of false humility to boost their confidence. “Hell, I might not be able to.”

Honestly, Korac feared giving the sprite an opportunity to have a go at his balls considering the nature of their rivalry. Nacres healed fast. Nox had already recovered, but… damn. Gold. In the nuts. Korac visibly restrained a shudder.

The traitor turned and took a step back toward him. “Is it painful?”

“I won’t lie. There’s some discomfort. Compare it to a very vigorous vaccination. But it’s instant, and she’ll relax.” On the outside.

The traitor returned and let their hand hover over the gun. In a quiet and forlorn voice, they asked the only question requiring a lie for an answer, “Will he hurt her?”

“Nox will conduct himself as a King.”