Chapter 64

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Planet: Eteran, Kalto Underground

First Insurgency War

RAYAN

He put the plan into motion with the help of Aaron.

Two of his infiltrators 'captured' him and offered him to Seeto for safe passage back into the hands of the First Insurgency — who fell right for the ploy. Without him, Seeto acted with brazen contempt and no thought. Desperation incarnate. Rayan sat in the cell and wrestled with the last shred of his disbelief.

Was I really all that kept the Insurgency together? Me? He set his hands in his lap while the guard stood outside and for Seeto's judgment. What were they doing before I joined? It daunted him to recognize what he was to the Insurgency — more than a naive newcomer, but their last stand of hope right to the end. Seeto acted as the arm to his brains, until the arm crushed its own bones and fell apart.

I suppose the irony shouldn't be lost on me. He stared at his empty palm. How are we any different to the Strike Forces in the end? Or the Elites? All this talk about greater good and sacrifices... I don't think there's that much difference between us.

He just wanted to paint his view of the world.

Mom fought to be the difference against a cruel universe, but she was one voice. One voice against many. Oh, I'm sure she got through to some... but she was drowned out by those who believed themselves above reproach. I guess that's how we get through this. He settled his back against the metal wall and waited for the frozen moment. Fight for our cause... remember what pushes us for change. I wonder if the First Insurgency even remembers what it is they're fighting for... I don't know, it started long before I was born.

He considered all the options ahead of him. One of his defectors gave him a knowing glance as they passed on their patrol, where the guard nodded to the rebel among rebels. Rayan resisted the urge to laugh and break his act. He really thinks nothing will go wrong now that he has me under lock and key. He sniffed and rubbed his brow with the back of his cold hand. He probably guessed I went in to rescue Aelius. I hope Meryn got him into hiding. He's going to try forcing information out of me.

He shuffled his feet against the floor, but stopped when the guard scowled at him. "Don't try anything funny, Falae. Seeto ordered us to kill you if you do."

"You've got my hands cuffed." Rayan raised his locked forearms in show. "I know I'm good, but I'm not that good."

The guard frowned, then scoffed with a twitch of their lips and turned their back on him.

Hm, though they still follow you... they do respect me.

All that hesitation will cost you. He tapped his fingers together and timed the patrols between the defectors and loyal Insurgents. Aaron's plan is working like a charm. Most of them are focused on me.

All he had to do was wait for Aaron's signal. If all goes to plan, Aaron and his team will turn on the other Insurgents when they bring me straight to him.

In a perfect, frozen world, no one had to die.

But what did Mom used to tell me? Nothing is perfect?

He lifted his head when a defector stood in front of the guard. "Seeto's ready to see him."

We're all liars in our own way.

The guard unlocked the door without argument, and with the slow approach of his captor, the defector sent him a tiny nod. Rayan readied himself when the defector body-checked the guard from behind, and he slid to the side to crack the Insurgent's face against the wall. He worked on his restraints while the defector padded the guard down for the keys.

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