Her observation hit too close to home, making heat climb up my neck. “This isn’t about my feelings. It’s about traitors.”
Sage’s expression sobered. “Just be careful with Tegan, Aeon. We need you both focused on our colony’s security right now.”
I stormed off toward the medical bay, Sage’s words echoing in my mind. When I finally entered Helix’s room, I found Olivia bent over Helix’s bed, checking vitals on a monitor. Helix looked pale but alert, her newborn sleeping peacefully in a bassinet beside her.
“Commander,” Helix acknowledged me weakly.
“You look better,” I said, approaching her bedside.
Olivia glanced up at me. “She’s stable, but she needs rest.”
I nodded and then turned back to Helix. “I think Tegan’s the one who contacted Earth. He’s been vocal about his disapproval of Olivia from the beginning.”
Helix’s eyes narrowed. “That’s a serious accusation.”
“I know,” I said. “But the timing makes sense. And he has access to all our communication systems.”
“I’ll investigate when I’m back on my feet,” Helix promised. “Two days at most.”
“Absolutely not,” Olivia interrupted. “Three days minimum before you return to duty.”
The corners of Helix’s mouth twitched. “Fine.”
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride at how Olivia had earned even Helix’s respect. “I’m going to call an emergency colony council meeting. We need to address the colony’s fears about both Earth’s approach and about you,” I said, looking at Olivia.
Concern flashed across her face. “Do you want me there?”
“No. Stay with Helix.” I touched Olivia’s shoulder briefly, allowing myself that small contact. “I’ll handle it.”
An hour later, I stood before nearly our entire colony in the council chamber. Nervous murmurs filled the space as I took my position on the elevated platform.
“I know many of you are afraid,” I began, my voice rising over the crowd. “Earth may have discovered our location. And some of you question the presence of Dr. Parker among us.”
Several nods confirmed my suspicions. Tegan stood at the back, arms crossed, his expression smug.
“Last night, Commander Helix nearly died during childbirth.” My words silenced the room. “If Dr. Parker hadn’t been here, we would be without our commander today.”
I scanned their faces, seeing surprise, relief, and in some cases, shame.
“Dr. Parker has proven herself not just skilled but loyal to our people. She’s chosen to help us when she could have refused. And now, when Earth might be coming, she’s still here, saving our mothers, our unborn children—our future.”
The crowd shifted, exchanging glances.
“Yes, we abducted her,” I admitted, causing a ripple of discomfort. “Yet she’s shown us more compassion than we had any right to expect. If the Earth forces come, we must protect her as one of our own. Because that’s what she’s become.”
The chamber erupted in voices of approval, drowning out Tegan’s visible dissent. Suddenly, I felt a small measure of relief. The colony would stand united behind me and Olivia—even if Earth was coming for us all.
I soon walked toward the exit of the council chamber with my shoulders back, victory humming through my veins. The colonists’ voices of support still echoed in my ears. But beneath that satisfaction, Tegan’s accusation burned like acid: You think with your dick instead of your brain.
The humid jungle air hit me as I stepped outside. Sage caught up to me. “Impressive speech. You actually managed to get everyone on the same page—even Kel, and that man has opinions about everything.”
“Not everyone.” I rubbed my jaw, feeling the tension there. “Tegan looked ready to start a mutiny.”
“Tegan’s an ass,” Sage said, waving her hand dismissively. “But something else is bothering you. Spill it.”
We walked past the hydroponics dome where several colonists began harvesting vegetables. I nodded at them, waiting until we were out of earshot before speaking.
“What if Tegan’s right?” I asked. “What if my feelings for Olivia are clouding my judgment? Endangering everyone?”
