"Are you some kind of inventor or something?" Zoe wanted to know.
"Or something. I'm an engineer. Or was." I explained.
"You still are, always have been." Xyrek kissed the top of my head.
"That makes sense," Nova agreed. "Wow, I'm glad you guys caught that traitor and brought him instead of the woman."
Confused, I looked from one to the other, and they quickly explained what had happened to Sloane and Vraax on Ohrur. It was mind-boggling; we had already talked all night, but there was still so much that hadn’t been shared yet. I hadn't known about this or the secret underground city on Ohrur that they spoke of. I was also more than shocked about how the Ohrurs treated their women. What a despicable species they were. Whatever revenge we would be able to dish out, they deserved even more.
"They must have full trust in their forcefield then," Noodar said.
"Let's go," Raasla started for the door.
"Hold on. Let's think this through strategically," Sloane stopped him. She quickly glanced through the room to ensure everyone was accounted for. "We need only one of you," she looked at the Space Guardians, "and the three Ohrurs. You'll use the ship that Vraax and I stole, which should fulfill the requirements of getting through.
"Once you've safely landed, you will need to find the source of the forcefield and shut it down before the rest of us can follow. I also want at least two of you," again she stared the Space Guardians down, "to stay in orbit and monitor for hostiles."
"I'll take the Ohrurs to Darlam," Xyrek volunteered, and my heart sank. This was it then. This was really it. I had known we would do this, that we would risk our lives, but suddenly, what had been something that would happen in the future had caught up to us. The thought of losing Xyrek nearly tore my heart apart.
"I got Possedion. I'll go." Tharaax stood up. Hannah clamped her hands in front of her mouth. Just as fearful as I felt.
"If that's the case, I'll go, I got Moddekdum," Vraax stated.
"Wegot Moddekdum," Sloane corrected before she took a deep sigh. "I'm sorry. Noodar goes. Vraax and Raasla are our best pilots. They will watch our backs."
I expected loud outcries of protest, but they all just stared at Sloane. She nodded. "Good."
"Sloane," Vraax moved to her and pulled her into his arms. "I don't want you going to Darlam without me."
"I know," she replied, returning his embrace. "But you'll have to let me go."
The war on Vraax's face was evident. His face was pale, his jaw set, and every cell in his body cried how much he didn't like the idea, but there was also resolve.
"I trust you." He finally said. "Let's go, Raasla!"
Without looking back, he left. While Sloane watched him retreat, a small smile curved her lips. "Space Guardian!"
She called after him. He stopped by the doorway.
"I love you."
He didn't turn, but from his profile, I saw a smirk and wondered what had just happened. It had to be something just between the two of them.
"With all due respect, Commander," Nova interjected, addressing Sloane mockingly. "I don't think Noodar should go alone."
"I understand." Sloane looked thoughtful, considering Nova's words.
"Once you’ve successfully penetrated the forcefield, Noodar, come back and get the others before disembarking on Darlam." Sloane decided.
Noodar crossed his arms over his chest, "So it's alright to send me out alone on a suicide mission, but not to set foot on Darlam?"
I swallowed. He was right. It was a potential suicide mission. If the intel was wrong, the forcefield could shoot the ship down with everyone aboard. Nova blanched.
"In essence, yes. Do you have a problem with that?" Sloane challenged Noodar.
"Nope, I'm good." The Space Guardian replied with a small chuckle.
"Well, get going," Sloane moved her hands to shoo him out.
