Tarl nodded. "I understand, but I'm a wanted man anyway, under sentence of death, so I'm not going to let them catch me. I would be more than willing to give up this wonderful existence for a peaceful life on a nice backwater planet. Besides, I'd really like to... stay with Sabre, if that's okay."
"Why? He doesn't even like you."
"I want to help him, however I can."
"You feel guilty for what you did on Myon Two?"
"That, and so much more,” Tarl said. “He needs guidance, which I'd like to provide. He's never had a chance to live, apart from the year he spent with you, and, from what you told me, that was mostly spent in dangerous situations, which is what he was trained for. He can deal with almost any situation, but he has a lot of questions and even more issues."
Tassin stared at the ceiling. "I remember how he became very withdrawn when we returned to the castle and there was no more need for him to protect me. I thought it was because he knew Manutim was coming for him."
"I'm sure that was part of it, but he also has no way to deal with his feelings. It's all very confusing to him."
"I know." She glanced at him. "If you're sure you want this, then I'll be glad to have you stay with us."
"I'm sure."
She smiled. "Then you'd better set course for Omega Five."
Tarl stood up. "Thank you. I will, as soon as I've sold this shipment."
"Dump it."
He stared at her, and then nodded. "Yeah, you're right. Bugger it, let's go."
"Before the enforcers find us."
He headed for the door. "Good idea."
Tassin closed her eyes as he left, wondering if they would ever make it back to Omega Five. How many more travails they would face along the way? The main thing was that she had freed Sabre, and all that remained was to find their way home across the vast reaches of space. She hoped it would be easier now that they had a ship in which to travel home. Then she and Sabre could settle down and work out their problems in peace. That was all she wanted, and she allowed herself to dream of it as she sank back into sleep's peaceful midnight folds.
****
The Cyber Chronicles saga continues in Book V, Overlord, Book VI, Warrior Breed, Book VII, Sabre, Book VIII, Scorpion Lord, Book IX, Precipice, and many more as yet unwritten.
About the author
T. C. Southwell was born in Sri Lanka and her family moved to the Seychelles when she was a baby. She spent her formative years exploring the islands – mostly alone. Naturally, her imagination flourished and she developed a keen love of other worlds. The family travelled through Europe and Africa and, after the death of her father, settled in South Africa. T. C. Southwell has written over forty novels and five screenplays. Her hobbies include motorcycling, horse riding and art, and she earns a living in the IT industry.
All illustrations and cover designs by the author.
Contact the author at [email protected]
Acknowledgements
Mike Baum and Janet Longman, former employers, for their support, encouragement, and help. My mother, without whose financial support I could not have dedicated myself to writing for ten years. Isabel Cooke, former agent, whose encouragement and enthusiasm led to many more books being written, including this one. Suzanne Stephan, former agent, who has helped me so much over the past six years, and Vanessa Finaughty, good friend and business partner, for her support, encouragement and editing skills.
The Cyber Chronicles IV - Cyborg Page 24
