Raven's Sphere

by Melissa Koberlein

  “Attention, Zetians. I’m here to warn you of our immanent takeover of your planet. We have had a tumultuous relationship throughout time, but now we will be united as your new rulers. I am asking for your surrender.” She lifts the sphere into view, and my heart sinks.

  I knew she had control of the sphere, but seeing it floating in her hand makes it real. Damn her. That’s Emery’s sphere.

  “This is a weapon of mass destruction. I don’t wish to use it but will if you do not yield. Our ships will enter your atmosphere in three days’ time. You have until then to decide your fate.” She lowers the sphere out of view and focuses on the camera, smiling sweetly like she did at Emery before she killed him. “I believe we will be good rulers of your planet and know that I, from the bottom of my heart, do not wish to harm any of you.”

  The screen turns dark as do my thoughts.

  I growl at the screen, my stomach churning. “Fuck you, Garren! I’m going to tear out your heart and feed it to your brother.”

  General Casik nods slowly. “Well, I’m guessing you’re not for surrendering, which leaves only one question—how are we going to get you on Garren’s ship undetected?”

  Throughout the next twenty-four hours, General Casik fills us in on the current intel. The Cadmarian fleets are gathering on the outskirts of their system, readying themselves. I imagine Garrick and Garren arguing over strategy. Having met Garrick, I’m not surprised. He’s an arrogant prick who probably despises the fact that his sister now wields the most powerful weapon in the galaxy.

  So our plan is simple. I’ll sneak onto Garren’s ship before the attack starts. Our ranks will hold off Garrick’s attack on Zeta while I keep Garren occupied so she can’t use the sphere. Timing will be everything. We can’t let Garren unleash the sphere, or the fight could be over in minutes. And all this hinges on me getting on her ship undetected. Which, of course, is a huge problem. We have only one Cadmarian fighter, which they no doubt have recorded as stolen.

  Meanwhile, Cole and I haven’t talked about the kiss on Mythos, but every time he glances at me, my body remembers. I can’t deny that something between us has changed. But I still don’t trust him.

  In the end, Cole is the least of my worries. I have to get on Garren’s ship. My thoughts drift to my dad. He was great at tactical problem solving. If only he were here, he’d have an idea.

  Wait a minute, there is one Cadmarian who just might be willing to help us. Captain Kedo. When he captured Emery and me, he said he was a friend to my father. It’s a long shot, but he’s the one person who could get me close to Garren.

  I share my idea with Cole.

  He shakes his head, dismissing my idea. “No way. He’ll never do it. Besides, do you want to jeopardize the entire plan by showing Garren our cards?”

  “What if we make him see it our way? I don’t get the impression that he’s too happy with the monarchy. I mean, it’s worth a shot, isn’t it? If he thinks we have a chance, he might be persuaded.” I cross my arms and purse my lips. “If you have a better idea, I’m all ears.”

  Cole places his hands on his hips. “This could completely backfire, you know?”

  “Yeah, it could, but I’m a risk taker. You know that,” I say, smiling.

  “All right, let’s go find General Casik and tell her your great idea.”

  25

  Rally the Troops

  General Casik likes my idea and manages to abduct Captain Kedo from his Cadmarian ship without a hitch. She enlisted the help of some Geldaki, who wouldn’t be suspected aboard a Cadmarian cruiser. Once aboard Casik’s ship, Kedo is sent directly to me in the summit room.

  Despite Kedo’s hands secured behind his back, his demeanor and confidence are unnerving. I can’t help but admire the man. He lives his life serving tyrants because it’s his people’s decree and law. He’s dedicated. Something about the look behind his veiled eyes reminds me of Dad. But while Dad was more of a gritty “sometimes veer outside of the lines” type, Kedo is persevering and righteous. Let’s hope I can use that quality to my advantage.

  “Release him,” I say to the guard standing next to Kedo.

  “Raven Nevar,” Kedo says. “We meet again. This time, I’m your prisoner.”

  I walk over to him and extend my hand, which he warily takes. “Not a prisoner, Captain, more like a meeting of the minds, you and I. I’m sorry we had to take you from your ship like this, but it seems we are in drastic times. Please sit.” I direct him to two chairs.

  Watching me, Kedo sits. “Why am I here?”

  I take the chair facing him and arch an eyebrow. “I’d like to talk about what you want, Captain.”

  “What I want?” Kedo chuckles, amusement dancing in his eyes. “What are you getting at?”

  “Garren has the sphere in her possession. She and her brother intend to take over the rest of the galaxy with it. I’m guessing you will end up patrolling Zeta’s system, making sure we stay in line. Or perhaps Tespora, the Mahthe’s home planet. You would look good wearing a mind band. How do you feel about that?”

  Captain Kedo steels his posture. “That is for my leader to decide. I will go where she asks.”

  I eye him carefully. Resolute toward Garren. Or maybe not. “Yes, of course. You’re an honorable man, like my father. But what about the millions who will be oppressed by your rulers? Instead of seeking justice, your new role will be Garren’s watchdog, keeping us all in line. If you’re as like my father as you once said, your monarchy’s plan disgusts you, makes you ashamed to be Cadmarian.”

  His expression doesn’t give away much, but a slight twitch in his eye and tightening of his mouth means I’ve struck a nerve. There’s truth in what I’ve suggested.

  “Miss Nevar, as you’re aware, Garren has an all-powerful, undefeatable weapon. It would be foolish of anyone to challenge her.” Kedo sighs and looks out the viewport at the stars. Quietly, he adds, “I know. I’ve seen it in action.”

  “As have I. However, I wonder how you might feel if the sphere wasn’t an undefeatable weapon.” I lean toward him, hoping to reel him in without spelling out our plan.

  Now it’s Kedo’s turn to study me, paying particular attention to my eyes and changing hair. I nod at him, and we understand each other.

  “What would my part be?” he asks.

  “Undetected access to Garren’s ship for myself. Nothing more.”

  “If I get you that, what will I get in return?”

  I smile for the first time since seeing him. “What you and my father have always sought—a just and fair galaxy. A chance for Cadmar to set up a fair government not run by despots.”

  Kedo almost smiles, something I’m sure he’s not accustomed to. “I thought you were decidedly on the other side of justice, Miss Nevar. Smuggling, stealing, assault, software rights’ infringements, and worse. What’s changed?”

  It’s a fair question. “Let’s be frank. I’ll never be like my dad—honorable and good. I’ve done too much damage to myself and others. In fact, there’s still a part of me that wants to cut and run from this fight. But I can’t. The boy I was with on your ship when you captured me made me see beyond myself. That people can change, and some things are worth fighting for. He was murdered by your Princess Garren. Maybe it’s revenge. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe I like to think that a small part of me wants to honor the memory of my dad and do the right thing. Call it what you want, but this time, I’m prepared to see this through all the way to the end. I owe at least that to Emery D’Grath’s memory.”

  Kedo stands, and I do the same. He says, “I’ve misjudged you slightly. You’re every bit as dangerous a criminal as I’ve always thought, but you’ve got some other things inside you too—determination, intelligence, and cunning. I see it in your silver eyes, and as such, I’m inclined to believe you. Can you imagine what you could do if you put all this effort on the right side of the law? You could be everything your father was, maybe even more.”

  My heart surges at his compliment. B
ut I can’t let my guard down until I’ve got his word that he’ll assist. “Is that a yes then?”

  “That’s a yes. In two days’ time, Garren’s warship will be traveling between Cadmar and Zeta, as you’re probably aware. I’m her intended escort ship, and I will be required to shuttle to her ship for planning. You will board my ship that morning, and I’ll stow you on that transport. From the ship’s hangar, you’re on your own.”

  I smile, victorious. “Perfect. I’ll be ready.”

  “You will need to be. Garren is extremely dangerous. Don’t underestimate her. She has many weapons besides the sphere to use against an opponent such as yourself.”

  I nod, showing my equal determination.

  “Now, promptly return me to my ship before I change my mind.”

  Two days’ time isn’t long when you’re coordinating an armada of ships for a battle against the strongest force in the galaxy. Fortunately, my path to Garren and the sphere is set in motion thanks to Kedo. Cole and Uncle Teagan have been appointed by General Casik as leads for the Zeta teams that will lie in wait, hiding in the Ditch. The remaining teams will stay off radar from the Cadmarians in space. Then, once I signal that I have the sphere in my possession, the armada will attack, hitting Garrick’s forces frontally from Zeta, but also with greater firepower from behind.

  Oh yeah, and I’ve got to take out Garren.

  Once I have the sphere, my plan is to hijack a Cadmarian fighter from Garren’s ship. If I can get to Garren before any of the fighting starts, we shouldn’t be in danger of her using the sphere. We might even be able to avoid all combat right from the get-go.

  Uncle Teagan, who towers over me in both height and size, loops his arm around my shoulders. “Think this will work?”

  I lean into the crook of his arm. “It has to.”

  “Seriously, Raven, this whole thing could go to pieces if you don’t get the sphere. Remember the skills your dad taught you. Use them. All of them.” He taps on the top of my head.

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got Nevar blood running through my veins. Garren doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “Confident, aren’t you?” He grasps my head under his arm in a headlock.

  I link my leg around his and push him backward. He falls to the floor with me standing over him. I squat down, smiling wickedly. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I got this.”

  Teagan chuckles. “You’re something else, all right. It’s hard to get used to your silver eyes now.”

  “Come on, old man,” I say, helping him up. “I kind of like them.”

  Someone approaches the door to the strategy room. I can tell by her scent who it is.

  Teagan pats me on the back. “I’m proud of you. Your mom and dad would be too.”

  “Thanks, Teagan.” I smile and nod as he leaves.

  “What’s up, Stass?” I ask.

  “I wanted to see for myself how you’ve changed.” Stass sidles into the room, her dark hair swept up in a knot with a stick at the back of her head, her perfect cat-like features just as I remember them. How is she out of her cube on the grid? What’s more, she’s wearing a dark green battle suit as if she were going to get into the thick of things.

  “I’ve changed? How about you, Stass?” I move toward her. “I never thought I’d see you out of the Grid. What happened?”

  “Cole happened.”

  “Cole?” I ask, much too quickly.

  She smiles, licking her bottom lip. “Yeah, Cole.”

  I tug at the back of my neck, fidgeting. Quit being so obvious. “So Cole asked you to come?”

  Stass smiles more broadly and nods. “Kind of. I’m not actually here, not in the physical sense anyway. I’m futugraphic.”

  My mouth drops open as I stare her up and down, looking for any indication that she isn’t really standing right in front of me. I reach out to touch her arm and find solid mass. “I can smell and touch you.”

  “I know, pretty amazing, huh? I have an in with Arta Central now. They have the most amazing droid tech you can imagine. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m the best programmer on Zeta.” Stass spins around slowly. “You’re looking at the new and, I might add, dramatically more attractive, Lead Communications Officer of this offensive.”

  I smile. She’s just how I remember her, and I’ve missed her so much. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Stass tilts her head, eyes narrowing, giving her an even more feline look to her angular face, and arches an eyebrow. “Are you?”

  I shift uncomfortably. I’ve never been good with emotions, not like my mother, who was so good at talking to people. “I really miss you, and I’m so sorry for everything. You were my best friend, and I stole from you. I know you can’t forgive me for that, but I want you to know that I’m truly sorry.”

  She crosses her arms and purses her lips. “Your eyes and hair are different.”

  “It’s from being on Mythos.” I run my hand through my silver highlighted locks.

  “Do you mean it? For real?” she asks, her eyes difficult to read.

  I take a deep breath. “I do.”

  One side of her mouth twitches. “You’re such a space nugget. I should totally sleep with Cole as payback.”

  I inhale sharply, my eyes narrowed. My cheeks burn hotter than the sun on Cadmar. “You wouldn’t.”

  She smiles and waves her finger at me. “I knew it. You’re totally in love with Cole Mason.”

  “I am not! I don’t know what you’re talking about. Cole has done nothing but screw me over. You don’t even know the half of it.” I hold up my hand and wave the notion aside. “Love him? Please…”

  Stass rolls her eyes and sighs. “This is just like old times. You deny your feelings for Cole, I try to make you admit them, and Cole acts juvenile.”

  I exhale loudly. He’s standing right behind me making immature faces. I throw an elbow directly back and catch him in the ribs. The wind leave his lungs as he bends over, trying to catch his breath.

  I whirl around to face him. “You’re such a douche.”

  Breathlessly, he croaks, “Thanks…a…lot.”

  “Don’t mention it.” I smile pleasantly.

  “Well, you two obviously have stuff to talk about.” As she walks to the door, she adds, “I miss you too. That’s why I’m here.”

  I hug her futugraphic body, still amazed that she feels and smells so real. “After this is all over, I swear I’m going to pay you back every credit I stole from you with interest.”

  “That would be a good start,” she says, hugging me back. “Hey, so promise me one thing.”

  “What’s that?” I ask, pulling away.

  “Get that sphere and kick Garren’s ass across the galaxy.”

  The corners of my mouth turn up as I remember the times Stass and I had each other’s backs when we were kids. She was a beast. “You got it. You screw their comms up, all right?”

  “They won’t know if they're talking out of their mouths or their asses.”

  I smile warmly. “Thanks, Stass.”

  On her way out, she nods at Cole who’s recovered from my sharp elbow.

  “So, I’m taking off early,” Cole says.

  “Well, let’s hope I get to Garren before Garrick gets to Zeta.”

  He frowns. “You haven’t been listening in on the comm, have you?”

  I cross my arms defensively and blow the silvery blue hair off my forehead. Can a girl get a break? “No, I haven’t been listening to the comm for the last thirty minutes. For fuck’s sake, now what?”

  Cole drags a hand through his hair roughly. “Damn it, Raven, that’s not what I mean. I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, but things have changed out there.”

  “Well, spit it out. What’s changed? What’s going on?”

  “Garrick is moving a day early. We’re going to have to intervene before you can get onto Garren’s ship.”

  The bad news resonates, making my blood boil. “You can’t do that. You could be destroyed by the sphere.”
<
br />   “Maybe, maybe not. According to our intercepted comm, Garren won’t be joining Garrick in the fight. At least not right away. We will engage Garrick as he enters Zeta’s orbit before Garren is in the picture.”

  I register what he’s saying. Our forces are going to have to go head to head with the Cadmarians before I have the sphere. Of course. Garrick’s ego. He wants to take Zeta all on his own, and the ice princess, Garren, doesn’t care either way. If something happens to her brother, she rules alone. “Do you think we’ve got enough firepower to hold him off until I get the sphere?”

  “I don’t think our success only hinges on weapons. I think we need motivated and determined teams. All our captains are smart and have prepared their squads as best as they can, but for all our lives, Cadmar has always been stronger. We need more than firepower. We need an advantage over the Cadmarians—a strong leader who possesses the power to save our planet. A survivor.” Cole grazes my cheek with the back of his hand, making my skin tingle. “They need you, Raven. Speak to them. The Zetian teams leave within the hour.”

  I understand what he’s saying and why it needs to happen. “Okay, give me a few minutes and have Stass notify all the ships that I will address them.”

  I turn toward the viewport to collect my thoughts, but Cole turns me back around.

  “Be great, Raven. There’s a reason they’re all here, ready to fight for their lives. They think they have a chance because of you.” He walks out of the strategy room.

  Right. A speech. Be great. No pressure.

  Glancing one last time at my reflection on the screen, I nod to Stass to pull me up on all the ships’ comms and take a deep breath.

  I can do this.

  Stass points to me and nods, indicating I’m live.

  “Friends, some of you know me, the rest of you may know of me. My name is Raven Nevar, and I’m a thief and wanted criminal.”

  Stass’s eyes widen, as she mouths, What are you doing?