In Every Eden (The Heroes We Can Afford)

Chapter 26: On the Rise

“I blame you, shortpants.”

“I know.”

“Because this is your fault.”

“Yep.”

Morgan and the Captain stood side by side ahead of the Xbalanque farmers and the muzzles of their compressed air weapons.

Behind them, Hector was strangely silent. Likely the weapon Oyibo had pressed to his neck had something to do with it.

It had been a silent ride up the Hunahpu beanstalk into orbit. Too many weapons in close proximity for conversation. Even for Hector. He had opened his mouth once and just for long enough for Oyibo to threaten it shut again.

The car began to silently slow its ascent. A readout in the door showed its speed.

Morgan turned his head to Evgeny.

“So what's the score? Those who can do, must do, right? So what is it I can do?”

“You must speak for Green.”

“You what for who?” Hector squealed behind him.

“Oh, Earthboy, what did you get yourself into here?” Morgan didn't need to look over at the Captain to see her slowly shake her head.

“Only one may speak for Green and you are not Green!” Oyibo snapped, there was a taut edge to her monotone, like a string pulled too tight.

“Right. And what's Green got for me to say? You know, all's of you are pretty good for telling a guy that he's got to do something, but you got a lot to learn about telling him what he's meant to be doing.”

“You must speak for Green. Against Red.” Evgeny managed to shrug without his weapon wavering.

“We took direct action! At last!” A sudden burst of emotion cracked Oyibo's voice.

“And how's that working out for you?” Morgan rolled his eyes.

“Gannis! Don't aggravate her, this chick is... urk!” Hector squawked as Oyibo jabbed him with her weapon.

“Rukh. For the love of all the empty places, will you seal it?” A choked urgency undercut the Captain's shout.

“The action was a success!” Oyibo was insistent now. “All went according to the plan. Green, and Green alone, acquired the fertilizer from the terraformers' stores. It was successfully shipped to the skyhook to await pick up from the Greens of Xbalanque by its friends within the Conglomerate. All was as it was in the plan!”

The Captain caught Morgan's eye with a lift of the chin and gave him a questioning look. All he could do was shrug in reply. It was certainly the first time he'd heard this plan.

“So everything went according to plan, huh? So why are we talkin' here?”

“The plan was agreed upon. Green outvoted Red. And as Eber speaks for Red, he was bound by it. But as Eber is Ambassador for the Circles of the Jaguar Sun, when the Hunahpu came for us, he ordered us to submit to them. Only He That Speaks For Green has the voice to disagree.”