A Hero in the Dark: 2nd Edition

Chapter 63: Sydney, Eh?

I haven't seen much of Ella since we left Mexico. Every time we sit in the Banquet Hall, she barely looks at me—not that I want her to! I push pieces of my fish around my plate; it's not as bad as it once was. It still doesn't beat Earth's food, but it's not so unbearable to keep down anymore.

"Are you finished?" Setrákus asks. I think he's talking to me for a second.

"Finished with your alien slop?" Ella shoots back. "I wasn't even planning on starting on it."

"Would you prefer a tube?"

"Hell no," she says, crossing her arms.

"Then what are you waiting for?" I find it an odd question. "If you aren't hungry, you may go. I'll have one of my scouts stop by your room to fasten a digestive-supplement device to your bed."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course."

For a while, Ella doesn't move, but stares at him with nothing but a raised brow. I try not to look directly at either of them or interact with their exchange. I know my place.

Soon, though, she gets up and walks out, and it quickly becomes just the two of us. I pull a forkful of fish to my mouth to resume eating, feeling a lot less irritable with her out of the room, but Setrákus stops me with a hand to my arm. "What's bothering you?" he asks.

"What do you mean, Beloved Leader?"

"Don't think that because I didn't acknowledge you while she was here, I didn't notice how overly submissive you were," he says. "Something's on your mind. What is it?"

"Ella..." I admit, succumbing to urge to push food around.

"What about her?"

"I just don't like how you treat her, that's all," I say, shrugging. "It's nothing."

He puts a hand on top of mine, forcing me to meet his eyes, if only briefly. "Nothing that concerns you is nothing, Emily," he says. "You are my associate; an apprentice if you will. I need you to be honest with me if we're going to achieve success."

"It doesn't really matter," I mutter. "It's just... sometimes she seems more important than me. She doesn't even do anything! She won't even listen. She hates you! And you still treat her like a princess... while I'm just... nothing..."

"Don't be ridiculous," he states, waving this off. "Ella is my heir. She is my granddaughter, nothing more. She's here to resume my place once it's time for me to retire."

"I know, but what about me?"

"You? You'll follow her leadership like you follow mine, but you needn't worry about this now. It will take time for Ella to change her views. This future is lightyears away. You are our right hand, Emily. You are of the most value to our fight in Mogadorian Progress. I apologize if you feel your value is undermined, but I assure you, it isn't."

"Thanks."

"It's my pleasure, dear," he says. "Now finish your meal. We have a big day tomorrow."

"We do?"

"Indeed. We will be in Australia then. I wish to meet with Minister Albanese first thing."

"Ok..."

"What is it now?"

"I was just thinking..." I say, fixing my dress so it's straight not folded. "Since Five's, well..."

"Yes?"

"You said that you'd let him reign over Canada when this is over. I was wondering if I could..."

"Of course." My gaze shoots up to him then. "It's where you're from. It would be fitting that you kept a firm hand over your home country. I believe it's a fine vocation for you." He stands and smiles at me. I return the gesture and get back to my meal, satisfied with our discussion.

"Thank you, Beloved Leader."

"You are most welcome, Emily."