Love, Against All Odds

III - Chapter 5

After a brief visit with Dorlon, Becca exited the Hall of the Commanders and returned to Raine's stall in the market. There was only an hour left before sunset, and Becca felt drained from the busy day. Raine and Chris shut down the stall, packaged up their wares, and loaded them into a wooden cart. Chris took it upon himself to walk the cart so that Becca and Raine could talk during the journey to Taden's farm.

'When do you want to go to New Earth?'

Becca was uneasy to answer, given her new job from Kal. She wanted to discuss it with Raine but didn't know if Chris was trustworthy. 'Maybe in a nored. What you think?'

'Well...' Raine glanced back at Chris, then shrugged and replied, 'Chris wanted to take time off and go up there. I was thinking when he comes back, we could go. We could stay through Christmas.'

At the mention of the holiday, Becca nearly tripped on the gravel as they passed the Great Gate. 'C-christmas?' She sputtered and tried imagining celebrating the holiday she gave up after Earth's destruction.

Raine lifted an eyebrow and eyed her friend. 'Look, I know it's not your favorite, but I think it'll be good.'

'You're really taking this to the bank for helping me rescue Starr.'

Raine walked closer to Becca and teased, 'I thought it'd be nice for two sisters to spend the holidays together.' She hooked an arm across Becca's shoulders, jerking her closer.

Becca growled and broke the contact before she said, 'Fine.' She couldn't argue, especially with the upcoming kidnapping mission. She prayed that Raine would join her, even though Chris wouldn't be around to watch the stall in the market. 'Just don't expect me to sing Christmas carols.'

Raine laughed and shook her head. 'Joh. I remember how horrible your singing voice is.'

Rolling her eyes, Becca elbowed her friend, then mentioned, 'I told Dorlon you said turen.' She bit back a grin and watched Raine's passive features, searching for a hint.

'How is she?' Raine asked.

Becca shrugged. 'She is her usual self. Dramatic and worried about the future.'

Raine grunted and slipped her hands into her pockets.

Recalling Dorlon's voiced concerns, Becca struggled with getting more involved with the uprising in Kardos that was trickling across the planet. She preferred to keep her head in the stars, but her relationship with Kal was grounding her. Always too nosy, she allowed her curiosity to get the better of her. 'Do you know anything about a revolt going on in Kardos?' When Raine frowned, Becca had her answer.

'It's just another ripple in the pond,' Raine replied. 'Each year, it seems like the ripple is getting smaller.'

'What if it's not?' Becca countered. 'What if this one is bigger?'