The Sympathizer

Chapter 45

It can't be. There has to be some mistake. 

Commander Axis told me the memory devices we stole left behind residue indicative of explosives. The self imploding types that could swallow up entire ships. But how?

The memory devices were tweaked in our labs. When did they become bombs? 

I immediately think of General Lyra having dinner with her family at The Marquee. The streets are bustling as I rush to that private fine dining restaurant on the top most floor. The place has been cleared for the Generals and Lucian, it takes a moment for security to let me through. 

All three Plutonians are surprised when I walk up to join them. 

"May I?" I take the seat next to Lucian, before anyone can offer me one. He looks ecstatic to see me but General Lyra doesn't share the enthusiasm. Her smile is flat and insincere as she acknowledges me.

"Ahh Luna, my apologies. We should have invited you as well, seeing as you're about to be family." General Mondric beams at me happily as he clasps his hands together. "Lucian shared the good news with us today. I look forward to the upcoming nuptials once trials are over."

General Lyra remains silent the entire time, I have to resist the urge to look at her to gauge her reaction. I didn't tell her about my engagement to her son. I haven't had the chance to. The general hates surprises like these and I know she would not appreciate hearing this from someone else. 

"Thank you, General. It means the stars to have your approval." I nod at both of his parents trying to remain as calm as I can be. 

Lucian places a hand on my thigh and strokes my skin affectionately. I take his hand in mine and squeeze it. My other hand remains on the table, my pinky and ring finger overlapped as a signal that I need to speak to General Lyra in private. 

"Lucian mentioned you were going to Taygetha?" 

General Mondric cuts some cooked sea food, dips it in sauce and then chews on it. His wife answers for him. "They leave tonight, after dinner." 

I stare at her, trying to read the micro expressions on her face like she taught me to. Her stare is neutral, lips and chin relaxed, jaw not tense. Does she know about the explosives? 

She can't know. She would be panicking if she did. I have to tell her when we have the chance. 

"I understand the officers still think you're engaged to Lazarus?" General Mondric suddenly leans in, looking concerned. 

I nod, noticing how Lucian's hand stiffens at the statement. I squeeze back reassuringly before answering his father. 

"That is true. Once this trial is over I will announce the break up. After things have cooled down," I pause and smile at Lucian. "We can make it official." 

Lucian smiles back but it isn't as bright as before. His hand slips out of mine and he takes a sip of wine. 

"Please excuse me, I need to touch up my face." General Lyra says after a while. She turns to me and nods, "Luna could you help me?" 

"You look perfect to me darling," Her husband raises his eyebrows. "What's there to adjust?"

She pats him on the arm, her smile endearing. My panic spikes watching their sweet exchange. If anything happened to General Mondric, General Lyra would never forgive me. 

"You wouldn't understand, my love." She squeezes his arm and he kisses her hand before she pulls away.

I try not to appear too eager as I jump up to follow her. I can hear the two males joking about how we have to adjust our make up in pairs but soon their chatter is drowned out by the music in the ladies room.