Project New Eden

Chapter 8

"Enter," Thalin's voice came through the door as Ren knocked.

I need some answers, Ren thought, unsure if he was still on Thalin's side.

The door slid open and Ren walked into Thalin's office. It was a small room, just a couple of chairs and a desk populated the space. A few pictures hung on the walls, a small rug sat under the desk.

"Ren, what can I do for you?" Thalin asked, sitting up from the papers on his desk.

"Sir, there's something that's been bugging me, I was hoping to talk to you about," Ren said, taking a seat.

"Of course, what's on your mind?"

"I don't think attacking the Oka was the right call. They weren't hostile, Katrina and I were treated very well while we were down there. I just can't see the sense in starting humanities new home on the back of war," Ren had been thinking it for a while, Katrina making it all the more obvious for him.

"Well, that's the hard part of command. I have to live with any choices that I make, and even if people don't think they were the right choices I have to stand by them. The Oka are a threat, and in our situation, I can't afford to take any risks. You say they aren't hostile, but they had no problem taking you and Katrina hostage and killing Henry."

"That was Henry's fault, he shot at them without being ordered to and the Oka defended themselves. I think you might have started a war that we might not be able to finish."

"Ren, I thought you were on my side on this. I'm sorry if your morals are not agreeing with what needs to be done, but I'm not stopping now," Thalin said, beginning to get angry.

"You might have to do this without me then sir, you didn't even try to be diplomatic with them."

"Ren, there are a lot more security members that will gladly defend humanities future if you won't. But I'm warning you now, figure out whose side you're on and choose wisely. I don't like to make threats, but if you get in my way, the next time you see the sunlight will be when we set up on the graves of those people."

"Huh, I guess Katrina is right about you," Ren said, getting to his feet and storming out of the room. He couldn't believe what Thalin just said to him, he was turning into a monster.

I think I know whose side I'm on, Ren thought as he walked the halls. He thought about what was going to happen to the Oka, a knot began growing in his stomach.

I can't let him do this, but he's right, Ren thought, nobody is going to help me save them...except for Katrina. Ren headed for the only place he thought he could find her, the observation lounge.