With Arms Wide Open

Chapter 13

With Jaal at her side, Ryder walked through the market with heavy steps and an even heavier heart. Three days had passed since Kadara Port had been under the 'Charlatans' leadership. Keema Dohrgun, an out wittingly smart Angaran was placed on the throne as a figure head while Reyes continued to pull the strings from the shadows as he preferred. It was fitting; the organization was already running like a well oiled turret and by all intents and purposes Ryder should be happy.

In just a short time she saw the positive change that had already begun to take place. The protection fees have ceased, instantly relieving the fear of being casted into the wastelands. The citizens were smiling, walking with lightness and purpose. They had hope again, and as much as she dreaded what she had to do, deep down she knew what happened at Draullir was the best outcome.

She stopped at the prison door, punching in the override Reyes had given her to gain access. She watched the holographic combination lock, feeling her stomach mimic every twist and turn. When the metal door screeched open she paused, trying to push away the dread that weighed heavily in her chest. Jaal placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his expression showing his concern. "You do not have to do this Darling one."

"Yes, I do." She sighed, looking up to him solemnly. "Wouldn't you want to know if it were me?"

His heart sank at the very thought. They dealt with danger and death almost everyday, yet even so, the thought of losing her made him sick to his stomach. He couldn't imagine it, he wouldn't. But if he had to, he knew deep down he would want to know everything. His hand fell from her shoulder along with his gaze.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, attempting to gather every ounce of courage she could muster. But how does one prepare to deliver such news? Could you ever be prepared? She remembered the advice Lexi had given her before she left the Tempest. 'Only say what needs to be said. And if you don't know what that is then keep with the facts. Be prepared for him to lash out in anger or rage. It is common for the one to give such news to be the one blamed.' Feeling confident, Ryder nodded silently and stepped into the room.

However, the moment her eyes drifted to the cell that confidence was quickly replaced with regret. She scanned over the scene before her, seeing large chips formed in the rock along the back wall, leaving small clusters of dust on the floor. The benches were ripped up from the floor, dented and mangled into unrecognizable scraps of metal. But what really shook her was Kaetus, standing in the center of the chaotic mess, his hands trembling and covered in blood. He stared vacantly at the ground, heaving labored breaths when his head snapped toward the sound of the door opening and his eyes narrowed on them dangerously. "Sloane should have killed you the moment you docked!" He hissed.

"Kaetus, I-I..." she couldn't find the words. All the hours she spent replaying this conversation over in her mind and how she would tell him vanished the moment she saw just how broken he was.

Jaal stepped forward, returning a gaze just as dangerous. "Do not blame her Kaetus. Sloane had agreed to the duel."

"A duel?" He scoffed. "I know what happened! The sniper who pulled the trigger rubbed it in my face when he locked me in here!" He snapped, turning his laser like sights back on Ryder. "You were there! You could have stopped him but you didn't! Why?"

Ryder looked to him, his eyes showing the absolute desperation he held on to, hoping this was all just a nightmare. "This isn't how I wanted things to go Kaetus, I'm...I'm so sorry."

"Damn your apology! Tell me why!?" He snarled.

"By the time I saw what was happening it was too late." She whispered.

"Liar! You wanted her dead! You and your damned Initiative! All so you could have a fucking foothold here!" He roared as he lunged toward them, gripping the cell bars with a violent shake.