Love is Weak

Chapter 35 - Bloodlines

Keith

The following morning, Lillian and I were called to Central Control. With the use of her General's tattoo, she was able to get us into Kolivan's private office where he went over a plan with us.

"This base was, until recently, run by Commander Ranveig, who was developing a super weapon of some sort," Kolivan said, showing us images of the base and the warlord. I was fairly certain Lillian already knew this information, and Kolivan was actually speaking to just me.

"We're not sure of the weapons specs, but we do know that it is incredibly powerful," Kolivan continued.

"How did we learn all this?" I asked.

"We have a spy in Ranveig's camp who's managed to acquire height-level security clearance. Since Ranveig's departure, it's possible she assumed control of the base, but we can't be sure," he said.

"Why not?" I asked.

"We're not the only ones who know of the weapon," Lillian answered. "Two Galra factions led by Commanders Trugg and Ladnok, are at war over the territory. Since their fighting began, all communication has been cut off."

"We need you to infiltrate the base, extract our spy, and destroy Ranveig's weapon," Kolivan said. He turned to me. "Keith, this is of the utmost importance. If either faction acquires this weapon, it could tip the balance of power in their favour. So you cannot allow your feelings to cloud your judgement."

"I wouldn't—" I protested, but he cut me off.

"You have in the past. Remember, the mission is the only thing that matters. Emotions are a luxury we cannot afford."

He pulled up a photo of the Blade Member I was supposed to find. "This is the operative you'll be contacting. Her name is Krolia."

"Is Lillian coming?" I asked.

"Yes," she said, "Let's go."

I followed her from the room.

We went to the departure bay where we boarded a Galra ship so we would blend in with the fleet we were going to. I took the pilot's seat with Lillian standing at my shoulder as we flew.

As we approached, I noticed two fleets hard at war.

"Looks like things have escalated between Ladnok and Trugg," I mumbled.

"Better blend in with the debris. Wouldn't wanna attract any fire," Lillian replied.

I nodded, doing as she suggested. After all, it was something I would have done anyway.

"Here goes nothing," and I flew into the middle of the fight.

We made it safely through the fire and were heading to the surface of the planet when, of course, we were hit by a piece of flying debris. It took off our right wing, and I was left to fight for control.

Lillian and I both grunted as I did my best to keep from crashing, but we lost the other wing, and barely made it out of the pod before it crashed completely.

She and I sprinted inside the base, checking guard rotations and keeping to hidden hallways and areas that weren't under surveillance.

I peaked around a corner as a bunch of sentries went running by. The alarms of the base were blaring. I saw the operative we were supposed to connect with walk into a room. She turned, saw me, and I ducked back behind the wall.

"What?" Lillian mumbled.

She's eager.

I sprinted around the corner to follow, Lillian behind me, and then at the last second, I pulled my blade from its place at my waist, willed it into a sword, and put it against the neck of the operative who was now behind me with her own gun aimed directly at my head. Lillian was in front of me, but Krolia seemed not to have noticed her. Then again, she was kind of blending into the shadows.