The Trilisk Revolution (Parker Interstellar Travels) (19 page)

“I
think you could accomplish that. But what damage can he do in the meantime?
He’ll solidify his hold over Terra. That’s why he wants time.”

Telisa
shook her head. “I know it’s selfish but I don’t care. I have to have you back.
I
have
to. I’m not strong enough alone. With you, I know we could do
anything.”

“Think
it over when your head clears,” he said. “In a few days, you’ll see it
differently. Investigate your options, just in case. I’ve lived a fantastic
life. You don’t need to sacrifice Earth to get me back.”

But
there’s nothing I can do anyway.

She
nodded. “I’ll think about it every day.”

They
embraced one last time before reality skipped a beat again, stealing him away.

***

Telisa3
awakened inside a Trilisk column. The last clear tube receded into the floor
allowing her to exit. She tested her strength, leaping high into the air.

That’s
what I thought. I’m the copy now. Well, I’ve always been the copy, but now I
have the memories of the original. The meeting with Magnus. I’m supposed to go
out and work for Shiny.

The
alien summoned her to another part of the ship. She followed a mental lane
indicator. It led out of the room and into a sand-filled tunnel.

I’m
on the Thumper.

As
she walked back, surrounded by the odd caverns preferred by Vovokans, her
sorrow started to channel into anger. But she was thoughtful.

Shiny
won’t free us unless it’s in his best interest to do so. I have to defeat him,
or blackmail him. Offer him something he needs.

The
tears came again, but only for a minute. She had better control by the time she
came to report to the alien. When she appeared before Shiny, or a Shiny copy,
the alien gave her a status report on the PIT team.

“
Clacker
destroyed,” Shiny said. “One Cilreth captured. Other PIT team members survive:
Imanol, Siobhan, Caden, Jason.”

“And
the original me. And Magnus.”

“Magnus
not available, usable, assigned for your next mission, undertaking, objective,”
Shiny said.

“I’ll
be more effective with Magnus. You still have our homeworld.”

“Shiny
offer delineated, explained, proposed.”

“The
others will work for you? Are you blackmailing them, too?”

“Others
obey, work, listen to Telisa,” Shiny said. “Telisa prepared? Target world
selected, chosen, planned.”

Telisa3
stared at Shiny with a look of raw hatred. Her cheeks glistened with moisture
from her tears.

“I’m
ready,” she said.