She kept casting wary glances at the nearest soldier.
“Am I the only one who thinks there’s something not quite right with this?” Dylan asked.
“No. So much for the brave new world. Child fucking labor. And why? There are plenty of adults still in cryo. Why not wake them up?”
“I heard a rumor that they were causing problems. Demanding their rights. Maybe Luther thought children would be easier to handle.”
“Let’s kill him.”
His muscles tightened as his gaze settled on a tall man in a red shirt, with dark brown skin and dark eyes, who was standing off to the side, surveying the scene, a small smile on his smug bastard face. Milo recognized him as Aaron Sekongo, the captain of the Trakis Four and also the designated member of the Church of Everlasting Life. A double tosser. He’d led the prayers at that first meeting.
Without giving himself time to accept that it was a bad idea, Milo strode across the few feet between them and stopped, facing the other man. He forced a smile to his face, though his teeth were gritted, and his hands fisted at his side. “What’s going on?” he asked, in what he thought was a pleasant tone.
The man looked at Milo and the smile slid from his face. His eyes narrowed and his hand went to the cross pinned to his chest. He cleared his throat. “They are building the new Church. Soon my congregation will have a place to pray.”
“And you’re okay with this?” Milo waved a hand to encompass the children.
“With what?”
“They’re fucking children.”
“This has been cleared by Mr. Kinross and they are God’s children, doing God’s work. What could be wrong?”
Jesus, another asshole to add to the might-have-to-kill list. He took a step closer and then halted as he felt Dylan’s hand on his arm. Milo cast him a glance and Dylan’s eyes widened. He turned slightly so the other man wouldn’t hear. “You might want to stand down,” Dylan murmured. “There’s steam coming out of your ears, your eyes have gone red, and the poor man is clutching his cross like you’re the Antichrist. Low profile, remember.”
Milo took a deep breath and forced his muscles to relax. “God’s work,” he said. “Of course it’s a worthy cause. And it will no doubt be character building for the little children.”
Captain Sekongo nodded, but his eyes shifted away. “If you’re heading to the meeting, then it’s been canceled.” He addressed his words to Dylan. “Luther is indisposed.”
Permanently, with a bit of luck.
The man obviously decided it was time to go. He gave a wary nod, then turned away and headed for Camelot.
“You know,” Dylan said, “sometimes it’s possible to forget what you are. This isn’t one of them.”
“I hate the fucking goddamn Church.”
“You sound just like your Uncle Rico.”
“Piss off.” But he’d grown up hearing those words. Rico also hated the Church, but then the Church had been responsible for burning Rico’s wife at the stake, so the sentiment was understandable. Milo’s hand went to the scar that snaked its way down the side of his throat, rubbing at the raised edges. His own reasons were pretty good as well. Bastards. “Let’s go.”
“You know, you’re a nice guy for a demon,” Dylan said as they walked away.
“Half-demon. And no, I’m not. Don’t tell me you liked that any more than I did.”
“No. It leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. This whole setup does. As I mentioned. I’m ready to head home.”
“Well that’s not happening today. But it looks like we have some free time. What should we do now?”
“Let’s go see Destiny.”
Back at the shuttle, Milo went to the food dispenser and loaded up with food he thought she might like. She clearly had a sweet tooth. So chocolate? More donuts?
As they were about to leave, the comm system beeped and Rico’s face appeared on the screen. “Anyone home?”
Milo crossed the room and accepted the call.
“I’ve sent those engineering books you asked for,” Rico said. “Sardi sorted them out. What are they for?”
“Milo’s girlfriend,” Dylan said over his shoulder.
“Fuck off,” he muttered.
“Milo has a girlfriend?”
“He’s in love,” Dylan continued, sending himself straight to the top of Milo’s might-have-to-kill list. “With this really odd woman. Nice though. And seriously hot.”
“Really?” Rico looked intrigued. But then, he was quite aware of Milo’s aversion to anything even remotely resembling love. He’d been there for Milo’s first and last disastrous relationship. Had front row seats to how well that had turned out. Once again, his hand moved