asked. With the full-face helmets it was impossible to determine who spoke, but my money was on the squad leader. He stood in the middle with sergeant’s insignia on his shoulders.
“We are fine,” Lady Rockhurst said coldly, “no thanks to you.”
I winced. The problem with saving my own ass was that inevitably someone else got thrown to the wolves in the process. I just hoped the sergeant would survive Lady Rockhurst’s wrath.
“Escort these two to the nearest spaceport and ensure they leave Earth immediately,” Father said. His face twisted into a superior smirk. “No detours or stops allowed. They are to be on the first ship off-planet, I do not care where it is headed.”
Of course he would prevent me from saying goodbye to my brothers and sisters. I should’ve expected no less from the bastard who raised me. Still, pain and rage flashed through my system. How dare he. My hand tightened on the stun pistol. I wished it was a blaster.
Loch placed a warm palm on my lower back. “Easy, darling,” he murmured. “No matter how much he deserves it, now is not the time.”
“Unless you want the timer to expire, I will be stopping by my ship or my room,” I said.
“You may use the terminals here,” Lady Rockhurst said.
My laugh was not nice. “And have you trace exactly what I access? I think not.”
“She may stop by her room for five minutes,” Father told the sergeant. “Prevent anyone from speaking to her. You are authorized to use nonlethal force as necessary.”
Too angry to speak, I jerked my head toward the door. The squad leader turned as Loch and I approached. The rest of the soldiers fell in around us.
Once we put some distance between us and the High Chamber, I pulled out my com and called Bianca. “I am safe for now,” I said. “We are heading off-planet after a very brief stop by my room. Father forbade me from speaking to anyone in person so you might as well save yourself the trip. Have housekeeping pack up all of my stuff and meet me in Sedition when you can.”
Even on the encrypted line she knew better than to press for details. “Consider it done,” she said. “Your ride contacted me. They are in orbit.”
“Ask them to meet me at the public von Hasenberg spaceport as soon as they are able.”
“Will do. Are you okay?” she asked.
“I am uninjured,” I said.
She took that for the “no” that it was. “Be careful,” she said. “I will see you soon. And I will let the others know.”
I ended the call. After a few more turns down empty corridors, we stepped outside to find a troop transport waiting for us.
The sergeant stopped by the door and offered me a hand up. “After you, Lady Ada,” he said flatly. He wasn’t offering to help because he wanted to but because it was expected.
“Thank you, Sergeant. What’s your name?” I asked. I stepped into the transport, confident Loch had my back if this was some sort of trap. Seats lined the edges of the transport, facing toward the open middle area. I sat across from the door.
“Edwards, my lady,” the sergeant said. He followed me in and sat beside me.
“Well, Sergeant Edwards, I know I’ve put you in an uncomfortable position,” I said. I didn’t apologize because I would do the exact same thing again. “If Lady Rockhurst or the others make your life too miserable, come find me in Sedition and I’ll put you to work.”
“I am responsible for the failed security. I will accept whatever punishment is deemed necessary,” he said stiffly.
“Of course,” I murmured. I couldn’t force him to join me, but I’d at least planted the seed. Perhaps his survival instinct would kick in if things became dire.
Another soldier sat on my left. Loch was the last person to board the transport. He stopped in front of the soldier beside me and glared. “Move,” he said.
The soldier glanced at the sergeant for permission then moved to another seat. Loch dropped into the empty seat with a barely audible grunt. His bloody left side was pressed up against the soldier on his other side so I couldn’t check his wound.
We made the trip to my room in silence. When I opened the door, Sergeant Edwards tried to follow me in. I blocked his entry. “You may wait here,” I said. “I will be out in five minutes as agreed.”
“Lady Ada—” he started.
“Father did not give you permission to