Chapter 27 – Along the Winding Path of Faith and Treachery

Antonius was resigned to his fate. He had known they would eventually discover him. It was inevitable. Certain trails could not be masked – no matter how hard one tried. And truth be told, he hadn't been trying as hard as he had in the beginning. There was something about Doppler – a faith in the Empire and his untainted love for the Etherium – that Antonius recognized as once being so vibrant in his own life. And, even though that spark had diminished almost beyond recognition, seeing it reflected in Delbert had reminded Rupert precisely what constituted a life worth living. He now realized he had long ago lost that spark, and the reality, loathe that he was to face it, was that gaining that spark again was now an unattainable goal. He had gone too far, immersed himself within the tangled web of deceit that the Rebellion had weaved.

He sighed and ran a tired hand through his hair. It was no use. He knew it was only a matter of time before he was discovered, his traitorous actions laid bare for all to see. As careful as he had tried to be, there were always mistakes. Treachery was a precise science, and he lacked the necessary skills to be successful. It had been a doomed endeavor from the very beginning.

Gathering the loose stack of papers that lay scattered across his desk, he stuffed them in to the bag he had carelessly slung over his shoulder. Right or wrong, he could not allow the information to pass in to the Empire's hands. This final action would be his last sacrifice for the Rebellion. He had been unmasked, effectively failing those who had depended upon him, but he would not fail them entirely. He could take plans, strategies and names of those covertly aiding the cause and make certain that information died with him.

As he made his way topside, he could feel the heavy burden of secrecy fading away. To be able to finally reveal the truth, his involvement and his belief – he felt a freedom he had not experienced in quite some time, and it felt right.

His eyes drifted to the port railing as he ascended the stairs. He could feel a gentle breeze dance lightly along the deck. Antonius closed his eyes and took a deep breath as the cool air filled his lungs. He knew what he had to do. As he opened his eyes, he saw Delbert moving toward him at a quick pace, Captain Amelia, her First Mate and Wellington trailing close behind.

And so it begins, he thought with a tired sigh. He knew what he had to do. Emboldened by the knowledge that he was correct in his endeavor, Rupert stepped closer and placed his hands on the railing.

Delbert stopped in his tracks, holding a hand, palm open, toward him. "Antonius! No! Wait!"

Rupert didn't remove his hands from the rail. "I'm sorry, my friend. But I have no choice. You have become aware of my true actions. I know this."

"We have," Delbert nodded, "but it doesn't have to end this way."

"It does."

"Surely there's another way."

Rupert gave a bitter laugh. "There is none, my friend. Believe me, I have searched many months for an answer to my role in this charade."

Wellington and Amelia drew alongside Doppler, a pace behind and watched, silently, as the scene played out before them.

Antonius held his palm to Doppler, a silent apology. "I'm afraid I have deceived you, Doctor, and for that, I am truly sorry."

"How can you be so callous to the many lives you're endangering?" Wellington called out. "After everything we've been through, the suffering you've seen. You know what you're doing, the needless lives you're costing the Empire."

Rupert shook his head. "The end justifies the mean, Ambassador. The people of Ronan suffer needlessly under a government that doesn't care. The Empire will be no better."

"But how can you know that?" Amelia pressed.

"I can't," he admitted. "But I know where my loyalties lay, and I know what I must do." His grip tightened on the wooden railing. Looking at Doppler, his eyes softened almost imperceptibly. "I am truly sorry, Delbert. It was never my intention to deceive you. I hadn't realized I would find a kindred soul on the Legacy. Your faith in the Empire and unwavering belief in those who lead it is admirable and one I can recall once possessing." He directed a glance to Amelia before returning his gaze to Doppler. "You have much to live for, and I count myself fortunate to have had the good fortune to call you friend."

"Antonius, I know there's another way," Delbert pleaded, inching closer.

"My friend, I wish there were. Tuly, I do. But, there is not." He gazed at him with a sad smile fora silent moment, and then Rupert lifted himself over the edge, his hands leaving their secure grip on the railing. Delbert launched himself forward, hands outstretched, grasping for his friend, but it was too late. Silently, he dropped to his knees and watched as Antonius fell through the eternal vastness of the cosmos below, his peaceful form slowly fading in to the black oblivion.

The sensation of a soft hand gently coming to rest against the back of his neck pulled him from his knees and he slowly stood, turning his eyes, wet with unshed tears, to meet Amelia's compassionate gaze.

"Come Doctor, there's nothing more here that you can do."

Delbert nodded wordlessly, and he allowed her to steer him to the cabins below, only vaguely hearing Amelia's commands to Lightoller.

As the First Mate left to inform the Empire their traitor had been discovered and justly dealt with, Doppler felt Amelia's small hand slide gently in to his own, her fingers curling softly around his clammy ones. He looked at her, startled at this uncharacteristic display of affection, but grateful for the contact, knowing that through the small gesture she was communicating her love and support to him.

He tightened his grip around hers, and drew her closer.

"I love you," was all he could say in the smallest of whispers.

"I know." She brought him to his quarters and opened the door, ushering him inside and enfolding him in her arms, holding him close as he began to shake.

To be continued …

A/N

Thanks so much for everyone who's been kind enough to leave reviews. They truly are one the highlights of writing. So, I hope you enjoyed this or hated this enough to leave me a review .Chapter 28 will be up after the holiday weekend (here in the States), and this story will be done! Thanks so much for choosing to read my story! T.