It was odd, very odd, to be in a shuttle compartment meant for higher ups in the UN. Sure, Abel and his family were "higher ups," just ones who had never been treated as such until today.
The soft rustle of a plastic sheet drew Abel's attention to his twin. Cain sat across from him, pouring over the "latest" news to come in. Perhaps his speech, perhaps something else he had decided to take way too seriously.
Light flashed across Cain's glasses as he leaned back in his seat. A small frown creased his lips. A small clink sounded from the armor on his left shoulder.
Abel shifted. A small pain reminded him he wore the formal uniform as well. All of them did. Even Seth. Really the only differences came with the colors rimming their uniforms and the hat Lilith wore, marked with the medical cross.
"I'm so excited!" Seth punched the air as she fell further back in her seat. "I mean, just look at this space!" She stretched her arms wide. "It's bigger than our room, Lilith." A grin lit her face.
The shuttle lurched.
A wave of dizziness washed over Abel. His stomach settled a moment later.
Abel leaned back, hand itching to run his fingers through his hair.
He glanced towards Lilith.
What the hell did it matter if he did or not?
He lifted his hand.
A small hiss escaped him. His eyes watered.
"What the hell?" Abel glared at Lilith.
Her hand was raised as if ready to slap his hand down again if it rose. "You're not messing with your hair, Abel Nightlord. Not until after all the ceremonies are over today."
"I look like Cain," Abel growled.
"Duh, we're twins."
Abel rolled his eyes. "I look terrible," he grumbled.
Cain looked over the plastic sheet he was reading, brow raised.
"It's not that bad." Lilith sighed and settled herself back in her seat beside Cain.
"It really is."
"You look nice," Seth piped up with a grin. "Just not like yourself."
"See! Even Seth thinks it's not me."
"We must put our best foot forward," Cain stated as he returned his attention to the sheet. "Especially given the head of the UN is going to be there."
Who cared?
"Or would you rather appear as your normal gruff self to someone so important?"
Yes. Abel bit back retorting. It was just Cain being Cain after all. Honestly, why should he give a damn the man who had ordered their creation was going to be there. The man would just be like the general, just all bloody normal humans were. Seeing his siblings and Lilith as expendable.
"It's only for today," Lilith pointed out. Her soft gaze locked on him. "Besides," – she smiled, eyes softening further – "it looks good on you."
W-what the? Heat crept over his face.
Abel coughed and looked away from her. "Whatever," he huffed and leaned back in his seat. His heart flickered as he looked out of the corner of his eye at Lilith.
A small breath escaped her as she leaned back. The soft look had melted from her features.
His heart sank.
Shit.
This wasn't the time.
Abel looked towards the window at the darkness edged with light.
They would be arriving at Lunar Base soon which meant he would have to start looking for allies among his team. Great. The impossible task of getting people like him. Who in the right mind would? He was an enhanced freak of nature after all. No one would so much as give him a second glance and see him as being human.
Yet, what other choice was there? Rollover and let the UN do whatever the hell they wanted after there was no more use for him. It didn't matter what they wanted to do to him. He had to keep his precious, dear, little sister safe. And Cain from trusting the UN so blindly. And – his gaze flickered to Lilith – he wanted the old Lilith back.
If this meant keeping his hair nice for today, then he could tolerate it.
She was coming back little by little. The party had helped, but given her expression a moment ago…
This was hopeless.
Damn it all!
He wasn't the one people could trust. That was Cain. Not Abel. Never Abel.
A horrible lurch jarred through the shuttle.
Vile burned Abel's throat. He bit his lip, restraining a groan.
"You okay, dear brother?" Seth's eyes glittered at the edge of his vision.
Abel nodded. He dared not speak lest his resolve break.
A soft click made Abel glance at Cain.
Cain had folded his reading glasses. He tucked them away. "It's time." Cain stood. He vanished through the door.
Damn motion sickness.
Abel pulled himself to his feet.
A soft tap, tap, tap-tap greeted Abel's ears even as he followed Lilith to the shuttle door. The sound grew as he slipped from the shuttle. Each new tap was harsher than last.
The tapping ceased.
"About bloody time." General Hall's eyes narrowed as Seth exited the shuttle.
Warmth wrapped around Abel's arm.
He glanced down to see his precious sister clinging to his arm and half hiding behind him. Her eyes locked on the general.
"The shuttle arrived as scheduled, sir," Cain pointed out.
"The head of the UN is here and waiting." Kaden's face reddened with each word he uttered. "You, filth, had best not keep him waiting any longer." Kaden gestured towards the door. "Don't screw this up."
Filth? Abel's lip curled. The general dared call Seth filth?
Arms wrapped tighter around Abel's.
Seth.
Abel shot a small smile at his sweet sister.
The general wasn't worth it. Besides they would never see him again after this if all went well. If Abel could…
It was impossible. Abel was the most hated on the base by all the personal there. How the hell was he supposed to win people over?
This had to be done. It was Seth's sake. For all their sakes. Abel would never let his family become what the UN planned for them.
"Am I understood?" Hall's gaze flashed as he looked them over. "None of you are to set one toe out of line."
Or what? They were the commanders for this project now, not the general.
"Yes, General," Cain replied for all of them. His tone smooth, almost like water flowing into a glass.
Abel glanced at his brother.
"We understand." Cain's smile was sweet, fake even. His gaze almost pleasant.
Chills raced through Abel. That wasn't a normal expression for Cain.
"Get moving then!" Kaden barked at them.
Abel's free hand balled into a fist.
Bastard.
Cain strode towards the door, pace even and stride certain.
Typical.
Abel followed Cain and Lilith. He squeezed Seth's hand. From here they would prove their worth to the UN. They would show the people of the colony none of them were like the other enhanced humans they had met. Granted, Abel had no idea how especially given he had never met another enhanced human outside of his family.
"The head of the UN," Cain muttered as they moved through the halls towards the massive observation room. "I knew he was coming, but still…" Cain glanced back.
"What?" Abel scowled at his twin.
"We can't afford you snapping at him."
As if Abel would ever want to speak with the man.
Isaac Butler. Not only was he the head of the UN, but the richest man alive.
The man sounded like the type Abel would never want to speak with just from those two facts. And the fact he had his hands in so many projects to advance weaponry, especially genetic weaponry as well as genetic research for enhanced humans.
"Tch." Abel glared at his brother. "I'm not supposed to talk to the reps or the media, remember?"
Cain bowed his head. "Good, then add Isaac to your list of people not to speak with."
"Gladly."
"But why is he here?" Seth whispered. Her eyes widened. "I mean, I get he personally funded most of this project…" She shivered, clinging to Abel tighter.
Cain stopped before the doors and looked at Seth. "You don't need to speak with him either, Seth."
"Thanks, dear brother." Seth smiled and gave him their childhood salute, a v over the eye.
Cain returned the salute. "Let's go." He strode through the door and into the massive space.
Now it would begin. Abel breathed. All right. He followed Cain into the space. His heart fluttered at the sight of the crowd lining the path.
Holy crap!
There were thousands of people here and this, it wasn't even the full colony of a million.
Abel's lips twitched.
Sure, he had seen how large his team was, but this was ridiculous. There was no reason to send a million people.
Fine.
There was one.
Over population and getting as many people off Earth in the first wave of colonists. Still, all of them were supposed to be the best and brightest of Earth.
"Abel," – Lilith's breath tickled his ear – "smile. Scowling is only going to put those of your team here on edge."
Scowling?
Shit.
Abel twitched his lips. Perhaps he had just scowled out of – no, Lilith was right. Such and expression might not be welcomed by those gathered here. His lips twitched again.
"That will have to do," Lilith sighed. "It is better than a scowl, at the very least."
Abel turned his gaze from the crowd to the stage.
A reporter stood close to the stage. The hovering camera followed Cain as he mounted the stage.
The stage itself was far from empty. A few representatives were seated towards the back of the stage. They were the main backers of the project and one of them was Lieutenant Solomon's father. The others were from England, Germany, and Canada. They flanked the final man seated on the stage.
The man wore a fine suit. His white gloves contrasting against the pant leg. His dark hair was smooth back, neat save for a few strands falling to frame his forehead. His glasses flashed in the light of the room; dark gaze sharp.
Abel followed the others onto the stage and took up his position on one side. Seth released his arm. His hand tingled with the release.
She moved to stand a few feet from Abel to his left.
Cain stood on the other side of the podium and Lilith was to his right. Cain made no move towards the podium despite the fact he was supposed to give a speech.
The soft sound of another standing tickled Abel's ears over the clamor of the crowd. Chills raced down his spin. The small hairs on the back of his neck rose.
What the hell?
Abel forced his gaze to remain locked on the crowd.
Tap.
The sound of dress shoes against the metal stage resounded through Abel. It was softer than General Hall's tapping of his boot. Almost as a whispered breeze lurking over a frozen land.
Abel swallowed.
Tap.
The person came into his peripheral vision.
Isaac stopped at the podium. "Welcome—" his smooth voice carried over the clamor of the crowd.
A quiet settled over the room.
"—members of the Red Mars Project, I am Isaac Butler."
No shit.
"I extend my utmost thanks to you ladies and gentlemen for the monumental task of colonizing Mars. With you rests the hope of all nations, of Earth. With you is salvation for humanity.
"What you find on Mars will usher in a new age for all of us."
Find? Did he mean the resources there and the room to keep expanding?
There was something off about his voice there. A tingle of excitement which resources couldn't have brought, an almost manic tone.
"Without further ado, let me introduce the leader of the colony," – Isaac lifted his hand towards Cain – "Major Cain Nightlord." Isaac stepped back from the podium and returned to his seat.
"People of Earth," Cain started his speech.
Another voice trickled to Abel. He tuned out his brother to better make out the voices behind him.
"—my son," the voice was filled with a familiar Indian accent, "he can't be—"
"He remains part of the project," Isaac interrupted the representative.
"He'll be useless to them soon enough."
"I doubt that."
"Isaac, listen—"
"Perhaps you misunderstood me, your son remains a part of the security team. No matter his condition or your," – a slight change in tone made a shiver race through Abel – "desire to keep up such false images of yourself, his going will prove most useful to the colony."
"But—"
"I've requested Doctor Williams keep a close eye on him," Isaac continued as if ignoring the rep's protests. "If any can find a cure, it will be Doctor Williams."
Condition? Cure? All right, this was weird.
"There might even be something on Mars to keep him alive."
"You can't be serious."
"Your heir will remain as your daughter. Allow your son to be useful to the UN for the final year of his life."
Final year? What the hell were they talking about?
"He'll bring nothing but disgrace to you, Isaac."
"To me? My, aren't you presumptuous? You mean to you, Mahir."
"This isn't over. If I find him," he let the threat hang.
"I doubt you will."
Mahir growled.
"Enough, Mahir. This is a momentous occasion and your babbling is ruining it."
"At this time," – Cain's voice drew Abel's attention from the two men – "those assigned to security are to report to Lieutenant Tabitha Williams. Those who are under me will report to Lieutenant Shane. Those in medical field will report to Doctor Kayson Williams and those in the scientific group to Doctor Ron Fortuna."
If Solomon was in this room, Mahir would have an easy time finding his son.
Abel scanned the crowd. Towards the front, he spotted Barack and more towards the middle another of his team, Arthur, but there was no sign of Solomon. He would stand out much like Barack did given he was above average height. Yet, nothing.
It appeared Solomon hadn't come to the meeting.
Abel dismounted the stage behind his brother.
Cain was pulled from them by the media which left the three of them free to wander the crowd.
The fact remained, the moment Solomon had been placed as a member of the security force, he was Abel's responsibility. Health issues, father issues or otherwise, Abel would need every one of his team when they reached Mars.
"Where are you going?"
Abel glanced behind him to see Seth.
"To find someone."
"But you don't know anyone." Seth frowned. Her eyes brightened as a smile split her features. "Ah ha! You're going to find Sonya to talk to her, right? Right?"
No, but now how could Abel say otherwise. Especially given how happy Seth seemed on finding this out.
"Sure," Abel lied.
"I'll go with you!" Seth clapped her hands together.
Great.
"All right." Abel could at least keep an eye out for Solomon while the people congregated around the seconds in command. Assuming he was even here. If he wasn't, it just meant he could avoid his father.
Perhaps Solomon wouldn't be the cause of problems. Abel would have to test him to see if Solomon was serious about aiding the colony. It was odd Mahir didn't want Solomon to go to Mars. From what Abel had read it was Mahir who had transferred him. Unless – but why would anyone want to go to Mars?
Abel glanced towards where the security group was congregating. No sign of Solomon there or the pilots assigned to the security team. The pilots would have been going over launch preparation thus it wasn't shocking they weren't there.
"Look there!"
Abel tore his attention from those around Tabitha to another large group. All of them were gathered around a short man wearing a fine suit. Most of the group were unknowns to Abel given he hadn't gone over the personal files for the scientists. This had to make the man Ron Fortuna.
The only one he did recognize was a tall woman standing more to the back of the group. Her red hair was pulled back from her face in a bun. The affect sharpened her features.
Sonya Asran, the foremost expert on Mars.
Abel placed his hand on Seth's shoulder.
"What?"
"We should wait for the meeting to break up," Abel stated.
"Fine," Seth huffed. "I don't get why we couldn't have run those meetings."
Abel frowned and glanced towards where Cain still stood with Lilith. The two of them were surrounded by the media. Isaac Butler stood beside Cain.
Isaac's glasses flashed as he turned his head. For a heartbeat it appeared he had looked towards Abel and Seth as if sensing Abel's gaze.
A shiver raced through Abel. What the hell was with that man?
"Perhaps we're supposed to be speaking with the media," Abel suggested.
"Maybe, but my orders told me to avoid them." Seth nodded. "I'm happy to do so. I don't much like the idea of everyone back on Earth seeing me." She wrinkled her nose.
Abel smiled.
"What were you ordered to do?"
"Avoid them as well."
Seth tilted her head to one side. "Was General Hall scared you'd loss your temper or something?"
"Maybe." Or the general just didn't want Abel to appear in a good light. It would explain why he was ordered to destroy the camera if the reporters continued to pester him.
Ron broke up the meeting and moved off from the group.
"Look, here's our chance." Seth raced forward.
Abel shook his head.
At least his sister was excited. His heart fluttered. Sure, Abel had read all of Sonya's work over the past few years. He had honestly never cared if he could meet her or not.
Abel followed his sister.
"Hi ya!" Seth greeted with a wave at Sonya. "I'm Captain Seth Nightlord!" Seth held out her hand to Sonya. "You're Doctor Sonya Asran, right?"
"I am," Sonya confirmed. She had thick accent. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Nightlord."
Seth beamed. "Get up here," she called back to Abel.
All right. Abel moved to Seth's side.
Sonya frowned. "You must be Lieutenant Colonel Nightlord."
"Yes," Abel stated.
"A pleasure to meet you as well." Sonya bowed her head to him.
"My dear brother here is a big fan of your work," Seth informed Sonya.
"You are?" Sonya smiled. "I never imaged one of the command staff would such interest in my work."
Abel nodded.
"Listen, I got to go," Seth said. "I need to speak with Doctor Fortuna before we head out." She waved over her shoulder before walking off.
So much for her having been frightened when they'd entered. Oh well, that was just his sister. Uncertain one moment, then excited the next.
Abel hesitated. He really should head to meet with his second as well. He glanced towards where the security personal were. They were still grouped around Tabitha.
There was time then.
"Which of my work caught your attention, Lieutenant Colonel?"
"The paper you published on where the colony had been selected to settle," Abel started. "I agree the location isn't ideal, but it is rich in minerals Earth needs."
Sonya nodded. "Yes, it is quite odd. We'll have to travel to get the mines up for water supply."
"It would have made more sense for us to have to travel for the minerals over the water." Abel frowned.
"The head of the UN personally scouted the locations," Sonya informed Abel.
Abel blinked and glanced towards where Isaac stood speaking with Cain. "Weren't they scouted almost for almost sixty-three years ago?" How the hell did Isaac look so young then?
"It was," Sonya confirmed. Her gaze followed his. "I don't quite understand it myself, but everyone seems certain it was Mister Butler who scouted the locations."
Isaac would have to be in his early eighties at the youngest to have been the one to scout the locations. Yet, he looked not older than his mid forties and that was pushing it. Perhaps his late thirties, early forties. He could pass as being even younger by appearance alone.
Illegal enhancements then?
No, the UN would have caught those for someone in his position.
Then what the hell made him look so young?
"So," Abel started to change the subject, "you think closer to the poles would have been better?"
"Yes."
"Then I wonder why they decided on that location especially given sandstorms are worse the further from the poles you get?" Abel shook his head.
The UN would have prioritized minerals over actual survivability. Damn them.
"I'll have a word with my brother over the water mines and providing security teams for it."
"My thanks, Lieutenant Colonel." Sonya smiled. "It will be a relief to know your teams are with my own."
Abel nodded.
A chill raced through him. The same he had felt when—
Abel whipped around.
Isaac now stood behind him.
What the hell? How did he manage to sneak up on Abel? He had heard Isaac move back on the stage. But now… no, it had to do with the noise.
That was no excuse. Abel had the best hearing out of his family. It didn't make sense anyone could sneak up on him.
"Good morning, Lieutenant Colonel Nightlord," Isaac greeted him. His jet-black eyes moved to Sonya. "Doctor Asran."
Sonya bowed. "Morning, Mister Butler."
Abel eyed him.
"It is quite rude not to return a greeting." Isaac's voice was smooth almost chilling.
"Morning," Abel grunted.
"If you would, Doctor Asran, I would like a word with the Lieutenant Colonel."
"Of course, Mister Butler." Sonya bowed to Isaac and turned to Abel. "I would love to hear more of your thoughts on Mars, Lieutenant Colonel. Perhaps we'll speak later."
"I would like that."
Sonya moved off.
"Tell me," Isaac started, "why you believed it was a good idea to switch yours and the Major's tests?"
Abel stiffened. "What?" he demanded.
"I am far from deaf and blind," Isaac stated. "I could tell the assessment of his temperament was off the moment I spoke with him." His gaze pierced into Abel, sharp; cold.
"I don't know what—"
Isaac held up a gloved hand. "Did you think those assessments were a game, Lieutenant Colonel?"
No one could have told the difference. Everyone believed Cain's assessments and test scores belonged to him, even Cain. How – it wasn't possible. There was no way this man had seen through it within minutes of just meeting Cain.
"No, I never did think that," Abel managed to find his voice.
Isaac's eyes narrowed.
"Cain was the one everyone wanted—"
"Enough," Isaac cut in. "It is far too late to change what's done. I can only hope you will have a changed perspective upon your return from Mars." Isaac gestured for those behind him to come forward.
Blood roared in Abel's ears. He stared at Isaac even as a light fell over them.
"Lieutenant Colonel Nightlord." The voice pulled Abel's attention from Isaac.
His heart stopped.
Shit!
The damn media had followed Isaac.
x – Arthur – x
Arthur stifled a yawn.
Last night had sucked. He'd kept an eye out for the rich boy, but the machine-like man had never appeared in their rooms. The tall, lanky fellow had though and snored so loud it was impossible to get an announce of sleep.
Oh well, it wasn't like Arthur wanted to strike conversation with the rich boy. The first time had been bad enough, thanks. Though some quiet through the night would have been nice.
Arthur entered the room the ceremony was being held in. The space was near empty outside of a few security personal and the early risers. As well as those who had taken the morning shuttle to Lunar Base.
His lips twitched.
One of those people was why he was here so early. His beautiful wife.
Sonya wasn't far into the room. She smiled as Arthur approached.
"How was the trip?" he asked in greeting.
"Smoother than I thought," she replied. She hugged him. "It's good to be back on solid ground."
Arthur smiled, though his heart sank a little. "It won't last," he warned.
"I know." She glanced around.
The crowd was steadily growing.
"Should you be with your unit?"
"Nope. Not until after the ceremony." Arthur smirked. "Until then, I'm all yours."
Sonya shook her head though a smile lit her features. "We should find a good spot to see the commanders."
"My lady." Arthur bowed before he held out his arm to her.
A small laugh escaped her. Sonya wrapped her arm around his.
Arthur escorted his wife to the line forming on either side of a path which lead straight to the stage. They could still make out the stage from here but weren't close enough to draw attention of those on it.
This would be the best place to catch a glimpse of the commanders. The fact Arthur still didn't know what his commander even looked like was odd. Granted, he hadn't taken time to read through any of the files he had. What was the point? The best way to learn a new group was to talk to them not read about them.
The doors opened and a small group of reps entered. They had to be the ones who funded the project otherwise there should have been more than the five there.
The room chilled. Arthur's breath caught as his gaze locked on the man leading the four reps.
Isaac Butler. It had to be him.
What the hell was the leader of the UN doing here?
Arthur tore his gaze from Isaac to another group following behind the reps. They were larger, but no one he didn't recognize which meant they weren't the reps of other nations. Perhaps the reps of reps? Meh, if it was important, he would learn about it from a superior.
"Attention all UN personal assigned to Mars, please report to your posts," a voice echoed through the room over the intercom. "Those not assigned to the ship start up, report to the launch ceremony. The commands are t-minus ten minutes out."
Arthur shifted, his heart racing and eyes darting from the stage where Isaac now sat to the doors. Crap, only ten minutes. This would be the moment he saw his commander and the rest of the command staff for the first time. He doubted they would enter any different from those he had in the past. Their strides full of superiority and noses up as if they were looking down on the rest there as if they were little better than trash.
Damn commanders. Nothing ever changed.
The sound of the doors opening were as a cannon going off. Silence fell as a wave through the gathered crowd.
The first commander strode into the room. The armor on his shoulders, belt, and arms gleamed. His posture was straight, and he was tall, taller than average. Everything about him, from his neat blond hair, pulled back in a small ponytail, to the narrow features of his face appeared to have been sculpted by the best artist throughout history.
His blue eyes flashed over the crowd, the look alien for one of his rank. There was nothing in his stride in gaze which said "obey me or else."
Arthur glanced to the color rimming his formal uniform. Red. He was the leader of the colony then.
The other two were in small cluster behind the major.
His eye locked onto a figure who appeared to be the clone of the first. There were differences. The most notable of which was the man's hair was white instead of white blond.
A scowl darkened the man's features.
Arthur glanced at the color rimming the commander's uniform.
Crap.
Arthur winced.
Of course, the grouchy looking one was his commanding officer.
The tall, beautiful woman beside the lieutenant colonel was whispering in his ear. Her long, red hair appeared to be on fire in the light of the room. She wore the uniform of the leader of the medical unit. The uniform did nothing to hamper her extreme beauty. It only enhanced it.
But her extreme beauty couldn't compare to the most beautiful woman alive.
Arthur squeezed Sonya's hand.
And he was married to said woman.
The lieutenant colonel's lips twitched. The scowl vanished to be replaced by a bored look. It still wasn't one of superiority, still… Arthur wasn't certain he wanted a short-tempered commander.
Now, were the heck was the fourth? The one in charge of Sonya's group.
Sonya nudged him. Her head tilted towards the lieutenant colonel.
Arthur frowned and followed her gaze.
His heart stopped. Cold wrapped around him.
There, with her arms wrapped about the lieutenant colonel's arm was a girl who looked no older than thirteen. The lieutenant colonel's hand was wrapped in hers, the look almost protective.
What the hell?
All of them were children. Even the woman who appeared to be the oldest couldn't have been by more than a few years.
It didn't matter the power in their stride as a clear sign they were enhanced. Kids shouldn't be forced to lead them to Mars, especially the girl. She was scared out of her wits by the fact she was clinging to the arm of her older brother.
Ringing filled Arthur's ears as he turned to watch the four mount the stage.
Only once she was up on the stage did the girl release her brother's arm.
This was just…
Why?
Why the hell would the UN do this to children?
Sure, the older three were old enough to be in the military, but the little girl?
Arthur's jaw ached as he clenched his teeth.
If he was ever lucky enough to have a little girl, he'd be damned if he let her join the military. This was a clear sign the UN abused their power. What the hell did it matter they were enhanced? A little girl should never have to risk her life.
"Arthur."
Warm breath tickled his ear.
"Hmm," Arthur pulled his gaze from the stage where the commanders were.
"Shouldn't you head to find your unit?"
"What?" Arthur blinked. He glanced back at the stage.
Sure enough, the commanders were leaving it.
Crap, he'd been raging through the entire speech.
"Yeah," he confirmed and turned to Sonya. "I'll see you in a bit." He kissed her. "Stay safe."
Sonya laughed. "I doubt there is a safer place on the moon or Earth than here right now." She tilted her head in the direction of the stage.
Right, because of Isaac.
Her thumb brushed his chin, eyes soft. "But hurry back to me, just in case, my love."
"Always." Arthur kissed her. If only these moments lasted more than heartbeats. If only…
Arthur moved away from his wife towards where the lanky boy from last night was heading. It was easier than admitting he hadn't paid attention to where he was supposed to go. Tabitha would have been swallowed by this crowd with so many of the security team standing above average.
Arthur winced.
Much like he stood at average height.
His button was his height, but that was his secret.
Tabitha was surrounded by the rest of the security team.
Arthur skimmed them.
The only ones he recognized were the lanky boy from the shuttle and their bunk last night and Tabitha. There was no sign of the rich boy who was lucky enough to be tall. Thus, he wouldn't have been swallowed by the crowd as Arthur was.
A small breath escaped Arthur.
Thank god. He didn't have to put up with the rich boy right now.
Tabitha started the briefing on what would happen. A few groups would be sent out to protect the ship. Very small groups, just enough to cover the weak points after a launch.
The rest—
"Don't get carried away at the launch party." Tabitha's eyes flashed in Arthur's direction.
Arthur smirked. He wouldn't. Still, it was amusing she thought he would be the troublemaker.
"Once the celebration is over, all of you will be returning to duty for the assignments and shifts you will take on the trip to Mars."
All standard crap, really. Though, this was the first time he had been on a ship. A party was the last thing Arthur wanted to go to. The commanders would be in attendance. Thus, last place to ever want to be.
Then there was the rich boy.
He would be given rights to be there given who his daddy was.
Yup, best to avoid the party.
"We will gather at the security before the heading to the party," Tabitha finished. "Until then, dismissed."
Finally!
Arthur moved away from the group. He craned his neck to see where Sonya would have been meeting with her unit.
She was a little taller than Arthur but still not tall enough to be see over some the giants in attendance. His gaze flickered the young, lanky man who would tower eve over the commanders.
Arthur set off. He'd just have to wanderer until he ran into his wife.
"Who's the lieutenant colonel speaking with?" the question drew Arthur's attention.
"Doctor Sonya Asran," another replied.
"What? You mean the leading expert on Mars? But I thought she declined coming."
Arthur stood on the balls of his feet to scan the crowd.
There.
Abel stood out among the crowd from his odd sculpted appearance hand shock white hair alone.
"Rumor has it they conscripted her husband," the second replied.
"Shit, you mean she's taken?"
Heat raced through Arthur. He rocked back on his feet and whorled on the two. "What did you just say?"
"Who the hell are you, buster?"
"Sonya's husband." Arthur's lips curled, eyes narrowed as he glared at the two.
"Really?" the two snorted and exchanged looks. "She's way too good looking for you, buddy."
Arthur advanced.
"Private Asran!" Tabitha stepped between Arthur and the two bastards. "Go to the ship and await orders."
The heat fled Arthur. What the hell? All he was doing was defending Sonya.
Arthur gaped.
"Now, private."
Crash!
The sound resounded through the room, cutting through the deafening hum of conversation.
The sound had come from—Arthur whipped around. There was no sign of Sonya.
A small breath escaped him.
Air fled him a heartbeat later. His body went cold.
Hell.
Abel stood with his arm embedded up to the elbow in a camera. A camera which could almost survive a tornado hitting it.
Abel ripped his arm from the camera. There was no sign of damage thanks to the armor on his hand and arm. He turned.
The crowd stumbled back to make a path.
Abel strode from the room.
"Go, now," Tabitha repeated, her voice hushed. It broke the silence as if it were a gun going off.
"Right," Arthur stammered, numb.
He moved towards the exit, heart pounding. What if he ran into his commander? His ears rang as he exited the room.
A soft sound of voice trickled to him. Arthur stopped before the bend which lead into the hall the entrance of the ship was in. He peered around the corner.
His heart stopped.
The lieutenant colonel stood talking to one of the reps. Not just any rep, but the rich boy's daddy.
"—the likes of which you couldn't fathom," the rep said.
"And what the hell do you think I'd do with money?" Abel demanded.
"Anything you want," Mahir pressed. "All you have to do is ensure my son doesn't go on portals. Just give him paperwork."
Abel scowled. "No."
"No?" Mahir's eyes narrowed. "I don't think you understand just how much I'm willing to give you."
"My answer remains," Abel stated. "I'll use every soldier under me to ensure the safety of the colony. That is my job and I plan on doing it will. Nothing you offer will sway me otherwise." Abel turned. He strode towards the ship.
Mahir snarled.
Did that rep just try to bribe… but he refused. This was weird.
Arthur steadied himself. He waited a few moments so the rep wouldn't know he'd evesdropped before he walked around the corner.
The ship was empty when Arthur entered. There was no sign of even Abel. Thankfully.
Arthur headed for the security office. He paused and peered within.
Still no commander.
The only one there was – the rich boy! What the hell?
Solomon was turned to him, eyebrow cocked in question.
"Rich boy," Arthur hissed. "Where's the lieutenant colonel?"
"His office," Solomon stated and frowned. "Is there a reason you're whispering?"
Arthur shrugged as he slipped into the room. "Just pretend like I'm not here."
Solomon's brow rose.
"Don't judge."
"You, myself, and the next person to enter are to start a partol of the ship," Solomon informed him.
"Great." The less time spent here the better. Arthur would take the emotionless rich boy over Abel any day. Even if his invisible wall meant more broken feet.
This wasn't going to be a good assignment. An emotionless third in command and a foul tempered commander where a mixture for disaster.
(Author's note: For any of my old readers, yes, I cut a lot out of the shuttle scene between Abel and his family. I couldn't picture them being so lighthearted, especially Abel and Lilith given what they know, thus no jokes about comics.
Also, if anyone read my original Wizard's Treachy I was making Isaac/ Isaak out to be an enhanced human but the more I thought on it and the more I looked at his earliest name's life the more I decided his only "enhancements" are immortality, regeneration and a few others. Also, there is the way his "demon" and "magic" are described in the light novels. They're more like advanced technology than enhancements.
Xu Fu was said to have died around forty-five.
The last time I updated this, I didn't realize, but it was the same month as I first started posting the original, very original version on fanfiction. It had been eight years then and now it is 2020 come August it will mark the ninth year of me writing Trinity Blood on fanfiction.)