The Truth In Lies

by Krisdaughter of Athena

Paige has a happy life in Xenon, despite the fact that the beginning of the war had misplaced her and many others to the capital. After all, she is safe because of the Royal Army's efforts. And perhaps now, she'll have her chance to offer her thanks as a spy. Her mission: Uncover the identity of the Renegade, and bring the rebels to their knees. (March challenge 2017)

19. Chapter 19

Beck...he's the...he's the Renegade. He's not going to Bismuth; he's leading troops into war!

She stops at that, and it sinks in.

He's the one I've been looking for.

She takes off at the thought, sprinting down the street, nearly missing her apartment building. She storms up the stairs and slams the door behind her, chest heaving from the sprint. Turning, she locks the door before sliding to her bag, almost breaking off the zipper in her hurry. Her hand plunges into the bag, and only when she holds the comm in her hand does she hesitate.

It seemed so much easier to fantasize about reporting the Renegade's identity when he was a nameless and faceless stranger. Not Beck the commanding officer, and certainly not Beck the man who, though he was strict, was just and kind, and had become a friend.

Could she really give him away this easily?

Stomach churning, she still hook on the comm and turns it on. There's a pause, then lines turns staticy before Dyson's voice hisses: "Report."

"I found him." She finds herself whispering, wringing her hands over and over. "I know who he is."

"Well?"

Her heart seizes suddenly, and she throws a cautionary glance back to the locked door. I can't tell him...but I have to, but I can't!

"I can't explain now. But tomorrow we head out into the field. I will lead you to him."

"General Tesler is to corner the rebel army tomorrow. Make sure to be out of the line of fire, and help him corner the Renegade and give his identity. Then we will win this war."

"Yes sir."

The line goes silent, and Paige finds her hands shaking as she pulls the comm off with a small exhale.

I just did that.

I can't believe….

She tries to imagine anyone's reaction to the possible events of tomorrow as she finally moves from the middle of the floor to drop the comm back in her bag and crawls up onto the cot, barely remembering to kick off her shoes. She turns on her side, wishing she was asleep to save herself from the thoughts, and pretending to be so when Zed and Mara clumsily pile onto her friend's bed and crash instantly.