Page 139 of Shadows of Stardust

Sensing the chaos roiling beneath the surface, the tension rising in the room, I press on, appealing directly to Riddik once more.

“The Aux works with plenty of governments and intergalactic corporations who areverysensitive to optics. Contracting with a corrupt band of mercenaries preying on vulnerable children won’t do any favors for their public perception, or for their willingness to pay a premium for those services.”

At the corners of Riddik’s mouth, I might almost be able to convince myself I see the faintest hint of a wry smile.

I’m sure I’m imagining it, but when he steeples his fingers in front of him and sits back comfortably in his seat, some of the aching tension in my chest loosens.

“So, Zandrel, what would you have us do about this?”

The bare bones of my plan take only a few minutes to communicate.

A newly created commission—working independently of the influence of the Councilors, reporting directly to the Council Chair—to look into all matters of recruiting within the Aux. To root out the corruption. To make sure no child is ever again compelled to sign up for a future they are in no way equipped to fully understand.

“And I suppose you’d be the one to lead this commission?”

Riddik’s question isn’t unexpected, but my heart fists painfully before I answer, knowing what it will mean to agree.

“It would be the honor of my career, Sir.”

He leans forward, raises a brow. “You’d give up working in the field? Give up all you’ve earned and your unit command?”

“For this? Yes. Without question.”

Something sparks in Riddik’s eyes, something I very much want to believe is approval. But as soon as it appears, it’s gone, and he addresses the rest of the Council.

“Very well. We’ll break for an hour, then put it to a vote.”

The Council stands and files out of chambers, and I allow myself a moment. Just one. Hands clasped on the speaker’s podium, a deep, shaking breath drawn into my lungs.

It will be enough.

It has to be enough.

The joints of my knees buckle for one terrible, embarrassing moment, but snap back together at the touch of a hand on my shoulder.

“You’ll get your votes.”

I huff a breath through my nose and turn to face Marva. “You sound certain.”

“I am.” Her gaze drifts to the empty crescent and she shakes her head. “I never imagined there could be anything that would make me miss that saintsforsaken beach, but being back here has proven me wrong.”

“You know I couldn’t have done it without you. And I can’t say how grateful I am that you—”

“Save it,” she says, every bit as uncomfortable as I am with emoting. “Do the work. Make it mean something. Then you can thank me.”

“Alright. I’ll do that.”

With a curt nod, Marva shakes her shoulders like she could dislodge the oppressive weight of this place. “I’ve got a shuttle to catch. You’ll let me know when you get the votes?”

“I will.”

No further niceties needed, she turns to go, only pausing briefly on the bridge to toss back one last parting order.

“And you’ll let me know when you get the rest of it figured out, too. Severin’s only a couple of jumpgates from here, you know.”

My throat tightens, and I have to clear it before answering. “I’m aware.”

“Good.”

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