Page 58 of Zinnia and the Zombie
“For most, yes,” Doren agreed. “But I’ve spent years studying its patterns, its rhythms. I know when and how to enter. But it would be helpful to have someone who can manipulate their physical form at a molecular level.” Doren’s gaze locked on him. “Someone like you.”
“You want to use me,” he said, his voice hard. “Just like the Grorn.”
Doren shrugged, unapologetic. “Call it what you want. But if the Grorn open the Vault, nobody in this room will survive. Nobody on your home worlds will survive.”
“There’s another option,” Faith said. “One that Doren doesn’t want to hear.”
Doren rolled his eyes dramatically. “Here we go.”
“You could take what you know—whatweknow—to the Emperor. On Kaisar, you’d have access to imperial resources and to the protection of the Imperial Fleet. I’m sure the Emperor would want to meet Jaxx personally.”
“They’re offering you a gilded cage,” Doren cut in. “Sure, they’ll protect you—while they study you, question you, maybe even dissect you.”
“That’s not true,” Faith sighed, and Athtar nodded.
“I don’t like most of the fucking bastards, but they aren’t going to fucking dissect you.” He stood up, effortlessly lifting Faith to her feet, but keeping her tucked against him. “Decide what you want to do. We’re going back to get our fucking ship and go home. We can drop you at Kaisar on the way.”
“Faith didn’t find a Grorn for me,” Doren protested.
“She found you a Grorn ship and a fucking key. And more fucking information. It’s enough.”
“Going to Kaisar is a waste of time. While they try and decide what to do, the Grorn will get closer to their goal,” Doren argued. “My way is faster.”
He shook his head. “You just want to use me.”
Doren shrugged. “That’s what the Grorn want. The Emperor won’t be any better. At least I’m honest about it.”
He looked down to find Zinnia watching him.
“What do you want to do?” she asked quietly.
“I don’t know. I’m obviously concerned about the Grorn and the Vault, but I’m more concerned about my people.”
“Do you think the Emperor would help with your search?”
“Perhaps. But they seem to think I’m the last one…” His chest suddenly ached. “They clearly don’t know the location of any others.”
He watched the emotions play across Zinnia’s face as they considered their options. He knew what she was thinking—he’d grown adept at reading her expressions, the subtle shifts in her posture that betrayed her feelings. She wanted safety and stability, a chance to build something permanent. Something they’d glimpsed in those ruins before the Grorn arrived.
She deserved the things the Empire could provide. He wanted those things too, not just for her but for them.
“We’ll go to Kaisar.”
Faith gave him a relieved smile. “You’re making the right choice.”
“Perhaps,” he conceded. “Time will tell.”
He turned to Doren, who was already moving toward the door. “Thank you for the intelligence. And for not shooting us on sight.”
Doren paused, a sardonic smile twisting his lips. “Don’t thank me yet. The Emperor might lock you away as a curiosity. Or worse, a weapon.”
“Doren,” Faith chided, “that’s not?—”
“It’s a possibility,” he interrupted. “One I’ve considered.”
“Nonsense,” Faith said cheerfully. “Zinnia, would you mind letting me look at your cuttings?”
Zinnia looked at him, then laughed and nodded. The two women took the canister of plants back to Faith’s quarters, Athtar trailing behind them, and he found himself alone with Doren for a moment.
