Page 59 of The Alien Who Saved Christmas
A black gate blocked a hole, which was dug into the side of one of the ugly hillsides. Aside from the guard tower and the drones, it was the only sign that anyone had ever been there, at all.
“Is that the entrance to the blue salt mine?” She guessed, gesturing towards the unassuming gate.
“Yes.”
“What exactlyisblue salt, anyhow?”
“Fuel for ships.” He sent her a half-amused, half-surprised look at the question. “Aside from you, it is the most valuable thing on this planet.”
“Oh.”
“It is yet another reason I do not trust the Vipri. He might forsake his heir to steal blue salt and make himself rich.”
“Lord C’don wouldn’t do that! He loves Jynn.”
“Vipri are not capable of love.”
“Of course they are. Everyone is.”
Xane seemed to think that over. “How are humans alerted that their caring is deep enough for love?”
“No onealertsus. It takes time and self-reflection. One day, you examine your heart and know the care you feel has grown into love.”
He nodded, still watching the tower.
“Most parents know that they love their kids.” She insisted, caught up in her defense of the persnickety duckling. “Lord C’don wants to save Jynn. He’s got no reason to screw us over.”
“He does not need a reason. Vipri are duplicitous. I’ve mentioned this repeatedly.”
“His part in your plan is pretty small. You and I will handle the guards…”
He cut her off. “Iwill handle the guards. You will stay here.”
“What are the odds of that happening?”
Xane sighed. “About one in a million. And even those chances seem optimistic.”
Sadie ignored his morose tone. “What can I say? I don’t like to play it safe.” No matter the risks, she intended to stick right to Xane’s side, ensuring that he was okay.
“And I do not like to alter plans while we are in the middle of them.”
“I’m not altering the plan, just making it better.” She touched his face. “We’re better together than we are alone, Xane.”
Turquoise eyes found Sadie’s, warm and so beautiful they dazzled her. “I know.” He concurred. “Thereisa way to improve the plan, but you would need to take a larger role.”
She grinned, impulsively hugging him. “Thank you.”
He didn’t look happy, but he squeezed her back. “Iwill handle the guards and open the gate, using the controls in the tower.” He persisted. “You will stay behind me. Yes?”
“I can take out a couple guys myself, if you want help. I still have some hand sanitizer.”
Xane kept talking, like that news wasn’t what he wanted to hear. “Once the gate opens, Lord C’don will go into the mine and unfasten the chains holding the slaves. There is one large lock, which can electronically control all the manacles. He should be able to free everyone.”
“That’s just like before.” Sadie pointed out. “I don’t see what changes…”
“You,” Xane interjected, “will get on the intercom and tell the slaves to flee. Tell them they’re free.Thatis the difference. You are possibly the only one they will listen to. Then, I will not have to kill the remaining guards in the tunnel, because the slaves will do it for us. The mayhem they create will help us slip away and head back to the ship.”
Sadie chewed her lip. “Why would the prisoners revolt on my say so?”
