Chapter 10

We hadn't left yet due to Alkina's constant ranting. She shoves things off of the console and throws manuals across the room. I've taken to sitting on the cold metal table in the back and staring at the back of Centauri's dipped head, like I was trying to find the hole's that the councilman's eyes bore into it.

Once Alkina is done with screaming at everyone she looks to me and points, "you! I knew it was a mistake to bring you along all along!" She storms over and backhands me out of the blue. "I've lost my trust with the council! I've ruined a reputation! I'm just associating with the animals now!"

My face stings with the impact, the sound of the slap making everyone turn. I look up to her and clench my jaw. "Are you gonna let some goddamn fool tell you what to do?"

She halts. "This 'goddamn fool' is the highest council member, what he says goes!"

I find Centauri's weary eyes and look back to Alkina. "We don't need the permission. If no one else is going to do anything about the killing and the fact that Earth itself could be in danger then we have to."

Eridia cocks her head and crosses her arms. "How do you suppose we do that?"

"Well as a human and the daughter of a mass murderer, I can help you talk to them." I rub my jaw, still feeling the indents. "I'm not sure talking will do much however. We're going to need more than just this."

"We go to the Celestial colony." Eridia steps up next to Alkina, her face bold and finally sure of herself. "Whatever's left."

"I've got a few fellows who hate the councils guts. They'd gladly hurl themselves into battle, those fools." Cain pipes up.

"I'm sure plenty of people are sick of it. Many are scared too." I add. "We won't go down without a fight."

"Finally, a voice of reason. Also one I can agree with." Centauri stands and walks over, her eyes still cold with the anger of being insulted. "But you do realize how hard this will be right?"

All of us fall silent before Alkina takes my hand from my jaw. She shakes it and lets go awkwardly, "I'm sorry I slapped you. I wasn't thinking correctly."

"Well if it made you feel better, its quite alright." I give her a shrug.