Survivor Planet III by Juliet Cardin Page B

anyhow didn’t quite ease my conscience as it had in the beginning of all this. Although, revenge wasn’t our sole reason for being here. Lourde’s unexpected arrival on Taseeus had reinforced the fact that Calixtus, with Baynar at the helm, was a dangerous thing. Not only for their planet, but for Earth as well. But did it justify what we planned to do?
    â€œShe’s a virgin, the right age, and from Earth, so she’s perfect.” Just as I had been.
    I recalled for Ayres the strange experience that had woken Lara up, the feeling that she’d been ripping in half, causing her to cry out and Cade to come running. “That must have been when you and Lourde were trying to pull me out. She—we—were confused, scared. We called out for help. That’s when you reacted and took control of Lara’s arms and legs. She fought well.”
    â€œAt least we know that part of the experiment works then. It’s pivotal to our success.”
    â€œIf they play the game then she will probably be brought before Baynar and the others for approval, just as I was,” I theorized.
    â€œYes. That will be our chance to strike. If we miss it, we may have a chance during the elimination trial.”
    I shivered remembering the free-for-all in the ring. Lissa and I had been cocky, certain we’d been experiencing an episode. It was shortly after that, when I’d seen my own blood that I’d awoken to the reality of the situation.
    â€œI remember Lara called out for you by name. Cade’s reaction was strange. He stared around the room as though expecting you to be there. Like he knew you. He even told Lara that he’d known an Ayres. Did he mean you?”
    â€œI’ve known a couple men with that name. It’s possible we’ve met.”
    â€œHe said he’s in governance on Calixtus. He trains others. And he’s got two large scars on his face. One on his cheek, the other straight down over his eye.”
    Ayres attention peaked. “Scars on his face? Damn. I do know who he is. We both served under Baynar’s command.”
    â€œWhat a small world.”
    Ayres became thoughtful. “I wonder why he’s taking part in the game on Taleon. It’s so out of character for him. He lives to serve the council.”
    â€œHe’s not one of Baynar’s cronies is he? If so, then I feel bad we’re going to destroy his chance to fail and strand him here forever.”
    â€œNo. He may serve Baynar, but he’s definitely not a fan of his. Cade is an honest man—a good man.”
    Now I felt guilty. Whatever his reasons for entering, we were about to rob him of his chance of success in the game. Not only that, but what if the council suspected him of being in on the assassination of their leader? After all, it would be Cade’s protégé—in which he’d committed the unthinkable act of obtaining early—who carried out the dark deed.
    â€œWhat if he becomes implicated in Baynar’s death? Guilt by association with the perpetrator,” I voiced my concern.
    The look on Ayres face told me what he thought. The price we were about to exact for vengeance was growing steeper by the moment.
    Both of us slept uneasily that night.
    The next morning Ayres and I told Lourde about Cade. He admitted he knew the man as well. “All of us were in the academy together,” he said thoughtfully.
    â€œThis changes nothing,” Ayres confirmed.
    Lourde nodded his head in agreement. “Yes, nothing.”
    The looks on their faces were in contrast to their words. And yet, I knew they’d both follow through. We’d come too far, and risked too much to turn back now.
    â€œI have to admit after last night I’m a little concerned. What if the Akkadian’s come back? We’re vulnerable when we’re under,” I said.
    â€œNow that we know our chance to get at Baynar is actually about a week away, we don’t