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Even in this dire situation, the warmth and strength of his touch brought a shred of comfort.
I could feel the subtle tremors in his grip, a testament to the stress he was under, yet it felt grounding amidst the chaos.
“I must say,” the Supervisor continued, “I’m somewhat impressed. You’ve gotten farther than I anticipated. But did you really think you could just waltz out of here?”
He waved a device much like a remote control back on Earth.
On it was a single large red button and I immediately knew that pressing it would open the door behind us.
Ceara met his gaze defiantly. “It was worth a shot.”
The Supervisor chuckled, the sound echoing eerily in the vast chamber. “Perhaps. But now it’s over. I have you right where I want you.”
The coldness of the situation, the finality of the Supervisor’s words, sent a shiver down my spine.
My senses were heightened; I could hear the subdued whispers of the guards, feel the pressure of the atmosphere.
Yet, amidst it all, Ceara’s presence was a calming anchor.
“I won’t let you use him,” I said, voice filled with determination.
The Supervisor raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what can you possibly do to stop me?”
Before I could answer, Ceara interjected:
“If you let Ellie go, I’ll cooperate. Fully.”
“Ceara, no!” I whispered urgently.
He turned to me, eyes filled with resolve. “I can’t let them hurt you, Ellie.”
A pregnant pause filled the room, the weight of Ceara’s words hanging heavily in the air.
The Supervisor seemed to consider the proposition, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm against his chin.
The Supervisor finally broke his contemplation. “Deal. But from now on, you, Ceara, will not hold back. No more escape attempts. No more lies… or half-truths. Anything you do to slow down my progress will be paid for by punishing Ellie.”
Ceara nodded, resignation clear on his face.
It was over and I had lost him.
I had lost Ceara.
18
CEARA
The fluorescent lighting of the docking bay buzzed overhead, casting sharp and unforgiving lights over the guards’ armor and weapons.
The sharp tang of ozone was thick in the air from the plasma rifles, and it stung my nostrils with its pungency.
Around me, acrid heated metal and cool synthetic blends of the delivery shuttle pervaded the atmosphere.
“I’m sorry, my love,” I said, pulling Ellie in close for what I feared would be the very last time.
I breathed her in, felt her small warm body against mine, and hugged her close, expressing how much I truly cherished her.
We had tried and we had gotten close… but not close enough.
