Starflight (Starflight, #1)(80)
“Not to mention,” Kane added, “scoop out Cassy’s melon and turn her into a puppet.”
Cassia nodded. “His family invented the same technology the Daeva use to block their prefrontal cortex. They had it all figured out—the perfect takeover. But when I told my father, he didn’t believe me. I guess after all the tantrums, he thought I was pulling another stunt to delay the wedding.” Her eyes met Kane’s, and she gave him a weary smile. “So I went to my best friend and asked for help. He dropped everything and followed me out the door, even though his clerk’s apprenticeship was almost finished.”
Kane squeezed her hand. “Palace life was overrated anyway.”
“A few weeks later, we met the captain,” she said. “We were begging for work at every port, and he was the only one to take us—”
“Wait a minute,” Doran said, rubbing his temples. “This is all very touching, but what does any of it have to do with selling me out to the Enforcers?”
“I panicked and I made a mistake,” Cassia told him. “I thought you’d be easy to break, or you’d lead the Daeva to us.” She splayed both hands in an unspoken apology, but it didn’t escape Doran’s notice that she hadn’t bothered to say she was sorry. “I was wrong. You’re tougher than I gave you credit for.”
“Here’s a news flash, Your Highness,” Doran snapped, his anger building again. “You’re more of a threat to this crew than I ever was. If you wanted someone thrown off the ship, you should’ve started with yourself.”
“Hey, back off,” Kane warned. “She said she was wrong. There’s no harm done.”
“No harm done?” Doran repeated with a glare at Kane. “Do you really believe the words coming out of your mouth, or are you just desperate to score with your princess?”
Kane puffed up like a bear and took two threatening steps forward. “Don’t talk about her like that.”
“You hypocrite,” Doran spat. “And I’ll say whatever the hell I want!”
Renny wedged himself between them and shoved in opposite directions. “Knock it off, both of you,” he said. “This has gone far enough. Either shake hands so we can discuss this like adults, or I’m putting you on lockdown.”
Doran narrowed his eyes. He wanted to give Kane a good shake, but by way of his throat, not his hand.
“Fine, then,” Renny said. “Back to your quarters. You first, Kane.” When all that moved was Kane’s flaring nostrils, Renny barked, “That’s an order!” Once Kane had charged away and slammed his door, Renny nodded at Doran and told him to do the same. “And don’t come out,” Renny called, “until you’re both ready to make nice.”
It wasn’t until six hours later that hunger forced them out of their rooms for a stiff handshake and a round of meaningless apologies. As far as Doran was concerned, he would coexist with Cassia and Kane, but their friendship was over.
Dinner that night was more awkward than a hug from death.
Nobody made eye contact, and the only sounds were the scrapes of utensils against plates. Even Acorn seemed to sense the tension. She hid inside the captain’s pocket throughout supper, occasionally reaching out a paw for a new raisin.
Halfway through the meal, the captain cleared his throat. “Listen,” he said to no one in particular. “Everyone panics and makes stupid choices, even me. I’m still wanted on Earth for desertion in the last war.” He glanced at Doran and asked, “Did I ever tell you that?”
Reluctantly, Doran shook his head. He could tell a lecture was coming, and he was in no mood to hear it.
“I was about your age,” the captain said. “It was the night before my first battle, and I was piss-scared. Got up from my bunk and told the sergeant I had to use the latrine, then ran away without bothering to put on my pants.” He grunted to himself. “Let me tell you, there’s not much worse than turning tail in your underwear.”
Doran poked at his dinner and tried to imagine the stone-cold captain running away from a fight. He couldn’t picture it.
“I couldn’t go home and face my father,” Rossi continued. “So I joined a crew and ended up out here. Never saw my folks after that, but I swore I’d never shame them again. And I’m proud to say I kept my word.” He fed Acorn another raisin and said, “We’re all allowed a moment or two of weakness. Everyone makes mistakes.”
“True,” Doran agreed, and shut down the sermon with his next words. “But some mistakes are bigger than others.”
After that, Renny wisely changed the subject. “Whose turn is it tonight?”
The captain jerked his spoon toward Kane.
“Do you have a question ready?” Renny asked.
“Yeah, I’ve got one,” Kane said out of the corner of his mouth. He took a swig of water and set down his cup, pausing until Doran looked at him. There was still plenty of resentment in Kane’s eyes. “Would you rather ruin the lives of two innocent strangers,” he asked, “or watch someone you love die a violent death?”
The subtext behind that question was about as subtle as a pipe bomb. Doran brought his mug to his lips and tipped it back, refusing to be the first person to answer. When the rest of the crew chimed in, everyone gave the same response. If given the hypothetical choice, they wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice innocent lives to protect the one they loved. The captain went a step further, reminding them of the settlers on New Haven and how he’d placed the safety of his crew above that of an entire village.