Defy the Worlds (Constellation #2)(83)

“They’re pretty simple,” Noemi says. “One, you never come after Abel again. No mech hunters, no hostage situations, nothing. You set him free. Your father had his time, so let Abel have his.”

One of Abel’s hands curves around her wrist, a gentle touch that lifts one corner of Noemi’s mouth in a smile.

Gillian says brusquely, “What else?”

“Two, you spare the surviving members of Remedy. You give them the medical supplies they need. Then you bring them to the Winter Castle, share your provisions, let them help build this world. The ones who’ve had Cobweb are as adapted to Haven as you are.”

“How did you know—” Gillian cuts herself off, but too late.

“They need new homes as much as you do,” Noemi continues. “Yeah, some of them have done terrible things, but seeing as how you guys basically tried to steal a planet, I don’t think you have much room to talk. They’re used to hard work, and they have some of the skills your passengers lack. They’d make good settlers for a new world.”

In the background, beneath the crackle of the speaker, Noemi hears Delphine call, “We need someone who knows how to make snowshoes!” and has to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

Gillian finally says, “All right. We can do that. But Simon—Abel, what are you going to do with Simon? I’ve called and called for him—”

“Help him stabilize his mental and emotional processes,” Abel replies. “I’m not sure whether you can restore him to a growing tank at this point, or whether his memory patterns have been warped by the transfer—there are many variables in play. He began his existence as a human, which makes his experience radically different from mine, but we’re still alike in one fundamental way. We’re the only two mechs in the galaxy who are also… individuals. If anyone can understand him, I can.”

Gillian’s response: “No one understands a child like his mother does.”

No way is Noemi letting her get away with that. “Or like a father? Well, I’m sorry, but Mansfield told you to trash Simon and start over, like that would be no big deal. To me that sounds like your dad didn’t understand you at all.”

Another long silence falls. Abel’s eyes widen as he thinks about Mansfield’s dismissal of Simon, even though Noemi already told him about it. Abel’s pain remains palpable. Maybe people never stop trying to believe in those they once loved.

Noemi decides it would be merciful to change the subject. “Okay, we have a deal. Wait where you are until we confirm that we’ve deactivated the mines.”

The dry response: “I don’t think you have to worry about that one. We’re in no hurry to test them for ourselves.”

“Then let’s save comms power. Vidal out.” With a flick of her thumb, the intraship comm goes quiet again, and she nods to Abel to change the signal. She’s no longer calling the passengers; this time, she’s calling the bridge. “Captain Fouda?”

It takes several long seconds for a reply to come. “Vidal of Genesis.” Fouda’s voice is ragged, his tone like that of a man in shock. “Still alive.”

“So far. We need to talk.”

“We need your mech.” The defiance has bled out of him. All Noemi hears now is desperation. “Human lives are at stake—”

“We’ve bargained with the passengers,” Noemi explains. “They’ll give you the medicine you need if you deactivate as many mines as you can—and give me the relay codes for Remedy.”

She expects Fouda to argue or posture, but he’s past all that. “We don’t have many people left. The mines—I’m not sure how much we can do.”

“Defuse as many as you can,” she repeats, adjusting her expectations. “Abel and I will take out a few, too. But now I need those relay codes.”

“Gamma four eight seven delta mu delta five five one eight zeta six pi phi sigma three—”

The string of letters and numbers catches her off guard; this must be something Fouda memorized by rote, something he’s spitting out with the last of his mental strength. I can’t record him! There’s no way I can remember this! Noemi momentarily panics, then realizes Abel’s getting every word.

When Fouda finally finishes, he says, “How long? We need the medicine now.”

“Abel and I need to clear at least one of the mines as a show of good faith,” Noemi answers. “As soon as we’ve done that, we’ll send passengers with help. All right?”

“All right.” Fouda’s weariness makes it clear he sees this as defeat, even though it’s going to save the few people he has left. “Fouda out.”

The tiny light between her and Abel goes dark. Her eyes have adjusted enough to the dim lighting to see his expression, though—thoughtful and uncertain at once. “What is it, Abel?”

“You bargained for everyone except yourself.” He shakes his head slowly. “You’re remarkable.”

“I bargained for you. That counts.”

Abel’s hand slides up her arm, curves around the back of her neck. The way he leans closer makes her realize he intends to kiss her. Her heart thumps crazily in her chest—

—but he drops his hand and pulls back. “I apologize.”