Ryan nodded, ‘I am a Resistance commander now.’
‘How did you manage that?’
‘I could ask you the same,’ said Ryan.
‘You first.’
Ryan inclined his head toward the bed so that they would both take a seat.
‘It is a small story. I don’t know if you remember, but grandfather wasn’t pleased with the idea of me becoming a soldier. He took mother’s side, and rightfully so. This is not the safest place at the best of times. But he had friends here, a general by the name of Tom Bernard. I was apprenticed to him in a way, to keep me out of trouble and off the battlefield. He taught me everything he knew of war. He had been fighting since the beginning and was a great teacher.
‘Unfortunately, last year we were hit by a freak missile attack by the Alliance. Tom lost his life, and I received this scar,’ Ryan moved his collar away from his neck to show an area of raw, twisted skin. ‘With my training taken into account, I was promoted, and now, well, let us just say that I am respected.’
Ryan tapped the triangular medal, and then leaned his right shoulder forward so that Jaden could read the badge on his arm. The badge was a circle of dark red with a black symbol inside of it that looked like a double-stemmed tee.
Jaden read out loud the golden writing around the symbol. ‘Ryan Daiyus, General of the Resistance.’
Ryan leaned backward. ‘I am the third highest ranked here. My experience is small compared to the others, but I manage. They will probably assign me the simplest task, but …’ Ryan shrugged.
Jaden sat back, in awe of his brother. Ryan saw this and reminded Jaden quickly of his own position of power.
‘What about you, Sentinel?’
Jaden looked down at his clothing with a smirk. ‘This is Grandfather’s doing as well,’ he said. ‘I was coming here to join you. I just wanted to be a soldier.’
Ryan shook his head mockingly. ‘A Daiyus as a common soldier? You should know Grandfather would never allow that.’
Suddenly Jaden’s smile left him. ‘I wanted revenge against the Alliance,’ he said. ‘They destroyed our home. Our people are dead. Mother—’
‘I’ve heard,’ said Ryan, interrupting his brother. ‘I have not seen them in so long, I almost don’t remember who they are, but I know your pain must be great.’
‘I don’t know anymore,’ said Jaden. ‘It all just seems like a dream. Every time I wake up I expect to be back in Callibra as if nothing changed. I dream of playing tennagen sometimes, or going for a swim near the waterfalls. It’s hard to believe I am so far from home.’
‘Give yourself time. It’s not easy to accept.’
‘I don’t know,’ said Jaden. ‘I gave up a long time ago.’
‘I understand,’ said Ryan. ‘At least you are still alive, and now you have come to join with me.’
Jaden looked up at his brother. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Is that not why you have come? You said yourself—’
‘That was before I became a sentinel,’ said Jaden. ‘I’m expected to be elsewhere. I am under their command.’
‘I see,’ said Ryan.
‘If I can, I will stay here, but first I have to get back to Waikor. Can you help?’
Ryan nodded. ‘I can, but you have only just arrived. Can you stay a while longer?’
‘No,’ said Jaden. ‘I mean, I want to, but Alyssa—my chosen—is at Waikor. I have to get back to her.’
‘Then at least permit me the time to give you a tour. It will take no more than a few hours, I promise, and then I will have you flown back to Waikor.’
Jaden almost refused the offer, but seeing the look in his brother’s eyes, he reluctantly gave in and agreed. ‘Lead the way,’ he said.
Ryan smiled and led Jaden out into a corridor of dark rock. It was cool despite the heat outside and lit by the low glow of luminous tubes lining the walkway. There were many doors leading to more rooms along the way, and soon they descended to the lower floors until they were in an open hall almost as big as the one in Waikor’s great mountain. Unlike the marbles used there, this seemed paved with smooth pebbled tiles. And the gardens of vegetables, herbs and fruits were around the many columns supporting the roof. Hundreds of people roamed this area, and there were as many in uniform as there were not. Those not in uniform wore sand-coloured robes or clothing similar to the uniforms but without any decorations. All talked loudly with only a few stopping to stare as Jaden walked past, and Ryan had to raise his voice to be heard among the chatter.
‘They call this the Underground City,’ Ryan explained. ‘There was a time when it was safe to be above the surface, but with the Alliance so close, we’re never sure when the next attack is going to come.’