The Phoenix Conspiracy eBook

was as barren as the prison he was destined for. His weapons too, few that they'd been, were gone.

It was all too frustrating, to the maximum degree, that this was happening to him, on his ship, right when they were so very, very close.

Damn the Fleet!

He was surprised to hear his door open, and even more surprised to see who’d entered.

“I told the guard I had to sweep your room for weapons,” said Captain Pellew.

Calvin looked at him, his room had already been thoroughly cleaned out. "Why are you really here?"

Pellew made sure the door was closed before he spoke. "I'm on your side."

Calvin felt his heart quicken.

"A lot of us are still on your side, I think."

Calvin felt a surge of hope but at the same time a hint of suspicion. In his experience, nothing in life came that easily. "Why would you help me?"

Calvin had served and bled alongside his shipmates, but he didn’t hardly know any of the soldiers aboard. And certainly none of them owed him any favors.

Pellew smiled. "The good of the Empire, right?"

Calvin didn't say anything.

"Look, my reasons are my own. But I am offering you help, I suggest you accept it otherwise it may not be offered again.”

Calvin nodded. Suspicious as he was, he couldn’t afford to be picky.

"Then we need to figure out how to retake the ship," said Calvin.

"Before we get to Xerxes.”

"Actually we’re on course to rendezvous with a flotilla of warships led by the Andromeda."

"That's not good,” said Calvin. He wasn't sure why those in command thought meeting the Andromeda was preferable to going to Xerxes, unless the Andromeda was closer. Making it all the more important for them to beat the clock. "How far out are they?"

"I don't know," said Pellew. "Probably a few hours still. Maybe less."

Calvin nodded, that made sense. Especially if the Andromeda had been sent after them the minute he declared his intention to go to Abia.

"Okay then. How much of Special Forces will side with me if you're behind me?"