Beta Earth: Between Worlds 2.0 Edition Read Online Free Page B

opens them back up.
    “Already?” he asks.
    “Clave, they don’t expect you to survive this.” Akari says as she approaches Clave. “Prove them wrong.”
     

Chapter 8
    Intermission
     
    Time: Early evening.
    Location: Sprawl 15—Caroline’s House.
     
    Zuri and Vin return home and find the door open. There is a man inside talking to Caroline. Anul is standing next to him with her bags.
    “What’s going on here?” Zuri asks. The man and Caroline turn around to face the youths. Vin steps forward.
    “Father?” Standing next to Caroline is General Quell Taurus. “Hello, Vin.”
    “What are you doing here? Anul, why are you packed?” Vin asks. General Taurus steps closer to Anul.
    “She is coming with me and I wanted to extend the offer to you, as well.”
    “She’s not going anywhere!” Vin says firmly. General Taurus and Vin both turn to Anul.
    “Anul, do you want to go?” Vin asks. Anul looks down slightly. “Anul …” Vin says disappointedly.
    “I don’t want to leave you, brother. But here I am just an extra burden to Caroline. It’s better if I stay with Dad for a while.” Caroline approaches Anul.
    “You are no burden, I assure you.” Caroline hugs Anul.
    “Even still ... we promised we would return after he got back from Beta Earth.” Anul replies. General Taurus takes a good look at Vin. He is proud to see his son has grown into a good young man.
    “I’m not going. Anul, you do realize he is just going to use you once you join him.” Vin says.
    “I do. I want to train, Vin,” Anul says as she rubs her arm.
    “He will probably make you enlist.” Vin says.
    “I know.” she replies. A frown crosses Vin’s face.
    “Fine, leave, but don’t expect me to follow,” he says.
    “Vin, please think about it. I’m in the sprawls for one more day. I’ll stop by tomorrow. You can give me your final answer then.” General Taurus says as he leaves. Anul follows him bags in hand. Caroline and Zuri watch Vin as he hangs his head in thought. Zuri places his hand lightly on Vin’s shoulder.
    “Listen, man, he is your father. I understand if—” Vin interrupts. “He’s only my father in blood. To me he’s a General first ... and if he really cared. He would convince the U.F. to help us in the sprawls. As far as I’m concerned, I am staying here to help and protect my family.” Caroline tears up and hugs Vin. “Thank you, Vin. You know, no matter what you decide, you are always welcome here.”
    “Damn, and just when I thought I would be rid of my pest of a bro.” Zuri says with a grin. Caroline wipes her tears.
    “Don’t even joke like that, Zuri. You know as well as I do you would be lost without him.”
    “Yeah, I guess I’d rather be lost ... with him.” Zuri says.
    “What the heck does that mean?” Vin replies. They all let out a joyous laugh that settles the tension in the air.
    “Come on, let’s eat and rest. We have a big day tomorrow, Vin.” Zuri says. Vin replies with a nod as they enter the kitchen together.
     
     

Chapter 9
    Mission Pt. 2
     
    Time: Next day—afternoon.
    Location: Outskirts of City District 11—two blocks south of Civil Administration Building E.
     
    Two members of U.F.’s Special Praetorian Quality Reconnaissance Unit, Rick and San, wait on a hill and monitor the Civil Admin Building. Clave approaches the two members from the south. Rick spots Clave and waves him over. “You’re a little late. That’s okay today but don’t make a habit of it.” Rick quickly examines Clave.
    “I assume you’re Akari’s guy.”
    “Correct.” Clave responds as he hands Rick an identification card, “I’m Clave. Sorry, I had to set up.”Rick puts the card into a machine, it verifies Clave’s identity. After the process is complete he returns the card.
    “I’m Rick and this is San. We are a part of the United Federation Army known as Special Praetorian Quality Reconnaissance Unit or SPQR. Actually, some just call us Ops, but—” San