Chapter 33 · I see it

He clenched his jaw.

"Kael?"

"I see it."

"What is it?"

"Someone is forcing a connection."

"Can you shut it down?"

"Maybe."

"That wasn't the answer I asked for."

"It's the only one I've got."

The largest monitor flashed white.

A man appeared above the broken platform in blue holographic light. Viktor wore a dark military coat with no visible insignia. His face looked younger than it should have, smooth and calm, with silver at one temple and a thin scar under his left eye.

Sila's rifle locked onto the projection.

"Viktor," she said.

"General Sila." His smile barely moved. "You look tired."

"You look dead."

"That rumor has been useful."

Kael stepped in front of Sila.

Viktor's gaze shifted to him. The smile disappeared.

"There you are," Viktor said. "I was beginning to think the Seed had burned you out."

Sila's rifle came up higher. "What did you call him?"

Kael grabbed her wrist. "Don't."

"Move."

"He's baiting you."

"Then let me bite."

Viktor watched their hands. "Still protecting her from the truth? That's almost sweet."

"Say what you want and get off my channel," Kael snapped.

"You don't have the authority to dismiss me.