Survivor Planet III by Juliet Cardin Page A

twisted with an incredulous expression. “You know nothing! If it wasn’t for me you’d all be dead.”
    I stared at him in shock. “What are you talking about?” He looked so serious that he almost had me fooled, but I waved my hand in denial of his statement. “You’re a bullshitter. You lie to save your life.”
    â€œSave my life? From who? You?” he asked sarcastically.
    My limbs began to tingle and without a doubt I knew Ayres had found me and linked. I cocked my head and fixed him with a deadly glare. “I will kill you. Ayres and I both will kill you.”
    He stared at me as though I were crazy. “Idiot. Ayres can’t help you now.”
    â€œBut he is here. With me. Let me show you…” Fighting Cade had been difficult. Yet together, Lara and Ayres and I had done some damage. And he’d been a warrior. The worthless coward before me was nothing in comparison. Baynar moved toward his desk, taking a step back for every one I took forward. Perhaps he saw something in my expression, be it self-assurance, resolve, or even madness. Whatever it was, his features betrayed his indecision and his growing fear. He held up one hand before him, while the other searched around the desktop behind him.
    â€œLooking for the coin?” I stopped advancing. At his single nod I informed him, “I have it.” Then I slipped the dagger from my boot and held it up. “I have this as well.” Not that I needed it, but I enjoyed watching the blood drain from his face. “Tell me again how we’d all be dead without you,” I cajoled. His eyes were fastened on the blade, mesmerized as I tipped it from side to side.
    â€œIt’s true,” he affirmed, forcing his gaze back to mine. “You have no idea what they want to do.”
    â€œWho?” Not that I’d believe a word from his lying mouth.
    â€œThe council. They’ve brought forth a motion—I’m against it. As pathetic as Earthlings are I couldn’t agree to...”
    That set me off. Everything I hated about Roamyns boiled down to this single man. Before me I no longer saw just Baynar, but the corruptness of his entire planet. I cut him off mid-stream with a roundhouse to his jaw. He dropped to his hands and knees. Taking a step back I regarded him coldly.
    â€œEarthlings may not be perfect, but at least the majority of us possess a trace of humanity. Unlike you filthy, bloodthirsty buggers. Did you know your precious Roamyns hacked the Seers so they could place bets on your demise?” He stared up at me in shock, blood dripping from his nose onto his uniform. “Ah, I can see that you didn’t.” I laughed—a cold, heartless sound. “The end of you may not bring about a resolution. But it will send a message. Humans aren’t as advanced as you guys, but I intend to tip the scales in our direction.” I pulled out the coin and held it up. “With the help of your most brilliant out-cast, he and Ayres and I will bring Earth up to speed. Soon Calixtus will see we’re not going to lie down and take your shit anymore. With knowledge comes power. Roamyns will soon figure out we’re a force to be reckoned with. Not that you’ll be around to see it.” He caught me off guard when he suddenly leaped up and made a dive for the coin. And as his body collided with mine I felt myself begin to scramble. Becoming a million pieces, I began to soar through the abyss.
    And yet, I was not alone. Another traveled beside me.

Chapter 19
    As soon as I solidified I had to struggle for air. Bearing down on me was Baynar’s heavy weight. With Ayres’ help, his body was soon dragged off of me.
    â€œTwo of them! How’d we manage that feat?” I heard Lourde’s excited exclamation.
    Ayres knelt down beside me. “Are you all right, Amanda?”
    I nodded, my eyes glued to Baynar’s prone form, worried he might leap up at any