The Untold Story of Lady Robby Coffman: A Prequel to the Evolution Series

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Act Five: Accepting Fate and Test of Wills.

Sitting in his tiny bunk in the enlisted quarters. Kerry sulked, running his hands through his hair and rubbing his face, leaning over on his knees, half undressed. The other five bunk mates talked among themselves, ignoring him.

The sound of the door opening made them all turn to glance at who was entering, seeing Karla in her officer uniform stride in. Her striking blue eyes scanned the cabin, meeting each ensign’s gaze.

“Out! All of you except Ensign Vorcek!” She barked. They started to rise from their bunks, mumbling.

With a sharp “Move!” she sent them scrambling down the long corridor, their hurried retreat a flurry of movement and sound. Robbie entered the room, making eye contact with Karla, who swiftly walked out into the corridor, her hands clasped behind her back as the door shut behind her.

“What did he say to you?” Robbie asked, walking up to him and looking down at him. The silver clasps that draped down the front of her jacket and piping along the royal blue stripes outlining the coat and pants glinting under the lighting.

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. I know you and him spoke on the bridge yesterday. Those on the bridge heard it and told me. Do you think they would keep what he said to you about us a secret? Most of this crew follows me now, Kerry. So what did he say?” She said, her voice rising authoritatively, making him wince.

Licking his lips, refusing to look back up, he tried to open his mouth as her right hand fingers came down under his chin, pulling his head upward.

As their eyes met, Robbie’s heart sunk at seeing the fear and worry in his. At that moment, she knew.

“Please talk to me. Tell me what he said. I have to know.”

Kerry tried to look away as her other hand shot up to hold his face, keeping him focused on her, shaking her head. “No. You will not look away. You will talk to me and we will find a solution to whatever it is he is demanding from you.”

He reached up, pulling her hands away, shaking his head. “There is only one solution and you won’t like it.”

“And what is that?”

“That I face him and give my life for yours. If I don’t, he will kill both of us.”

Her chin dimpled, trembling as her eyes watered, releasing a soft hiss and shaking her head. “He won’t dare. He can’t. I won’t let him.” The tears ran down her cheeks. “I didn’t want to believe what I heard, but it’s true. My father truly will do anything to hold on to this pathetic life, believing he can change history regardless of what the people want.”

She held his head against her belly as he embraced her.

“Don’t go alone. When it’s time for your shifts, I will go with. Together, the others will let nothing happen to us.”

“You can’t say that.”

Leaning back, looking down at him running her fingers through his brown hair, she let out a soft breath, wiping her face with the other. “Yes, I can and I will.”

“You have more to worry about than just me. Your people need you more than you need me, Robbie. Even I can see that.”

Robbie dropped to squat, grabbing his head and holding him still as she peered at him wide eyed. “What are you saying? You are going just to give yourself to him? For what? Me?”

He was emotionless, but his eyes betrayed what he was feeling, nodding slightly in her hands that held his head.

“No!” Robbie yelled. “Then I will standalone in this life! You can’t do this to me!” she cried. “I will not let you. You will not go to him alone, promise me?”

Opening his mouth as he felt his eyes water, only nodding.

“Damn you, answer me.” She shook his head as he nodded.

The tears streamed down her face as she shook her head. “You better not. I swear if I hear you even try, I will stop you. You hear me?”

Nodding, he watched her turn as the door opened. Karla turned, stepping aside letting her pass, noticing the tears and emotions across her face. Glancing in at him, she gave him a disgusted face, shaking her head before quickly chasing after her, leaving him alone in the cabin.