Man-Kzin Wars XII by Larry Niven (books you have to read .TXT) 📕

After the rest of the drones are gone, I turn and head over to Atom and the group of Genesys.

“What does he want?” I hear the Genesys standing next to Atom say.

“Don't know,” Atom responds, and steps away to meet me.

“Good game, Atom.” I extend my hand. I truly am impressed by how well they all picked up the game.

He grabs my hand. “Yes, it was. Thanks for letting us do this.”

“You got it.” I smile. “Listen, do you have time to talk?”

“Sure. Give me a second.” He looks back at his group and jogs over to them.

I look around the field to see that most of the spectators have walked away. I didn't see Brianna return, so I hope she didn't come across any trouble sneaking the ammo to Petros and his group.

When I turn my head back to Atom and his group, I see the Genesys retreating. “Do you mind if we walk?”

“Sure, where to?” Atom responds.

We walk toward one of the outer walls that are still in ruins. The rubble still blocks much of the new barrier, and I know that this will be a good access point for tomorrow's attack.

“I'm going to be sore tomorrow,” he says to break the silence.

“Yes, you will be.” I smile at him.

“So, what's up?” he asks.

My mind searches for the right words to say. This is the last chance I have to convince him to side with us on the Ragnarok and stop Dr. Anfang's plans. “Well, I…”

We reach the compound's edge and climb up to the top of one of the rubble piles. When I look out, I see that there’s a lot going on. Multiple Flyz hover in the air, and some shots sound in the distance. It makes me concerned about Brianna's safety. There wasn't that much activity when I was in the city yesterday.

“Want to run to the pyramid again?” Atom asks. He's looking out toward the massive structure in the background.

I smile, then take a deep breath to lean into my question. “Is Rene still going through with the Ragnarok?”

His smile drops to a frown. “Yes. I don't know when, though.”

“Do you think he would reconsider?” I ask one last time.

“No. Rene’s mind is pretty set,” he states.

“What if you asked him? He'd listen to you.” I need to push as much as I can.

“I've tried. Many times. Honestly, I kind of agree with what he's doing.” His face looks surprised by what his lips spoke.

“That's what I was afraid of.” I look off toward the pyramid.

“I'm sorry, 80.” He genuinely means it.

“It's okay. Please understand; I don't want to die.” A tear streaks down my cheek. Right now, we might be sharing this moment as friends, but tomorrow he will be my enemy. My heart aches at the loss of this friendship, but I need to survive. I need to help others survive.

“I know you don't,” he says, his voice trying to comfort. “I don't want you to.”

“But if Rene sets off the Ragnarok, it will happen,” I spit out.

“Yeah.” He looks out toward the pyramid again; tears fall from his eyes. After a few minutes of silence, he stands. “I should probably go back inside.”

“Alright,” I breathe out without looking at him.

Atom puts his hand on my shoulder. “You are a great friend, 80.”

I look up with a smile. You were a great friend, I think to myself. He climbs down the rubble pile and walks off.

“Atom!” I yell after him. He stops and looks back up at me. I glance toward the city and apologize in advance for what is to come tomorrow. “I don't want to die. Please understand.”

He walks off. After a few more moments, I step off the rubble pile, but before I can sneak back to the barracks, a silhouette in the setting sun catches my attention. Brianna walks right at me, not caring if one of the drones on watch spots her.

I run toward her to be her alibi in case they see her.

“Where are the other Integers?” I look around.

“I convinced Petros to hold them there and use them when they attack to give them some better and more trained fighters.” She keeps walking, heading toward the compound.

“That's smart,” slips out of my mouth.

She stops and looks at me, offended that I would think she wouldn't be capable of smart decisions. “I think I've figured out who the mole is, but I need to check a couple of things out first.”

“Who do you think it is?” My curiosity has gotten the better of me.

“Not now.” She looks around. “Come to my room later. I will let you know once I've confirmed my suspicion.”

She walks away, leaving me alone in the open field. I run through my plans for the night and head back to the barracks. When I arrive, I tell 13 to collect the rest of the Integers and meet me in my room. They all cram in, and I have the one in the back shut the door behind him.

“We're missing four,” 13 says.

“They are in the city and will be attacking with the outsiders.” I look around at the group. “What about 93?”

“He didn't make it,” 13 answers. The mumbles among the group tell me that this is also news to them. Some look to be second-guessing their role in the fight to preserve their life.

“Quiet down, and listen closely.” I stand on my bed. “This is the fight for our lives. The fight for the lives of those that can't fight for themselves. Our sacrifice might mean that others get to live, but if we don't fight, we will all die.”

“What do you need us to do?” 13 responds for all of them.

I look at the dozen faces looking back at me. A far cry from the thousands of Integers I had following me in my dreams. Nevertheless, they will each fight until success or death.

“You two.” I point at the two Integers