Resist: The Mir Chronicles, #2

By Leisa Wallace

Lena always dreamed of fighting for the freedom of Mir. After being betrayed by the boy she thought she loved, she finds herself hunted by a second tyrannical group—the Cimmerians.
When old friends resurface, and new friends are made, Lena realizes what it takes to stand against tyranny and protect her friends. But, if she is to take a stand, she will have to start making choices that pit her safety against freedom…and uncertainty against love.
And then there's that prophecy…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leisa Wallace
• Release date: Dec 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201102562

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Rise

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

RESIST

Second edition. December 7, 2018.

Copyright © 2018 Leisa Wallace.

Written by Leisa Wallace.

Chapter One

She was conscious long before she peeled her eyes open. They hurt. Everything hurt. Darkness surrounded her. She twisted in her suspend cuffs as her shoulders pulled the rest of her body.  With her toes barely brushing the ground her heart began to accelerate. Where was she? How did she get here? Squeezing her eyes shut, she forced herself to calm down and think.

The memory of Jonah, the boy she thought was her boyfriend, surfaced in front of her mind. He stood in front of Cimmerian solders. His gun pointed at her chest. Jonah was a Cimmerian, Lena’s heart jolted. Jonah was responsible. Pushing her toes into the ground, she tried to release the pressure tugging on her shoulders. Jonah led the Cimmerians to them. Her toes began to cramp. She flattened her feet and let the restraints pull at her shoulders once more.  Jonah planted a tracking device in the star pendant he’d given her. She thought of the carved star. It’s delicate ivory surface carved to look like the night sky. She’d had it in her pocket when they escaped the Defense Training Facility.  It wasn’t a gift at all; it was a way for the Cimmerians to find them. It was too late by the time Gideon found it.

Her muscles tensed. Where was Gideon? She felt her heart racing again. Gideon, her childhood friend. It had only been a few months since they’d reunited: she as a servant, hiding from the Priestess who hunted her; he, as the newly appointed Captain of the same training facility.  Turning her head she listened for any other sound. Both Gideon and Jonah helped her escape the facility when the Priestess found out she was hiding there. Gideon’s friends had met them to take Lena off the planet. Gideon had been standing next to her when Jonah pulled the gun. She couldn’t remember anything after that.  A shallow breath behind her caused her heart to skip a beat, taking a breath, she called out to the person who hung behind her. Her voice came out raspy and unclear. She silently prayed the person behind her was Gideon. Taking another breath, she forced air into her lungs until it pushed against her ribs. Tightening her stomach she opened her mouth to call out again. Hello. 

The person moaned as if being roused from unconsciousness, but said nothing in return. Lena stretched her leg backward hoping to touch whoever spoke. She felt nothing. She let herself hang again from her cuffs.

A sharp light pierced her eyes as a door opened. The silhouette of a man stood in the doorway. The light from outside the door fell around him. She pressed her eyes into her arm as she heard the man stepped towards her. She looked back up. The light from the hall combined with the darkness of her cell made it hard to identify his features but he walked with the same cocky swagger as he normally did.

Jonah, she said.  A thick film covered her tongue and the inside of her cheeks. Her mouth tasted of chemicals. She took another breath and stared at him.  A mixture of emotions grabbed at her insides—anger, remorse, and embarrassment. She gathered her strength and took a deep breath. He stopped in front of her. You’re a Cimmerian, she said. Her throat hurt to speak. She needed water.

I am, Jonah took another step towards her. But do I really need to confirm your suspicion? He sounded the same as the Jonah she knew, confident and suave, but now his voice caused her skin to crawl.  Release her cuffs, he yelled to another guard who waited at the entrance. Jonah stepped next to her as the guard moved from the doorway into the dark hall. The cuffs released and Lena felt herself collapse into Jonah’s arms. He held her around her waist. His chest against her side until her legs gathered the strength to stand. She wanted to push him away, but couldn’t. Her arms refused to move then began burning as the blood rushed into them. Lena whimpered. 

The others should be waking up soon, Jonah said. Release Gideon. We’ll come back for the other two later. Lena turned her head focusing on three silhouettes she saw hanging behind her. Gideon, Tarek, and Azara.

Gideon, Lena said. He hung directly behind her; his body turned away from her. His hands twitched in the cuffs above him. He was waking up. A guard released his cuffs, and he fell to the floor. Two guards grabbed his arms and pulled him to his feet turning him towards the open door. His eyes began to focus, and he shook his head as if trying to clear the fogginess. Tarek, and Azara, still hung unconscious. Tarek was Gideon's friend from the Interplanetary Military Academy and Azara was Gideon’s girlfriend. They had come to Mir to take Lena off the planet to hide her in another world, away from the Priestess Selene’s grasp. And now they were prisoners.  Jonah grabbed her arm with one hand and with the other he pushed the center of her back.

Move, Jonah demanded.

Lena stumbled as Jonah pushed her through the door and into a narrow hallway. Her bare feet hurt as she walked across the halls metal slatted flooring and her arms prickled with goosebumps at the brisk air that came up through its cracks. She wished she wore more than the silk wrap Azara had given her. Lena looked over her shoulder to Gideon. A soldier cuffed his hands behind his back and pushed him forward. 

Gideon studied Lena’s face, taking in every detail then held her gaze. He looked worried.

Jonah gripped her arm, forcing her to look ahead. The artificial light cast shadows on the metal walls and floors. Jonah’s feet clanked against its metal joints as he pushed her towards an exit at the end of the hallway. 

Jonah, what are you doing? Lena whispered. He caught her eye for a moment and pushed her ahead.

I’m doing my job, he replied. His voice sounded stiffer than she’d ever heard it, all of his charm gone. Lena stumbled. Jonah’s chest pressed harder into her back and she felt his breath on her cheek. Just don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

Jonah pushed her down the ramp of a massive airship. Tree’s dotted the area. The smell of decomposing vegetation permeated the air. Her bare feet hurt as Jonah led her through the dry leaves and twigs to the middle of the clearing. Tents scattered the area. Soldiers sat outside. Some sat lazily against trees, while others sat in groups playing games. They stopped what they were doing and looked up as Lena passed.

Agent Vernalis, a cold female voice called. Lena dug her heels into the ground and pushed against Jonah.  Jonah forced her forward then to a stop in front of a short woman with red hair and a deep frown.

Gideon stood beside her. Two guards gripped both his cuffed arms. His eyes looked clear now, and he stood tall and calm. His cuffed hands looked like he’d placed them behind him in a gesture of respect. Not like the prisoner he was. 

Evangeline Adhara, Gideon Merak. I am General Carina leader of the Cimmerians, the woman stated. 

General Carina, Gideon nodded his head respectfully at the General. May I ask what we are doing here?

We’ve come to recruit you for our cause, General Carina said. Her matter of fact tone made Lena stare at her dumbfound.

Recruit us? Lena said, You kidnapped us.

Yes, well, our intel suggested that the Captain wouldn’t meet with us willingly, General Carina said.

Intel gathered by Jonah, I’m assuming, Gideon said.

Correct. Agent Vernalis’ purpose was to gather intel on Captain Gideon and arrange a meeting with us. The more intel he gathered the more we knew an amicable meeting would not be possible. We, therefore, organized a way to extract Gideon.

Through the tracking device we found in the star pendant that Jonah gave to Evangeline, Gideon stated.

Correct, said General Carina.

Gideon nodded his head. Agent Vernalis’ mission was finding intel on me. You’ve said nothing about Lena.

General Carina’s lips turned up in amusement. Finding Evangeline was not his mission. The world of Mir had searched for her and failed.  We weren’t even looking for her, and yet imagine  our surprise when she revealed her identity. Especially Agent Vernalis’ surprise. Lena felt Jonah shift next to her, but couldn’t bring herself to look at him. General Carina crossed her arms and tapped her index finger on her forearm. The Great Evangeline Adhara, the girl of the prophecy, hiding as a servant in the Priestess’ own training facility.  General Carina smirked with a dark glint in her eye. Now we have you both, and we’ll use you both.

Gideon stiffened beside her. Use us for what? Gideon asked.

We want you to join our cause. The Priestess believes Evangeline will destroy her.  And you’ve been trained at the Interplanetary Military Academy. You are a natural born leader. And, as her son, you have access to information that could prove vital to our goal. Gideon’s arms flexed beneath his cuffs at the mention of him being the Priestess’ son. General Carina raised her eyes in amusement. Yes, she said. We know you are Priestess Selene and General Merak’s son.

It’s not a secret, Gideon answered with a hint of anger in his voice. And you haven’t told me what exactly your cause is.

To overtake the Priestess. We want to rule Mir.

Gideon shook his head and chuckled with unbelief. And you think I’d help you, why exactly?

For the first time, General Carina seemed unsure of herself. Because she’s tyrannical. Her leadership will continue to spiral Mir into chaos for everyone but her closest followers. Surely you care for Mir...

You are only a different face to corruption, Gideon said stepping towards the General. I have one goal right now, getting Evangeline off this planet safely. And you’ve kept me from doing that. So, no, I will not help you. I will not join you, and to be clear, you do not have an ally in me. You have an enemy.

General Carina stiffened. Her face tightened into an unforgiving frown. She looked to Lena as if expecting her to give a different answer. Lena hardened her stare refusing to answer. The General looked back and forth between the two. I’ll give you some time to consider your options. You can stay our prisoners, or you can join our cause. Either way, we’ll get what we want.

Lena met Gideon’s eyes. Her stomach felt sick. What had they gotten themselves into?

Chapter Two

She was hanging from her arms again. Her shoulders burned. Lena rolled one shoulder at a time trying to relieve the pain. Turning her head behind her, she could see Tarek and Gideon hanging from their arms cuffed above their heads. Turning the other way, she could see Azara and Gideon.  The four of them formed a square, all facing away from each other. Only by moving her head to look over one shoulder then the other was she able to see all three of them. She looked forward, towards the cells walls and took a shallow breath.  She heard Azara’s voice, coming from behind and to the right of her.

What can you tell us about Agent Vernalis? Azara questioned. If you’re going to get out of here, you’re going to have to use any means possible. Does he have a weakness? What information do you have that we can use against him? Azara’s voice sounded pronounced and full of command. Not the friendly voice she’d met the day before. Had it only been one day? Lena paused as she tried to remember the timeline. She didn’t think a day had passed since their capture.

What did she know about Jonah? Other than the fact he’d always made her feel so safe. And his smile lightened her worries. And that all of Jonah’s actions up to that point had been an act. Lena bit her bottom lip in an effort to control her tears.  Releasing her breath, Lena sniffed and began to think about everything she knew about Jonah. 

He infiltrated the facility perfectly. Lena paused. Tears filled her eyes. He gained my trust. Sorrow consumed her. She kept her face towards the wall away Azara’s probing eyes. Then he used me to get close to Gideon. She blinked and a single tear ran down her cheek.

No use crying about the past, Azara cut in.

Azara’s words made Lena’s stomach clench. She turned her head to stare at the back of Azara’s head noticing for the first time a tattoo running up the back of her neck. Barely a shade darker than Azara’s skin tone, it scrolled up her neck hugging her hairline behind her ears before stopping. She turned her head to look over her other shoulder to Tarek. He had similar markings, though his scroll work was different. Shaking her head, she pulled her thoughts together.

You should have known, Azara said. The great Evangeline Adhara. The one who the world of Mir thinks can destroy the Priestess, and you couldn’t even see what your boyfriend really was.

Azara, Tarek scolded. Azara stopped talking and looked defiantly over her shoulder at her brother. He held her stare until she looked away, focusing on the wall again.

Lena nodded. She’s right; I should have known something was off. Why else would a soldier have been so interested in a servant. She started examining the walls perimeter. He didn’t know who I was either.  He was using me to get to Gideon.

Gideon is the child of the Priestess, Azara said. That title, in and of itself, holds much power. More power than a silly prophecy.

Lena heard Gideon take a deep breath behind her.  She turned to look at him. His face was red with anger he clenched his fists in the cuffs above his head. If you think being her child benefits me in any way, then you, and the Cimmerians, are misinformed, Gideon said. As Lena can verify, my mother cares very little for me.

Azara turned a jealous gaze to Lena before letting it fall back to the empty spot on the wall in front of her. 

Gideon continued. And before you blame anyone but yourself, remember, I told you to stay away, Azara. Mir is not safe. Still, you chose to come. Don’t blame Lena for your misfortune.

Azara turned to Gideon and pursed her lips. I don’t blame your precious Evangeline for anything. I blame  you, Captain. She spat the words out and turned away from him. You received training at the best military academy our worlds have to offer, and you let your childhood crush on a servant cloud your vision.

Lena turned to look. Gideon just stared at Azara. Lena knew he probably had a million responses to her jibe, but he just shook his head. I’m not fighting with you over this, again, Azara. He looked away from her, and Lena noticed a slight coloring to what she could see of Azara’s cheeks. Azara turned back towards the wall. Lena’s eyes bounced back and forth between them before looking over her other shoulder to Tarek. Tarek shook his head in exasperation.

Well did you at least find out where Myri and Druinn are? Azara asked.

I didn’t ask, Gideon snapped back. I was too busy listening to them tell me I was going to help them overthrow my mother the Priestess. He paused But I think Myri and Druinn got away. I’ve been thinking about them, and I didn’t see them when the Cimmerians surrounded us. It’s my guess that they hid, then escaped.

I’ve come to the same conclusion, Tarek said. I’m confident they escaped.

They stayed silent for a moment before Azara started talking again. Well, do you at least know what the Cimmerians plans are? Are they leading a rebellion from this ship or do they have headquarters somewhere they’ll take you to? 

They’re probably waiting till they can sneak Lena and Gideon off the planet, Tarek answered. His voice sounded calm and collected. Lena wondered if he felt that way inside. The Cimmerians are citizens of Mir, but most now live on other worlds.

What do you mean? Lena asked.

They fled Mir before the Priestess attacked Everleigh. They knew they would not win against her, so they went into hiding. My guess is they have headquarters on one of those worlds or a space ship, Tarek explained.

Then why haven’t we left to their headquarters? Lena asked.

Mir’s atmosphere is monitored. It doesn’t sustain itself. Anyone entering or exiting the atmosphere must follow certain procedures and protocol. Usually, the only place to exit legally is through The Port. The Cimmerians must have arranged some way to bypass the protocol.

So we just hang here until then? Lena asked. 

You’ll hang here until then, Azara said. It won’t be long until they release Tarek and me. It’s Gideon and yourself you’ve got to worry about.

What makes you think they’re going to release you, Lena replied looking to Azara.

Azara raised her eyebrows. Once they find out who our father is, they’ll release us, Azara assured. 

Really? Lena raised her eyebrows back and turned her head further to look at Gideon. He nodded in confirmation. He still looked tense from his conversation with Azara. 

Lena, what Azara says is correct, Tarek explained. They will release Azara and me.  They will send us to our consulate at The Port.

It’s there we will attempt to negotiate for both of your releases, Azara said.

Nobody will negotiate for us, Gideon said. Unless they’re just as greedy as the Cimmerians are. The only people who would stick their heads out for us are the same ones who would use us to overthrow the current leader of Mir.

Azara tightened her jaw. It was evident she didn’t like Gideon correcting her. Unless you can come up with some reasonable way to secure your release, we’re going to have to use our political channels, Azara said.

There is no reasonable way, Azara, Gideon practically yelled. If we’re freed I can guarantee it will be by the most unreasonable way possible.

Once again Azara and Gideon were locked in a stare. Both of their unspoken wills trying to outdo the other’s.

We’ll be sent to the Allayan consulate at The Port, Tarek said breaking Azara and Gideon’s unspoken battle.The Cimmerians are going to try and sneak off Mir with you and Gideon. You need to find a way to escape before then. Meet us at The Port. And we’ll leave Mir, together.

Lena turned towards Tarek. Tarek gave her a look of confidence. Immediately her mind started problem-solving. How long do I have until the Cimmerians leave the planet?

You act like it’s going to be easy,  Azara snapped.

At least, she’s acting, Gideon said. Instead of waiting for her dad’s title to save her.

Lena interrupted the argument. I just need to know what I’m working against. How much time do we have?"

The door in front of her opened. Jonah stood in the middle of the opening, his arms hanging casually from the door’s rim. He surveyed Lena standing opposite him.

Sorry to be disturbing your little lover’s spat, Jonah said with a smirk. Though Azara is right, you know. Jonah moved to Lena’s right to look around her to where Gideon hung. Lena did cloud your vision. He turned to Azara. And you do have something to worry about. It’s obvious your boyfriend is in love with someone else. Azara flushed, and Gideon reddened in anger. Do you really think you’re not being monitored. Jonah looked towards the ceiling where a small camera hung.

Release the brother and sister, Jonah commanded. The cuffs released, and Azara crumpled to the ground letting out a small shriek as she fell. Tarek caught his footing, as his arms fell limp to his sides. Wincing, he stepped to Azara and knelt at her side.  Two guards walked up beside them. Grabbing them by the arm, they pulled the siblings up.

Apparently, the General doesn’t want your father as an enemy, Jonah said to the siblings. The Allayan consulate awaits your arrival. Azara now stood on her own. Shaking away her guards, she gave them such a look that made them melt under her stare. She walked herself into the hallway.

Tarek looked back towards where Lena hung. In one quick step, he was next to Lena, whispering furiously in her ear. Two days, he whispered. My guess is you have two days to free yourselves. The guards yanked his arms, pulling him out the door.

Chapter Three

Take the Captain to Carina, Jonah said. He released Gideon’s cuffs. Two Cimmerian guards pulled him to his feet then pushed him around Lena and into the hallway.  Gideon turned towards Lena, his face relaxed and he smiled, but Lena could see the worry in his eyes.

Jonah stepped between them, causing Lena to refocus her eyes.  He didn’t wear a uniform like the other Cimmerian guards. He wore black pants with a black sweater that hugged his form. A gun sat on his hip in a holster along with an electric rod.

So, should I congratulate you on a job well done? Lena said still hanging from her cuffs. The girl of the prophecy and the son of the priestess. However did you do it? Lena hoped Jonah would pick up on the sarcasm.

I’m good at my job, Lena. Anyone paying attention could have seen Gideon’s interest in you from day one. He watched you more than a Captain should observe a servant. I knew if I got close to you, I’d get close to him.

And what’s your job now? To recruit me to the Cimmerians? Lena asked.

Jonah smiled. Do you really want to go hide on another planet for your whole life? You know Gideon can’t see your real potential. Otherwise, he’d be keeping you here. Not trying to hide you on an unknown planet.

It’s better than being held prisoner, Lena said.

Lena, I know you don’t want to leave Mir and fighting is in your blood. Look at what you can do for the Cimmerians. For Mir.

So, I was right. You are trying to recruit me.

Of course I am. You are the daughter of General Marcus Adhara. He was the Priestess’ biggest threat to her conquering Mir. Now you’re all grown up. The offspring of her greatest threat to power. If you joined us, you could take it back.

Lena scoffed. You’re dreaming if you think that.

People will look to you, Lena. The ones disenchanted with the Priestess. They wait for word of your survival from Everleigh. They know you’re alive. They’ll look to you. To the Cimmerians.

But what will the Cimmerians do for Mir, Jonah? I’ve read about the Cimmerians. They want to set up a government-run world where they tell people what and what not to do. Where they decide who’s privileged and who’s not. Where they choose where you work and what you’re good enough to do or not do.

Is that so bad? Jonah asked.

It’s not what Mir was built for, Lena responded. Mir was constructed for the advancement of the human race. It was created for peace and prosperity. Happiness and equality. Where we’d help each other. Where we’d find our talents and use them to benefit not only our world but all worlds. That is the only Mir I will fight for.

Jonah smirked and looked away. You’re an idealist, Lena.

Not an idealist. I believe in Mir. The true Mir. The Mir that stood for hundreds of years.

The Mir that was overrun by the promises of that woman.

We’ll learn from our mistake.

No one is going to learn anything while the Priestess is in control. Lena bit her bottom lip and glared at Jonah as he continued talking. If you join the Cimmerians, you’ll have an army behind you. You can help the Cimmerians destroy the Priestess. That’s what the prophecy says, isn’t it? That you will be the one to overthrow her?

Lena cringed. She didn’t know what to think about the prophecy, or if it was about her or not. She hadn’t even had time to think about it that