“I’m afraid that’s our most forbidden secret. It is only shared with the successor and no one else. Only past Keepers know about the process.”
“I understand you keep some of your blood in Sonya for the sake of staying alive. If she lives, you can never die. But if your blood is so sacred, then why is it not enough on its own?”
“The Keeper of Time has always been a God-on-Earth, if you will. I don’t know how it was discovered to maintain invincibility.”
“And you know where Sonya is? I’ve been thinking of potential missions for the Liberation to focus on, and thought that helping with the Sonya matter could be a good way to get our feet wet.”
“I know what year she is in, but not where,” Chris lied, seeing the writing on the wall for Thaddeus. Any more questions about their biggest secrets, and he might have to slit the man’s throat and walk out. “I keep tabs on her health for my own sake. She’s doing just fine wherever she is.”
“I get the feeling you’re lying to me,” Thaddeus said, his face stony as he glared across the table.
“And I feel you’re prodding for information you don’t need. What is it you really want with Sonya?”
Thaddeus tossed his hands up. “Look, Chris, we’re just looking for ways to help. We’re all grateful for the opportunity you’ve given to let us govern ourselves. Aside from figuring out those details, we’re just looking for things to do.”
“I see. I’m looking to build a new headquarters after this war is over. I’d also like help finding the other Warm Souls who live in other parts of the world. If we can find even one, then we’ll have a leg up when Martin tries to make his move.” Chris really wanted to see if he could send the Liberation out of the continent. If Thaddeus agreed to the offer, then Chris could dismiss Duane’s absurd theory. But if he refused to leave, then what exactly might that prove?
“We’d love to work with you on the headquarters—we’re looking to build one ourselves in a different location. I don’t know about sending any Liberators across the ocean to hunt for Warm Souls. I’m not willing to lose any of our already small forces.”
“But you just told me you’re looking for something to do. This would be a huge step for both of us. Imagine a world with no Road Runners. The Liberation and Revolution could team up in peace and do as we please. That will never be possible unless I gain access to a Warm Soul.”
“I understand, but I don’t think we have the resources for that—we need to keep our advantage here on home turf. We’d love to help with this battle against Briar. Let us do so by protecting Sonya—just tell us the year and we’ll track her down.”
Chris closed his eyes and leaned his head back.
“I’m currently searching for a new number two,” Chris said, dismissing Thad’s request. “I’ve toyed with the idea of asking you. What are your thoughts on such a role?”
Chris knew this question would determine plenty. If Thaddeus really wanted to overthrow the Revolution, he’d have to reject the offer based on the terms laid out by Chris.
“How would that work?” Thad asked, Chris sitting forward with a grin, pulling all the strings in this mental chess battle. “I can’t possibly be the number two in the Revolution and serve as the leader for the Liberation. I would be spread too thin.”
“Of course not,” Chris said. “I’m talking about a merger—”
“You guaranteed the Liberation an existence of peace to operate on our own.”
Chris raised a gentle hand. “Simmer down, we’re only having a discussion. I’m not suggesting the Liberation sacrifice their status and become Revolters. A merger would see our two organizations operate under the same umbrella. You would still be the Liberation, and as the number two in the Revolution, you could either continue to lead your particular subsidiary, or choose whoever you’d like to do so.”
“So it’s a demotion for me?”
Chris grinned. “That’s a funny way of looking at it. I see it as a promotion. You’d be retaining your same role, with additional responsibilities, perhaps. But you’d have complete access to the entire Revolution’s resources: our funds, soldiers, equipment, you name it. And I’d leave you free to do as you please, just ask Duane if you need any confirmation. I can’t recall a time I ever rejected a proposal he wanted.”
Thaddeus sunk back into the booth, fingers brushing over his chin as he entered deep thought. “I don’t know. That’s a big decision.”
“I’m not asking you to commit to anything right now—hell, I don’t even expect you to accept the offer. Just thought I’d throw it out there.”
“Has anything like this been done before?”
“Not to my knowledge. Every time a group has branched off from the Revolution it’s because they hated us and wanted to retaliate. But you branched off from the Road Runners. My enemy’s enemy is my friend, and that’s how I view the Liberation.”
“And we feel the same, but I can’t lie, Chris, I don’t think I’m ready to give up my role. I’d love to keep working alongside the Revolution, but I want to see if we can make it on our own—with your guidance, but not necessarily your help, if that makes sense.”
“How ambitious,” Chris said. “But I understand and can’t blame you. You’re in that unique position of being able to operate without the constant threat of me wiping you off the planet, unlike the Road Runners. You still have my full support in whatever you need.” Chris checked his watch. “I should probably get back—I’ve got lots to prepare for the coming days, which I suspect will be bloody.”
Thaddeus stood, much taller than Chris as he towered over the Keeper. “I wish you the best. I’m sure it won’t be easy, but you’ll come out
