Read Epic: Book 03 - Hero for Free Online

Nharassel,” Archer said in English, stepping inside. He read the documentation in his hand. “According to this, you are a ‘well-informed supervisor,’ captured seven months ago in South America.”
    The scientist watched from outside the cell. Archer turned to him. “I’d like total privacy, please. Unguarded.”
    “ Unguarded, Judge Archer? Are you sure?”
    “ What’s he going to do, bump me to death? In seven months, he’s lost muscles he never even knew he had. I believe I can manage.”
    The scientist stepped away from the entrance. Moments later, the cell door was closed.
    Archer’s focus returned to the alien. “Seven months ago. That’s quite some time, isn’t it? You’ve probably forgotten what it’s like to breathe natural air.”
    The Bakma stared in a lack of understanding.
    “ But what’s truly amazing is that in seven months, you’ve given us nothing. Nothing .” Archer was more fascinated than upset. “I find that absolutely astounding. Don’t you?”
    He continued. “According to this, we’ve tried taking away your dignity, only to learn that you had none to lose. We’ve tried depriving you of substance, only to discover that it’s what you’re accustomed to.” He leaned closer. “We’ve even tried torture. Sensory deprivation, mock executions, public humiliation. Incessant ringing in your ears. And you’ve given us nothing. Now, isn’t that absolutely mysterious?”
    He placed his documentation down. “Everyone thinks you’re loyal to your cause. They have no idea who you are.”
    Suddenly, Archer’s language changed. It was no longer English—or human. Archer spoke full Bakmanese. “They don’t understand that you’re waiting for the Khuladi.”
    The Bakma’s pupils dilated with awareness.
    “ I am your friend, Nharassel,” Archer went on. “I am your friend, but not because I speak your tongue. I am your friend, because I know the truth.”
    The alien rose.
    “ You want to be rescued. You think that means freedom, but you’re wrong. I can make you truly free. I can give you freedom you’ve never known. I can give you life . You will be taken away by the Golathoch. They will hail you as a hero of the galaxy. All you need to do is tell me one thing.”
    For the first time, Nharassel spoke. His alien language was distinct and clear. “Who are the Golathoch to you?”
    “ They are our means to survive—you and me both,” Archer answered. “But like myself, there are things even they do not know.”
    “ What covenant does your species have with them?”
    “ My species has no covenant.” He took a step closer. “But I do.”
    For several seconds, Nharassel was silent. Then his eyes shrunk to slits. “You corrupt your own blood.”
    “ I preserve it.”
    The Bakma fell quiet. The arches on its forehead furrowed and it drew in a long, rasping breath. “How do I know you can be trusted?”
    “ I gain no advantage from deception,” Archer answered. “The truth is, you have two choices. You find freedom as a hero of the galaxy, or you die as a prisoner of war, loyal to a cause that you hate. The choice to assist is yours alone. If you decline, I will walk into the cell next to yours and offer the next Bakma the very same thing. And when he accepts, he will taste a freedom you cannot comprehend.”
    The Bakma looked tempted. He studied Archer with a contemplative gaze. When temptation won, the deal was in place. “What information do you require?”
    There was no hesitation. There was no moment of triumph, nor offer of a genuine smile. Judge Archer asked the question immediately.
    “ How much time do we have?”

    The scientist met Archer as soon as the judge left the cell. “Did you have any success?”
    Archer shook his head. “No, unfortunately. He was fully uncooperative, as indicated beforehand. I should have listened to you.”
    “ My apologies, judge.”
    “ It’s not your fault,” Archer said. “You warned me. We’ll keep him around for a