by Amy DuBoff
A tingle ran through Wil’s arm as he sensed Saera’s presence through the ship. He telekinetically reached out to her, and the ship automatically entwined their energies. It’s effortless.
“Do you approve?” Taelis said from behind.
Startled, Wil and Saera let go of their respective handholds. “Yes, very much so,” Wil replied.
“I see you’ve discovered the telekinetic link in the central podiums,” Taelis continued. “The consoles up front have it, as well.”
“Yes. I’ve never felt anything like it.” What will I be able to do with such a link?
Taelis nodded. “That’s what took the engineering team so long to work out. We knew that you would need an anchor during simultaneous observation. It will need to be calibrated to you and your Seconds, but our hope is that you will be able to project your vision of the activities in both dimensional planes on the viewscreen.”
The Bakzen’s movements in real-time for everyone to see. “I had never thought about serving as a visual conduit. I suppose it could work. I’d need to play around with it.”
“We’ve never been able to properly test it, of course, since you’re the only one with the ability. The biofeedback systems for mental visualization have passed all field tests, though, so it’s just a matter of the spatial translation between the rift and normal space. None of our computers have been able to reconcile those inputs.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” It very well may be possible. And more. “Is there an assigned crew yet?”
“No,” Taelis replied. “I can provide recommendations for some engineers and tactical officers, but the crew is fully at your discretion.”
“Excellent. I’ll review your nominations.” Wil felt the pull of the ship. “Unless you have other quarters in mind, I’ll stay here with my men.”
“That was our intent.”
Now, we have more pressing matters to discuss. “Saera, will you get the Primus Elites oriented here while the High Commander briefs me on the latest developments with the Bakzen?”
She nodded, a bit reluctantly. “Will do.”
Wil turned to Taelis. “I’m at your disposal. Let’s get started.”
CHAPTER 5
Saera watched Wil depart with the weathered High Commander. It was unnerving to see the leader of H2 so drained and disheartened. I can only imagine what he’s been through over the years. Anyone would get worn down eventually. I hope I can keep Wil from feeling that way.
Though she wouldn’t admit it aloud, Saera wished she were attending the briefing with Wil. She knew the lack of invitation wasn’t meant personally, or as a means to sideline her, but it was uncomfortable to be left out of the action. Even harder to admit, part of her felt like if she were away from Wil, he would somehow be lost to her. His words from early in their relationship had always gnawed at the back of her mind over the years—that winning the war might take everything he had to give, and he might not make it through alive. She wasn’t sure Wil remembered that admission, but she had taken it upon herself to make sure it didn’t come to that. While she felt always being by his side was the best way to fulfill her silent promise, she would be there for her partner in any way he needed. Right now, that means taking care of his closest friends.
Saera wandered over to the consoles at the front of the Command Center. She was well versed in TSS crafts after so much time helping Wil with spec reviews, and the Conquest appeared to follow conventional design principles, despite the flashier finishes. It only took her a few moments to locate the communications system. She was just about to activate a comm channel to the Vanquish when she sensed a presence behind her.
“Be careful with that,” a male voice warned.
Saera spun around to see a man dressed in a gray work jumpsuit, perhaps in his late-thirties. She didn’t detect strong telekinetic ability from him, so he was likely Militia division. No rank was visible on his outfit. “I know my way around ships.”
“This one happens to be very sensitive,” the man countered.
Rather brazen, talking to an Agent that way. “I’ll be spending a lot of time here, I imagine. I need to become acquainted.”
The man frowned. “A crew hasn’t been decided.”
“Well, it has a captain. Given that he’s my husband, I’m pretty sure I’ll be assigned.”
The man was silent for a moment, connecting the dots. He looked Saera over. Then, there was a spark of recognition. “Are you Agent Alexander?”
“Yes.”
“Where is Agent Sietinen?”
“He went for a briefing with the High Commander. You just missed him.”
His eyes narrowed. “Why are you still here?”
I could ask you the same thing. “I have been tasked with getting the Primus Elites settled on the ship. It seems you’re a little short on quarters, so we’ll be staying here.”
“All the quarters are on the lower levels.”
“I figured as much.” It was becoming difficult for Saera to hide her irritation. She took a slow breath. “I was about to send a message to the Vanquish so they could begin shuttling the Primus Elites over here.”
“Why were you using the ship’s communications?”
That’s enough. Saera crossed her arms. “Why the barrage of questions? Who are you?”
“My name is Aram Laensir. I helped design the Conquest.”
“Well, Aram, it’s a very nice ship. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some logistics to manage.” She turned back to the front console with the communications controls.
“Wait.”
Saera looked back at him expectantly.
“I was supposed to give Agent Sietinen and his team an orientation. I guess I should just start with you,” Aram said, looking a little apologetic for his initial behavior.
“All right, go ahead.”
Aram nodded. “Okay. The Conquest follows the basic prototype for the cruiser-class TSS ships, as you probably noticed.”
“Yes.”
“The interior layout and overall structure are the same, with some cosmetic modifications. The internal systems, however, are quite unique. The main feature is the telekinetic interface.”
“These podiums in the middle.” Saera stepped up onto the center platform.
“That is the primary interface, yes, along with the front consoles. From here, an Agent can connect to any system in the ship.”
Any system? “Even navigation? Weapons?”
“Based on the early sketches we were working from, that was the whole point.”
So, Wil designed a giant amplifier for his abilities. This isn’t just for simultaneous observation—it’s weaponized telekinesis. Saera felt a sudden pang in her chest. All this time I’ve been thinking of Wil as a leader and strategist, but if he designed something like this ship… he sees himself as a living weapon. Is this what has always weighed so heavily on him? Why wouldn’t he talk to me about it?
Aram cocked his head. “Did you want me to continue?”
Saera returned from her thoughts. “Yes, please.”
“You may have noticed the band around the exterior perimeter of the ship. That’s the relay for the telekinetic input. It focuses the telekinetic energy from any of the access points throughout the ship. It can support the shield generator, or even the jump drive.”
“Spatial dislocation?”
“In theory. We haven’t been able to test it—none of the Agents working on the project were a high enough CR to even make an attempt.”
Only Wil is powerful enough to dislocate a vessel this size. Maybe some of the Primus Elites could dislocate a jet, but nothing like this. “I guess we’ll have to test it out, then.”
“I’d love to have the chance to observe, when you do,” Aram said. There was a hunger in his gaze.
Saera examined him. “I find it interesting that you were working on a project with such focus on telekinetic interface, given that you aren’t an Agent.”
Aram’s face darkened. �
��I can’t help that I was born without such abilities.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”
Aram walked over to the console at the front left of the Control Center. “You were about to send a communication, right?”
“Yes. Was there anything else you’d like to tell me about the ship?”
“It can wait. I’ll just have to go over it with Agent Sietinen again.” Aram accessed the communications menu on the console and made some inputs. “Which ship was it you wanted to contact?”
“The Vanquish.”
Aram made some additional inputs. “The comm channel is ready for you to initiate.”
“Thank you.”
Aram headed for the door.
I don’t think this guy likes me… “Thank you for the overview. Knowing about those features is helpful.”
“Sure.” Aram left without so much as a glance.
Saera shrugged off the strange meeting. Can’t please everyone. She initiated the communication to the Vanquish.
After a moment, a rectangular video feed appeared on the front of the room’s domed ceiling, displaying the Vanquish’s Command Center. Cris and Kate were in the center chairs. They seemed surprised to see Saera.
“Hi,” Cris said. “Where are you? CACI couldn’t identify the source of the call, only that it was TSS.”
Saera held out her arms to either side. “This is the Conquest. It’s brand new and very fancy.”
Cris smiled back. “Clearly. That’s an interesting setup for the Command Center.”
“Wait until you see what it can do.” It’s impressive, even if it is terrifying.
“I bet. So, what can we do for you?” Cris asked.
“Wil requested that I get the Primus Elites settled in on the Conquest. Can you send them over on some shuttles?”
“Of course. Anything else?”
“Not at the moment. Wil is getting briefed by Taelis right now.”
Cris’ expression turned serious. “Okay. I’ll tell the Primus Elites.”
“Thanks. See you soon, I’m sure.”
Cris nodded. “Talk soon.”
Saera ended the transmission. Now to find the hangar.
True to Aram’s word, the interior layout of the Conquest was identical to other TSS cruisers Saera had toured. She made her way slowly, taking in the design details of the ship. It lacked some of the finer finishes found on the Vanquish and other vessels intended for longer-duration missions, but it was aesthetically pleasing and had just enough artwork and padded seating to echo the comforts of home.
As Saera passed by the corridor leading to Engineering, she noticed a slim woman with a light brown braid studying a control panel down the hall. If she wasn’t mistaken, it was H2’s Lead Engineer, Deena Laecy. “Deena, right?” Saera called out with a wave of her hand.
The engineer was caught by surprise. “Everyone calls me by my last name, Laecy. Have we met?”
“No, I recognized you from your personnel file. I’m Wil’s wife, Saera.”
Laecy’s brown eyes sparked with recognition. “Of course! Sorry, I’m bad with faces. Is Wil here?”
“He’s meeting with Taelis now. I’m on my way to meet the Primus Elites and get them settled in.”
“I guess that shouldn’t be a problem…” Laecy murmured.
“What do you mean?” Saera asked.
“Well, I have system reports for the Conquest routed to my handheld, since we’re still in testing,” Laecy replied. “I’m checking out some strange heat readings in some of the wiring conduits.”
“Did you find the cause?”
The engineer frowned. “No. The temperatures have returned to normal operating parameters, and there’s no record of overheating in the ship’s logs.”
Tampering? Saera came to full attention. “Who has access to the Conquest now?”
“A couple of my engineers are down in Engineering so the ship isn’t completely unattended, but otherwise it’s just us.”
“What are those engineers’ names?” Saera asked.
“Nolan and Becca. Why?”
Saera’s stomach knotted. “What about Aram Laensir?”
“Aram? No, he’s working back in the lab.”
“Well, he stopped by when I was in the Command Center a few minutes ago.”
Laecy crossed her arms. “He shouldn’t have been up there without a senior engineer. He’s apprenticing in bioelectric engineering, working on the telekinetic interface with the ship.”
Trespassing and mysterious performance readings was a concerning combination. “How long have you known him?”
“He’s bounced around to a few different positions over the past three years or so. He used to be a pilot.”
Saera tilted her head. “He’s not an Agent.”
“Many of our pilots here aren’t.”
“Why the career change?”
The engineer slumped. “There was an accident. His squad landed in the H2 hanger and there was an explosion. Killed one of my best friends. A few of the pilots were never the same afterward, him included.”
Saera took a step toward the nearest access terminal on the wall. “What was the cause of the explosion?”
“A Bakzen weapon. Silver goop stuff—we call it Detno. We’ve only ever seen it out on the battlefield before and since then. Normally it detonates on impact, but this one didn’t go off until the jet was back at H2. Never did identify what triggered it.” Laecy’s brow knit. “Why?”
“Time to reopen the investigation.” Saera activated the terminal and navigated toward the internship communication system.
Laecy’s eyes widened with shock. “You don’t think Aram…?”
“Two strange circumstances and one person present for both. I’m not taking any chances around Wil.”
“Becca and Nolan were present for both, for that matter,” Laecy countered.
Saera brought up the Vanquish on the comm menu. “Then we’ll question all of you.” The call connected after a moment. “Cris, hold off on sending the Primus Elites over. We have a situation.”
* * *
Wil surveyed the War Room. It was completely interior to the Headquarters structure, with no windows. An oblong touch-surface table with polished metal legs was in the middle of the room, equipped with a holographic projector and surrounded by a dozen chairs upholstered in dark blue fabric with a slightly iridescent sheen.
Five officers sat around the table. All of them had been at Wil’s hasty welcome from the transport shuttle.
Taelis took a seat near the middle of the table and gestured for Wil to sit at the head by the door.
“What did you think of the Conquest?” Ramsen, the Lead Agent, asked.
“It’s perfect,” Wil replied. “I can’t wait to perform a detailed inspection.”
The officers nodded with satisfaction. They then looked between Taelis and Wil, not sure who was going to take the lead.
Wil broke the uncomfortable silence. “I know it’s strange, finally having me here.” No one said anything, but a couple people looked down at the smooth tabletop. “The last time you saw me, I was still more or less a kid. I hope I made a decent impression on you, but I was totally out of my depth. I’ve learned a lot since then. I know what you need from me, and I’m here to lead.”
Taelis relaxed into his chair. “Good.”
“Now, tell me everything.”
A grimace passed across Taelis’ face. “Where to begin?”
Wil folded his hands on the tabletop. “For starters, what’s the state of the TSS fleet?”
“We have the numbers we hoped to have for you, but the fleet isn’t positioned well at the moment. We have far too many ships bunched up here around H2.” Taelis activated the holographic projector at the center of the table. “Here’s a schematic of our current positions.”
Wil studied the map. Red dots indicated offensive vessels, such as cruisers and battleships, green were supply carriers, and blue were field medical station
s. Most of the red dots were either at the frontlines or clustered around H2 and the nearby planets. “Do all of these represent vessels only within the rift?”
“Yes, since we lost Kaldern, we have barely any ships subscribed in normal space aside from a few remaining planetary outposts,” Ramsen replied.
“Why?”
“The Bakzen typically like to fight battles in the rift because of the telekinetic benefits,” Taelis clarified.
They can strike us on either front. We need to cover both. “High Commander Banks indicated that you are at the limits of production—that what we have now is all there is to work with.”
“More or less,” Ramsen responded.
“We can activate ships that are standing guard near some of the populated planets,” Taelis added, “but doing so would leave the worlds exposed. It’d be a last resort.”
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. “What about supplies for the crews—food?”
“We’re fully stocked,” said a man in his late-thirties, whom Wil recalled was Simon Elari, the Agent responsible for fleet supply management. “We have almost a year’s supply, if we were to be cut off from the main Taran distribution network.”
At least there’s some good news. “Okay. How about the Bakzen fleet? What do we know about their numbers and capabilities?”
Taelis shook his head. “They can hit us fast and hard. No one has seen too far into Bakzen territory since your encounter with them nearly a decade ago. Based on everything we’ve been able to see, it’s going to come down to a numbers game—which one of our fleets can deliver the most damage, the quickest, before our supplies run out. At the rate things are going, we’re in a bad position. We know you’ll change that.
“We have run as many simulations as we can, and all indicators are that the TSS needs to make a big move first, before the Bakzen can make theirs. And the sooner, the better. Though the Bakzen have largely been keeping to this side of the dimensional rift and have stayed close to the planet that they claimed as their homeworld, they have recently started venturing to the outer reaches of the rift. Those explorations seem to be expanding. We know that the Bakzen have ramped up production, but we don’t know of what exactly. They have taken over some worlds that are rich in metal ores and minerals. Our greatest fear is that they have been manufacturing additional rift gates—or worse, ships with standalone jump drive functionality—and that they are gearing up for an all-out assault. Best we can tell, the Bakzen are positioning for a single invasion campaign.”