by Amy DuBoff
When she arrived, all of her Primus and Sacon roommates were gathered in the common room around the main viewscreen examining a list of names and numbers. Everyone looked at her as she closed the door behind her.
“You made the Top 10,” Leila stated.
“Top 10 what?” Saera asked.
“Trainees, based on test scores and grades,” Elise clarified. “You’re Number 8.”
I didn’t even know they did that. “Nice.”
Leila scoffed in disgust and stomped into their bedroom with crossed arms.
“She was Number 16,” Nadeen said. “She’s just jealous.”
Based on the faces of the other girls in the room, Leila wasn’t the only one jealous of her. “I wasn’t trying to upstage anyone.”
“Don’t apologize,” Elise said. “Be proud of yourself.”
Though Saera hadn’t known about the leaderboard, the development was too great of an opportunity for her to not embrace. With that kind of ranking, maybe Primus Command was actually within her reach. If she could accomplish that, she could do anything—a challenge she readily accepted. This was my chance to start over and be my best.
She looked around the room. “I’ll make it to Number 1.”
CHAPTER 12
Wil held in a yawn as he opened the door to the study room. A late return home had left him dragging all day. Knowing he had a study session with Saera in the evening had been just enough to keep him going.
Inside the room, Saera perked up the moment she saw him. “Hey! How was your trip?”
Wil eased into his usual chair across the table from her. “I guess it went well enough. Mostly it was boring, but also a little infuriating.”
“That sounds like a terrible combination.”
“It was.” Wil sighed. “I feel like I can’t win, no matter what I do.” Even demanding a two-year term, the Priesthood will still find a way to use and control the technology, just like they manipulated me.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Saera offered.
I wish I could. “No, it’s okay. Let’s get back to it. How did you fare without me?”
“Pretty well with this stuff, I think. But I definitely missed our freefall session.”
Wil smiled. “Now we can get back to our normal routine.”
“You’re sure this still works for you? I know you’re busy—”
Wil looked her square in the eye. “Saera, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. In fact, these tutoring sessions are the only parts of the week I look forward to.”
She smiled. “Okay.”
“Now, where did you leave off?”
* * *
Cris felt an instant surge of energy as the stim strip dissolved on his tongue. He hadn’t slept well, even after returning home two days before. Any contact with the Priesthood always left him angry, and it was draining to pretend like everything was fine. They killed my brother. They tried to kill me. They’ve manipulated our whole lives. And I had to sit across the table from them and talk business like they’re civilized. He felt like running a few laps around the track, but he was already getting too late of a start to the day.
Still dragging, he made his way to the High Commander’s office for his weekly morning briefing with Banks.
The High Commander was reviewing a report projected from his desktop when Cris entered. “How did it go?” he asked as he minimized the report.
“Well, I think.” Cris sat down in one of the visitor’s chairs across from Banks. “We have some initial terms documented, but nothing will be finalized until Wil completes the model of the jump drive interface.”
“Taelis and I are anxious for production to begin.”
Cris nodded. “You’ll have it soon. Wil’s been working on it almost nonstop.”
“Taelis’ plan didn’t save him from any extra hours,” Banks said with a frown.
“No, but it did keep the Priesthood from getting complete control.” And that was entirely worthwhile.
The High Commander eyed him. “I’m not sure if Taelis cares about that as much as you do.”
“Regardless, I hate to think what the Priesthood would have done, having complete authority. They wanted ten years of exclusivity as it was.”
“Did you grant it?” Banks asked.
“Fok no! We held firm at two.”
Banks steepled his fingers. “And what about after that? Bring it to SiNavTech?”
Cris shrugged. “Maybe. But the intent of the shorter term was just to keep leverage over the Priesthood.”
“The TSS needs that technology.”
“And they’ll have it,” Cris assured. “Wil knows it’s needed for the war. The licensing is all about making sure he has what he needs—use by the Priesthood beyond war applications is where we draw the line.”
Banks frowned. “You need to be careful, Cris. The Priesthood doesn’t like to have enemies.”
“You report to them, but I know you don’t blindly follow.”
“Still, this isn’t the time to make a move against them.”
“No, but I’m always at the ready.” Cris paused and examined Banks. “Have you ever been to their island?”
“Once, a long time ago.”
“It’s not like I expected.”
Banks tilted his head. “What did you think it’d be?”
“I’m not sure exactly. But, more… ‘administrative,’ I guess. Instead, it felt like a monastery.”
“The Priesthood did begin as a theological institution, remember.”
“Right, but it’s been a thousand years since it began governing. I’d think the culture would have shifted quite a bit since then.”
Banks steepled his fingers. “Many in the Priesthood still hold firm to the core ideals.”
“Even so, it just didn’t fit. We barely saw any people there—and certainly no one that looked like a government official.”
“I’m sure you only saw a fraction of the facility.”
Why is he still hiding things from me? “Banks, what do you know about them?”
“Enough that I know better than to dig too deep.”
Cris crossed his arms. “Why weren’t there any women?”
Banks was caught off-guard. “What?”
“Of the few people we did see, none were women. That doesn’t seem strange to you?”
“It is, certainly,” Banks said, choosing his words carefully. “I’m sure there are some, perhaps elsewhere. It’s a large island.”
Cris groaned. “You’re never going to be completely transparent with me, are you?”
“Not until I need to be.”
Cris shook his head. I can’t truly trust him, even when he claims to be my friend.
“I’ll tell you this, though,” Banks continued. “You’re in a position to do something that no one else can. Wait until the time is right.”
Is he actually on my side? “And what is it that needs to be done?”
“You already know. When that time comes, you won’t need to question my allegiance.”
“So until then, we need to play our parts?”
Banks nodded.
Cris let out a slow breath. Patience… I never was good with waiting.
* * *
Wil completed his lap around the Primus residential wing, panting for breath. It felt good to run after a full day working at his computer.
As he started his cool-down walk, he saw his father approaching.
“Hey,” Cris greeted.
Wil gave him a little wave. “Hey.”
Cris fell into step with him. “I heard those representatives wanted to come from Tararia to finalize the licensing terms.”
Wil groaned and sighed. “I was really hoping we’d be able to finalize everything over email.”
“We’re never that lucky.”
“At least it won’t be for several months,” Wil said. “I need to finish all of the prototype schematics.”
Cris nodded. “The work is never-ending.”
“Tell me about it.” Wil sighed.
“How are things going otherwise?”
“Good.”
Cris gave him a quizzical look. “And you’re still tutoring Saera, right?”
Wil’s heart leaped and his face felt warmer. “Yeah, why?”
“No reason. I’m just glad it’s working out.”
Wil doubted his father didn’t have any ulterior motives behind the question. No reason to give him any fuel. “She’s very smart and capable.”
“I can see that.”
She’s also turned into a good friend. And she’s not bad to look at, either… “I think she wants to make a run at Primus Command.”
Cris nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad to hear it. I think she’d be a good fit.”
“I’ll do what I can to finish preparing her for the evaluation.”
“Excellent.” Cris looked Wil over again. “You seem happy.”
There it is. “I’m coping a little better, I guess.”
His father gave him a coy smile. “All right. Well, I’m glad to see it.”
Wil shot him a slide-long glance. “Anyway, I should get to my evening work.”
“Very well. Find some time to say ‘hi’ to your mother.”
Wil sighed. “I know, I know. I will.”
* * *
Something has definitely changed. Cris sat in his office reflecting on the conversation with his son. Wil’s entire demeanor was different. There was an excitement and sense of purpose in Wil that Cris hadn’t seen in over a year. He’s finding himself again.
The reason behind the change was not a mystery—his relationship with Saera. On the surface, Wil was just upholding their organization’s tradition of mentorship, much in the same way Scott had guided Cris when he first joined the TSS. Of course, the reason they had been drawn together was quite different. Saera was much more than a friend to Wil, even if he wouldn’t admit it yet. Wil may deny that he had any deeper feelings, but it didn’t take telepathy to know it was on his mind. I called that months ago, Cris thought with a smug smile. I’ve never been so pleased I was right.
There was, however, the matter of the relationship advancing beyond its current state. Especially once Wil was an Agent—all too soon—he would be held to a code that strictly forbade any fraternizing with TSS trainees outside of official business or mealtimes. I won’t let them keep her from him. He needs her.
Resolute, Cris strode down the hall to Banks’ office. Banks was studying a report displayed on the surface of his desk when Cris entered.
“Banks, we need a plan,” Cris said.
Banks closed the open work on his desktop. “Regarding what?”
Cris sat down in a chair across the desk from the High Commander. “Wil and Saera.”
“That Trainee he’s been tutoring?”
“Yes. I think it’s pretty obvious where things are heading.” And at any time now.
Banks sat back in his chair, genuinely surprised. “I didn’t realize they had gotten that close.”
“Neither had I. At first I was just relieved for Wil to have a friend, but seeing how happy he is now… I don’t see things staying as they are now for much longer.”
“Hmm.” Banks steepled his fingers. “This would be a major exception to the regulations.”
“I know, which is why I’m coming to you now.”
Banks examined Cris. “And you’re sure you’re okay with this?”
This goes beyond any Tararian pedigree. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Banks looked at the desktop. “The affairs of your Dynasty are none of my concern, forgive the intrusion.” He paused. “As for the TSS, there’s a lot to consider.”
“I didn’t say anything before, but I was there when they met for the first time,” Cris said. “There was an astounding resonance reaction. It made what I experienced with Kate seem like nothing.”
Banks’ eyebrows rose. “I had no idea.”
“So even if I was concerned with Tararian bloodlines, I could never deny him that kind of connection with someone.” That would make me even worse than my own parents. At least they never stood in my way when I said I wanted to be with Kate.
“That kind of bond presents an extraordinary opportunity. If we can train her as a Second…” Banks withdrew in thought.
So even love is a tool for war in Wil’s life? “She does have the potential, but I’m afraid the military application of their would-be relationship isn’t my top priority.”
“Of course. The emotional support means far more.”
Cris wasn’t convinced Banks really felt that way. “So, where do we go from here?”
“I will sanction a relationship between them if it comes to it. We’ll need to keep it confidential, of course.”
“Then let things unfold as they may.”
CHAPTER 13
Wil watched Saera complete her flight across the spatial awareness chamber and land deftly on her feet. As she touched down, she completed a somersault and pushed off the wall to return to her target spot next to Wil.
She landed lightly and grabbed the handhold. She grinned at him.
Wil smiled. “You’re a master.”
“Yeah, I know,” Saera replied with exaggerated smugness.
In the four months they had been training together, Saera had grown confident in the maneuvers that had once seemed far out of reach. Based on what she’d told Wil, the other students had actually started inviting her to be on their practice teams rather than finding any way to avoid a pairing. It pleased Wil to see her succeeding, both as a friend and because of the confirmation in his ability as an instructor.
“What’s next?” Saera asked.
“I’m running out of moves that don’t require telekinesis,” Wil admitted. The last several weeks had entailed lots of experimentation just to maintain the training momentum. However, he could only take it so far.
“I’m sick of waiting for these abilities to emerge. We’ve been practicing mental blocks with Agent Katz in preparation, but I’m only feeling the hum of energy so far, nothing tangible.”
“Be thankful it’s coming to you slowly,” Wil said. “I wasn’t so lucky.”
Saera scrutinized him. “I’m ready for it now.”
“You say that, but… I don’t know, I guess things may have been different for me if I hadn’t been so young. It was too much to take on at once.” It nearly killed me.
“How old were you?”
“Eleven.”
Saera’s brow furrowed. “I guess that is pretty young.”
“It just sort of hit me one day. Voices in my head, this oppressive hum of energy. I didn’t know how to block it out. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
“But you made it through.”
“I did.” And I’ve been a freak ever since.
“Well, I do hope it starts to come to me soon, but I’ll try be patient if it comes more gradually.”
Wil nodded. “Okay, well, in the meantime, I guess I can give you some prep on stances.”
“For what?”
“Basic levitation. Once you get proficient, there’s no need for any external gesture—you just think about something and it will happen. But when starting out, it’s easier to make some motions to go along with your visualization,” Wil explained.
“Okay.”
Wil let go of the wall and held out his arms, with one bent ninety degrees at the elbow and the other horizontal and slightly bent. “This is a good resting position for most exercises. Use your dominant hand like a baton, directing the object you’re trying to manipulate.”
“It doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to get very far without abilities.”
“Well, I can help you out. Come here.” Wil gestured for Saera to let go of the wall. He looked at one of the metal probes in the center of the chamber. “Say we want to bring that here.”
“All right…”
“You need to focus on it and command it to you. Wave it toward you with y
our hand,” Wil explained. He demonstrated the motion to Saera without the accompanied telekinetic output.
“Like this?” Saera mimed the gesture.
“Right, but with a little more conviction,” Wil said. “Here.” He moved over so he could put his arms around her to match her stance. He placed his hands over the back of hers and gripped her lightly. Holding onto her, he went through the proper motion.
Saera was relaxed in his muscular arms, following his direction. “Okay, I see.” She did the motion again, this time leading him.
“Perfect.”
Saera turned her head around to look up at him. Their eyes locked, mere centimeters apart.
Wil found himself transfixed by her. Her jade eyes drew him in as her breathing slowed to match his. The floral smell of her hair was intoxicating.
Her lips parted slightly and she leaned toward him, almost imperceptibly. Wil tightened his arms around Saera as she leaned back into him, bringing her face closer.
Then, she hastily looked away and pulled out from his embrace. “So, right. Thank you.”
Wil’s heart pounded in his ears. Was she about to kiss me? He suddenly yearned to be close to her. To taste her and feel the warmth of her pressed against him. What are you thinking?! He snapped himself out of the reverie. “Yeah, anytime.”
Saera looked a little flushed, but it was difficult to tell in the dim light. “I guess we’re about done for today, then.”
Wil cleared his throat. “Right.” His pulse was still racing. He struggled to suppress the unexpected ache of desire.
Saera reached out for the wall and pulled herself up toward the door. Wil followed her at a slight distance and climbed into the gravity lock after her.
“Good work today,” Wil said to break the silence as they waited for the gravity to restore.
“Thanks.” Saera wouldn’t meet his eye.
Wil took a slow breath, regaining some control of himself as he was drawn toward the floor. “So, I might be a few minutes late to our next session. I’ll be meeting with some reps about licensing for the independent jump drive beforehand.”
Saera finally looked up at him. “You finished it?”
“Close enough to sign contracts, anyway,” Wil said. “Get started without me if I’m late.”