by Amy DuBoff
Scott and Jon looked at each other. “What did the probes look like?” Jon asked tentatively.
“Chrome, about the size of my fist.”
The two Junior Agents shook their head and let out long breaths. “What then?” Scott questioned.
“We went into an empty room with some colored cubes on the floor. He had me try to lift them telekinetically,” Cris went on, cautious.
“Could you?” Scott was expectant.
Cris swallowed. “I could only make the heaviest blue block shudder, but I didn’t have too much trouble with the others. I held the yellow block for a few minutes.”
Scott’s jaw dropped open. Jon exclaimed, “That’s impossible!”
Cris was taken aback. Am I really that different? He tried to sink into the couch, but he still felt completely vulnerable. “Is that bad? Poltar won’t give me any specific feedback. He just keeps giving me different things to try.”
Scott laughed. “Bad? It’s incredible.”
“Most are lucky if they can hold an object in suspension for a few seconds prior to being raised to Junior Agent,” Jon added.
Cris’ mouth went dry. What am I? “I didn’t know.”
“I can see why they took an interest in you,” Scott said after a time.
Jon kept shaking his head.
Scott cleared his throat. “Hey, would you like to go to dinner with us?” Jon shot Scott a disapproving glare, but it was gone in an instant.
Cris had noticed the look but shrugged it off. “That would be great.” Was Poltar right? Will my power draw others to me?
Cris felt much more confident walking into the mess hall with two Junior Agents rather than an Agent. His own light blue was not nearly as stark a contrast as it had been against the Agent’s black. Scott led them to one of the larger communal tables and introduced Cris to some of the other Junior Agents, both men and women. The other Junior Agents were friendly and welcoming, though he did get some strange looks when Scott explained Cris’ unconventional training situation. It soon seemed to be forgotten, and Cris became the center of attention, telling of his travels on the Exler. By the end of the evening, he felt like he was among old friends. When he went to bed that night, he felt content. Maybe I do belong here.
*
The next morning, as he waited for Poltar to retrieve him for the day’s studies, Cris finally took the opportunity to attend to some overdue business. After giving himself a little pep-talk, he sent a short note to his father’s personal email letting him know that he was with the TSS and would not be coming home anytime soon. He’ll love that.
Cris then turned his attention to the Mainframe. There was a seemingly endless wealth of information, even more than what he’d had access to on Tararia. It would take a lifetime to explore everything. He looked over entries about the TSS’ spacecraft and navigation systems, but one specific item still stood out in his mind. The Bakzen. The main entry was frustratingly sparse and no more than he knew already—a rising enemy, living in the outskirts of explored space. “CACI, is there any more information on the Bakzen?”
“Restricted access. Additional clearance required,” CACI replied.
Bomax. Looks like I won’t be finding out any more for now.
He resumed his perusal of the other files until a video feed from the front door popped up. Poltar had arrived.
Cris went out to meet his instructor. “What are we doing today, sir?” he asked as he stepped into the hallway.
Poltar smiled. “First, we eat. Then, we get to work. I have it on good authority that you slacked on your workout last night, so we’ll need to make up for it. I also need to see how you handle yourself in combat.”
“I had a great teacher.” Sedric’s lessons saved my life.
“There’s always more to learn.”
“Will we be practicing any more telekinesis?”
Poltar nodded. “Absolutely.”
* * *
“He’s been a very quick study, sir,” Poltar said. “I know you want to keep his true identify hidden, but people will take notice of him all the same.”
Banks paced across his office, weighing his options. “Many already are.”
“So we should just advance him,” Poltar urged.
“It goes completely against protocol.” Then again, so does everything about this.
“I’m aware of that, sir. I just think anything less would be an unnecessary delay. You instructed me to move him through as quickly as possible, and, in my professional opinion, he’ll be ready in four months.”
Banks stopped his pacing in front of his desk. He slumped down on the edge, torn. “Moving him straight to Junior Agent will be an administrative nightmare. But, it’s my duty to take your recommendation under advisement. We’ll need to conduct a formal evaluation.”
Poltar nodded. “Of course, sir.”
“Thank you for the update. You’re doing great work.”
“Thank you, sir.” Poltar bowed his head.
“Dismissed.”
Poltar bowed again, a little deeper, and left.
Banks rubbed his eyes. Advanced to Junior Agent after four months? Unheard of and unorthodox, perhaps, but there was no more time to waste.
Part 3: Fulfillment
CHAPTER 10
“Come on, just one more lap.”
Cris eyed Scott with open skepticism. His lungs and legs burned.
“It’s good for you!” Scott grinned.
Cris had always thought he was in good shape, but Scott had proved to be a demanding training partner. Even after more than three years of training together as Junior Agents, Cris couldn’t figure out where all the energy came from. “One more.”
“That’s the spirit!” Scott took off down the hallway.
Cris willed his legs to move again and followed, centering his mind to block out the aching and burning he felt everywhere.
Scott set the pace at a fast jog, following the corridor that looped around the perimeter of the Primus residential wings on Level 2 in the Headquarters structure. The loop was approximately five kilometers, which seemed even longer by the end of an already exhausting workout. Despite the cool temperature, Cris was hot and slick with sweat. His t-shirt was off, tucked into the back of his pants, to let the air cool his bare chest and back. Scott ran shirtless a few paces ahead of him, showing no intent of slowing down. Cris urged himself onward.
They neared the halfway point in the lap. Almost there. Cris’ legs and lungs ached for relief.
A group of fellow Junior Agents were sprawled out on the floor of the hallway up ahead, resting their backs against the walls. Such impromptu study groups were a common sight on their afternoon jogs. Cris picked his way carefully through the first sets of legs sticking out into his path, weaving around other bystanders blocking his way. He was so focused on avoiding the obstacles that he didn’t realize Scott had stopped.
“Hold up, Cris.” Scott returned his attention to a pretty blonde with short hair and bright blue eyes who was sitting on the floor with some other Junior Agents. Scott crouched down to talk with her more closely. She laughed.
Cris sighed. Here we go again. He untucked his shirt from his pants, using it wipe the sweat from his face.
Scott looked over at Cris and then back at the blonde. She nodded vigorously.
Oh no. Cris looked around for a quick escape, but it was too late.
“Cris, come here.” Scott waved him over.
Cris reluctantly complied, trying to control his panting breath and racing heart.
“So Cris,” Scott said as Cris approached, “this is Marsie Katz. We were thinking it would be fun to go on a double date tomorrow.”
Double date? “That would be something…”
“Great!” Scott grinned at Marsie.
“I’m looking forward to it,” someone said from below Cris in a gentle female voice.
Cris startled backward. Her back had been to him, but she now twisted around to look at him. Her long, dar
k-brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail, leaving the ends in a loose wave about her shoulders. Bright hazel-green eyes that had begun to glow with bioluminescence drew him in. She was by far the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but there was something else—he felt instantly connected to her. His breath caught as they locked eyes, and he felt like his heart had stopped beating. Her lips parted in a sweet, genuine smile, and he felt suddenly at ease with her while still being overcome with anxious anticipation.
“Hi,” Cris finally stammered, thankful that his cheeks were already flushed from the run.
“Hi,” she replied, taking him in. Cris couldn’t quite read her expression, but it seemed favorable. “I’m Kate.”
“Nice to meet you,” Cris managed to get out, still lost in her eyes.
“Well this will be great fun tomorrow!” Scott jumped to his feet. “Later, ladies.” He jogged a couple of steps. “Come on, Cris, time to get back to it.”
“Bye,” Cris said, pulling himself from Kate. He took a few steps and glanced over his shoulder, seeing that she was still watching him go.
Wow. Cris didn’t feel any of the burn from the last two kilometers.
*
Cris relaxed on the couch, thankful for the magical healing properties of a hot shower. Scott emerged from the bathroom, toweling his hair.
“So I have to admit,” Scott began, “that it really wasn’t fair of me to drag you into a double date like that.”
Cris’ heart skipped a beat, thinking about Kate again. “It’s fine, I know how you are.”
“No, not like that.” Scott screwed up his face, searching for words. “Here’s the thing…”
“What?”
“Uh…” Scott took a deep breath. “She’s… High Dynasty.”
Cris’ mouth dropped open involuntarily. “Wait, what?”
“Man, I’m sorry. Like I said… Look, Marsie is her roommate and they’re good friends. Some people are kind of wary about hanging with Kate because of who she is, and Marsie wanted to give her a chance to get out, so we thought a double date would be good. And you and I are friends, so—”
Cris felt sick. “Which Dynasty, Scott?” Fok, who is she?
“Vaenetri. She’s Katrine Vaenetri.”
Cris let out a shaky breath. Thank the stars, not a relative! But Vaenetri, of all the families. After Tristen and her sister… “That’s… unexpected.”
Scott sat down on the couch, wringing his towel. “I know, I know. I’ll make it up to you. I’m just asking for one night.”
“It’s fine.” Kate Vaenetri…
“Fine? Fine! Great.” Scott leaped to his feet. “Yes, it’s going to be just fine.”
Cris raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Are you okay?”
“Yes! Of course.” Scott bit his lip. He sat back down. “How are you so calm about all of this? A Lady from a High Dynasty and you’re ‘fine?’ I’m kind of freaking out here. How do you even talk to someone like that?”
Cris laughed inwardly. “High Dynasty or not, they’re still just people. They’re not all that different.”
“Hah! Right.” Scott rose to his feet, tossing his towel over his shoulder. “I knew I was bringing along the right guy.” Scott went into his room, muttering something under his breath.
Cris sighed, and it turned into a chuckle. Even coming all the way to the TSS couldn’t get him out of a dinner with an eligible High Dynasty bachelorette.
*
The day went by far too slowly. Cris had spent the whole night and following day thinking about Kate, despite himself. She didn’t exude the elitist air that he’d come to expect from anyone born into the High Dynasties, and he was anxious to see if that perception held true once he got to know her. After finishing up his classes for the day, he was finally free to return to his quarters and prepare for his double date. Excited for date night? He sighed. What’s happened to me?
Cris went about showering and dressing in his quarters, the only home he’d known since coming to the TSS. After TSS command had decided to promote Cris directly to Junior Agent, he’d stayed in the same quarters he was first assigned with Scott and Jon. Jon had recently graduated, and like many new Agents had been sent on assignment to Jotun in the outer colonies. They had never been assigned a fourth roommate, so it was temporarily just Scott and Cris. Scott had learned to take full advantage of the arrangement, often kicking Cris out for several hours so he could engage in more private activities with his female companions.
Once dressed in the same dark blue t-shirt and pants that now comprised his entire wardrobe, Cris went out into the common area. Scott emerged from his room at the same time.
“Ready?” Scott asked.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Cris and Scott made their way to the Primus mess hall. As they approached, Cris saw that Marsie and Kate were waiting for them outside the main door. Both women wore the standard dark blue tank tops that normally served as undershirts for the women’s uniform, with a scoop neckline tapering into thin straps that criss-crossed their backs. Their pants were more form-fitting than the men’s uniform, slim down to their knees and flared slightly around the cuff covering their boots. Marsie had added some curl to her short blonde hair, and Kate now wore hers in a loose braid.
I’ve never seen someone so naturally stunning, Cris thought to himself as he admired Kate. She smiled in greeting when she saw him, and he felt his heart flutter. Gah! Stay cool.
Marsie gave Scott a hug when he walked up to her, and they exchanged a playful glance.
“Shall we eat?” Scott said, gesturing toward the large doorway into the mess hall.
They loaded their trays and selected a booth along the back wall. Scott slid in next to Marsie, leaving Cris the spot next to Kate. You can do this! He sat down next to her, trying to judge an appropriate distance apart.
When they started eating, Cris noticed that Kate still followed the proper etiquette instilled in all members of the High Dynasties, so he was especially diligent in maintaining the more casual mannerisms he’d picked up aboard the Exler and from those around him at the TSS. As best he could, he tried to walk the line between politeness and commonplace. Something as simple as how I hold my fork could give me away to a trained eye. If she’s interested in me, I want it to be because of who I am as a person, not for my pedigree.
They engaged in idle small talk as they ate. Some big tests later that week, wish lists for their internship assignments that would be announced any day. Cris was careful to keep his mind guarded against any potential telepathic probe.
“Cris, here,” Scott ventured after a time, “spent a year on a freighter touring the galaxy before joining the TSS. I think he’s seen more than any of us.”
“How fun!” Marsie exclaimed.
“What was your favorite part about it?” Kate asked.
“How I got a different perspective on life. Saw how others lived,” Cris reflected.
“I’ve appreciated that about the TSS,” Kate said. “There are so many people from different backgrounds here. My life back home was so sheltered by comparison.”
“It’s hard to get the big picture from one vantage, no matter what it may be.” I had arguably the best education available, but what I’ve learned since leaving Tararia has been far more valuable.
“So, Cris, where are you from originally?” Marsie inquired.
Here we go… Cris had his back-story down, but it was something else entirely to recite it in front of another High Dynasty member. He glanced at Kate, before proceeding. “I’m from Tararia, the Third Region. Sieten.” Kate looked over in interest, but Cris didn’t detect any recognition or suspicion. It’s all about context. She doesn’t expect to see me as High Dynasty, so she doesn’t.
“I’ve never been there, but I hear it’s beautiful,” Marsie replied. “I would have tried to get into the University there if I hadn’t been recruited by the TSS.”
“Yes, it’s quite lovely.” I wish I still had the view from my bedro
om window.
“Do you miss it?” Kate asked.
Cris looked down at his plate. That’s such a loaded question. “Sometimes, but it wasn’t the life I wanted.”
Kate nodded. “I know exactly what you mean.” She looked down at her own plate, seeing past it.
You do? Cris saw a new somberness in her softly glowing eyes. Is she like me?
“Sorry, I didn’t know it was such a touchy subject!” Marsie said with a little laugh.
“Oh, don’t mind them,” Scott said, putting his arm around Marsie. “Homesickness can get everyone down sometimes.”
Cris forced a smile. “There’s way too much going on here to miss home much.”
“Too true!” Scott said, squeezing Marsie. “Gorgeous women, cutting-edge tech and free food—what else do you really need?”
Everyone rolled their eyes in exasperation, but they knew there was truth in his statement. They were in the midst of one of the good times in life, and they had enough perspective to recognize it.
The Junior Agents finished their meal between more light conversation and laughter, enjoying each other’s company. As the evening went on, Scott and Marsie inched closer together and talked quietly to each other so that Cris and Kate couldn’t overhear. Eventually, when there was a lull in the conversation, Marsie leaned in and whispered in Scott’s ear.
“We should probably get going,” Scott announced.
“This has been a lot of fun,” Marsie added. “It was great to meet you, Cris.”
“You too,” Cris replied.
“Well, you two have fun the rest of tonight,” Scott said as they got up. “Try to stay out of trouble.” He winked at Cris.
Cris sighed and shook his head when they were out of earshot. “That guy…”
Kate smiled. “Marsie is no better. They were made for each other.”
What do I do now that I’m alone with her? “You’re under no obligation to spend the rest of the evening with me,” Cris blurted out.
Kate shook her head. “Nonsense. I’m enjoying your company.” She scoped out the buffet from afar. “I could really use some dessert.”