by Amy DuBoff
Except, I don’t belong on Tararia. And now I have Kate here. They can’t argue about a High Dynasty match. He flipped to the internship brief. This is the last step. Soon I’ll be an Agent. Kate and me, together as Agents. We’d be unstoppable. He couldn’t picture a brighter future.
CHAPTER 12
After reviewing the details for his internship, Cris was convinced Banks was playing a cruel joke on him. Mediating political negotiations would be Cris’ version of a nightmare.
To make matters worse, the more time he spent with Kate in the ensuing weeks, the more the reality of their impending time away sunk in. They would be apart for at least six months, maybe a year. Stars! Already I can’t imagine being away from her. Why couldn’t we have met after we got back?
Knowing their time was limited, they saw each other almost every day at meals. Occasionally over the next few weeks, there were opportunities to spend an evening together, but most of that time was spent studying. Still, Cris was happy to get any time he could with Kate, even if it was just sitting in the same room.
One such evening, Cris and Kate were working on their tablets in the common room of Cris’ quarters. Scott was away for a few hours completing a project in an engineering lab down on Level 10.
Kate looked up from her reading. “Do you ever stop to think about just how rare we are?”
“What do you mean?” Cris asked from the adjacent couch.
“There are forty-two trainees going on internships this year,” Kate said. “According to this article, there used to be hundreds in each cohort.”
Hundreds of Agents graduating at one time? “What changed?”
“The article doesn’t go into it.” Kate set down her tablet on the coffee table. “I can’t read any more today.”
“I second that.” Cris stretched and set down his own tablet. It was late and his eyes were glazing over.
Kate came over to Cris’ couch and cuddled up next to him. “It makes you wonder, though.”
“What do you think happened?”
Kate thought for a moment. “I bet people with abilities are too scared to come forward. The TSS comes across some by chance and will recruit them, but thousands—maybe hundreds of thousands—are probably hiding their abilities. Without any training, all of that talent just gets suppressed and ignored until it may as well not exist at all.”
Like my father. And Tristen, in his attempt to be the perfect son. “That very easily could have happened to you.”
Kate nodded, pensive. “I was pretty lucky to be a fourth child, I suppose. Otherwise, I would have been pulled into the responsibilities of the Dynasty rather than being allowed to train with the TSS.”
“Your siblings weren’t so lucky.”
Kate looked unsure. “If my sisters and brother have abilities, they certainly never let on.”
She doesn’t know… Cris swallowed. “Abilities come in Generations, Kate. If you have them, then they do, too.”
“Are you sure? It seems strange that they never would have said anything.”
Cris carefully composed his response. Kate could very well be the ally I’ve always hoped to find. But I can’t reveal my full hand yet. “The Priesthood’s influence is strongest on Tararia, especially with the High Dynasties who are supposed to be leaders and set example for others. How bad would it look for dynastic members to publicly display the abilities the Priesthood tries to denounce?”
Kate looked sick. “Stars! No wonder they let me come here… I always thought they were letting me do what I wanted, but maybe they just wanted me out of the way.”
“I’m sure that wasn’t the only reason.” I know exactly how she feels… Realizing your family wishes you would blend in, just like them.
“Now I don’t know what to believe.” She looked away.
Cris rubbed her shoulder. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s not you. I just hate the idea of being lied to.”
Cris bit his lip and swallowed. I haven’t been completely honest with her, either.
“I just never thought about it before,” Kate continued. “Sometimes I feel like I was living under a rock. You must have heard all sorts of things in your travels—the kind of things they’d never talk about on Tararia or here within the TSS.”
And, consequently, I came up with a lot of crazy notions. “I did come across some really disgruntled people. Everything might seem fair and balanced in the inner colonies, but it’s completely different in the border territories. Out there, people would rather the central government not exist.”
Kate looked shocked. “No Priesthood or High Dynasties?”
“I know, it surprised me, too.”
Her brow furrowed. “What do they have against them?”
Aside from everything? “I think it’s more that they feel they don’t have a voice. The services provided by the High Dynasties are supposed to be for the good of the people—providing the necessities for life and prosperity. But in reality, the Dynasties’ companies are complete monopolies and the average person has no say in the type of service they receive or how much it costs.”
Kate nodded. “Which is why the Priesthood provides oversight.”
“But what does the Priesthood really know? Their decision-makers live a luxurious life on Tararia just like any member of the High Dynasties. Even if they have advisors on other worlds, decisions will always be skewed in favor of the majority leaders.”
“And you think there’s a better way?” Kate asked.
Cris shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe. It just doesn’t seem right the way it is.”
Kate tilted her head back to look up at him. “What would you propose?”
“I’m probably not the best person to ask…” This could be my chance to find out if she really does think like me or is content with the way things are on Tararia.
“No, I’m curious,’ Kate insisted. “What do you have in mind?”
All right, let’s see what she thinks of this. “Make the Dynasties’ corporations public. Their operations would be dictated by the vote of the populace.”
Kate stared at Cris, stunned. “Whoa. That’s…”
Cris grinned in attempt to downplay the radical proposition. “I know. Like I said, I’m probably not the best person to ask.”
“The Priesthood would never go along with that,” Kate continued after a pause.
“Of course not.”
“Wait.” She caught Cris’ eye. “Are you suggesting to remove the Priesthood from power?” she asked telepathically.
Cris looked down and closed his mind to her. This is a dangerous conversation. The Priesthood already tried to kill me once. “Never mind.”
Kate reached up to turn Cris’ face toward her. “Do you think it would be possible?”
Cris let out a slow breath. “I’ve thought about it. Under the right circumstances, it could be done.”
“How?”
I didn’t mean to go this deep now, but she does seem intrigued. “It would require a majority vote from the High Dynasties.”
“I guess.” Kate let out a little laugh. “Like they’d ever agree.”
“If you could convince your family, that would be one vote. It would just take three more.” Sietinen would provide another, once I’m in charge.
“Right. I can just say ‘pretty please’ and they’ll relinquish control.”
Maybe this was a mistake. “Forget it. I’m clueless when it comes to politics. Maybe I’ll learn something on my internship.” He leaned down to kiss Kate.
She kissed him back but was still distracted. “It would take years to get the alliances in place for that kind of overthrow.”
Cris hesitated. Do I let this continue? “Probably a generation or two.”
Kate nodded. “Even if the Dynasties went along with it, what about the financial infrastructure and biomedical? The Priesthood plays an important role as a neutral third-party.”
I’m not sure
how neutral they really are. “The function would need to be replaced under the new system, of course. I’m far from having all the solutions at this point. I just know I see a problem with the way things are presently.”
“It is tough to support the Priesthood when they don’t want people like us to exist,” Kate murmured.
“My sentiment exactly.”
Kate looked distant, then her face softened and she laughed. “What are we doing? We’re going to be TSS Agents. This isn’t our problem to worry about.”
Cris forced a laugh. “You are absolutely right. I tried to warn you about me.” He grinned, both as a cover and out of genuine happiness for discovering he had more in common with Kate than he ever imagined possible. We could really do it. We could lead a revolution together.
“I never thought of myself as the type to hang out with the bad crowd.”
Cris pulled her in for a kiss, wrapping his arms around her. He parted for a moment. “I’m a rebel, what can I say?”
She ran her fingers through his hair. “You’re going to cause so much trouble on Marilon…”
“I bet you’ll be just as bad by the time you come home, after all that time in one of the only places that doesn’t share the anti-telekinesis sentiment of the central worlds.”
Kate made a playful frown. “Between your influence and that, I’m doomed.”
“Try not to think of it as ‘doomed’—more, ‘enlightened.’”
“Uh huh…” She repositioned on his lap. “And I take it you’re going to help me continue preparing for this internship?”
“Naturally. I still have a few more weeks to get you talking crazy like me.”
“With so little time, is talking really the way you want to spend it?” She kissed Cris’ neck.
A warm tingle ran through him. “I’m open to other suggestions.” The revolution can wait.
* * *
Banks was reviewing some weekly reports from his commanding Agents when his desk lit up with an incoming message notification. He looked at the caller. The Priesthood always has impeccable timing. He composed his face and accepted the call as he rose from his desk.
“Hello,” Banks greeted in Old Taran while he stepped toward the viewscreen. “To what do I owe the honor of your call?”
The Priest did not look like he was in the mood for pleasantries. “How are matters progressing?”
Straight to business, as usual. “Everything is on track.”
The Priest glowered. “So you keep saying, but we have yet to see any results.”
“These things take time. We can’t push too hard without drawing suspicion. You’ll have what you want in a few short years, I assure you.”
“Years?”
Banks was steadfast. Your decisions are what got us in this position. “We’d be done by now if you hadn’t abandoned the last attempt. This is the new timeline.”
The Priest bowed his head. “Very well. I will inform the others.”
“Be patient. I have everything under control.” Just let me do my part. This is hard enough for me as it is without the continued meddling.
“Let me know when you have an update.”
Banks nodded. “I will.”
CHAPTER 13
Kate was snuggled up against Cris in the crook of his arm, a position he’d come to know well and cherish over their two months together. They fit perfectly, in a way he’d never imagined possible. What will I do without her? The departure for their internships was only a little over a week away; a countdown he’d rather forget.
Kate reoriented in Cris’ arms, bringing her face close to his. “You know,” she began, kissing him between words, “we have the place to ourselves tonight.”
Cris kissed her back, his mind racing. Stars! Is she suggesting…? Since we’re about to leave, I didn’t think I’d have to worry about that now! Thus far, he had been careful to hold back and not take things too far, knowing they’d soon need to part ways for their internships. But, bit by bit, the physicality of their relationship was progressing despite his efforts. His resistance was twofold. First, there was the Tararian custom for highborn to maintain chastity until engagement—a custom that didn’t seem to concern Kate as a fourth child. While he wasn’t overly concerned with tradition, the truth about his identity was another matter. How can I even consider being with her in that way when she doesn’t even know who I really am?
“You can stay the night, if you want.” She moved her hands over his chest, working their way downward.
No, not yet! “Kate, I’d really love to stay, but I have a report I should work on.”
“That can wait.” She continued to run her hands over his body, knowing just where to touch. “Before we go away, I want you to be my first.” Her eyes searched his, looking for affirmation. “I lo—”
No mistaking that! Cris throbbed with desire, but he resisted—barely. I can’t… “I really have to go. I’ll see you soon.” He extracted himself from her and gave her a quick kiss before rushing out the door.
“Cris, wait!”
Keep it together. As soon as he was in the hallway, he located an alcove and ducked out of sight. He leaned against the wall, fighting the competing impulses within. Why now? I know I need to tell her who I am first, but this isn’t the right time. I just wanted to go on the internship and deal with all this when we get back. He steadied himself and made his way quickly to his quarters. Shite, I should have anticipated this.
Cris closed the door and sunk to the floor, his back against the wall in the common room.
Stars! Maybe I do need to tell her before we go. But how? I’m in so deep now, this could ruin everything. His pulse raced.
Scott walked out of his bedroom. “Hey. Wait, what’s wrong?”
Cris tried to talk but couldn’t force anything out. He hid his face in his hands.
Scott walked over. “Cris, what is it?”
Cris shook his head. “I haven’t been honest with you. With anyone.”
“What do you mean?”
Cris rose slowly, still leaning against the wall for support. “Truths have a way of getting lost sometimes. Buried. And once you start down that path, it’s hard to turn away.”
“I don’t like it when you start getting all philosophical on me. What’s going on?” Scott looked concerned. He leaned against the couch across from Cris.
“It’s Kate. Things have gotten serious between us. She’s wanting to take it that next level.”
“That’s great!”
Cris shook his head. “It would be, but…” He searched for the words. “She thinks I’m someone I’m not. I don’t know if she’ll accept me for who I really am, and that terrifies me. I can’t lose her.” I love her. Stars, I love her so much. More than I ever thought I could. Why didn’t I just tell her the truth from the beginning?
Scott looked confused. “Why, what did you tell her?”
Cris shook his head. “It’s what I didn’t tell her. I never lied. Not to her, or you, or anyone. You need to know that.”
“Okay. So what’s the issue?”
Cris swallowed. Do I tell him? Gah, I have to tell someone or I’m going to explode. “Scott, I don’t want this to change anything. You’re one of the first real friends I’ve ever had. That means so much to me.”
“You too, man. Nothing could come between us.”
Cris nodded. “Well, you know how I said I was from Sieten? That’s true. But what I didn’t mention was where I lived outside the city… At the Sietinen estate.”
Scott’s face drained. “What are you saying?”
“I’m the heir to the Third Region. I’m Cristoph Sietinen.”
Scott worked his mouth. Shaking his head.
“Scott…”
Scott held up his hand. “I just need a minute.” He paced on the far side of the room. “Heir to Sietinen, really?”
Cris nodded. “I swear it.”
“Well shite.” Scott paused. “Wait, so I unwittingly played matchmaker f
or the High Dynasties?”
Cris nearly collapsed into nervous laughter. He regained some semblance of composure. “It would seem so.”
“Bomax.”
Both men were distant, chewing unconsciously on their lower lips. They didn’t know whether to laugh or run away from each other. Cris felt relief at releasing one of his most guarded secrets, but he felt for his friend. Scott just looked lost.
Eventually, Scott tousled his hair and sat down on the couch. He was coming to terms. “You have to tell Kate.”
Cris sat down on the couch across from him. “I know.”
“She’s crazy about you. You know that, right?”
Cris nodded. I can only hope it’s enough to see past my deception. I need to think of what to say… “I’ll tell her tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 14
The pit in Cris’ stomach was even deeper than the night before. His only solace was that Scott had been surprisingly casual about everything that morning, so perhaps there was hope.
After completing his work for the day, Cris went to Kate’s quarters, knowing what he had to say but hating that reality. He hit the buzzer, ready to accept the fate he was dealt.
Kate practically leaped into Cris’ arms the moment the door was open. “You left so suddenly last night!” She kissed him with untamed passion. “Must have been a busy day. I didn’t see you at breakfast or lunch. “
Cris held her close. I needed to wait until we could talk alone. “I’m sorry. I hate being apart from you.” And soon we’ll have to say goodbye for who knows how long.
Kate led him inside with her arm still around him. She directed him onto the couch and climbed onto his lap, straddling him. “I really don’t want to be apart from you anymore. In any way.” She slid her hands down his stomach, stopping tantalizingly close to his groin, her eyes filled with desire.
Don’t give in. It took everything to keep Cris from giving in to her advances, but he held back. “Kate, there’s something we need to talk about.”
Kate leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “Talking can wait.”