Veil of Reality (Cadicle #2): An Epic Space Opera Series

by Amy DuBoff

  What do they have against Tararia? “And eventually you won’t be able to hold them back any longer.”

  Taelis nodded. “Which is why it is so imperative that the war end.”

  “Of course.” But why is everyone looking to me?

  Taelis leaned forward in his chair. “Wil, we believe that you will have the gift of simultaneous observation—the ability to perceive the events of both spatial planes at the same time. You can be the bridge that we’ve needed—to hover in subspace between the rift and normal space, able to guide us to match the Bakzen maneuver for maneuver. It can finally end the war.”

  How can I possibly learn to do that? “If you say so, sir.” Simultaneous observation… Is that what Carzen was going to tell me?

  “We will guide the rest of your training in any way we can,” Taelis said. “But we will ultimately look to you to tell us how to defeat the Bakzen, when the time comes.”

  Wil nodded, trying to keep his face neutral as the knot in his stomach tightened. I may not know on which side of the moral good I am acting, but they need me. I have a purpose to fulfill, whether I agree with it or not.

  Taelis folded his hands on the table. “You need to understand that there is no diplomatic solution. We passed that possibility centuries ago. The Bakzen want us gone, completely.”

  Where does that leave us? He can’t be saying… “Sir?”

  Taelis looked at him levelly. “We need to eliminate the Bakzen. That order has come down from the highest authorities. We need to settle the conflict once and for all.”

  No… they want me to kill all of them? Wil struggled to maintain his composure. He couldn’t let them see his torment. “There’s no alternative?”

  “We’ve tried, Wil.” Taelis shook his head, withering as he slumped back in his chair. “I can’t even tell you how many people we’ve lost trying. It sickens me that it’s come to this, but this is the way it has to be.”

  Down the table next to Taelis, Cris looked like he was trying to hold in his horror at what they must face. The color drained from his face.

  Wil nodded. That is the final piece they were keeping from me. They want me to lead the annihilation of an entire race.

  When Wil didn’t make any outward response, Taelis continued. “There is still much more to be discussed, but I think it’s best that we show you around now. Though things are very different here, I’d like to think that this will become a second home to you in time. I’m sure you are very anxious to see the full extent of our offensive capabilities, so we can go to the engineering lab first. The team there is equally anxious to meet you.”

  “Whatever you think is best,” Wil replied, and stood up simultaneously with the Agents around the table. He felt weak, detached from himself—still reeling from the new understanding of his purpose. Am I truly destined to do something so terrible?

  The TSS officers all restored their tinted glasses before filing out into the hallway. Taelis waited alongside Cris as Wil made his way from the far side of the table. The three of them stayed in the room after the others had left.

  “You have a much better understanding of this situation than I thought you would,” Taelis told Wil.

  He’s only saying that because I didn’t run out of the room screaming. “I’m just trying to take everything in stride.” I saw one side of it while with the Bakzen, but what they’ve told me now… Do I have it in me to do what needs to be done?

  “I know it’s a lot to take in. It’s admirable that you are able to be so objective, especially at such a young age. Many people can spend a lifetime with the war and never understand why we must do the things we do,” Taelis responded.

  Wil looked over at his father at this last statement. Does he see it the way I do? Does he know what this will do to me?

  Cris gave his son a supportive smile. “Under the right leader, not everyone needs to understand the details. Just know their part.”

  Taelis nodded. “Indeed.” He fell silent for a moment and then took a deep breath. “Come, we have many things to see.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Cris was finding it increasingly difficult to remain composed. It was draining enough to maintain the necessary mental blocks to keep out the obnoxious probes from the other Agents, but the revelation about Wil’s role in the war threatened to put him over the edge. It’s too much to ask of someone. Too many lives to be responsible for—to protect, and to end.

  The constant feeling of anxious nausea from the past several days had risen to an almost unbearable level by the end of the briefing with Taelis. While they made their way down the hall from the briefing room, he trailed behind as Wil talked with Taelis.

  “How long has Banks been sending you my design specs?” Wil asked the High Commander.

  “It’s been years,” Taelis replied. “At first it was just to see how you thought about things. But when the engineering team took a look—not knowing where the designs were from—they said the technology was leaps ahead. That generations-old technical roadblocks had been overcome with elegance.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Wil said, sounding a little bashful.

  “Well, that’s how they saw it, anyway.”

  Cris felt momentary relief. I’m glad he’s getting some credit, at least. He’s always been so modest about his abilities.

  “And what do you think, personally?” Wil asked.

  Taelis evaluated Wil. “I think you can finally give us an independent jump drive.”

  Wil laughed. “Right.”

  He can’t be serious? Cris jogged a couple steps to catch up with them. “None of the math works.”

  “That we’ve been able to figure out, anyway,” Taelis responded, turning to look at him.

  “SiNavTech has been working on it for generations. There just isn’t any scientific basis for executing a jump with any degree of accuracy without fixed beacons for reference.”

  “But it is theoretically possible,” Taelis countered.

  Cris sighed. “Theoretically, but—”

  Taelis looked smug. “So we want Wil to try.”

  This guy is starting to piss me off. Cris’ eyes narrowed behind his tinted glasses. “And when, exactly, is he supposed to find the time to make what would be the single greatest advancement in space travel since the discovery of subspace? He already doesn’t get enough down time as it is.”

  “Dad, I can manage my own schedule.”

  “Actually, as Lead Agent, I’m responsible for overseeing your training. In my opinion, the rate you’re going isn’t sustainable.”

  “So you’ve said so many times…” Wil muttered.

  “Burnout is serious business. Don’t be so flippant,” Cris countered.

  “You do have a valid point,” Taelis admitted.

  Of course I do. “Let’s go over the demands you’ve made so far today.” Cris extended a finger for each point. “Master simultaneous observation. Solve the equation for an independent jump drive that’s stumped all of the greatest minds in history. Oh, and annihilate an entire sentient race.”

  Wil froze. He scowled at Cris, and then turned to Taelis, inclining his head. “Excuse me, sir. May I have a moment to talk alone with my father?”

  Taelis looked between Wil and Cris. “By all means.” He gestured them toward a meeting room down the hall.

  Wil led the way. The room was small and minimally furnished, with a touchscreen desk and four chairs. Wil stood by the door and slid it closed as soon as Cris was inside.

  “What are you doing?” his son hissed.

  Protecting you, because you won’t protect yourself. Cris shook his head. “None of this is right. They’re using us.”

  Wil’s gaze was hard and stern. “There’s a war to fight! Me getting enough sleep is hardly the most critical issue.”

  Cris swallowed. “Wil you don’t have to do this. I can get you out. We can go—”

  “Running away can’t be your solution to everything.”

  Cris felt like he
had been stabbed. “Is that what you think of me?”

  Wil looked down, his face twisted with regret. “No, I’m sorry.”

  “I know I haven’t always set the best example. But this… What they’re asking of you isn’t right.” If I had known signing up for the TSS meant this future for my son, I would have stayed far away.

  Wil searched for words. “I wish I could leave all of this behind.” He sighed and slumped against the wall, allowing himself to be vulnerable. “Stars, I want to! So badly. But I can’t. You heard them.”

  “I did, but they don’t know everything. Maybe there’s another way.”

  Wil hung his head. “Right now, I’m all they have, as far as they’re concerned. And though this isn’t the TSS we know, they’re still our people. We can’t just abandon them.”

  If they need us so badly, they should have just asked. I learned the hard way that deception makes for a poor start to a relationship. “It’s hard to trust anyone who would treat us like that.”

  “I know.” Wil looked like he wanted to cry. “But… it feels so unfair to be tempted to leave. I know you’re only trying to help, but telling me I have a choice—that I can go—only makes this harder. We both know I have to see this through.”

  Cris felt sick. I’ve failed my son. He’s trapped, and I led him here. “I’m serious, Wil. Fok them. We can go.”

  Wil straightened, steeling himself. “No. You can go if you want, but that’s not an option for me.”

  “I would never abandon you.”

  “Well right now, you’re not helping by being here.”

  “Then what can I do?”

  “Stop pretending like all of this will go away if we ignore it!”

  Cris crossed his arms. “Okay.” How could he give in to them so easily?

  Wil sighed and tousled his hair. “Look, this is already difficult enough for me without having a chaperone around to contradict me.”

  Cris tried to look impassive, but it felt like the knife in his gut was twisting deeper. “Maybe it’s best I just wait on the Vanquish.” I went from “trusted advisor” to “nuisance” overnight.

  “That’s for the best,” Wil said. He opened the door and strode back into the hall toward Taelis.

  Cris calmly approached the High Commander. “Sir, I need to check in with Headquarters. I’ll see you and Wil later, I’m sure.”

  Taelis glanced at Wil. “Yes, certainly. Attend to your business.” He inclined his head.

  Cris gave a slight bow and turned to go.

  “Sorry about that,” Cris heard Wil say as he walked away. “He means well, but he gets overprotective sometimes.”

  “Quite all right,” Taelis replied. “Your well-being means everything to us. I’m glad you have someone looking out for you.”

  Cris took a slow breath. I’ll never stop caring for you, Wil. You might not want me by your side now, but I’ll always be there when you need me.

  After going to such lengths to rescue his son, Cris wanted to stay close and keep watch. Being asked to stay away was torture. There was only one other person who could possibly understand. He hurried back toward the Vanquish so he could confer with Kate.

  Cris kept his gaze down with the hope of avoiding the other Agents he passed in the halls. However, Jon was coming up the hall as he neared the location of the briefing room.

  “Heading out already?” Jon asked as he neared.

  “Wil is with Taelis,” Cris replied. “I’m checking in with my crew.”

  Jon nodded. “This all must be a shock to you.”

  “Yeah, well, it also explains a lot.”

  “I know it’s a lot to take in,” Jon said. “And getting used to the rift itself takes a while.”

  There is a weird energy here. “What is it about this place?”

  “The concentration of electromagnetic energy is greater in the rift. I don’t know why—one of the astrophysicists would have to explain it. But I can tell you, after being here for a while, normal space feels dull. Once you have a rift assignment, you don’t want to go back.”

  “Not that anyone has a choice to leave the Jotun division once they join,” Cris countered.

  “True,” Jon conceded. “You’re lucky it’s taken you this long to get pulled in. I immediately thought of you as a Jotun candidate.”

  Cris looked at him quizzically. “What makes you say that?”

  Jon shrugged. “After all that special treatment when you first joined the TSS, it was clear they had something in mind for you. And you fit the standard profile. Most of the Agents here are from the Command track—the most independent thinkers.”

  Apparently the Priesthood thinks I’m a little too independent. “Well, I now realize they had other plans for me.”

  Jon nodded. “It’s an important part to play. Wil takes after you.”

  “Lucky for you, he’s more forgiving than I am.”

  “We did what we had to do, Cris. It was important to protect Wil for as long as possible,” Jon said.

  Cris scoffed. “Right, because lying is a great way to protect people.”

  “Everyone here with the Jotun division was in the dark at one point,” Jon said. “And no one here asked to be a part of it, but we were called upon. We’re here because it’s our duty.”

  Just because it’s always been that way doesn’t make it good. “People have a right to know what’s going on.”

  “Why? If we do our job, this problem will go away before it ever affects them. Why cause unnecessary worry?” Jon asked.

  “There are always ripple effects.”

  “Well, we’re doing our best.”

  “And I’ll do the same.” Cris sighed. None of this is his fault. Unloading on him isn’t fair. “It’s been a tough day.”

  Jon gave him a sympathetic nod. “I understand. I’ll see you around another time.”

  “Yeah. Oh, and Scott’s with me. The three of us should catch up,” Cris suggested.

  “That would be nice.”

  Reminiscing about old times is as close as we’ll get to carefree again. “See you later.” Cris continued on his way back to the Vanquish.

  As soon as Cris was back onboard his ship, he went to his quarters to call up Kate on the viewscreen. Thankfully, she picked up right away.

  “Hey,” Kate’s image greeted him.

  “Hey. Kate, I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner. “I miss you so much. I wish you were here.”

  “It’s okay. I figured you’d be busy all day.”

  “Apparently I’m just a liability,” Cris replied. He buried his face in his hands for a few moments. “How are you?”

  “I’m okay. I’m glad to see you.” Kate looked down. “Banks told me about the war.”

  We should be together as a family right now. Cris shook his head. “I can’t believe what they’re asking of Wil.”

  Kate looked confused. “What?”

  Stars! Don’t tell me Banks only told her part of it… “What did he say?”

  “That the Bakzen live in some sort of spatial rift and have been at war with the TSS for centuries. There’s another division of the TSS, coded ‘Jotun.’”

  “That’s all he said?”

  Kate nodded. “More or less. Why?”

  Bomax! “Kate, there’s so much more. I don’t know where to begin.” Cris’ stomach wretched. Why did Banks leave it to me to tell her?

  Kate let out a slow exhale. “I knew something about it wasn’t right. You talked about how Banks would hedge on certain issues, but I’d never seen it before. What have they been keeping from us?”

  Do I tell her? Cris hesitated. I’d rather not know, myself.

  “What is it?”

  I promised her a long time ago that we’d have no more secrets. “Kate, the Priesthood genetically engineered us.”

  She blinked, dumbfounded. “What?” Her voice shook.

  “Nanotech. Generations ago. It made sure we’d end up together and that we’d produce the perfect little soldie
r to do the Priesthood’s bidding.”

  Kate shook her head. “What are you talking about?”

  “They expect Wil to lead the war against the Bakzen. He’s supposed to have some sort of special ability to give the TSS an edge and finally end the conflict.” Cris eyes burned, it hurt to swallow. “But it’s not just that, Kate. They want total annihilation. And they want our son to do it.”

  Kate looked away. She shook her head slowly, tears wet her cheeks. “What have we done?”

  “It was out of our control. They’ve been plotting this for Generations.”

  “We never should have raised him here!” Kate cried. She took off her tinted glasses and wiped her eyes. “He could do anything, but we set him up to be a soldier.”

  “It wouldn’t have mattered. The Priesthood is behind all of this. They oversee the TSS.”

  Kate shied away. “No. That’s not—”

  “We would have ended up here no matter what we did. They killed Tristen because he didn’t do what they wanted.” Cris felt breathless. His brother’s death had always been considered an accident, but knowing what was behind it—his own life seemed so precarious.

  Kate’s mouth fell open a little. She took a deep breath and swallowed. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”

  We should be terrified. “We probably shouldn’t talk about this now.” Who knows if the Priesthood is listening in. Is there anywhere they don’t control?

  Kate nodded, understanding his meaning. She looked pale, her face drawn. “There’s no one else I can trust here. When are you coming home?”

  Cris’ heart broke, seeing her pain. “Stars, I wish I knew!” He took a shaky breath. “Wil’s just going along with all of it like he’s already one of them. Nothing makes sense anymore.” He met his wife’s eyes on the viewscreen. “Kate, I love you. I know that’s real—regardless of how we were brought together.”

  “I love you, too.” Kate became distant, staring at something unseen off to the side. “There’s no escape, is there?”

  “Whatever plan was set for us, we’re fully embedded now. As long as Wil is committed to staying, this is our place.”