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

by Amy DuBoff

  Wil smiled, though it was half-hearted. “This was great. I spend most of my time tooling with design schematics, so it’s fun to finally play around with some real equipment.”

  “You’re welcome back any time.”

  If only I got to spend days like this back home. Especially after recent events, those times were almost certainly over. “I might take you up on that.”

  Wil heard a shuffle of footsteps behind him, and turned to see the other engineers hastily straightening up the lab. In the distance, an Agent was approaching. As he came closer, Wil saw that it was Ramsen, the stoic Lead Agent for H2.

  So much for having fun. “Hello, sir,” Wil greeted as Ramsen entered the lab.

  “Looks like they put you to work,” Ramsen said.

  “It was a pleasure. You have a fine crew here.” Wil made sure to look at Laecy with the statement. I get the impression they don’t get a lot of credit.

  “Well, time to get back to business,” Ramsen said.

  As if this work isn’t important. “Of course, sir. Lead the way.” Wil turned to Laecy and her engineers. “Thank you again for your hospitality. I hope we can do this again sometime.”

  “You’re welcome, sir,” Laecy said with a little bow.

  “Shall we?” Wil said to Ramsen, who was already looking far more impatient than the situation warranted. All of the commanders here are wound way too tight. I hope they can be flexible with me.

  “The High Commander asked me to go over our tactical positions with you,” Ramsen said as he led Wil away from the engineers. “The TSS outposts under the purview of your home Headquarters are only a fraction of the TSS as a whole.”

  “How are the outposts staffed?”

  “It’s mostly Militia,” Ramsen replied. “We don’t have the Agents to spare.”

  “What’s your ratio of Agents to Militia?” Wil asked.

  “Around 2 percent of the Jotun division is Agents.”

  That’s a pretty big disparity compared to back home. “I think it’s closer to 10 percent Agents for us, with a pretty even split at Headquarters itself if you include the trainees.”

  Ramsen eyed Wil. “Be careful with language that differentiates between the two. We’re one and the same.”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  “Don’t worry, I know it will take some time to adjust.” Ramsen led them out of the hangar and back into the elevator. He set their destination two levels up. “To your point, Agents make up approximately 5 percent of TSS forces in aggregate.”

  “So the Jotun division is 60 percent of the TSS?”

  “In one way or another, yes.”

  Well over half—and we didn’t know they were here. That’s crazy. “That’s a lot of people to manage.”

  Ramsen nodded. “Well, we have a big leadership team. We all share the responsibility.”

  The elevator stopped and Ramsen stepped into the corridor. It was yet another passage of only bleak metal surfaces.

  Wil accompanied the Lead Agent down the corridor, which curved around the central column of the level. “I can only imagine the operations are far more complex than what I’ve seen, considering the overlay of combat strategy and fleet management.” And they want me to eventually have authority over all of it. His chest tightened with the thought.

  “It’s a way of life for us. We always find a way to get the job done.” They arrived at the door to a conference room. “Here we are.”

  The room was unadorned. A round table surrounded by six chairs occupied the center of the space, and a viewscreen spanned half the width of the wall across from the entry door.

  Ramsen placed his hand on the conference table as he entered, and a holographic display appeared above the surface. He manipulated the touch-surface, bringing up a map of the Taran colony worlds. “As you know, we have TSS outposts throughout the Taran territory.”

  He really doesn’t waste any time. Wil examined the map. It was similar to others he had seen. “Yes, along most of the major trade routes.”

  “Correct. We also have several armories in strategic fallback positions, were it to come to that.” Ramsen brought up an overlay of the posts on the holographic projection. The armories showed up as blue dots, and most were along the border of the rift.

  But we’re fighting the war on a subspace plane. “Those fortified positions are useless if the Bakzen jump right past.”

  “It’s not for that. These are all within jump range to the primary Bakzen planet using a single nav beacon,” Ramsen explained.

  Wil perked up. “You have a beacon there?”

  “No, I wish,” Ramsen replied. “But we’ve hoped that one day we’ll be able to activate one—or have an independent jump drive—and be able to jump the fleet all at once, overwhelm their defenses.”

  That’s one way to approach it. Can’t say I agree. Wil crossed his arms. “So many of your offensive strategies sound like last resort moves.”

  “We’ve been pretty beat down.”

  “That’ll change.” Stars! I need to be careful what I promise.

  “Well, we’re building up forces as best we can in preparation for you coming in to end the war. Resources are tight, but…” Ramsen looked down and sighed. It was the first expression of emotion Wil had seen from him.

  They’re wearing thin. One day after another of the same battle, never making progress. Do they have another decade of this in them while they wait for me? “Why don’t you go over the specifics for each post? These maps don’t really give a clear picture.”

  Without hesitation, Ramsen drilled down into the detailed supply and fleet manifest for each of the locations. It was tedious, but Wil made a point to memorize as much as possible. What he found was an interesting contrast of impressive fortifications matched against even greater Bakzen forces. Wil’s heart sank as he took it all in. It’s like the Bakzen have an endless supply of soldiers. Our fleet is picked apart and theirs grows stronger. How do we compete?

  It took hours to cover all the information. By the end, Wil felt like curling up in the corner until everything around him disappeared.

  “Do you have any other questions?” Ramsen asked as he returned the display on the table to the overview map.

  I wouldn’t want to ask them even if I did. “No, I think that covers everything for now. Thanks for the overview.”

  “Gladly—”

  Ramsen was interrupted by the door sliding open.

  Taelis entered. “When I said to go over tactical positions, I didn’t expect you to cover the entire history of the TSS.”

  Was that a joke? I didn’t think he had it in him. Wil inclined his head to the High Commander. “We were being thorough. I’m grateful for the orientation.”

  “I’m glad it was productive,” Taelis replied. “It’s been a full day. Why don’t we break here, and you can join us for dinner.”

  Wil noted that the invitation was more of a statement than a question. I’ve had enough conversation for one day, but I can’t turn him down. “That would be wonderful, thank you.”

  “Excellent.” Taelis looked to Ramsen. “Let’s go.”

  Wil accompanied Taelis and Ramsen around the ring of the space station, back to the elevator. They took the elevator up four levels, where they were greeted by several of the officers Wil had met earlier in the day.

  The party made their way to a room labeled “Officers’ Mess,” which struck Wil as a somewhat strange concept—in his home Headquarters, mealtime disregarded the distinction of rank. There were six square tables with four chairs around each. Without any verbal agreement, several of the Agents telekinetically rearranged the seating to form one large table surrounded by ten chairs. It’s going to take some time to get used to free use of telekinesis—I’m so used to being in subspace most of the time.

  The Agents gestured for Wil to take one of the seats toward the middle of the table. He complied. Where do we get food? There was no buffet area, as he was accustomed to seeing.

  �
�Enough business for the day,” Taelis announced, taking a seat across the table. “So, Wil, we’re familiar with your official record, but why don’t you tell us about yourself—the parts outside of work.”

  Wil was irritated by the request. “That’s a difficult distinction to make.” I was raised at Headquarters. I started training as soon as I could walk. Do they honestly think I have a life outside the TSS?

  “There have to be some things you do for fun,” Taelis said.

  “Sure. I like flying and mechanics, but those are still work assignments. I don’t know what you want me to say. I’m a dynastic heir who grew up at a military training facility. Everything I’ve ever done was part of my training as a TSS officer with a political bent. There isn’t any free time for me to do what I want.” Wil knew his tone was terse, but he was too worn down from Ramsen’s briefing to care. I wouldn’t be here at all if I had any choice.

  Taelis looked pensive. “Your father indicated that you have too many obligations. You dismissed him earlier, but do you actually feel that way, too?”

  Is this a trap? Wil thought for a moment before replying. “As I’m sure you read in my file, I always follow through on my commitments.”

  The High Commander leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  Stars! I feel like I’ll be in trouble regardless of how I respond. “As long as I am affiliated with the TSS, I can’t imagine spending my time any differently than I already do.”

  “But that’s still dodging the heart of the issue.” Taelis sighed. “I’ve been thinking about what your father said, and he’s right. We’ve put you in a position where you’re always on duty—even though others are afforded leave. Headquarters is your home, so even on breaks between terms you have nowhere to go.”

  What does he care? “I could go if I wanted to.” At least, I always figured I could.

  Taelis cocked his head. “Yet, you haven’t. The number of training hours you’ve logged has to be twice that of any other trainee, and you haven’t even graduated.”

  Wil looked around the table at the Agents. All eyes were on him. “I don’t look at it that way.”

  Taelis examined him. “You’re trying to hide it, but I see some resentment under the surface.”

  Is he trying to get a reaction out of me? “That’s not the term I’d use.”

  “No need to argue semantics. My point is, you’ve put in a disproportionate amount of effort compared to anyone else and we’ve done nothing but pile on more.” Taelis folded his hands on the table. “Going forward, I think it’s appropriate to define some expectations around ‘work’ versus ‘personal’ time.”

  Where is this coming from? The TSS never makes that kind of distinction. “That’s not necessary, and I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

  Taelis straightened in his chair. “We need you, Wil. This is the only way I can offer you any relief.”

  “I didn’t ask for it.” He wants something from me. He’s not offering this out of the goodness of his heart.

  “But others have spoken on your behalf. I trust that you will continue following through with all of your assignments, as you have indicated. But, I’m proposing that you have the opportunity to choose what you do during work hours and what’s above and beyond. Everyone but you has had the chance to make those distinctions—I’m only trying to right an inequity.”

  That hardly makes up for it. They’re just trying to buy my favor. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll talk with Banks about making it official,” Taelis said. “I know it’s a small gesture, but I hope you take it in good faith for us working together.”

  Wil nodded. “I appreciate it.” It still doesn’t feel genuine.

  Taelis looked around the table. “I said no more talk of business, and yet that’s all we’ve talked about. Forgive me.” He cracked a smile at the group and the Agents shifted in their chairs, giving little nods and shrugs in response. “Where is our meal?” He checked his handheld.

  Wil tried to sink into his chair, wishing he were anywhere else. I’m just a commodity to them. Any offer they make is just to placate me so I’ll do what they want.

  After a couple minutes of uncomfortable quiet, the door slid open. Attendants entered the room carrying trays of food. It was a veritable feast—a roasted meat main course, with potato and vegetable sides. There was even a dessert tray with what looked to be chocolate cake.

  Wil made no attempt to hide his surprise. This doesn’t fit with the rest of the facility. As the food was placed in front of him, he realized he was ravenous, having only had a snack while working on the Bakzen ship with the engineers.

  “We might be out at the edge of civilization, but we like to eat well,” Taelis said.

  I imagine by “we” he only means the officers. There’s no way everyone gets this kind of treatment. “It looks delicious.”

  “Please, help yourself,” Taelis said, gesturing to the spread on the table.

  Wil took his portion. He waited for the other officers to fill their plates before he started eating. The first bite was bliss.

  “You made some interesting comments today about our tactical positions,” Ramsen commented to Wil after everyone had begun eating. “Since it seems like the topic will inevitably come back to work, would you be willing to share some of your thoughts with the group?”

  That doesn’t leave me with a lot of room to decline. Wil swallowed his mouthful. “Sure. For starters, you’re only fighting the war on the frontlines.”

  Taelis looked to Ramsen, then back to Wil. “Can you elaborate?”

  “I mean, your main offensive strategies revolve around attacking the Bakzen homeworld. Which is the ultimate goal, yes, but they can do a lot of damage elsewhere in the meantime.”

  “Our forces surround the rift.” Taelis countered.

  “Yeah, but the rift is one of three habitable planes. There’s nothing to stop the Bakzen from making a direct play for other worlds in any part of space.”

  “They already do raid the outer colonies on occasion,” Ramsen said.

  “And what’s to keep them to the outer colonies?” Wil replied. “Shite, they could just go straight to Tararia if they wanted to.”

  Taelis shook his head. “We’d see them coming. Any travel in normal space or subspace would have a trail we can trace.”

  “Yes, but the rift is the blind spot,” Wil said. “My point is, there’s opportunity to bolster the forces along the main beacon corridors.”

  “They could just go around whatever blockage we set up,” Taelis said.

  “Maybe, but from what I learned today down in Engineering with Laecy, the Bakzen piggyback on our nav beacons. They don’t have an independent jump drive either.” Not that they need one to travel more effectively than any of our ships.

  Taelis eyed him. “So you’re saying, let them spread a little, but hold them at key choke points?”

  Wil shrugged. “Something like that.”

  “An interesting notion,” Taelis mused.

  “I only looked at it for a few hours. It might not be the best solution,” Wil continued. “But, giving up a little ground would allow you to reallocate your resources to where it really matters.”

  “I guess we really do have the right person for the job,” Taelis remarked. He grabbed his handheld from his jacket pocket and brought up a spatial map on the holographic display. He set it in the center of the table. “Now, what are we going to do about those vulnerabilities?”

  Wil sighed inwardly. Now I’ve done it. He grabbed a piece of chocolate cake. I’m going to need this in order to get through the rest of the night.

  * * *

  Banks was already settling into his quarters for the night when he heard the unwelcome notification chirp of an incoming high-priority communication. He glanced at the alert window on the viewscreen in his living room and saw that it was from Taelis. Reporting about his day with Wil, no doubt.

  He answered the cal
l. “Hello, Erik. How did it go?”

  The image of the other High Commander resolved on the viewscreen. “It went well. Mostly.”

  That wasn’t very enthusiastic. “Mostly?”

  Taelis looked pensive. “Wil is… very impressive. But, your Lead Agent—he isn’t afraid to speak his mind, is he?”

  Banks looked down. I should have figured they wouldn’t get along. “No, he’s not. However, I’ve seen him navigate some very tricky situations. He speaks his mind, but he also knows when to sit back and listen.”

  “I’ll just have to take your word for it,” Taelis replied.

  This isn’t about Cris. “So, how is Wil taking everything?”

  Taelis shrugged. “It’s tough to say. I have no comparison for his demeanor.”

  “You must have had some impression about him. You said he was ‘impressive.’”

  “Without a doubt. He’s somewhat quiet and serious, but strong—none of us have been able to break through his mental blocks. And he’s poised, though I did expect that giving his lineage and upbringing.”

  Banks tensed. Stars! If Taelis knew Wil at all, he’d know that he’s probably freaking out. I never should have pushed for a meeting right away. “He’ll make a superb leader. But we need to be careful with him. It’s a lot for anyone to take in, even if it doesn’t show.”

  “We’re not really in a great position for subtlety.”

  Banks raised an eyebrow. “So you told him everything?”

  “As much as anyone aside from us knows.”

  “That might not be enough.”

  “It’ll have to be,” Taelis replied, firm. “It’s far too dangerous.”

  “Dangerous for whom, exactly?” Does he truly believe the lies we tell ourselves?

  Taelis scowled. “Do you want to break down the entire foundation of the society we’re fighting for?”

  That was already broken when we compromised our morals as a people. “Of course not. I just think a far greater danger will be from Wil himself once he realizes what all of this is about.”

  “Which is why we have gone to such lengths. Only a few of us know the truth about the war.”

  “So do the Aesir. Just think about it. If Wil hears it from them and not from us, what will he do? Or not do?”