Conspired: A Young Adult Dystopian Romance (The State Series Book 6)

by M. J. Kaestli

  Conspired

  Book Six of the State Series

  M. J. Kaestli

  No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or any other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations for reviews, or noncommercial uses and with proper and correct citation.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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  https://mjkaestli.com/

  Copyright © 2020 M. J. Kaestli

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 978-1-9991850-2-2

  Contents

  Title Page

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Books in the State Series

  Chapter 1

  4 Years Later

  Lewis

  This place was foreign to him; its mere existence was eerie. He assumed he had already mastered the various twists and turns of the military underground, having seen behind every door. Not only was this place unfamiliar, but the capacity was also incomprehensible.

  He perched in the rigid desk, his back straight as the desk’s wood. The furniture wasn’t made for relaxation, yet it wasn’t what caused his discomfort.

  He darted his gaze around, noticing the straight lines of desks filling the room’s expanse. Mentally, he tried to estimate the number of colleagues in attendance. Even when he first entered his military service, he had never seen so much military personnel gathered in one location. The rows seemed to span on forever, making it impossible to gauge the room without drawing attention to himself.

  “Welcome everyone,” she presented with a strong posture. Her black eyes penetrated even those sitting at the room’s back. “I’m Dr. Rhetta, and I will lead you through your orientation today.”

  A civilian-led mission?

  This peculiar presenter was suddenly of more interest than his surroundings.

  He held up his hand, overrun with curiosity. “Are you a civilian?”

  Her eyes narrowed into slits. Disgust curled her lips into a purse before she replied. “Yes. I am a psychologist. I have, however, spent more time in these tunnels than many of you.”

  His face flushed. “I meant no disrespect.” There was nothing worse than getting on the bad side of the project leader. Now she would use him as an example, a way to keep the rest of his peers in line. “I was just curious. With a group this size, it’s uncommon for us to include civilians—yet we are civilian-run.”

  She pursed her lips, a movement which only intensified her square-hard features. “No, this is run by the State, which oversees both the civilians and the military. You would do well to remember that, rather than to concern yourself with rank.”

  His stomach twisted. It had been a mistake to speak in this setting. “I recognize that this mission is unique. I’m intrigued, not concerned with rank, ma’am.”

  “Yes, of course.” She tucked her chin, her gaze drilling into him. “I am also certain that if you weren’t capable of dealing with your curiosities silently, then you wouldn’t have been selected for the military. I will have complete confidence in this team’s abilities. Either you will inspire my confidence, or you will be replaced.”

  She let the threat linger in the air. He nodded, consenting to her request for silence as his face flushed crimson. Her lasting gaze caused his peers to shift in discomfort.

  She was making an example of him. It was shameful, all to punish him for expressing his excitement. He should have known better. The military had no tolerance for curiosity.

  Although he knew nothing of this project, he knew it was big. Huge. Monumental. His performance could determine the outcome of the rest of his career. Either he ends up a middle-aged man training new recruits, or he could climb his way to the top.

  It all started here. Today. He felt it in his bones.

  This mission is the one I’ve been waiting for.

  Over the past decade, he had mastered his skill set. Undercover missions. Arrests. Tortured information out of rebellion members. Exposed conspiracy. Yet, he was still no further up the chain of command.

  But this was different—this was the big leagues. He wanted to make an impact. He wanted promotions, yet he also wanted to serve the State effectively.

  Despite his best efforts, his enthusiasm had gotten the best of him.

  Stupid.

  Lewis lowered his gaze to her feet, yet she continued to halt her presentation. His skin burned red-hot. His heart rate increased as he wondered if she already decided to remove him from this project.

  Just as he felt he may burst into flames, a chorus of chimes broke the awkward silence.

  “Your new identities.”

  His hands shook slightly as he retrieved his tablet. Moving forward, he would keep his head down, his mouth shut, and his mind quiet.

  New assignments sent on the secure military line always started with their original military identification number, but never their given birth name.

  That was long forgotten. His childhood, his existence, erased. He was nothing more than a number: 000993.

  His identity changed with each mission. He used to feel curious or excited about what his new role would be, or how long he would keep it for. The novelty had since passed.

  Lewis.

  He let the name roll around in his mind, mentally adjusting to his new identity.

  Dr. Rhetta paced rigidly until each military personnel turned their attention to her. “Now, most of you have already been informed of the colonization project.”

  Most of the men in the room nodded, as did Lewis, yet his stomach knotted, and his heart rate quickened.

  Colonization.

  Being sent to an unknown world was the last thing he wanted. If the State sent him to the colony, that would only take him further away from a position of power, not closer to it. It was his last choice of missions, if he’d had the power to select them for himself. He did his best to keep his rugged square face neutral, trying not to reveal his displeasure.

  “You are all aware of how deeply classified this mission is. We have taken greater precautions than ever before.” She ensured their attention before she contin
ued. “There has been minimal civilian involvement. Only those with clearance know that there is a ship outside ready for launch at this very moment. I am sure you will all understand; the colonists selected didn’t volunteer.”

  I certainly didn’t volunteer. He dug his nails into his palms and forced the thought from his mind. I don’t know that’s why I’m here, not for certain. I could be training to support the launch.

  He imagined some of these men would want to live in the new colony. It would be exciting to live above ground, but he was more concerned with being promoted than living a life of adventure.

  The silence was eerie. It seemed everyone had learned from the example Dr. Rhetta made of him.

  “We will soon bring in the colonists, and we need brawny men to train them. Some will perform as instructed with no explanation, and others, well, use your vast skills of persuasion to make them complete their training. The rules are simple: Those colonists needing persuasion will be isolated, held in prisons, and given a tablet to go through simulations.”

  Lewis perked up. Hopefully, they brought him in to strong-arm an unwilling colonist rather than make him one.

  “You are not to speak with them, encourage them, or to share information of any kind,” she continued. “If any of them guess that they’re building a city, you may confirm leaving the dome, but that is all. They know nothing about the spacecraft, the new world, or that they will never return.

  “In order for everything to go as planned, they each have a role to play, and we have calculated every facet of that role—down to the very second they arrive and wake up. They must complete their training by any means necessary—except for dismemberment or death. We need these colonists to be robust; they have much work to do on the other side.”

  Once Dr. Rhetta finished presenting the logistics, the group left the classroom. It was time to move into their new bunks in the military underground.

  Lewis didn’t know his mission specifics; all he knew was how important it was. If he wasn’t sent on the colony ship, this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. This was his chance to impress the people who really mattered.

  No matter how tough these colonists were, how much they fought back, he would just push them harder. He needed to succeed; he needed to prove he was deserving and capable of more.

  His assigned colonist would be on that ship, well-prepared, having completed their training in record time.

  They would be top of their class, and he would receive the recognition he deserved.

  Chapter 2

  Lewis

  His pulse throbbed in his throat and temples as he walked through the dismal military underground. The dank air did nothing to quench the blazing heat in his throat.

  Normally, the confined passageways, combined with the gloomy lighting of the military underground, asphyxiated any emotions. Even fear. But this wasn’t a standard day, nor a typical mission.

  Mission orders were sent, arrangements made, and now was time for action. With his new identity, it was time to begin his mission.

  All assignments felt exciting, yet this one already stood out from the rest. He was walking toward the highest-ranking individual Lewis had ever had the pleasure of meeting: James, the Head of Security.

  This mission could launch his career or destroy him. It all hung on the delicate balance of impressing James with his work without appearing to be a brownnoser.

  Down the hallway, a lanky man wearing a Security uniform leaned into the wall. He turned at hearing Lewis’ approach. “Lewis, was it?”

  He nodded formally and folded his bulky arms behind his back to keep his hands from trembling. “Yes, sir.”

  “Lewis, I’m glad we got a moment together before your assigned colonist arrives.”

  Lewis licked his full bottom lip before biting down. Instructions came through their secure line on their tablets. If James felt the need to give additional instruction, it probably meant James didn’t trust his capabilities. Regardless of the slight, Lewis held his tongue. James was still one of the most powerful men under the dome, and he intended to gain his favor.

  James leaned closer. “I must forewarn you: this particular colonist, he needs special attention.”

  Lewis kept his emotions even, but mentally remarked on the absurdity of James’ statement.

  I guess the Head of Security isn’t responsible for routinely torturing people for information, he thought. They all need special attention when they’re noncompliant.

  “I assure you, sir, I have extensive experience dealing with prisoners. I can handle anyone you assign.”

  James nodded but didn’t meet his gaze. “I guess I need to rephrase that. This particular prisoner has always been a thorn in my side.” He paused and looked Lewis directly in the eyes. “I hate him. You will hate him. I want him tormented more thoroughly than other captives—more than standard procedure. He’s got a smug attitude. He rubs me the wrong way.”

  James paused as someone headed down the hall. “I know he will cause problems at every turn if he thinks he can get away with it. You don’t just have to convince him to take part in his training, you have to break him.”

  A voice echoed down the narrow hallway, the signal that his prisoner was on route, headed their way.

  James lifted his pointed jaw yet dropped his tone to a mere whisper. “I want to ensure you handle him correctly. I feel in order to do so, you need to know that he’s a member of the rebellion.”

  Lewis flinched; his face drained of color. “Sir, should he not be tortured for information and executed? Surely someone can take his place on the spacecraft.”

  James cast his gaze around the hallway before responding. “There are extenuating circumstances at play. Circumstances I’m not at liberty to share. All I can say is the State is well aware of his insubordination and has reason to send him to the colony world. This training will ensure his compliance. You will personally see to it.”

  Lewis didn’t know what to say. How could the State let a known rebellion member walk? But he also knew his rank, which was to receive orders and follow them. He gave a curt nod and replied, “Yes, sir. I will make sure I hand over a compliant colonist.”

  The corners of James’ lips pulled upward. “That’s what I like to hear. You must understand, I will be personally monitoring his progress.”

  Lewis refrained from showing his displeasure. It appeared James assumed him incompetent. That’s what it was like at the bottom. James had earned his title, one which demanded respect. Until Lewis gained a title of his own, his superiors would treat him like an imbecile.

  “Understood, sir.”

  James clapped Lewis on the back, a gesture which nearly made him flinch. An affirmative touch was something they trained Lewis to do to manipulate people while undercover; it wasn’t commonly practiced in the military.

  Is he trying to manipulate me? Why would he?

  There was something odd at play. Lewis wished he knew if James had a reputation of being eccentric, or if the extenuating circumstances of this colonist were more important than James was letting on.

  James turned his attention back to the hall, awaiting this troublesome colonist. Only moments later, a lanky youthful man with tousled, spiked hair approached. Lewis stood ready for action.

  “Welcome, Colin,” James said with a smarmy grin. “It is my pleasure to present you with your award.”

  That’s what they told him? Colin must be a real moron if he believed a rebellion member deserves an award.

  “Oh, really? I don’t remember doing anything to deserve this honor.”

  Colin’s words dripped with sarcasm. James was right.

  I already hate him.

  Lewis shifted his weight, ready to launch toward Colin if his actions were as non-compliant as his smug tone.

  “Nonsense, Colin. Your outstanding performance in your civil duty got you here.”

  James sounded formal, as though Colin were really receiving an award.

  Lewi
s wondered what all the theatrics were about. Colin is here—arrest him. Let me do my job and take care of him from here.

  “Thanks,” Colin spat, “but I don’t want any special project. I like my civil duty, just as it is. I would rather not have any promotion, so I may return home every night to Freya.”

  “I think you might feel differently when you learn what this project is.”

  What kind of man refuses a promotion from the State? James isn’t the only one who will take great pleasure in torturing this piece of trash.

  “So, I’m a prisoner then?” Colin raised an eyebrow.

  “If you choose to view it that way, then yes.”

  James nodded to Lewis, and he eagerly sprung into action. Colin didn’t fight, he didn’t even flinch as Lewis secured him.