Architects of Destiny Read online

  “I’m game.”

  They procured some chocolate mousse and returned to the booth, sitting across from each other.

  “So, Kate, I’m sure you get this all the time, but I have to ask. How did you come to join the TSS? As far as I know, it’s rare for anyone from a High Dynasty to come train here, especially beyond the first year.” Cris took a bite of the mousse; not quite as good as the Sietinen private chef’s, but still delicious.

  Kate sighed. “I’m… a bit of an anomaly. I have an older brother, who’s heir, and two older sisters. Most High Dynasties only have one or two successors. So, as a fourth child, I’m of little consequence.”

  “Are you close with your siblings?”

  She shrugged. “Not really. They were adults by the time I was born. I’m twenty years younger than my closest sister.”

  Cris just about choked on his mousse, but was able to hide it. Twenty years younger… That meant there were no children in between Kate and Krista, Tristen’s betrothed. It was too big of a coincidence for Kate to be Cris’ age. He swallowed. “I know what it’s like growing up alone.” Even after what happened, they still wanted to unite the two Dynasties.

  “So, at any rate,” Kate went on, “when my abilities started to emerge, it was decided that I could come train here. There wasn’t any reason for me to stay on Tararia.”

  I was gone, and they knew it. “I hope you feel like you made the right choice.” I know I did.

  “Yes, I do. How about you? What brought you here?”

  Pick your words carefully… “I didn’t get along with my parents. I think my father actively disliked me. My mother, on the other hand, barely acknowledged my existence. They especially disapproved of me embracing my abilities. So, as soon as I could, I left home. I met Thom, the captain of the Exler, on my first day out on my own, and he took me in. I got really lucky.”

  “I heard the TSS actually tracked you down to recruit you. And that you trained privately with an Agent when you first got here.”

  Cris opened his mouth to reply, but didn’t know what to say. He shrugged it off. “We’re all in the same place now.”

  Kate looked at him thoughtfully with eyes that contained wisdom beyond her years. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you,” she said. “You act so casual, but you have a certain… poise.”

  “I’m me. It’s just the way I am.”

  Kate smiled. “I like it.”

  They both looked down at their empty bowls.

  “What now?” Cris asked. It was still a little early to go back to his quarters, if he knew Scott’s habits.

  “Let’s go up to the spaceport,” Kate suggested, excitement in her eyes. “It’s been too long since I’ve seen the stars.”

  “Okay,” Cris agreed, ready to follow her lead anywhere she wanted.

  Kate took Cris’ hand and led him to the central elevator that would take them on the long ride to the surface of the moon outside of Headquarters. They didn’t have the clearance to take a transport vessel up to the dock with the TSS fleet, but they could go as far as the terminal on the surface.

  The terminal was all but deserted, and they went over to one of the expansive windows that curved in a half-dome overhead, providing an unobstructed view of the starscape beyond.

  “I love coming here,” Kate said, staring out. They leaned against the railing in front of the window. “It all looks so different from space. You can’t get a view like this on Tararia.”

  “No, you certainly can’t,” Cris replied. He could never tire of gazing out into the impressive blackness of space with its amazing spectrum of stars.

  Kate inched closer to Cris. After a moment, he took the hint and put his arm around her. She relaxed against him. Nothing else mattered with her next to him like that. He was completely at peace. He had no idea how long they stood together, but he savored every moment.

  A wave of tiredness washed over Cris. He checked the time on his handheld: 24:13. How is that even possible? It was past curfew, though that was rarely enforced for Junior Agents. “We should get back.” He reluctantly unfurled himself from Kate.

  Kate checked her own handheld. “I had no idea it was so late!”

  “It’s probably safe for me to go back to my quarters now.”

  Kate stifled a yawn. “Yes, I should think so.”

  They took the central elevator down to the Primus level and walked back to Kate’s quarters, her arm linked around Cris’. I could walk like this forever.

  “I had a great time tonight,” Kate said when they were outside her door. “I hope we can see more of each other.”

  “Me too.”

  She looked up expectantly at Cris, but he hesitated, not sure what to do.

  “Well, good night.” Cris smiled and turned to go, his heart pounding in his ears.

  “Aren’t you going to kiss me goodnight?”

  He turned back to look at her. She gazed into his eyes, searching. “I didn’t want to presume. You are a Lady, after all,” he said.

  “Consider the invitation extended.” She took a step forward.

  Cris swallowed. Coaching about girls hadn’t been a part of any of his training. I have no idea what I’m doing. He let instinct take over, cupping Kate’s face in his hand and drawing her to him.

  Their lips met, sending a tingle through Cris’ entire body. Kate placed her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Despite his inexperience, Cris felt at once comfortable with her, following her every cue. She wanted more, but he pulled back slowly from the kiss. “Good night.” He kissed her again lightly, lingering just long enough.

  CHAPTER 11

  “How was your date?” Scott asked as soon as Cris emerged from his room in the morning.

  Cris grinned, in spite of himself. “It was good.”

  Scott laughed. “Someone is smitten!”

  “Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” Cris said, trying to sound casual. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met. I didn’t know someone like her even existed.

  “Uh huh.” Scott didn’t seem convinced. “When are you seeing her next?”

  “We didn’t make any plans yet.” Stars, I hope it’s soon.

  “Marsie sent me a message last night saying that Kate was gushing about you.”

  Really? “I’m glad she had a good time.”

  “By the look on your face, the feeling was mutual.”

  Cris shrugged it off. Stay cool. It was only one date. But stars! It was great.

  “Anyway, I’m glad it worked out.” Scott pulled out his handheld and checked it. “Hey, I have to check in with the lab. I’ll see you later.”

  “Have a good one.” Cris rubbed his eyes. Yes, it was a wonderful night, but we were up far too late to now be awake at this hour. He suppressed a yawn.

  Cris took a quick shower before heading over to the mess hall for breakfast. He got his tray of food and was about to sit down at an empty table when he spotted Kate eating alone. She was reading something projected from her handheld. Do I go over to her? As he was trying to decide what to do, she looked up from the text and smiled at him. After a moment, she waved him over. Okay, that answers it.

  “Good morning,” she greeted as he approached. She collapsed her handheld and put it away in her pants pocket.

  “Good morning.” Cris took a seat across from her. He felt instantly energized in her presence. How could I miss her so much after just a few hours?

  Kate set down her fork. “I wasn’t sure if I should call you over or not. You don’t have to sit here if—”

  “No, I’m glad you did. I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

  Kate smiled. “Good. I was afraid you might take it as me being too clingy, or something.”

  Cris chuckled. “Not at all.” He took a bite of potato scramble from his plate. “It’s good to see you again.”

  Kate blushed slightly. “You too.” She took a couple bites from her own plate. “I had a great time last night.”

  “Me too.
”

  They resumed eating in silence.

  Cris kept his eyes on his plate. The quiet was awkward. Maybe it was a bad idea to come over here? I remember Scott mentioning something about a waiting period between dates…

  “I’d like to get to know you,” Kate said suddenly.

  Startled, Cris looked up and their eyes locked. The awkwardness melted away.

  “It felt right, last night,” Kate continued. “I know Scott and Marsie are just fooling around, but there seemed to be a real connection with us.”

  And I still feel it now. Cris couldn’t look away. “I agree. I’d very much like to get to know you more.”

  Kate smiled. “Good.” She tore away and looked down for a moment. She cleared her throat. “Now, you said you were from Seiten, right?”

  Cris’ breath caught. Stars! Exactly how well do I want her to know me right away? “Yeah, from right outside the city.” Do I come clean?

  “And you said you grew up alone. Only child?”

  “Yes. Well, sort of. I had a brother who died in an accident before I was born.” If she makes the connection between Tristen and her sister…

  Kate’s brow furrowed with sympathy. “That must have been difficult for your family.”

  Cris breathed an inward sigh of relief. She doesn’t suspect me. Or at least doesn’t want to admit it. “It was tough growing up in a shadow. Aside from my parents disapproving of my abilities, that’s the other key reason I chose to leave Tararia.” Stars! I want to tell her everything, but I need to know that she cares about me, not who I am.

  “I can relate.” Kate withdrew in thought for a moment. “Anyway, what interests you? What do you enjoy studying?”

  Right now, you interest me more than anything. “I love flying. Any chance I have to get in the fighter jets is welcome. On the more academic side, recently I’ve been diving into the deepest layers of subspace mechanics.”

  “Scott mentioned you had a knack for navigation.”

  I can’t escape the family business entirely. “Yes, admittedly, much of the subspace studying has navigation applications. I did work as a Navigator before joining the TSS, so it’s a familiar subject. But, it’s something I’m good at, more than something I enjoy.”

  “I know what you mean. That’s like me with telecommunications systems, because of my family. I can construct a holographic projector from parts, but I’d much rather help plan a battle strategy.” She grinned.

  Of course. She was groomed in the operations of VComm, just as I was groomed to take over SiNavTech. “I second your sentiment about battle strategy. Agent Reisar’s class was awesome.”

  Kate’s eyes lit up. “It was! When you took it, did he give you that lecture on using phantom subspace jumps?”

  “Yes! That was so awesome. I mean, I’d hope to never find myself in that situation, but—” Cris was interrupted by a loud chirp from his handheld. “Sorry.” He reached into his pocket to silence the device.

  A moment later, Kate’s handheld made the same chirp. She groaned and pulled it out from her pocket to look at the message. She frowned. “I’ve been summoned.”

  Cris examined his own handheld. The message read: “Proceed to Junior Agent Lounge JAP-271C.” He showed Kate.

  “Same for me,” she confirmed.

  Are we in trouble? Cris took one final bite of breakfast. “I guess we should go.”

  They bussed their table and walked together to the lounge. A handful of other Junior Agents were already there, including Scott. “Any idea why we’re here?” Cris asked.

  “No,” Scott replied.

  “Internships?” Kate speculated.

  Scott shrugged. “Maybe.”

  After five more minutes, a dozen Primus Junior Agents were gathered in the middle of the room, including Marsie and some other common acquaintances from various classes. Everyone chatted amongst themselves, throwing out increasingly far-fetched theories about the meeting.

  The door slid open again and everyone immediately fell silent when a figure dressed in black entered. After a moment, Cris recognized the man as Lead Agent Nilaen. He was one of the oldest Agents Cris had encountered, with almost fully gray hair. However, he still held himself with the same regality as his younger counterparts. Cris had never interacted with him directly, but he knew his reputation for fair issue resolution and attention to detail.

  Nilaen beamed at the crowd. “I’m sure you’ve all had time to theorize why you have been gathered here.” The Junior Agents nodded. “Well, I’m pleased to tell you that the day has finally arrived. Your internship assignments await you.”

  The Junior Agents looked to each other with anxious anticipation.

  Kate shot Cris a smug look. “I knew it.” She clasped her hands. “Please, be somewhere warm.”

  Nilaen checked his handheld. “The details of the assignments have been transferred to your accounts. Good luck.” He departed as the Junior Agents scattered to review the assignments with their friends.

  “Let’s see what we got,” Cris said to Kate. They pulled up the files on their handhelds. Cris scanned through the information. It seemed like a straightforward assignment on a pleasant planet, but the subject matter was pretty low on his wish list. Great. I have to deal with diplomats. He looked to Kate. “What did you get?”

  “Valdos III,” Kate replied with disdain. “This looks awful! Just completely… boring.”

  “How so?”

  She continued flipping through the file, looking more distraught the more she read. “Well, their flag is solid beige. I think that says everything.”

  Cris gave her a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure it will be fine.”

  Kate sighed loudly. “Easy for you to say, since you won’t be stuck there for the next year. Where did you end up?”

  She won’t like this. “Marilon II. Fairly temperate climate and mountainous landscape—pretty picturesque, actually. But, it would seem the Districts don’t know how to play nice with each other and they need a mediator.” Looks like I’ll be stuck in the role of politician after all.

  “Let me see.” Kate grabbed his handheld and brought up a holographic projection of the planet’s landscape. Towering trees stood out among dramatic rocky cliffs. A modern metropolis was nestled in the foothills with a clear blue river bisecting the city. “You have to be kidding!” She shoved the handheld back at him.

  “To be fair, I’ll probably spend all of my time in conference rooms,” Cris pointed out.

  “At least you’ll have something to look at out the window.” Kate pulled up a holographic display of her own location on her handheld.

  Cris wanted to laugh, but held back. The capital city of Valdos III was flat, featureless and bland. The inhabitants all appeared to wear loose-fitting clothes in an awful shade of gray-tan, giving the entire civilization a completely monotone appearance. “It’s… quaint? And it looks like you did get your wish for somewhere warm.”

  Kate’s eyes narrowed into a malicious glare. “Don’t even try.”

  “Hey, I didn’t make the assignments!” Cris held up his hands in self-defense.

  “Someone doesn’t look happy,” Scott said from behind Cris.

  Perfect timing! Cris turned to his friend. “Not every planet has high tourist appeal. How did you fair?”

  “Meh, fine,” Scott replied. “I’ll be managing supply distribution on one of the recently settled colony worlds in the border territories. You?”

  “Diplomatic relations on Marilon II,” Cris told him, trying to block out Kate’s seething stare.

  “How is this fair?” Kate exclaimed, taking ahold of Cris’ handheld again and directing it toward Scott.

  Scott looked it over. “Hmm, that’s not a typical internship assignment. Lucky you.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be miserable in my own way.” If only they knew how much I loathed these sorts of political dealings.

  “Fair enough,” Scott said. “Be nice, Kate. At least you’ll get to practice advanced telek
inesis on Valdos III—I’ve heard it’s one of the only planets where it’s integral to their culture.”

  Kate placed her handheld back in her pocket and crossed her arms. “Lovely.” She sighed. “What about Marsie?”

  Scott shook his head. “I don’t know. She muttered something about ‘may as well be going to a convent’ before storming off.”

  Every assignment is deliberate, designed to address our greatest weaknesses. I guess we’re finding out what parts of ourselves we need to improve. “Well, we have a couple months to get used to everything before we ship out.”

  “Very true,” Scott agreed. “I need to start this reading.”

  “Yes, I should do the same,” Kate said. “I’m sure there’s some redeeming quality about this place. I may as well know what it is.”

  “That’s the spirit,” Cris said. “Catch up later?”

  “Sure. I’ll message you.” She smiled at him, all of the discontent from earlier forgotten.

  Cris smiled back and nodded

  When they were several meters from the lounge, Scott shook his head. “You two are already sickening together. I’m regretting setting you up.”

  “You’re just jealous.”

  Scott rolled his eyes. “When you’re playing with your grandkids, remember I was the one who made it all possible.”

  Cris gave him a playful shove.

  Scott grinned and leaped ahead of Cris. “And name your firstborn after me!” He took off in a sprint down the hallway.

  I should expect nothing less from him. When Cris eventually arrived at his quarters, Scott had already retreated into his room. Cris settled onto his own bed so he could begin the arduous review of the mission details for his internship. He was about to start reading when he noticed an unread email notification.

  His stomach knotted when he saw the message in his inbox. Ugh, not again. It was from his father. The subject was simply: “Checking in.” Cris groaned and deleted the message. He had received dozens of similar emails and video recordings over the last three years. All of them said the same thing, even though the packaging varied: “Your training with the TSS is pointless. You have no future there. Come home to where you belong.”