Architects of Destiny Read online

  After a moment, Kate yielded. “Fine.”

  Progress! “Come on.” Cris headed down the hall toward a row of study rooms. He led Kate into an empty one.

  “You really hurt me, you know,” Kate said as soon as the door was closed.

  Cris set his tablet down on the table. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

  Kate took a deep breath. “I know you didn’t.” She crossed her arms. “This isn’t easy for me.”

  “It wasn’t right of me to keep my identity from you.”

  Kate shook her head. “It’s not just that. I’d already mentally left behind my life on Tararia and committed to the TSS. I didn’t think I’d ever look back.”

  “I have no intention of leaving the TSS, either.”

  “But, like it or not, you’re still an heir. You’ll have two lives—one here, and one out there. If I’m with you, that means I will still have a responsibility to Tararia, too. I couldn’t have the clean break that I’d envisioned. Especially not if you were serious about that plan of yours.”

  I hadn’t thought about that part of it. “I was serious—we could have two votes between our families, when the time comes. But, you’re right. It was a lot of me to ask of you.”

  “No wonder you had thought it through. I should have known then that you were high-born.” She sighed. “I guess these last few days have surfaced a lot of bad memories from Tararia, from back when I felt like I didn’t have any direction.”

  “I’m so sorry, Kate.” Cris brushed her cheek with his finger.

  She shrugged him off. “You should have been upfront with me.”

  “I know. You were absolutely right about what you said. I was thinking only of myself.” He took her hands; she didn’t resist. “When I ran away from Tararia, I didn’t know that also meant running away from you. At the time, I felt like I had to get away, at any cost. My parents… Tristen’s accident devastated them. I knew they had me out of necessity, not want. All my life, they looked right through me, or when they did see me, I saw them wishing I was someone else.”

  Kate nodded. “I would have run away, too, if they hadn’t let me go. I’m surprised yours let you stay here.”

  “Hah! My father writes me at least once a month begging me to come home.”

  “Oh.”

  “Everything about Tararia was toxic. I know I’ve brought up some pretty revolutionary ideas at times, but I honestly believe there’s an opportunity for real change. Being here at the TSS is a chance to buy time and leverage.” Cris caught her gaze. “I promise you, I may have left out my birth name and title, but the rest has been all me.”

  Kate searched his face. “So you really meant it, about wanting to be with me?”

  “Absolutely, I want nothing more than to have you as a life partner.”

  Kate squeezed his hands. “I forgive you.”

  Without hesitation, Cris pulled her in for a kiss. She relaxed into him, releasing the anxious tension of the last few days. After a few moments, Cris pulled away just enough to look Kate in the eye. “I promise to never mislead you again. I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too. We can do so much together.”

  Cris’ heart skipped a beat with the words. To think I could have lost her… I’ll never make that mistake again.

  Kate grinned. “But you should work on your proposal technique, because your first one kind of sucked.”

  “Don’t worry, the real one will be much better.”

  *

  A great weight had been lifted. Kate had accepted him, even if things hadn’t gone quite like Cris imagined. Then again, I didn’t think anything through.

  Still, Cris knew better than to believe all challenges were behind him. His relationship with Kate would be difficult within the TSS. It was one thing to casually date, but marriages among Agents were extremely rare. Furthermore, they would no doubt face long periods of separation—first with their impending internships, and after graduation, any random assignment could keep them away from each other for unthinkable spans. Then there was the matter of their parents. One step at a time.

  The most immediate need was having the High Commander officially sanction the relationship; without that, many other factors would be moot. Cris grabbed his tablet off his desk and sat down on the bed to draft an email to Banks, requesting a meeting. Given the unusual subject matter, he kept the message brief and somewhat vague. In the back of his mind, Cris knew he would leave the TSS before giving up Kate, but hopefully it wouldn’t come to such an ultimatum. Nonetheless, he felt a twinge of dread as he sent the message.

  Cris set the tablet down next to him on the bed and sprawled out. He yawned and settled into the pillows. A nap was very appealing, having stayed up well past curfew to talk with Kate after reconciling. It was a necessary conversation, and it had left him feeling even closer to her.

  As soon as Cris closed his eyes, he heard an email notification chirp. Response from Banks already? His heart skipped. Propped up on his elbows, Cris read the new message. It was indeed from the High Commander, and it stated that he was free to meet at the start of the hour. That’s in 10 minutes! Cris jumped up from the bed. So much for preparing a thoughtful speech.

  Cris rushed out of his quarters and took the elevator up to Level 1. He arrived at the High Commander’s office a couple minutes early and found the door open.

  Banks was examining his desktop inside, and he looked up when Cris approached the door. He gestured Cris in. “You may close the door, if you like.”

  Cris entered and took Banks’ offer. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice, sir.”

  Banks smiled. “You caught me on a good day. Have a seat.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Cris sat down across from Banks in one of the two guest chairs facing the desk—cozy leather seats with padded arms that gave a homey feel to the room.

  “What can I do for you?” Banks asked, examining Cris through his steepled fingers.

  Cris swallowed. “This is admittedly kind of awkward. I’m not sure what to ask, exactly.”

  Banks cocked his head. “You had some reason for meeting with me.”

  “Well…” Just say it. “I’m not sure if you’re aware or not, but Kate Vaenetri and I have been seeing each other for a few months now. And, we’ve decided we’d like to get married.”

  Banks’ eyes widened behind his tinted glasses and he sat up straighter in his chair as he folded his hands on the desktop. “That’s some big news.”

  “It’s all happened rather quickly.” I had no idea my entire life would change like this, but already it’s hard to believe it was ever any other way.

  “Congratulations are in order,” Banks said with a smile.

  “Thank you, sir, but it’s not quite official yet. I still need to get her a ring, and somehow convince our parents to go along with it.” That’s going to be a fun conversation.

  The High Commander looked intrigued. “A starstone ring, I imagine.”

  Cris nodded. That’s one tradition I won’t break. “Yes, I’ll need to go in person.”

  “I guess I’ll finally get to see one up close. I hear they’re breathtaking.”

  And rare to the point of being incomprehensibly expensive. A privilege only for the High Dynasties. “They are. She’s definitely earned it, putting up with me.”

  Banks smiled. “Well, I’ll grant you the leave whenever you need it. I know wedding planning is stressful enough without having to worry about getting time away from work.”

  That’s a relief. “Thank you, sir. That’s still a ways off, but I wanted to talk to you as soon as possible, since I know this sort of thing is unusual within the TSS.”

  Banks steepled his fingers again. “It is, yes. Then again, we don’t get many High Dynasty trainees.”

  Cris shifted in his chair and looked down. “I don’t mean to place you in a tough spot.”

  “No, not at all,” Banks assured. “The lack of long-term relationships among Agents
is self-imposed more than any TSS policy.”

  It can’t be easy. Are we crazy to try? “I’m glad it’s not a direct violation of anything.”

  Banks shook his head. “Far from it. Many Agents do settle down, eventually—often with a local after an extended planetary assignment. Those people don’t pass through Headquarters very often, though. You’ll definitely be an anomaly around here.”

  I’m used to feeling out of place. “Is there any way to guarantee an assignment together?”

  “Of course, Cris. I wouldn’t send you off to opposite sides of the galaxy.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Banks leaned forward against the desk. “In all honesty, you will likely stay right here.”

  Cris came to attention. “Oh?”

  “You’re on pace to have the highest Course Test score on record.” Banks gave him the hint of an approving smile. “That’ll put you far up in the Command ranks.”

  Cris sat in shock for a moment. “Sir, I’m not sure what to say.”

  “You can be very proud of yourself.”

  “Thank you, sir.” I wasn’t expecting a leadership role immediately after graduation.

  Banks paused. “I’ll do what I can to make sure you and Kate can have a happy family life here.”

  Family? “I wasn’t really thinking that far ahead.”

  “I have to. I know you’re a dynastic heir, and that comes with a responsibility to your bloodline.”

  “I suppose it does.” Stars! That always seemed so far away, and now it’s just around the corner.

  “Besides, it’s probably for the best that you be here, at Headquarters, when that time comes.”

  “Why’s that, sir?” Not that I’d want to raise a kid on Tararia after my experience, but this isn’t exactly an ideal setting, either.

  “I can only imagine a child of yours will be… extraordinary,” Banks stated, seeming to choose his words carefully.

  “What do you mean?”

  Banks hesitated. “Your father was the first in recent generations to have abilities, correct?”

  Abilities he pretended not to have. “Yes, I believe so.”

  “That makes you 9th Generation. As far as I know, Kate is, as well. So, your child would be 10th Generation on both sides, which is typically the peak of ability. And since you’re two of the most gifted I’ve ever seen, I can only imagine what the combination would produce.”

  Cris swallowed. “I hadn’t thought about it.”

  “I didn’t mean to worry you with idle speculation.”

  “No, sir. Just caught me off guard a little.” Stars! What kind of parent will I be?

  Banks waved off the comment. “Well anyway, consider your request approved. Sorry to have jumped ahead.”

  “Thank you, sir.” I’ll try to be a better father than mine was to me. No matter what, I can offer love and support. Unconditionally.

  “As for the wedding,” Banks continued, “would it be possible for you to wait until after graduation? With the internship departures in just a couple days..”

  I’d marry her right now before we go if I could, but we need to be practical. “I agree. It would be best to wait.”

  Banks nodded. “Okay, good. We can work out any administrative details later on. Thank you for coming to me with this.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  Banks caught his gaze. “Please, let me know if you ever need anything.”

  Something tells me he isn’t that friendly with all the trainees. “Thank you, I will.”

  “Take care, Cris.”

  Cris nodded his thanks and showed himself out. I guess that went well? He had no doubt that the coming years would be difficult at times, but at least he could take comfort in knowing he’d have a partner to share it with—and, apparently, an advocate.

  He smiled to himself. I can have a life here. A family. This is what I always wanted, even when I didn’t know it yet.

  * * *

  Banks could hardly contain himself until Cris left the room. I can’t believe it’s all coming together. After all these years.

  Banks called his contact at the Priesthood on the viewscreen.

  The Priest answered after several seconds. “Yes?”

  “I have excellent news,” Banks said with a smile. “Cristoph Sietinen just approached me with plans to wed Katrine Vaenetri.”

  The Priest’s grin was visible beneath the hood of his robe. “We were beginning to worry they would never meet.”

  “It was inevitable their connection would bring them together eventually,” Banks replied.

  “True.”

  “And Cris agreed to wait until after graduation for the wedding. That will allow us to ensure their position as contracted Agents. It will give us leverage against the Dynasties to keep them here at Headquarters.”

  “Very foresightful.”

  “I do have one concern,” Banks continued. “We’ve had to move Kate through the training program quickly, to keep her in the same cohort as Cris. I’ve arranged for her to keep training while on her internship—hopefully it’s enough to catch her up. But, she still might not score an accurate CR on the Course Test.”

  “Accurate scoring is not a high priority in this matter.”

  “My concern is that she’ll score below her potential and not justify her Primus Command rank.” The only way to ensure them assignments together without drawing suspicion.

  “Then make sure she does. It’s imperative they are secure in their relationship and feel comfortable enough to bear the Cadicle—your Primus Elite—as soon as possible.”

  The result of our generations of planning and manipulation. “What do we do until then?” It’ll still be decades before a child will be grown and ready to come into the war. “Our forces can’t hold out against the Bakzen in the rift for much longer. We need more Agent recruits if we’re to last until then.”

  The Priest thought for a moment. “Perhaps now it is time to once again embrace such abilities—change the public consciousness to revere the TSS and the duty it serves. Maybe the denouncement of telekinetic powers has outlived its usefulness.”

  People have finally forgotten that those abilities were once core to our race, and how they came to be lost. “Thank you, that has been my hope for many years. Such a change would be to our benefit in winning the war.”

  “Consider it done.” The Priest looked Banks in the eye. “But the true nature of the war must remain our best kept secret.”

  Banks looked at the floor, uncomfortable under the Priest’s intense gaze. So few others know the truth I must guard, but it is a necessary burden. “I faithfully serve Tararia and the Priesthood.”

  Next in the Cadicle series

  Volume 2: Veil of Reality

  The greatest deceptions are never suspected. After twenty years with the Tararian Selective Service, Cris Sietinen is in the unprecedented position of being both Lead Agent and heir to a High Dynasty. Family, career, information—it would seem he has it all. But when his fourteen-year-old son, Wil, is captured by the mysterious Bakzen, Cris is forced to question all that he once took for granted in his life. Only one thing remains clear: it’s imperative he rescue Wil. What Cris and Wil learn in the process will change their perception forever.

  “Veil of Reality” begins to untie the knot of secrets binding the TSS, High Dynasties and the Priesthood.

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  Acknowledgements

  Thank you to all of my family and friends who made this book possible. Foremost, without the e
ncouragement of my life partner, Nick, most of this story would still only exist in my head. His support, advocacy and companionship are my greatest inspiration. I owe my surrogate sister, Jess, for giving me the nudge to continue after she reviewed the very first draft of what would eventually evolve into this series. Thank you to Tom for bringing the visual elements of the story to life, and to Anthony for always lending a critical eye. Special thanks to Steve for believing in me, and also to Collin, Annie, Amy, Jenna, Anthony, John, and Bethany for helping me add the final polish. Finally, thank you to my parents, Randy and Deborah, for giving me everything I needed to let me follow my dreams.

  Glossary

  Agent - A class of officer within the TSS reserved for those with telekinetic and telepathic gifts. There are three levels of Agent based on level of ability: Primus, Sacon and Trion.

  Bakzen - A militaristic race living beyond the outer colonies. Little is known about the Bakzen, other than they are alien in customs and appearance compared to Tarans.

  Cadicle - The definition of individual perfection in the Priesthood’s founding ideology, with emergence of the Cadicle heralding the start to the next stage of evolution for the Taran race.

  Course Rank (CR) - The official measurement of an Agent’s ability level, taken at the end of their training immediately before graduation from Junior Agent to Agent. The Course Rank Test is a multi-phase examination, including direct focusing of telekinetic energy into a testing sphere. The magnitude of energy focused during the exercise is the primary factor dictating the Agent’s CR.

  Earth - A planet occupied by Humans, a divergent race of Tarans. Considered a “lost colony,” Earth is not recognized as part of the Taran government.

  High Commander - The officer responsible for the administration of the TSS. Always an Agent from the Primus class.

  High Dynasties - Six families on Tararia that control the corporations critical to the functioning of Taran society. The “Big Six” each have a designated Region on Tararia, which is the seat of their power. The Dynasties in aggregate form an oligarchical government for the Taran colonies.