by A. K. DuBoff
The welcoming attendant quickly came forward with the fluid movements of someone accustomed to working under pressure. “Hello, my lord, my lady.” He nodded to each, in turn, and met their gazes. “How was your journey?”
“Uneventful, just like it should be,” Wil replied with a cordial smile.
“Wonderful. Well, I’m Jovan, one of Raena’s personal assistants. She asked me to receive you while she finishes a meeting.” The name sounded familiar; it was possible his daughter had mentioned the man during one of their video chats.
“We appreciate the welcome, thank you,” Saera said. “How long have you worked with her?”
“Just over a year now,” Jovan replied. “And quite a year it’s been.” He chuckled.
“Indeed, it has,” Wil agreed.
“The valets will collect your bags. Please, follow me.” Jovan beckoned them toward the building’s entrance.
A stone pathway led to the arched entry doors standing four meters tall. Like the rest of the structure, the grand scale and intricate carvings emphasized the importance of the place. The Priesthood would have professed that the architectural touches were to demonstrate their commitment to divine truth, though Wil suspected that it was more to elevate their standing in Taran society. He’d always detested such ostentatious presentations of wealth and power; it was the reason he wore his TSS dress uniform on formal occasions rather than the fine suits or robes adopted by most Taran nobles. That was the way of Tararia, though. It again reminded him why he visited so rarely.
They had just made it inside the doors when the brisk click of heels sounded from down the interior corridor. Raena rounded the corner and beamed at them.
“Hi! Sorry I’m late,” she called. “Everything is a freaking crisis with these people, ugh!” Despite her annoyed tone, she laughed.
Wil smiled back. His daughter had come into her own over the last few years. He had no doubt he’d made the right decision to abdicate his position in the familial succession so she could take over the political and corporate duties as dynastic heiress. “No worries. Thank you for letting us come on such short notice.”
“You’re always welcome.” She was dressed in a sophisticated, knee-length business dress in a soft blue hue that complemented her teal eyes. As usual, her auburn hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail that swayed with each step.
“We appreciate it all the same,” Saera added. “You look happy.”
“Yeah, things are good.” Raena sighed. “Well, they were.”
“Not to worry. By the end of this visit, we hope to be one step closer to a solution to these new problems,” Wil tried to reassure her.
“Oh, it’s not just the issues with the Rift. Of all times, we’ve been hearing rumblings of discontent in the Outer Colonies.”
Saera groaned. “When isn’t there? That’s half of what the TSS deals with these days, it seems.”
“No, this is different.” Raena frowned. “It’s more organized.”
“We’ll look into it, but we have higher priorities right now.” Saera sounded calm and confident, but Wil sensed her concern beneath the surface.
“Sorry, yeah.” Raena ran her fingers along the hairline of her forehead—a tell for anxious nerves she’d had since she was little. “A lot has hit all at once. You know how it is.”
“No need to explain,” her mother soothed.
Wil nodded. “We’ll try to be quick here so you can get back to your other responsibilities.”
“I’m yours for the rest of the day.” She smiled. “And grandma and grandpa will be here soon.”
“We’re looking forward to catching up,” Saera said.
“Let’s go get a drink,” their daughter suggested.
“Sounds perfect.” Saera gave her a squeeze before Raena led them down the corridor, deeper into the estate.
Wil had been to the island on several occasions since the Priesthood’s fall, but at the time of those previous tours, few changes had yet been made to the estate. The largest building on the isle was the former monastery—though it hadn’t served any genuine religious function for thousands of years. The light stone walls had withstood the test of time, still displaying fine, detailed carvings along the peaked archways and embellished window casings. Like almost every aristocratic structure in the Taran Empire, there were sophisticated electronic systems integrated with the handcrafted architectural accents. The resulting effect was timeless and elegant.
During past visits, an eerie energy had hung over the space. Part of it, no doubt, was his memory of seeing the corrupt Priesthood’s imprisoned victims and the ultimate confrontation with the Priests who’d become twisted by their lust for absolute power. Their dark deeds had left a taint in the place that was slowly being stripped away through Raena and Ryan’s efforts. The young couple was in the process of making the isle into their home. With Ryan’s ancestral estate buried, the Priesthood’s former administrative center was a fitting place to reclaim as the Dainetris Dynasty’s seat of power.
“We don’t really have any festivities planned,” Raena said as she walked ahead through the airy corridor. “The arrangements being last-minute and all.”
“No worries,” Wil replied. “We have our own itinerary in mind.”
“I also thought that might be the case.” She smiled knowingly at him over her shoulder. “What’s the deal?”
“You said my parents are en route?”
She nodded.
“Then I’ll explain once they’re here. No sense going over the same information multiple times.”
Raena sighed softly but didn’t push the matter.
“Is Ryan still working?” Saera asked.
“Yeah, an issue came up late-morning that’s had him busy all day. The ship dealers keep getting greedier and bolder.”
Wil shook his head. “I’ve never understood why some people feel the need to take advantage of others.”
“I know, right?” His daughter shook her head. “Speaking of which, apparently we’re the bad guys to some people. Can you believe it? If they only knew.”
“What makes you say that?” Saera asked.
Raena waved her hand. “New round of civilian protests, this time on Duronis. They put up a bunch of posters about freedom being power, or something, and then scribbled about how Sietinen controls the High Council and the TSS, so what’s next?”
Wil and Saera exchanged glances. “Have you heard anything about that?” he asked her telepathically.
“No, news to me. But that’s the planet where Renfield, the hiring contractor for the Andvari, is based, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” Though Wil hoped there wasn’t a connection, they’d need to follow up. “When was this?” he questioned his daughter.
“This morning.”
“Well, I’m sure we’ll hear about it if the situation escalates. That planet is definitely one to keep an eye on,” Saera said. “I’ll ask Michael to have the Communications team keep an ear out.”
“We have enough to worry about with this Rift situation, so we’ll need to leave the civil unrest management to the Guard for now. However, we should take another look at Renfield once we get back to Headquarters.”
“Agreed.”
The silent conversation only took a second, but Raena’s advanced senses must have picked up on the energy of the telepathic exchange. “This is a work visit, isn’t it?”
“We’re very happy to get this chance to see you, but yes,” Saera confirmed. “I’m sorry if we’re distracted.”
“No, I get it.” The disappointment came through in Raena’s tone, though Wil had no doubt she did understand.
Nevertheless, Wil felt guilty that their time together was tied to other business more often than not. “I know it’s only the same transit time as a cross-country flight back on Earth, but I don’t like being on the other side of the galaxy and seeing you so infrequently.”
“It’s not like any of us can easily take time off. I love you guys, and that won
’t change no matter how long we go between visits.”
“Love you, too.” Saera hugged her daughter. “I’m looking forward to seeing more of what you’ve done with the place.”
“We can go on a tour when Ryan is free,” Raena said. “In the meantime, we can wait out here.”
She motioned dramatically with her arms as she stepped from the covered breezeway into a magnificent courtyard planted with rich foliage and vibrant flowers that brought a sweet floral scent to the salty air. A tiered stone fountain at the center offered a soothing babble of background ambiance that fit with the dappled light streaming through the tree canopy. A rectangular metal and glass table with eight padded chairs were arranged under an elegant shade canopy. The table had several pitchers sitting in ice buckets alongside trays filled with fruit, cheese, and other snacks.
“You’re really liking this lifestyle of having house staff, aren’t you?” Wil observed with amusement.
Raena grinned. “They’re amazing. I thought we would have trouble getting anyone to move out here from the mainland, but we’ve had people competing for the jobs.”
Saera took her seat at the table. “Oh, really?”
“Word has it they love that Ryan grew up as a Ward and spent time working as a servant himself. We’re sorta like a celebrity couple—commoners turned nobles. That, or the fact that we’re offering payment fifty percent over the standard rates.”
Wil chuckled. “I’m sure both help.”
“All jokes aside, we have a really good team coming together here.”
“It’s wonderful to see you happy and settled,” Saera said.
“It really is,” Wil agreed. “I’m glad you’re bringing goodness back to this place.”
“We’re working on it. The Priesthood left a mess of things everywhere. We figure that their former stronghold was the best place to start with the recovery.”
They got their drinks and made small-talk for twenty minutes until Wil sensed the familiar presence of his parents approaching. He rose in greeting when they came into view a minute later.
His parents appeared nowhere near their late-seventies as they were in actuality. Both were quintessential representations of their respective families; Cris with graying chestnut hair and cobalt eyes iconic to Sietinen, and Kate with dark-brown hair and hazel eyes that perfectly matched those of her three older Vaenetri siblings. Born to the two most prominent High Dynasties, they were the pinnacle of refinement in their attractive looks and confident bearing. Thanks to careers spent in the TSS, they’d fallen into more casual mannerisms that weren’t easily shaken even after they eventually submitted to the responsibilities of helming the family business. Wil always appreciated that about them; they’d left their comfortable lives of wealth on Tararia in order to serve their people. He was grateful to have them as role models.
“Ah, I see the party is already underway,” Cris said with a warm smile.
“Hey, Dad.” Wil embraced his father.
“You’re looking well,” his mother said as she hugged him afterward.
“So are you. I think I’m finally getting used to seeing you out of uniform.”
She arched an eyebrow. “It’s only taken a decade.”
“Just nine years and two months. Give me some credit,” he jested back.
They exchanged hugs and greetings with Saera and Raena.
Cris beamed. “It’s good to see you. Stars, how long has it been?”
“I’ve lost track, honestly,” Wil replied. “Six months, maybe?”
Kate nodded. “Like most visits here, I take it you’ve come for more than the pleasure of our company?”
“Yes, though I welcome any chance for all of us to be together.”
“Except Jason’s not here,” Raena said with audible disappointment.
“Next time.” More than anything, Wil wished he had both of his children nearby. It was unlikely they’d live on the same planet anytime soon, but he would make a point to arrange a proper family reunion once the current danger had passed.
“And where’s Ryan?” Cris asked.
“Still working, but we’ll catch up with him soon,” Raena replied with an appreciative smile.
Seeing the warmth in their relationship helped ease Wil’s misgivings about his daughter having moved away from him at such a young age. If any people were worthy guardians, it was his own parents. He was pleased they’d also taken in Ryan, since the young man’s biological father had died before he was born—especially fitting, since Ryan’s father had been Cris’ former mentor in the TSS and was also Jason’s namesake.
Cris turned his attention to Wil. “So, what does bring you here?”
“Let’s go somewhere more secure to talk,” Wil suggested.
Everyone grabbed their beverage and a snack plate, and Raena led them to a nearby conference room with a pleasant view of the garden. “All right,” she said once they were settled, “out with it. Why the short-notice visit?”
“We’re here to find the Priesthood’s physical archives,” Wil revealed.
She tilted her head. “I thought those had already been cataloged.”
“We’re looking for records that were never digitized. The Priests were meticulous about data collection, and what we’ve logged from the raid can’t be the sum of the Priesthood’s knowledge. I’ve known that there were gaps, but there was never a compelling reason to find out what we were missing. Until now.”
“The Rift aliens,” Raena said.
“Yes. Specifically, we need the text of the treaty between Tarans, the Gatekeepers, and whatever this other race is called.”
Cris nodded. “That does seem like the kind of thing they might have held onto. But where?”
“My guess is somewhere in that labyrinthian basement of theirs.”
Raena eyed him. “I hope you’re saying that facetiously.”
“Of course. Though, based on what little I’ve seen, the underground complex is at least as extensive as what we can see on the surface. I suspect, with more investigation, we’ll find even more.”
“That’s an unnerving thought.” She crossed her arms.
“Have you sensed anything down there?” he asked.
“No. I strongly suspect that if there was something alive down there, I’d have picked up on it. But a bunch of file boxes? I can’t say I’ve made the slightest attempt to look.”
“Well, between the lot of us, we’ll be able to find any hidden areas equipment can’t pick up.”
Cris smiled. “Just assuming I’ll come along, hmm?”
“Oh, come on, Dad. I know you’ll jump at any opportunity to go adventuring—especially now that you’re stuck in meetings most days.”
“You’ve always known me too well.”
He exchanged glances with Saera. “Still, we may not find anything.”
“I have no doubt that you’ll find something,” Cris said. “Raena, you and Ryan never did a deep dive in the underground structure, did you?”
She shook her head.
“Do you know if it’s been mapped?” Saera asked.
“Yes, the accessible corridors,” Raena replied, “but I don’t believe they’ve done any advanced imaging of the underground structure.”
Wil nodded. “So much of it’s shielded, anyway. We’ll need to go probing ourselves.”
“Reminds me of when we went searching for the Dainetris estate,” Cris said.
Raena got a mischievous smirk. “I must admit, that was a fun day.”
“All of you really need to get out more.” Wil chuckled, but the reason for the exploration weighed on him. The fate of the Empire is at stake.
His family picked up on his shift in mood, and their smiles faded.
“I’ll dig up the architectural plans for you,” Raena offered. “In the meantime, we can pick up Ryan at his office for the tour and then have a family dinner.”
“All right,” Wil agreed. “The rest can wait until tomorrow.”
“Well, I, fo
r one, am eager to see the new guest wing,” Saera said. She added telepathically to Wil, “Our daughter should come before anything else. It’s been too long since we’ve seen her.”
“No argument here.” Wil nodded to Raena. “Please, lead the way.”
— — —
Raena enjoyed watching the interactions between her loved ones. However, whenever her parents and grandparents got together, it seemed like conversations inevitably turned to one galactic-scale problem or another. She wasn’t surprised, since holding key positions in both the TSS and Taran governance had made the Sietinens the single most influential family in the Empire. Some days it felt like too much pressure, but when everyone was together, Raena believed they could accomplish anything. And, given what they’d already achieved, it was probably true.
Ryan had wrapped up his critical tasks for the day by the time they arrived at his office, so the group proceeded on a tour through the estate. Raena and Ryan traded off leading as they highlighted the places that were special to each of them. It was fun revisiting how much they’d put their personal mark on the place in just a few years.
By the end, Raena had worked up an appetite and was ready to sit down to dinner—emphasis on the sitting. Her work heels were comfortable, but flats would have been a more sensible choice for the walking tour.
“Yeah, so aside from the Sanctuary, pretty much everything else has had some form of improvement,” Raena said in summary. “It’s been fun to watch it transform.”
“It really does look lovely, Raena,” Saera said.
“The building architecture is the same, but the entire place feels so different,” Wil agreed.
“It’s taken a while to get there,” Raena admitted. “I didn’t sleep particularly well for the first couple of weeks.”
Ryan nodded. “I’m glad we stuck with it, though. It’s been nice turning the place into something better.”
“The stuff we know about that went on here is bad enough. I can’t imagine what else the Priesthood may have been up to that has remained secret.” Raena’s thoughts often turned to the island’s former occupants in her gloomier moments. Sometimes, her mind played tricks on her and it was as if Priests were still freely roaming the halls, looking for their next experiment victim—or coming for her.
