by A. K. DuBoff
After two minutes, Toran’s hands stilled. “That’s curious.”
“What is?” Colren prompted.
“The fragments of the signals you recorded—there isn’t a pattern, exactly, but there are two instances of some of the same code segments.” Toran’s brow knit as he stared at the data. “It may well be that duplicates of other segments of this full pattern may appear at other locations in the future.”
I massaged my temple. “You mean, the signal was broken into pieces, and each world has one part of that larger signal?”
“Sort of. Rather, there are six instances where the same signal segment appears on two different worlds.”
“Adjacent locations?” Colren speculated.
Toran shook his head. “Quite far apart, by the look of it. Let’s see how they map.” He manipulated the star map to display each of the locations of infected worlds with lines drawn between the six worlds that had emitted a signal that duplicated part of the full pattern they had retrieved.
As soon as the red lines were in place, it was clear the seemingly random arrangement of impacted worlds wasn’t so random at all—the lines all intersected through a single point two systems over from Yantu, Maris’ homeworld. I had no doubt where the other lines would pass if the worlds with no duplicated signal-segment had their doppelgängers identified.
“What’s over there?” I asked.
Maris shook her head slowly. “Nothing. It’s empty space.”
“This arrangement is too consistent and widespread to be a coincidence. I can’t believe we missed it,” Colren murmured.
“In all fairness, you’ve only had this data for, what, half an hour?” Kaiden said. “Toran has spent more time analyzing signals related to the crystals than anyone else on the ship.”
“It was a lucky, educated guess.” Toran took a deep breath. “The relationship between the worlds is certainly clearer now, but I have no hypothesis to offer about the significance of that intersecting location.”
The commander crossed his arms. “It’s important in some way—I can’t imagine any other reason why these paths would all converge in the same place.”
“Could there be a planet there we don’t know about?” Kaiden asked. “The source of the signal?”
Toran zoomed in on the location using the holographic display. True to Maris’ assertion, there was nothing nearby.
“Maybe it’s so corrupted by the Darkness we can’t see it?” I suggested.
“Perhaps.” Colren nodded. “In any case, this is the lead we had hoped to find. We should investigate it and see if we can learn anything more up close.”
Kaiden leaned back in his seat. “There is another possibility. What if this is where the aliens are going to appear?”
9
Intentionally journeying to the location where advanced aliens might emerge was simultaneously thrilling and terrifying.
I’d always been one to fantasize about meeting other intelligent life. The Hegemony had never made direct contact, as far as I knew, but I’d heard about discoveries of ruins that suggested we weren’t alone in the universe. Whenever I heard about such things, I’d always pictured a glorious, peaceful meeting where we’d share our greatest developments and be welcomed into the fold of another interstellar civilization. Knowing what little I did about the Darkness, however, I suspected that the aliens we could potentially be meeting in the near future were almost certainly aggressive and probably weren’t out to make friends. Being on the frontline for that first contact sounded like a surefire way to have things end badly.
All the same, my friends and I had been touched by the Darkness propagated by the aliens, and that connected us to them more than anyone else. If anyone had a chance of successfully interacting with them, it was probably us.
Still, as I left the meeting with Commander Colren on the bridge, I couldn’t help but feel like we were about to fly into a trap.
“Just when I thought this day couldn’t get any crazier…” I muttered to my companions.
“I know, I’m not crazy about going there, either,” Kaiden agreed. “When the best case scenario is that we find a planet no one has observed before, you know you’re in trouble.”
“What if a whole alien fleet appears around us?” Maris asked, looking a little pale. “This isn’t a warship.”
“Like the whole Hegemony fleet would do any good against these guys.” I took a deep breath.
Toran cast me a stern glance. “That attitude won’t get us through this.”
“Hey, I know, I didn’t mean it that way.” I looked down at the deck as we walked down the corridor toward the lift.
Maris held her hands at waist level. “Let’s just get some rest before the jump.”
“Yeah, good plan.” I kept quiet for the remaining journey to our residential area, lost in speculations about what we might find at our destination.
When we reached the lower deck, Toran and Maris headed straight for their quarters. Kaiden took a slower pace, and I hung back when he motioned to me.
“Are you planning to go to sleep right away, or do you have a few minutes?” he asked when we were alone in the corridor.
I smiled coyly. “I could be persuaded to stay up for a bit.” I opened the door to my quarters and beckoned him inside.
We stood together in the narrow space between the bed and side wall. A flutter of nerves hit me as he took a step closer.
“It’s been quite an eventful day,” I said to break the tension.
He laughed. “Yeah, you could say that. Those were some pretty impressive moves.”
“I held my own.”
He eyed me. “Come on, Elle. I know you’re dying to gloat. Let it out.”
My anxiety from earlier dissipated as I thought through everything I’d done that day—feats I never would have dreamed were possible. I tried to contain my excitement for a few more seconds, but it burst out. “That thing with the rope? That was insane! I still can’t believe it worked. And then, when I took out those four shadowcats in one pass—”
“Shadowcats?”
“Yeah, I figured we should name the alien things. I thought it sounded cool.” I placed my hand on his toned chest. “You had some shining moments, yourself. That was some good thinking with the shuttle escape—jumping from there to the ship.”
“I can’t believe it worked.”
My mouth dropped open. “You told us it would be fine.”
“Well, yeah. That’s what you’re supposed to say to get people to go along with a crazy plan.”
“Colren supported it.”
Kaiden shrugged. “We didn’t have another choice. It was the best out of a series of bad options.”
“So, we really did almost die today?” My momentary excitement faded as the reality sunk in. Despite all the remarkable things I’d been through in the last couple of weeks, I hadn’t been able to shake my conditioned thinking that there were always reset points and experts were in charge to make sure something terrible didn’t happen. Even facing mortal danger, part of me felt invincible—that it was all part of the plan and things would work out even if I screwed up. I knew that was foolish and naïve, but such a radical shift in thinking took time. Maybe now, with so many dire events occurring in rapid succession, it was finally enough for me to see that the stakes were real this time, and the outcome permanent. We no longer had a safety net of local resets, now that the Master Archive was sealed.
“I think we had at least three proper near-death moments today,” Kaiden replied. “I hope the universe continues to side in our favor.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, right? Let’s see, the tentacle monster, the insane shuttle ejection back to the Evangiel…”
“And the shadowcat things,” he filled in. “I didn’t really think they’d do us in, but they could have, so I figure it counts on the list.”
“Yeah. Thanks again for fireballing that shadowcat. I wouldn’t have gotten away i
f you hadn’t.”
Kaiden looked down. “About that… That wasn’t me.”
“Who, then? Maris?”
He shook his head. “No, Elle. It was you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Me? But—”
“You cast magic on Crystallis. This wasn’t the first time.”
“Yeah, but that…” I still couldn’t wrap my head around the idea that I had fragments of abilities from all three disciplines. I’d chalked up what happened on Crystallis to the pressure of the situation, the imperative to defeat the dragon guardian so we could seal the Master Archive. The notion that I could still tap into those abilities… I wasn’t sure I was ready to wield that level of power.
“Why are you so hesitant? It’s amazing you can do those things,” Kaiden said.
“And I bet Hegemony scientists will have a field day studying me for years to come as soon as we’re not in crisis mode.”
“They wouldn’t do that.”
“Since when does a one-of-a-kind person not become the center of attention? Stars, I didn’t even realize I’d cast that magic! If Colren finds out what I can do, there’s no telling how he might react.”
Kaiden looked down. “This is a big thing to keep secret.”
“Can I trust you to do that?” I asked. “Whatever anyone pieced together about what happened on Crystallis, I want to leave it at that. As far as anyone is concerned, that was a one-time thing.”
He hesitated, then nodded. “I have your back, Elle. And that’s not just because of what’s going on between us. You’re right that Colren might single you out, and I don’t want there to be anything to mess with our team dynamic.”
“We’re already throwing that off enough as it is.”
He smiled. “Well, that part is okay.”
“You would think so.”
“I’ve gotten the distinct impression you don’t disagree.”
I tilted my head and shrugged playfully in response. The movement sent radiating pain down my right arm, and I winced.
Concern spread across Kaiden’s face. “Hey, are you hurt?”
I brushed it off. “Just a little bruised. Medical cleared me.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I can handle a few bumps and scrapes. It’s nothing to worry about.”
He caught my gaze. “I’m going to worry all the same.”
Admittedly, I knew I’d react the same way if I found out he’d been hurt. And, furthermore, I knew that part of the reason I’d gone for the four shadowcats rather than helping Toran was because Kaiden was at risk. We’d vowed to not let romance get in the middle of duty, but I knew that was impossible; subconscious desires were too powerful.
“It’s happening,” I said.
“What is?”
“The thing we said we wouldn’t let happen. I like you, and now I’m thinking about you rather than the mission.”
He took my hand. “I like you, too, Elle. I’d be lying if I denied being more concerned about you than the others.”
I shook my head. “But this is crazy! We just met two weeks ago.”
“Sometimes that’s all it takes, especially when you’ve been through the kind of stressful situations like we have. That kind of thing can bring people together.”
“What are we going to do? Isn’t this some kind of huge liability putting everyone else at risk?”
“Why? Because we like each other as more than casual friends? I don’t think that’s going to destroy civilization.” He raised an eyebrow.
“But the Hegemony is counting on us to be focused. And if we’re distracted by non-mission things, then—”
Kaiden placed his hands on my shoulders. “Elle, take an objective look at what you’re saying. This isn’t a disaster that’s going to compromise the team; it’s a chance for us to be closer so we can work even better together. And, you told me a few days ago that you wished you had something constant in your life, knowing that even once we defeat the Darkness, you’re still moving away from your family and friends. Well, maybe this thing with us could be that for you.”
I gazed up at him. “Isn’t it a little soon to be thinking about that?”
“Maybe. Probably. But all I know for sure is that I’ve been lonely for a really long time. I thought it was because I’d moved around too much, so settling on a world would give me a sense of grounding. When it didn’t, I figured I just hadn’t been there for long enough. Except, in the brief time I’ve known you, I feel more fulfilled than I ever have before.”
“I do, too, but—”
“Then why question it? Relationships don’t have to be a distraction, they can be an asset.”
A thousand thoughts filled my mind, about how I’d always been more of a loner but had been secretly envious of the couples around me. How I’d watched my parents while I was growing up, and how I’d always hoped I’d find my own partner who complemented me as well as my parents worked with each other. And how I was sick of being alone, but I was afraid to get close to someone because I wasn’t used to being vulnerable, and I was worried that once someone saw the inner me, maybe there’d be something that they didn’t like.
As much as those worries swirled inside, there was still a sense of calm deeper down. What I felt for Kaiden wasn’t a superficial crush like I’d experienced before, but was instead the kernel of what could grow into a lasting bond. If there was anyone worth overcoming my fears for, it was him—not in spite of our larger team efforts, but because of it. To get through that, we needed to trust each other.
I swallowed. “You’re right. I guess I’m just nervous.”
“About what?” He smiled. “It’s not like some switch flipped when we admitted we have feelings for each other and now you have to do anything different.”
“But it is different. I don’t know how to do this relationship thing.”
“As you’ve said. But you know how to be a friend, right?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, I have friends, and we’ve hung out for years.”
He nodded. “Right. Well, I’d say we’re on our way to being friends, too.”
“Agreed.”
“Okay, that’s pretty much it. Dating is essentially just being friends, but with some other physical stuff added on. All the serious stuff comes with time, and there’s never a guidebook for that. It’s something you have to discover as a couple.”
“And you know this from experience?” I eyed him.
“No, but living in close quarters on freighters growing up, I watched a number of relationships go from stolen glances in a corridor to people starting families. In all those cases, the friendship bond is what saw them through the rough patches.”
I chuckled. “You know, my mom would really like you.”
“If I can get a therapist mom to approve of me, I must be doing something right.”
“A lot.” I inched closer, gazing up at him. “I like that you’re honest and speak your mind. I have a bad tendency to bottle things up when I get uncomfortable, but you help me want to face those things head-on.”
Kaiden brushed my hair away from my eyes. “That’s what friends do.”
The gentle touch of his fingertips on my face sent an excited shiver through me. “Thank you for being here with me. I mean, I know we were all randomly assigned to this team, but thank you for wanting to take a chance on ‘us’. I’d probably lose my mind if I didn’t have you as a friend through this.”
“I think I’d be feeling pretty lost without you, too.” He leaned closer, his breath warm on my cheek. “You really are incredible.”
“You’re not bad yourself.”
Our lips met. He entwined his fingers in my hair at the base of my neck and wrapped the other around the small of my back. We’d kissed several times since our first a week prior, but those had mostly been passing pecks—touches to gain familiarity and comfort. This was different, passionate in a way I’d never experienced. I gave
into the desire, happy to let him direct me to the bed so we could lie together and forget the troubles in the outside universe.
I reveled in the contact as he kissed down my neck and caressed me. The soft touch set me at ease, never pressuring for it to be more than the next progression in the gradual process of getting to know one another. Based on these initial impressions, I liked where things were headed.
Faces flushed and breath heavy, we eventually settled into a cuddle with one of my arms on his chest and my head nestled on his shoulder.
“Well, that was nice,” I said, breaking the silence.
He chuckled and stroked my hair. “Yes. Yes, it was.”
“I take it that was some of the ‘other physical stuff’ bonus one gets from dating as opposed to other friendships?” I winked.
“Just a preview, really.”
“That is definitely something I am eager to explore further.”
Kaiden pivoted to face me. “Eager, huh?” He gave me a light kiss. “I have nowhere I have to be until the jump, so I am all yours until you say otherwise.”
“Is that so?” I kissed him, skootching my hips closer to his.
“I could do this all day.” He kissed me back, slower and deeper.
The desire that had just started to subside came back full force, and I pressed against him as our arms wrapped around each other once more. His hand traced down the side of my shipsuit. Suddenly, the garment felt far too restrictive—
“Dark Sentinel Team, report to Central Command,” a female voice said over the intercom.
Kaiden pulled back from me slightly. “Really? Now?” He sighed.
I frowned. “This better be for something meaningful with real action items.”
“Action to offset the interruption of other action?” Kaiden smirked.
I rolled my eyes. “I guess I should probably get used to your terrible word play.”
“I have it on good authority that you love it, and, in fact, probably would have said something very similar yourself.”
“No comment.” I slid off the bed.
“Uh huh. Thought so.”
We smoothed our mussed hair and then entered the hallway after checking that Maris or Toran weren’t already in the corridor. I’d gotten used to the idea of holding Kaiden’s hand around them, but I didn’t want to share much more than that about the state of our relationship just yet.
