by Amy DuBoff
*
Wil blinked in the morning light. The fire was only smoldering ashes. Saera was still asleep under his arm. It’s morning already?
Saera stirred. She rolled to her back and blinked up at him. “Hi. How did you sleep?”
“Really well, actually.” This is the first night I haven’t had nightmares since my time with the Bakzen. “But now I’m hungry.”
Saera sat up and smoothed her hair. “Let’s eat and then we can head out,” she suggested.
They ate some more of the bland rations and then broke camp. The trek to the proper coordinates took them over more difficult terrain than they had encountered before, but there was no hostile territory to block their path. They helped each other over the more difficult rock formations and descended into rolling hills with young trees.
This time, there was no mistaking the camp. It was in a clearing up ahead, and only a single shuttle remained. They’re waiting for us.
“We made it,” Saera breathed.
“We did.” Wil smiled. “You performed admirably under difficult circumstances. I will make sure that my report reflects your decisiveness and professionalism.”
Saera stopped. “Before we go, may I speak to you off the record?”
“Yes.” Wil paused the recorder.
Saera looked him in the eye. “Thank you.”
* * *
Wil walked into Scott Wincowski’s office. Wil had already submitted his report electronically, but the Agent had requested to meet with him in person.
“Thank you for coming,” Scott greeted. “I’m still annoyed about your late arrival to the test, but under the circumstances I’ve decided to let it go, whatever it was about.” He folded his hands on the desktop. “I asked you here so I could personally apologize for the mix-up with the coordinates. We almost sent a shuttle to come get you, but we didn’t want to invalidate the exam. In the end, we decided there was no reason to pull you out. After all, we use that planet for testing because it is so safe. ”
Is it possible this was intentional, just to let me spend time with her? “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to conclude my evaluation, sir.”
“And what is your recommendation?” Scott looked expectant.
“Primus Command track, sir.”
The Agent raised an eyebrow. “Primus Command?”
“Yes, sir. The basis for my recommendation is included in the report. She exceeded all of the metrics.”
“I see. The committee will take it under advisement.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Scott pulled out a tablet. “Here is the affidavit that the evaluation was unbiased and followed TSS protocol. Do you have anything to disclose?”
“No, sir. The evaluation followed all TSS regulations.” I made sure of it.
CHAPTER 15
The Primus lounge was packed. All of the Junior Agents had gathered to get the first glimpse at the track assignments for the Trainees, and everyone was anxious to see if their recommendation had held. Eyes were fixed on the massive viewscreen at the back of the room.
Wil was the most anxious of all. Saera earned placement in Command. And I need her—not just as a partner, but as an officer I can trust. He checked the time on his handheld. Any moment now…
The viewscreen changed from the TSS logo into a list of a hundred names. Wil had to dart around one of the taller Junior Agents to get a better look at the screen. A smile spread across his face when he saw the name at the top of the list: “Saera Alexander: Primus Command.” She was one of only six Trainees in her cohort to have placed on the Command track. She did it.
Other Junior Agents around the room had mixed reactions, ranging from a nod of satisfaction to a disappointed shrug. The crowd thinned as everyone looked over the results.
Wil hung back in the room with the intent of reviewing some engineering diagrams. Just as he was getting settled with his tablet on the couch in his favorite corner nook, a message from his father popped up on the screen. “Meet me in Banks’ office.” Wil sighed. What now?
He reluctantly rose from the couch and tucked the tablet under his arm, then made his way through the halls to the High Commander’s office.
Wil knew something was off the moment he walked into the office. Cris looked uncharacteristically tense, and Banks was standing completely rigid with his hands behind his back. Wil stopped in the middle of the room and looked at the two officers.
“Thank you for coming, Wil,” Banks said.
“Of course, sir.”
“There are a few matters we’d like to discuss with you,” Banks went on. “Why don’t we have a seat?” He gestured to the chairs by his desk, and Wil and Cris sat down across from him. “First, I’d like to congratulate you on the success of your training efforts with Saera. It would seem you were able to tap into every bit of her potential.”
“She put in the work, I did very little.”
“Knowing how to guide is still an important skill,” Banks countered. “At any rate, she was at the top of her class. As you know, that’s earned her entry into the annual party tonight.”
“Yes, she’ll have a good time.” I wasn’t planning on going, but since she’ll be there, I suppose I could make an appearance…
“Well, we thought that you might like to go with her as an escort,” Cris added.
What are they doing? “Isn’t that a little…. unusual?”
“Maybe so,” Banks responded, “but you helped her in the accomplishment. This way you can celebrate together.”
“That would be nice, thank you.” They’re still so serious. Why? “Is there something else?”
Cris looked down and slumped forward in his chair.
Banks took a deep breath. “Wil, you’ve become eligible for graduation.”
No, not yet… “Sir?” Wil took a calming breath, but he felt panic setting in. Will they send me away from here to the other Headquarters? Is this night at the party just consolation?
Banks cleared his throat. “However, there is one mandatory part of your Junior Agent training that you have yet to complete. The internship.”
Stars, no! “Sir…”
“The planet that’s been selected is Orino. Most of the world is covered in an ocean and there are several groups in civil war. We were approached by a neutral community requesting TSS assistance for settling the conflict. The specifics have been uploaded to your Mainframe account.”
Wil activated his tablet and looked over the details of the assignment. The file included information about the culture and customs of the world, and he felt more nauseated the further he read. They were a primitive people, living on the sea in floating colonies, only very rarely setting foot on land. Men were the providers and their women and daughters were little more than property. Raping and pillaging was commonplace, and any commander had the pick of the community’s women—and was expected to, if he were a man worthy of leading.
Wil was horrified. Fok, what are they thinking? “I can’t go here. These customs, they go against everything—”
Banks stood up. “That is for you to figure out. This is a matter of strategy and diplomacy, and it is your task to find a solution.”
I can’t… He looked to his father, pleading. “Dad?”
“This was decided without me.” Cris responded telepathically. “Just remember, there’s always another way.”
“You leave first thing in the morning,” Banks announced.
Tomorrow?! “But we’re supposed to get two months to prepare!”
Banks was unruffled. “The nature of this planet’s need is urgent, and it was too perfect a fit for your skill set to pass up. If all goes well, you may be back in time to graduate in the ceremony with the other Junior Agents who are already away on their internships.”
Wil worked his mouth but didn’t know what to say. Stars! How do I begin to explain this to Saera? Six months, or even a year, apart?
Cris gazed at Wil with compassion and sympathy, but underneath was
the unwavering support that Wil could always count on from his father. “It’ll be okay, Wil.”
Wil’s mind raced. “What about Caeron?”
Banks exchanged glances with Cris. “He cannot accompany you on the internship,” Banks replied. “As we agreed, he would stay with you until you graduated, which will happen as soon as you return. We may as well send him back to Tararia now.”
“Yes, sir.” No more shadow. “So that’s it, then? I just leave here for a distant planet and I’m all on my own?”
“Not on your own, Wil,” Cris said. “We’ll always be here to back you up.”
“Agents will be standing by at a TSS ship in orbit to extract you if there are any issues,” Banks added.
“And what about the fact that I’m eight years younger than the average Junior Agent going on their internship?” They must really want to test me, to move up the timeline like this.
“You’ve been overcoming others’ preconceptions about age and ability your whole life,” Banks said. “You should go get ready for the party.” He stood up, signaling the end of the conversation.
This is really happening… Wil rose slowly.
Cris got to his feet and placed an encouraging hand on Wil’s shoulder. “We’ll be at the party tonight and then see you off in the morning.”
Wil nodded and left for his quarters. I can’t believe this time has come. It was always sometime in the future, years away. What if I fail?
* * *
The dress was beautiful, but it hardly seemed worth all the dirty looks from Saera’s roommates. As if being the top-ranked Trainee wasn’t enough, there was also the party. And Wil as my escort? It was all too much for her to take in.
Elise, as usual, was the only other Primus girl to seem happy for Saera’s accomplishment. But, Saera could still see her envy beneath the outer mask. “You look lovely,” Elise said as Saera looked herself over in front of the mirror.
“Thanks.” Reaching almost to the floor, the dress was a dark blue and had silver embroidery that cascaded down the side. It reminded Saera of a shooting star. The dress had been made to her measurements, like all other TSS clothing, and it hugged her figure. After so long in casual attire, it felt strange to be in a dress and heels again. She ran a finger through her long, auburn hair that fell in loose waves past her shoulders. I need to do something with this.
Saera rummaged through her locker and found some pins and clips she’d brought with her from Earth. She began twisting sections of her hair into an up-do, struggling to keep track of the different sections.
“Do you want some help?” asked Elise.
“Yes, please! Thank you,” Saera sighed with relief. She handed off a section of hair to Elise as she secured another.
“Are you nervous?” Elise questioned. “I couldn’t deal with being in a crowd surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces. Let alone a bunch of Agents!”
I guess I hadn’t really thought about it. “Maybe a little. I’ll manage.” I’ll have Wil.
“The Junior Agent who evaluated you is taking you to the party, right?”
How did she even know that? “Yes, I believe so.”
“Wasn’t that Wil Sights?” Elise’s reflection looked expectantly at Saera from the mirror.
“Yes, it was. He’s actually pretty easy to talk to once you get to know him.”
Elise was thoughtful for a moment, and then her face lit up with understanding. “Wait, is he…?”
Saera’s heart dropped. Someone was bound to find out eventually. “Please, don’t say anything.”
Elise shook her head with wonder. “I won’t.” She chuckled. “Stars! So that’s who it was all this time.”
“It just sort of happened. I never thought…” ...that I could care so much for someone, in so little time. Even a few hours apart is too long.
“This will be a night to remember, I’m sure,” Elise said.
Saera secured the last few strands of hair. She admired herself in the mirror. “There.”
* * *
Wil was still reeling from his conversation with Banks. Leaving in the morning?
His TSS dress uniform felt far too formal for his mood. He wanted to curl up in bed and forget all of his responsibilities. The only thing that got him through dressing for the party was knowing that he’d see Saera, but even then, he felt sick from the news he needed to give her.
The hallways of the Trainee wing were empty, with everyone confined to their quarters for the evening while nearly every Agent, Junior Agent, and senior Militia officer attended the party on Level 11. Wil arrived at Saera’s quarters and pressed the buzzer. After a moment, the door opened.
Wil’s breath caught when Saera stepped into view. She stood framed in the doorway, her hair arranged in pretty twists and braids, wearing a dark blue gown with a wide V-neck and thin straps that exposed far more skin than he was used to seeing. At first, he was simply taken in by seeing her for the first time in makeup and with her hair styled, but as his eyes moved downward, he felt a sense of awe. After having grown so accustomed to seeing her in standard Trainee clothes, he hadn’t even thought about what alternate attire might do for her.
“You’re absolutely stunning,” Wil said just loud enough for only Saera to hear.
She smiled and blushed. “You clean up pretty well, yourself.”
“Have fun!” someone called from inside the common room.
Saera hastily closed the door.
“Shall we?” asked Wil as he presented his elbow to her. Saera took his arm and they strode down the hall.
Saera smiled up at him. “You accompanying me came as a pleasant surprise.”
“Me too.” A last-minute kindness before I’m thrown out on my own, away from you for who knows how long.
“I never would have made it this far without you. You’ve been a true friend.”
Wil smiled back at her. “I feel the same way.”
They arrived at the central lobby, where several Agents and Junior Agents dressed in formal clothes were waiting for the elevator. The Agents gave nods of respect to Wil and Saera—after the release of the Trainee scores, everyone could recognize Saera as easily as they could Wil.
Wil and Saera were silent as they rode down the elevator to Level 11 with the others. It gave Wil’s mind a chance to wander, and he was soon fighting back anxiety about what he would face for his internship. What will they ask me to do on Orino? What if they won’t accept me? His pulse quickened, a dull buzz filling his head. I’ll be there on my own, away from everyone I care about. A vice clamped around his chest. Will Saera be here when I return? Will she still want me? His head swam, pulsing with every heartbeat as the buzzing magnified.
Wil closed his eyes, clenching his fists. Get a grip.
As soon as they were off the elevator, Wil took a few rapid breaths and tried to center himself. He was starting to feel a little better when he felt a tug on his arm. Saera pulled him aside as the others passed by.
“Are you okay?” Saera asked in a low voice. She seemed to see right through him.
No… Wil managed a smile that he hoped didn’t seem too forced. “Don’t worry yourself. We have a party to attend.”
Saera didn’t seem entirely assuaged, but she let Wil lead the way.
The largest training room had been converted into a ballroom for the evening. For decoration, blue and silver streamers spanned the walls, a holographic projector gave the illusion of a starscape on the ceiling, and dazzling lights had been erected around the perimeter of the room. Along one wall was an extensive buffet with fine foods and drinks. Several dozen tall tables were placed around the room for placing food and drinks while socializing. An impressive sound system had also been set up, where the bass could be felt without the volume being oppressive. The party was already well underway, and people were moving to techno dance music.
Saera gawked. “This is… elaborate.”
Wil grinned. “Yeah, they go all out.”
“I can’t bel
ieve this is actually part of the TSS budget.”
“Wherever the funds come from, it’s been an annual event for as long as I can remember.” They’d never admitted it, but Wil was pretty sure his parents sponsored much of it.
They wandered over to the buffet and each grabbed a plate of finger food.
Saera eyed the drinks. “Are those alcoholic?”
“Some of them. I’ve heard stories of some epic hangovers after the party. A lot of people around here never drink alcohol, though.”
Saera made a quizzical expression. “Why is that?”
Wil shrugged. “I guess there’s just a culture that an Agent is never really ‘off duty.’ Some are more lax about it than others, but stims are a much greater vice for most.” Myself included. He looked down at this plate. “Let’s find somewhere to eat.” He headed toward to one of the open tables.
As they ate, several people came up to the table and congratulated Saera. Wil was pleased to see that she handled each encounter gracefully, comfortable even talking to multiple Agents. After they were done eating, they grabbed some sparkling juice in fluted glasses and milled through the crowd.
“Do you know everyone here?” Saera asked Wil.
Wil thought for a moment. “I know pretty much everyone’s face, at least. And having been here my whole life, I probably know more of their names than I even realize.”
They had a few more friendly exchanges with some Agents they encountered in their wanderings before Wil noticed his parents approaching.
This will be interesting. “Saera, have you ever officially met my parents? Cris and Kate.”
Saera came to attention. “Sir, ma’am, it’s a pleasure—” Saera began.
“Please, that formality is unnecessary,” Kate said with a smile. Her eyes darted to Wil, but she returned her attention to Saera.
“Congratulations on your placement. It’s been wonderful to watch your progress over the last several months,” Cris commented. “We’re very fortunate to have someone of your talents here with us.”
Saera looked surprised. “You’ve been watching me?”
