Scions of Change

by Amy DuBoff

  “The acts of deceit and manipulation haven’t ended. We have learned through personal accounts that the Priesthood has continued their genetic experimentation. Hundreds of women have been captured over the years and held in labs within the Priesthood’s island as surrogates for clones.” Cris paused to let his words sink in.

  “What personal accounts?” Kaiden asked. The last bit of information was news to him as much as the other representatives.

  “I was there,” Raena broke into the conversation on cue. “I saw all of it, and they would have done the same thing to me.”

  The Heads studied her with interest. Most had interacted with Raena in some capacity over her four years on Tararia, and as far as Cris knew, she had a positive reputation. Or, she had—everyone may now think she’s crazy.

  Ellen was the first to speak. “I have always found you to be reliable and wise beyond your years, Raena, but claims of that magnitude require more than one person’s eye-witness account.”

  “Of course.” Raena inclined her head. “In the matter of captives, I can offer nothing other than my word at this time—aside from missing person records, which could be dismissed as circumstantial. What I can do, however, is provide a detailed account of systematic violations of the Taran laws related to genetic modifications, and trace those activities directly to the Priesthood.”

  “I’ll hear the case,” Eduard said. The other Heads nodded their assent.

  Raena walked through the use of nanotech in the bloodstreams of the dynastic lines, and then spoke of Marina and her mother. Revealing that information placed Sietinen at the center of the Priesthood’s plans, but trying to downplay that fact wouldn’t do them any good. If anything, the more they could establish their authority, the better off they’d be.

  Cris watched the Heads as they absorbed Raena’s words, nodding with understanding and wincing with disgust as she took them on a journey through centuries of manipulating their lives from behind the scenes. We have them! He was filled with relief and joy as the Heads began to squirm in their seats. With us united against the Priesthood, they’ll have nowhere to run.

  “The question is,” Raena passed her gaze around those at the simulated table, “do you want to continue to take direction from an organization that’s so willing to lie to you at every turn? These actions have been in the best interest of the Priesthood, not of the Taran people. As leaders, more is expected of us. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard, and we must take corrective action in the face of injustice.” She folded her hands on the tabletop and leaned forward. “Consider the evidence. Is that the kind of future we want for generations to come?”

  “Well done,” Cris told her. “They’re squirming in their seats.”

  “Drive it home,” she replied.

  Cris took a deep breath. “There you have it—generations of lies and covert manipulation. I move we end it now. I hereby introduce an official motion as a Head of the Sietinen Dynasty to abolish the Priesthood and remove the organization, in its entirety, from power.”

  “How dare you make such a proposal!” Eduard exclaimed.

  “It’s treason,” Byron echoed, looking rather pleased that Cris had finally placed himself in such a compromising position.

  “You really feel that way, after everything we’ve presented?” Kate looked around the faces at the table. She locked eyes with her brother, and even he seemed unsure now that he was surrounded by others so adamant in their opposing opinions. “For the last thirty years, we’ve talked with you about every aspect of Taran life. You’ve agreed that conditions are far from ideal. This is our chance to set a new course.”

  Eduard scoffed. “Saying things could be better and suggesting an overthrow of our most respected leadership institution are two very different things.”

  “Respected?” Kate shook her head. “How can you have any respect for the Priesthood after what’s been laid out in front of you?”

  Bryon scowled. “There’s justification for every action.”

  No! We can’t lose it like this. Cris swallowed. “I introduced a motion. Is there a second?”

  The Heads around the table fell silent.

  Cris focused on his brother-in-law, willing him to take a stand. We just need Vaenetri and Talsari. Hopefully one of the others will follow…

  But Kaiden said nothing. He looked down.

  A moment later, a private text message popped up on the tabletop in front of Cris, from Kaiden: “I can’t second a motion that’s sure to fail. Bring Ryan in, then we’ll have a chance to sway them.”

  Cris hated to admit it, but Kaiden was right—there was no way a vote was going to pass.

  We have one more chance. Cris looked at his wife and granddaughter; they nodded. He addressed the Heads, “If having your very genetic code modified without your knowledge isn’t enough, consider the fate of Dainetris and how the same could happen to you.”

  “They violated Taran law,” Liam interjected. “Of course they fell. Your treasonous accusations will land you in the same place.”

  Cris cocked his head. “Did they violate any laws, though? All the records surrounding the fall were purged, so it’s all hearsay—or it was. The information we transmitted about the creation and destruction of the Bakzen won’t be found in any existing records, but by now your data forensics experts will have concluded that the records are all genuine. How is that possible? Because the Priesthood was the one to wipe those files and change history to suit the narrative they wished to tell. The Bakzen War was kept a secret for so long because they didn’t want anyone to dig into where such a powerful enemy had come from.

  “The last people to launch such an investigation were the Dainetris Dynasty. As leaders of the corporation responsible for ship manufacturing, they were the first to realize that something was going on beyond the outer colonies. They kept quiet for years, supporting production when help was needed beyond the TSS’ private facilities. Eventually, though, someone got curious and looked into the secret enemy, and they discovered the truth. The Bakzen used to live among us in peace, and the Priesthood turned them into killers. Thousands—millions—died, all because the Priesthood had tried to cover up their mistakes rather than make one, honest admission in their entire history.

  “Instead of making any admission of wrongdoing when faced with the evidence, the Priesthood decided to eliminate Dainetris. They invented charges and sentenced them to execution—wiping out an entire genetic line. The corporate assets were divided, the city was buried, and everyone was told to move on like it’d always been the Big Six. The seventh High Dynasty was no more.”

  Each of the Heads had their gaze fixed on Cris as they thought through their own lives and what could be taken from them. The threat of having their power stripped away was as terrifying a future as death, but both were unthinkable.

  Kate surveyed the group. “Whether you admit it or not, the Priesthood has already been controlling your personal and corporate interests. Liam, can you account for all of the food supplies distributed to the outer colonies during the Bakzen War? And Ellen, how were those deals with the Priesthood structured for providing ores through TalEx’s mining operations?”

  “Well, it—” Liam began.

  “The supply chain checks out fine on the surface, but we all know those supplies never made it to the outer colonies,” Kate stated. “Most of the shipments were diverted to the TSS to support the secret war. We’d be happy to share that official documentation with you, if you need a reminder.”

  The two Heads stared at their hands resting on the tabletop.

  Kate turned her attention to Byron. “And don’t think Monsari didn’t play its part. MPS’ power generators are integrated into everything from ships to planetary shields. We know your investigators glossed over what happened at Grolen with the shield failure leading up to the Bakzen attack. And don’t even get me started on—”

  “Enough!” Byron cut in. “What’s your point?”

  “That you know
the records have been manipulated,” Kate shot back. “You claim to be in control of your company’s operations, but when the Priesthood asks you for a favor or to turn a blind eye, you have no choice but to comply. We’ve all been in that position at one time or another. Can we in good conscience allow that to continue when we know that those actions are hurting the people who rely on us to provide a quality life?”

  “Is there really anything we can do about it?” Ellen murmured. “The Priesthood has final authority on all matters.”

  “Their power isn’t absolute.” Cris stood up slowly and leaned forward with his hands on the table, passing his gaze across the attendees. “The Priesthood thinks they control everything, but those of us present here today hold the real power. You see, the assumption has always been that when Dainetris fell more than a century ago, all was lost. But as of last night, the seventh High Dynasty has returned.”

  Sharp breathes sounded around the table.

  Ryan walked over from where he had been waiting along the side wall and stood to Cris’ right so he was by Raena. “I am Ryan Dainetris,” he stated clearly. “As my first official act, I second the motion to abolish the Priesthood.”

  “Dainetris isn’t a voting member!” Byron objected.

  “You may want to check the official registry,” Cris replied with a concealed smirk.

  “I ask you again, what kind of future do we want?” Kate asked the group. “We can continue playing into the Priesthood’s hand, or we can take the necessary actions to make sure our people can prosper.”

  The room fell silent.

  “In light of this development,” Kaiden said at last, “I must also cast my vote in favor of abolishing the Priesthood.”

  Cris breathed an inward sigh of relief and waited for Ellen Talsari to follow.

  “I vote against,” Byron declared. “I’ll have no part of this.”

  “I also vote against,” Liam concurred.

  Ellen took a slow breath. “You’ve made a compelling case and shined a light on serious issues we’ve all been too willing to overlook. However, a change such as this would alter the course of our civilization. Even when faced with this evidence, I must consider if the cost of that change might result in more harm than these past acts alone. To refine is one thing, but to abolish the Priesthood entirely… I’m afraid I must also vote against the motion.”

  Cris’ heart dropped. We had always counted on Talsari. Getting a unanimous vote was ambitious, but we were sure to get a majority. If they are against us now…

  Only Baellas remained, and it was clear where the direction that vote would swing. As soon as the final vote was cast, it’d be over.

  I’ve done everything I can and it still wasn’t enough. Next to him, Kate looked like she was about to be sick. What else can we do?

  * * *

  Raena stared with appall at the images of the High Dynasty representatives in the holographic conference room around her. How can they still support the Priesthood after everything we’ve presented?

  The evidence was right there in front of them, all the atrocities laid out in perfect detail. If anyone wasn’t outraged by the information, they were lying to themselves.

  “If what the Priesthood has done in the past isn’t enough, then you better think about what they’ll do in the future—what all of their plans have been working toward,” Raena said to the room, rising to stand next to Ryan. She glared at the Heads. “Any guesses? Well, they want to become gods.”

  “That’s absurd,” Liam snickered.

  “You may think that, but look at the evidence,” Raena implored. “For the last thousand years, they have been trying to perfect a physical vessel to allow them to ascend to a higher state of being. They recognized that the Taran people might find that plan a little suspect, so they have also developed a neuro-control agent to telepathically command planets’ worth of people. It may have already been disseminated out there in the population and none of us would be the wiser.

  “The Priesthood seeks to control. You herald them as a moral compass, but how can you blindly follow leaders whose actions are purely for their own benefit? Judge them by what they have done, not by what they espouse. We can’t let them have even more power. We must take action now, while there’s still a chance to fight back. The seven of you can make a new future for all Tarans. You can be the leaders rather than just the puppets dancing on the Priesthood’s strings. Take a stand for what’s right.”

  The Heads sat in silence.

  Ellen let out a slow breath and met Raena’s gaze. “We take comfort in familiarity, but sometimes what’s necessary is not what’s safe and easy.” She paused, a slight smile touching her lips. “Maybe it is time for a real change. I reverse my vote to be in favor of the motion.”

  That’s it—that’s the majority! A grin spread across Raena’s face as she looked to Ryan and her grandparents.

  “Better than I could have said it,” Cris said to her. “You’re a natural.”

  The remaining Heads slumped in their chairs as they realized the motion had carried.

  “We have a majority vote in favor,” Cris stated. “What happens next is up to you. We can start a civil war or you can join us and make this a unified front.”

  Eduard sighed. “Fine, I’ll change my vote.”

  Liam and Byron glanced at each other.

  “And if we don’t join you?” Byron asked.

  “The TSS will take your assets by force for non-compliance with a majority ruling by the High Dynasty assembly, the only recognized legal authority as of this moment forward,” Cris replied.

  “I’m in favor of the motion,” Liam hurriedly stated.

  Byron shook his head. “The motion is carried by unanimous vote.”

  Raena’s and Ryan’s eyes met. “We did it,” she said to him.

  “Now for the hard part,” he replied.

  “The official vote is recorded,” Cris said and submitted the log to the Council. “Things might get a little crazy. If a TSS warship happens to show up, just follow instructions.”

  “But—” Eduard started to object.

  Raena looked down at an alert on her desktop. The Tararian Guard had just quadrupled their numbers around the Sietinen estate and all known military installations across the Taran worlds had been activated. “Well, that didn’t take long.”

  “Shite,” Cris swore under his breath. “Transmitting these vote records to the Tararian Guard now.”

  Raena took a slow breath. “Let’s hope they listen.”

  CHAPTER 16

  “Fok! This is it.” Wil took in the reports of Tararian Guard’s activities across the empire. The TSS had superior firepower and the telekinetic skills of Agents gave them another edge, but it’d make for heavy casualties on both sides if it came down to a firefight.

  “They’ll back down when they see the vote results,” Saera assured him.

  “Some will side with the Priesthood regardless,” Wil replied.

  “Old ways die hard.”

  “And people with them.”

  His wife nodded solemnly. “We’ve practiced non-lethal techniques. This won’t be like the last war.”

  “I hope not.” Wil sighed. “Let’s get to it.”

  Wil and Saera jogged from their quarters on the path to the administrative wing of Level 1 of TSS Headquarters. The halls were abuzz as word of the Tararian Guard’s offensive spread.

  An Agent flagged Wil down as he and Saera entered the elevator lobby. “Sir, is the TSS taking an official stance?”

  “I’m about to make an announcement,” Wil replied. “You bet we’re taking a stance.”

  The Agent nodded her understanding and Wil and Saera entered the elevator.

  “Hopefully everyone agrees with the side we’re taking,” Saera said as soon as the elevator doors were closed.

  “I have no doubts about anyone in the TSS. It’s the rest of the population that worries me.”

  “If this turns into a civil war…”<
br />
  “It won’t,” Wil told her. “It can’t.”

  The doors opened on Level 1 and Wil was immediately bombarded by a wall of Agents and administrative personnel tripping over each other with questions.

  He balked at the sight of them. “Just hang on!” he called over the din. “I’ll make a statement as soon as I make it to the conference room. Stand aside.”

  To his relief, the crowd parted and allowed him through with Saera.

  They reached the main conference room at the end of the hall next to the High Commander’s office and found that the other senior Agents had already gathered.

  Wil gave a nod to Michael as he and Saera entered the room, and he assumed his normal chair at the head of the table.

  “Ryla is secure,” Michael told him telepathically.

  Thank the stars! As long as the Archive is protected, we’ll have some leverage. Wil nodded his thanks and took a deep breath. “The people in this room have a much better idea of what is about to happen than most others,” he began, “but what I’ll share with you now will cast your understanding in new light.

  “We have been preparing for a fight for the last four years. We’ve spoken of a political revolution and needing to have a military force in place to help ease that transition with as little harm to civilians as possible. Well, the time for action is now.

  “Each of you has been involved in training a team to perform specific tasks in these efforts—what you likely didn’t realize is how many teams there are. Eighty percent of Agents in the TSS are now attached to one such team, and we’re about to mobilize.”

  Ian chuckled and shook his head. “I should have known you were up to something.”

  Ethan nodded. “Yeah, a disparate handful of teams didn’t make sense. What you’ve arranged, though…”

  Wil swallowed. “I didn’t like concealing it from you, but we wanted to keep the operation as compartmentalized as possible. That probably now makes sense after the rumors that have been circulating about a vote on Tararia. I will confirm that information: the Priesthood has officially been voted out of power and asked to step aside.”