Web of Truth (Cadicle #4): An Epic Space Opera Series

by DuBoff, Amy

  Cris rose again and smiled out at the audience. “Thank you for the kind words. Now, I’m sure you’re all anxious for dinner, so we won’t make you wait any longer. While we eat, I hope you’ll enjoy some entertainment courtesy of the TSS.”

  Michael came to attention as a hum of electromagnetic energy filled the air. Eight Agents had taken positions around the perimeter of the room, each with an orb of colored water suspended above their hands. The water orbs in pairs of teal, purple, deep blue, and silver rose out of the Agents’ hands, circling above the heads of the audience in the center of the room.

  Some of the Tararian nobles placed their hands above their heads to shield from water drops, but there was no need—the Agents skillfully kept the orbs in a perfect sphere without the slightest splash.

  After two revolutions in the colored procession, the orbs each suddenly broke apart into into a dozen smaller forms. Silver glitter from atop the tables levitated to join with the water, and the main lights dimmed, replaced with colored laser lights in the same hues as the water. The Agents orchestrated a beautiful dance of water, glitter, and light—creating intricate forms of stars and spirals that swelled and swirled throughout the room.

  Even the most wary members of the audience were soon smiling with delight as they watched the show, completely captivated.

  Michael was so mesmerized by the show, himself, that he barely noticed when a plate of food was placed before him. The savory aroma pulled him from his reverie. He sliced off a piece from the generous steak main course and took a bite—by far the most tender and succulent he’d ever tasted. The sides of potatoes and green beans were equally delectable.

  “Wow,” he murmured, taking another bite of steak.

  “Beats the regular TSS fare, doesn’t it?” Kate commented to his left.

  “I’ll say.”

  He quickly devoured the remaining food on his plate.

  The water and light show continued for the duration of the meal, casting rippling shadows over the walls as the display glittered overhead. When the final plates were emptied, the water split back into the original orbs and returned to the Agents, who placed it in transport containers at their feet.

  Cris initiated applause, which was soon joined by every member in the audience—though a handful of nobles seemed reluctant to admit their enjoyment. The Agents bowed and silently slipped toward the exit.

  “I hope you liked that display,” Cris stated. “Now please, help yourselves to dessert and more drinks. Have a wonderful rest of your evening!”

  Guests left their seats, returning to mingling with family and business associates as they enjoyed the dessert buffet.

  “Back to it,” Kate said with a smile to Michael, and walked hand-in-hand with Cris toward a group of nobles with Wil and Saera in tow.

  Moving to the perimeter of the hall, Michael watched the bride and groom from a distance. The love that flowed between them was only a distant dream to have one day for himself.

  “I know how it feels,” a voice said to his side.

  Michael turned to see High Commander Banks approach to his right. “What do you mean, sir?”

  “To be the outsider looking in.” Banks glanced at Kate with Cris. He smiled at Michael and wandered back toward the main festivities. “Have fun at the party.”

  I guess some of us need to make sure others stay on course, no matter the sacrifice. Michael decided to help himself to another round of dessert. Even if love was still out of reach, at least he could enjoy the chocolate fountain.

  * * *

  Mingling was hard work. Wil spotted an empty table and pulled Saera aside for a momentary reprieve from the post-dinner festivities. “I thought today was supposed to be about us?”

  Saera laughed. “What gave you that idea? Weddings are for the family.”

  Wil let out a long breath. “At least it was on our terms.”

  “It’s been a beautiful day, Wil. I couldn’t be happier.” Saera took his hand.

  “I’m glad.”

  On the other side of the room, Wil spotted his parents still making the rounds with relatives.

  “Something wrong?” Saera asked.

  “No, you’re right. Weddings are about the family.”

  Saera followed his gaze to Cris and Kate. “What are they talking about?”

  “They’re trying to impress on the guests that those of us in the TSS are just like anyone else and the Priesthood had no place to marginalize us.”

  “That’s true…”

  “But we’re not like everyone else,” Wil countered. “Abilities are a rarity, and no one without them can be expected to understand that power.”

  “So you think they’re wasting their time trying to convince people otherwise?” Saera asked.

  “No, broaching these topics is necessary. I just wish the venue was different.”

  Saera squeezed his hand. “I don’t mind. I get to call you my husband now. If political dealings on our wedding day come with the territory, so be it.”

  Somehow she always knew what to say to set him at ease. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

  Saera scrunched up her nose. “And don’t you ever forget it!”

  He leaned in to kiss her and she slipped into his embrace. As he pulled back, he noticed his grandparents approaching. Quiet moments together were always too short lived. “Back to it,” he said to Saera and he stood. He smiled at his grandfather. “Are you having a good time?”

  Reinen’s brow was furrowed.

  Alana responded on her husband’s behalf, “It’s wonderful.”

  “Yes,” muttered Reinen. “But I’m confused about something.”

  “I’ll answer if I can,” Wil replied.

  “Everyone within the TSS I’ve met talks about you like you’re a legend. Why?”

  How do I dodge this one? “Is it bad to be popular?”

  Reinen shook his head. “It’s more than that.”

  “Well, I’m in a pretty senior position for my age,” Wil explained in an attempt to deflect from the real issue.

  “It’s almost like there’s some plan for you that everyone knows about,” Reinen mused.

  Because there is? “I’m not sure what to say—”

  “Wil is something of a celebrity around here,” Cris cut in as he jogged up to rescue Wil. Kate was close behind him. “He did figure out the independent jump drive, after all.”

  Reinen frowned. “You’re keeping something from me. You always have been.”

  Wil met his father’s eyes. “Maybe we should just tell them. If you want to rally support, you won’t get very far if you insist on keeping secrets.”

  Cris looked down, and Kate gave him a quick hug around his waist.

  “Come on,” Kate said to Saera, pulling away from Cris. “Let’s go get another drink and find your friends.”

  Wil and Cris were left alone at the back side of the rotunda with Reinen and Alana. No one else was nearby, but it was still out in the open.

  “If we’re going to do that, should we perhaps go somewhere more private?” Cris suggested.

  “Why?” Wil questioned. “Everyone in the TSS already knows. The point is to get it out in the open.”

  “What do they know?” Reinen questioned, eyes narrow.

  “About my role in defeating our enemy in the war.” One that could destroy your lives if I don’t succeed.

  His grandparents were stunned to silence. Alana was the first to gather herself. “Cris, didn’t you once mention a war? But you brushed it off then,” Alana said. “Is there really a conflict we don’t know about?”

  Cris exhaled through grit teeth. “Are you sure about this, Wil?”

  “I can’t take all the secrecy anymore,” Wil replied, knowing his father would understand. I just hope this is the right move. He focused on Reinen. “There is a war brewing with a race called the Bakzen. They are building their forces in a dimensional rift, preparing for an assault on the Taran people.”

  Reinen’s fa
ce twisted with appalled disbelief. “That’s ridiculous.”

  “In just a few years, I will be asked to lead the TSS forces against the Bakzen. To be successful, I need Seconds who can help me achieve my potential, and Saera is one of those people. That is why it was so important that we be together.”

  Reinen squinted. “Why have we never heard of this war?”

  “For whatever reason, the higher powers have decided to keep it a closely guarded secret. That mandate has come down from the Priesthood.” And there’s still so much more they won’t tell us.

  “This all seems farfetched,” Reinen dismissed.

  Wil stood his ground. “Well, it’s very real for me. Seven years ago when I came to Tararia, I wasn’t recovering from a ‘training accident.’ I had been shot by a traitor working with the Bakzen, after I had been abducted by the Bakzen and rescued.”

  Reinen scowled. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you tell us the truth then?”

  “Because we didn’t know if we could trust you,” Cris replied. “Frankly, we still don’t. But resources within the TSS are tight enough that we could really use the support from SiNavTech to help us prepare for the final moves against the Bakzen. A front that Wil will lead.”

  Alana gazed at her son and grandson, her confusion morphing into horror. “If what you say is true, we have been very shortsighted indeed.”

  Reinen, stunned, stared at his wife. “You accept this?”

  “I accept that there are things I do not know,” Alana replied. “That includes the inner dealings of the TSS.”

  Wil nodded. “Very few know what we face. Still, I wish circumstances were different—that we could speak openly of the danger and rally support to win this fight. Instead, there’s just been a trail of lies with broken relationships in its wake. It’s led us here. But while our destination may be set, we can still control how we treat one another going forward.”

  Reinen growled with frustration, but his eyes were darting back and forth in thought. “I don’t see how any part of this ‘war’ is possible…”

  He’s so wrapped up in his own world he doesn’t want to acknowledge what’s right in front of him. Just a little more... “You don’t have to believe it, but it is my reality. And I can’t help being at the center of the conflict.”

  Reinen shook his head and took a shaky breath. “You’re asking me to change my entire way of thinking.”

  “I’m only asking you to open your mind so that we can find common ground.” Wil paused. “We need to come together as a family. I would like to have you as an ally.”

  Reinen thought for a long moment and looked to his wife.

  Tears welled in Alana’s eyes. “Why would they lie to us, Rey? If we can’t trust our own family, then who?”

  Reinen swallowed. “Have you really been preparing to go to war this whole time?”

  Cris nodded. “It’s a grim reality, but it’s one we can’t ignore. Some might look down on the TSS, but we’re the ones fighting to make sure they can keep those comfortable lives of luxury on the inner Taran worlds.”

  Reinen took a deep breath. “You shouldn’t have to face it alone.” He paused. “What do you need?”

  Wil’s heart leaped. He actually wants to help us?

  Cris’ eyebrows raised with surprise. “For starters, we need you to respect us,” he replied. “We need people to stop seeing the TSS—and especially its Agents—as outsiders. Our abilities may set us apart, but they’re not something to hide.”

  “Changing the public consciousness takes time,” Reinen said.

  Wil nodded. “All the more reason to start now.” Maybe by the time we’re ready, they’ll be able to see that the Priesthood isn’t what it seems.

  “Let us work out those details, Wil. This has been enough depressing talk for one day,” Cris cut in. “Your honeymoon comes first.”

  “Yes, that’s right,” Reinen agreed, clearing his throat.

  I wish we had the time to spare for that. “We already took some time off recently.”

  Cris raised an eyebrow. “Those two days on Earth? No. The TSS can wait two weeks more for you—you need a proper vacation. I’ll make sure the Primus Elites keep up on their training while you’re away.”

  Wil was about to protest, but that time with Saera would mean too much—a gift he couldn’t refuse. “And I’m guessing you already made some arrangements?”

  His father beamed. “Of course.”

  “Is our island villa on Alushia, acceptable?” Reinen asked.

  For the finest luxury and service money could buy, “acceptable” was a considerable understatement. “It’s perfect. Saera will love it.”

  His father clapped him on the shoulder. “Now go find your bride. There’s a shuttle prepped for you. See you in two weeks.”

  Wil said goodbye to his grandparents and went to look for his bride.

  The spaceport had cleared out, with only a handful of guests still talking amongst themselves. Filled with a warm glow of contentment, Wil scanned over the happy faces. I’d say today was a success.

  He found Saera chatting with her friends near the former dining area. He waved to her and jogged over. “Apparently we get a honeymoon after all.”

  Saera lit up. “Really?”

  “Really.” He held out his hand. “We’re all packed and ready to go.”

  Saera glanced at her friends and took Wil’s hand. “I guess we’re heading out, then.”

  “Have fun,” Elise told them.

  Saera grinned. “We will.”

  * * *

  Cris surveyed the remains of the party. “Are you sure an airlock didn’t open at some point?” he asked Scott.

  His friend smirked. “The carnage is just the sign of an event done right.”

  Cris worked his way around the room, taking mental inventory of the leftover supplies. Most of the food could be incorporated into the meal plan for the following day, but nearly half the alcohol cases behind the bar were still unopened. “We have way too much liquor left over.”

  “I find it impossible to consider that as a bad thing,” Scott replied. “So many options…”

  “Let’s just stash it away,” Cris suggested. “Hopefully we’ll have more occasions to celebrate soon.”

  “An excellent point,” Scott agreed. “I’ll make sure all of this finds a good home. Now, go see off the rest of your guests.”

  Cris smiled. “Thank you.” He started walking back toward the corridor hub. “And yes, you’re welcome to take a couple of bottles as payment for your troubles.”

  “You read my mind.”

  With Scott handling the leftovers, Cris strolled through the nearly emptied port to make sure there were no straggling party guests. Most of the corridors were empty or occupied by only TSS guests. However, at the end of his inspection he spotted his parents walking toward the concourse reserved for visiting civilian vessels.

  “Heading out?” Cris asked as he approached. I’m surprised they didn’t stop to say goodbye.

  “There you are,” Reinen said. “We looked around but couldn’t find you.”

  “Sorry, I’ve been helping with the cleanup. Thank you for coming.” He paused, then added, “And for hearing us out.”

  Reinen nodded. “It’s been quite a day. Very illuminating, indeed.”

  “I know much of what we revealed is difficult to believe,” Cris continued. “It was a leap of faith telling you, but we’ve been divided for too long. We’ll never get anywhere unless Tarans work together.”

  “I know.” Then, in a burst of emotion Cris had never seen from his father, Reinen embraced him. “I’m so sorry for not listening to you before.”

  Cris awkwardly patted his father’s back. “I wasn’t always a very good listener, either.”

  Reinen pulled back, searching Cris’ face. “We went astray so long ago. It took me years to recognize that you ran away because I’d never given you a reason to stay. Every time you’ve been back since then, I’ve wanted to
pull you aside and tell you how I finally understood what you meant when you asked me if I worried about you—it was your way of saying you were unhappy, and I didn’t listen. But I never had the courage. You are a far stronger man than I, Cris. I want you to know that despite our differences, I’m proud of you.”

  Alana hugged him from the side. “We both are.”

  “We have always loved you,” Reinen said. “I’m sorry it took this long to say.”

  Cris almost choked, reliving years of pain and tension. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “That’s all I ever wanted to hear from you.” One proclamation can’t undo all the past years, but maybe there is hope for the future.

  His parents pulled back from the hug, and Reinen placed his hand on Cris’ shoulder. “Let us know what you need to help you in your fight. We’ll try to support you as best we can.”

  “Thank you,” Cris acknowledged. “We will.”

  He showed his parents to their ship, for once parting ways with hugs. It would take some getting used to, but he was willing to put in the work.

  After they departed, Cris wandered back toward the reception area hoping to find Kate. The last of the decorations had been put away, removing any evidence that the rotunda had been anything other than a functioning spaceport. Kate was nowhere to be seen, but he found Banks gazing out at the stars.

  “Nice job officiating today,” Cris commented.

  Banks cracked a smile. “I didn’t know I had it in me.”

  “Post-retirement side-job?” Cris quipped.

  “You assume I’ll ever retire.”

  “Distant dreams for anyone in TSS Command, I know…

  “Maybe not,” Banks said with a wistful sigh. “The next generation will have to take over eventually.”

  Cris nodded. “The best we can hope for is to turn over a system worthy of inheritance.”

  “Does what we have now count?” Banks asked, suddenly serious.

  The question caught Cris off-guard. “Of course.” Most of it, anyway.

  “Be honest—between old friends.”