by Amy DuBoff
“We don’t have the resources to do that,” Wil objected.
Jayne fixed him with a level gaze. “But we do.”
* * *
The notion of trusting the Aesir with Tararia’s future went against everything Wil had believed for his entire life. They left their home knowing that people would suffer. How can we pin our hopes on a group who’d walk away like that?
As Jayne laid out the tactical details of the Priesthood’s labs and other outposts, though, he realized that the Aesir hadn’t truly run away. They were hiding out and biding their time for the right opportunity to make a move. It was no different than what his own father had done when he’d left Tararia as a teenager, only to return when the pieces were almost in place for decisive action.
The Aesir would have been wholesale hunted down and killed had they stayed within the Taran civilization while the Priesthood made its power play during the revolution. Instead, they had gone to a remote location so that they could build up their resources without distraction or interference. For a thousand years they had been increasing their numbers and their technology to offer a swift and decisive victory over any opposition the Priesthood could throw their way.
That’s what they think, at least. It’s tough to know if the Tararian Guard will maintain their allegiance to the Priesthood at any cost or if they’ll listen to a majority vote from the High Dynasties. Wil searched the faces around the table. He didn’t see any doubts.
Next to him, Raena looked like she was vacillating between excitement and terror while she learned about the reach of their foe.
“We’ve got this,” he told her.
“I’ll leave the fleet direction to you,” she replied with a slight smile.
Launching a coordinated, interstellar strike wasn’t high on Wil’s list of things he wanted to do after the war, but at least he was confident that it was within his skillset.
He cleared his throat. “This all sounds great, but I need to ask the obvious question: you help us take out the Priesthood using your offensive forces, but then what do you want in return?”
The Oracles’ eyes all turned to him.
“We want you to hand over the Bakzen’s rift to us,” Dahl said.
“Whoa, wait a minute.” Wil held up his hands. “You all but told me that rift was dangerous and unnatural and needed to be closed.”
“It is, and it will be in good hands,” Jayne replied.
“You just want the energy source of the tear—same as the Priesthood,” Wil shot back.
She inclined her head. “But not for the same end.”
“Then why?” he pressed.
“So that we may heal it and modify it into a new nexus point,” Jayne said. “As skilled as you have become, you do not have the means to heal the rift or dimensional tear. The rift must be sealed as quickly as possible.”
Wil shook his head. Can we trust them?
“You must,” the Oracles replied in unison.
He recoiled from the words echoing in his mind—the force of the statement overwhelming him.
Next to him, Raena winced.
Wil gathered himself. “We need to work together because neither of us can do what must be done alone. I don’t like your terms, but we’ll have to trust each other to do what’s right. We’re on the cusp of bringing the Taran civilization into a new era.”
“That we are,” Dahl said. He looked to the other Oracles and they inclined their heads. “Now, Cadicle,” he continued, “we must speak alone.”
“I—” Wil began to protest at the thought of leaving his daughter with the Oracles.
“She will be fine,” Jayne said in response to his unvoiced concern.
Raena nodded. “It’s okay, Dad.”
Reluctantly, Wil rose from the table and followed Dahl through the open elevator lobby area to another, smaller conference room without a terrifying transparent floor.
Dahl remained standing once they were inside, so Wil stood with his hands clasped behind his back, awaiting instruction.
“We must walk a difficult line,” Dahl said after nearly a minute of silence. “The Priesthood has spent millennia controlling and filtering the information and technologies made available to the Taran people. We possess all of that knowledge that has been suppressed—it is something which we should freely give in the interest of the openness we wish to foster with you. However, not all of these technologies belong in circulation.”
“I can appreciate that perspective,” Wil replied.
“So you also understand how challenging it is to make a call about where to the draw the line of what is shared versus what is locked away.”
“We have faced similar dilemmas within the TSS.”
Dahl nodded. “It is one thing for leadership to shape the beliefs of subordinates, but it is quite another to shape the collective consciousness of an entire civilization. That is not a responsibility to be taken lightly.”
“I don’t,” Wil said. “But I’m not the one who’ll be making those decisions. You should really be talking to Raena.”
The Oracle tilted his head questioningly.
“I thought I’d done my part when we won the war with the Bakzen. Then I realized that I’d have a role to play in taking out the Priesthood. The next generation can deal with the political implications from the decisions regarding lost technologies and—”
“No,” Dahl cut in. “This isn’t just a matter of political implications. You have the power to change the very form of the Taran race.”
“You mean the genetic patch for the Generation Cycle.”
“Yes, and where that leads. It’s not only a repair, but also a step forward. The Aesir have been waiting for you since the Priesthood was founded nine thousand years ago.”
Wil frowned. “Well, you’re welcome to take blood samples or whatever you want, but the Priesthood had some twisted ideas of next steps, and as I already said, that’s not going to happen.”
“The kind of cross-back they’ve suggested offers the most certainly, but it is not the preferred way.”
“What’s the other option?”
“To trust that everything will work out as it should,” Dahl stated simply.
“If the alternative is to just sit back and watch, then why are you being so insistent I get involved?”
“You misunderstand. We trust the genetic line to run its natural course. We wish for your involvement because you are the only one among your people to have seen what happens to the pattern when it is forced to diverge from the course—the way the Bakzen ripped it apart. There are those in positions of power who would again try to force an unnatural outcome.”
“So… you want me to make sure that no one does anything to meddle?” Wil eyed the Oracle with skepticism. It sounds like they’re trying to bait me into something, but what?
“We only wish for you to embrace who you are,” Dahl said. “You’ve begrudgingly accepted your responsibilities for your whole life—first in the Bakzen War and now in the future of Tararia. Your instincts and insights, though… you were made for these roles. Those skills don’t vanish just because a single task is complete.”
“ ‘Single task’ is a bit of an over-simplification, I think. And moreover, that whole ‘made’ part… I’ve never much appreciated how a pre-determined future was dropped on me without the slightest bit of choice in the matter. I’ve always done what’s asked of me, but it’s never enough. When do I get to live my life like a normal person?”
Dahl shrugged. “You took the opportunity to raise your family on Earth away from the TSS and Taran concerns. Arguably, sixteen years is a much longer sabbatical than someone in your position could ever expect to take.”
“And what is my position, exactly?”
“To guide, Tararia, of course—to be the moral compass that the Priesthood has failed to be.”
Wil laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think anyone wants me in that role. I’ve made some incredibly selfish decisions that I wouldn’t hesitate to make again. You�
��ve got the wrong guy.”
“You speak of Cambion.”
They know about that? Wil swallowed.
“We watched the war from afar. You are right to stand by your decision—it was in the best interest of Tarans as a whole. It only seems selfish from your vantage, but knowing what we know, there wasn’t another option.”
“Because of Saera’s importance to the genetic master plan?”
Dahl shook his head. “No, because if you had blocked the Bakzen from taking Cambion, they would have gone for Ryla. And once they captured Ryla, they would have discovered it housed the Genetic Archive. Having access to that…”
“So that’s where the Archive is!”
“Yes,” Dahl acknowledged. “And it’s best you secure it before you make your move against the Priesthood.”
“Yeah, I’ll say.” Wil thought for a moment. “So, by making a completely selfish decision, I inadvertently kept the Bakzen from gaining access to data that could have changed the momentum of the war?”
Dahl nodded. “Indeed. With the information contained in the Archive, the Bakzen would have had the key to make targeted biological warfare infinitely more effective than the neurotoxin they employed to control the minds of civilians.”
“Shite!” Wil exclaimed. “Why didn’t I think of that? Fok!” He ran a hand through his hair, teeth clenched.
Dahl looked at him with alarm.
“The Priesthood has access to all that information, right? Well, the TSS reverse engineered the Bakzen’s neurotoxin—that means the Priesthood has that, too,” Wil explained.
The Oracle’s face drained beyond his already pale complexion. “That is what they will do in retaliation—the unknown move we were not sure how to predict.”
“The when or how are still complete unknowns.” Wil sighed. “Stars! This is bad. They could kill billions with a minute’s notice.”
“We feared they would resort to… extreme measures,” Dahl murmured.
Wil scoffed. “They proved long ago that the lives of innocents mean little to them.”
“We must begin making our final preparations for an offensive. We’ll be ready whenever the political structure is in place to fill the vacuum from the Priesthood’s absence.”
“That will take longer to complete. We’re still several years away,” Wil cautioned.
“Then there is no time to waste.” Dahl stepped toward the door then paused. “Think on what I have said today. I hope you will come to embrace your role.”
“Let’s just take care of the Priesthood first.”
They returned to the conference room, where Raena was still seated with the other Oracles.
“It is time for you to return to your people,” Dahl stated.
Raena stood up. “All right.” She glanced at Wil. “Is everything okay, Dad? They started saying some pretty cryptic stuff—I don’t know what they mean.”
“We’ll talk once we’re back home,” he told her.
“We are glad to have met with you today,” Jayne said as she and the other Oracles rose from their seats. “We hope this is the beginning of great things to come.”
“Likewise,” Wil replied. “I will reflect on your words.”
The Oracles inclined their heads.
“Until we meet again,” Jayne stated.
Dahl led Wil and Raena from the conference room back to the elevator. “You must expedite your activities on Tararia.”
“I suppose it has changed things now that the Priesthood knows we’re working with you,” Wil said.
“Indeed. They’d hoped we would sympathize with their position after having had time to meditate on the possibilities, but we are more convinced in our approach than ever.”
Wil nodded. “That we can agree on.”
Raena’s face was drawn with concern, and Wil offered her a telepathic hug. “This is moving more quickly than I expected, but we’ll figure it out.”
She relaxed the slightest measure, but he knew there was no quick fix to what they were facing.
They returned to the Aesir ship, where they went directly to the cafeteria-style room for the voyage home.
Wil hadn’t expected a day trip, but he supposed that Dahl was right—they didn’t have any time to delay putting the next phase of their plans into action. He didn’t like that those plans involved placing demands on his children that were only slightly less onerous than the responsibilities he’d been given. The concept of birthright had taken on a whole new meaning.
Consistent with previous travel in the Aesir’s ships, the return to Headquarters took a fraction of the time it would have with a conventional jump drive. When the ship arrived at Headquarters, Dahl directed them to the exit hatch.
“I’ll need to get fleet specs from you so I can coordinate the offensive,” Wil said to Dahl as they walked down the hall.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” the Oracle replied.
He has to be kidding! Wil groaned under his breath. “Didn’t we just agree that we need to work together?”
“Indeed, but the specifics of our fleet are not necessary at this time. Once we know which information will be shared with the broader Taran population—after the Priesthood is no longer in power—then we can discuss the extent of our forces. Suffice to say for now, our fleet is sufficient when combined with the TSS’ resources.”
“I can’t make plans without specifics,” Wil objected.
Dahl fixed him with the level gaze. “Tell us where to be and when and we’ll be there.”
“If you don’t show up, we’d be screwed.”
“We are true to our word. I assure you,” the Oracle replied.
The future of the entire Taran race is at stake and all we have to go on is a vague promise? Wil sighed and shook his head.
“We spoke of trust earlier. You must believe,” Dahl said when they reached the hatch, which had been swung open.
“There’s a lot at stake to just go on faith.”
Dahl cracked a smile. “Isn’t so much of life?”
“We don’t have a choice,” Raena reminded Wil.
He glanced at her and nodded. “Very well.”
The Oracle inclined his head. “We will see you at the agreed upon time to test Jason.”
That’s right! I’d forgotten about that. Wil nodded. “And then we can finalize our plans as the time for action nears.”
“Be well. Stars be with you,” Dahl said with a bow, and they parted.
The TSS spacedock felt empty after the energy within the Aesir ship and structures. Wil evaluated Raena as they descended the gangway and saw that she was uncharacteristically sullen.
“That was an intense few hours,” he said aloud. “Why don’t we chat before going back into Headquarters?”
She nodded, and Wil led her to a small conference room near the junction of the concourse with the core of the station.
“I’m still trying to process everything I saw in the nexus,” Raena said as soon as the door was closed.
“It took me some time to come to terms with my vision, too.” He examined her. “And what did you see?”
“Everything pointed to Tararia,” Raena said.
“That’s not surprising.”
Raena shook her head. “No, I mean, I think… I think I’m supposed to be there.”
“There’s still your training to finish—” Wil started to protest.
Raena fixed him with a calm, steady gaze. “Dad, we both know I don’t need the TSS to master my abilities.”
Wil took a deep breath. “That’s true, I don’t think you do.”
“You said that training with the TSS beyond the first year is optional. I can leave at the end of this term.”
“And what about Ryan?” Wil asked.
“He’s integral to Tararia’s future, too—he should come with me. We could keep training together, like we have been.”
“Without instruction?”
She thought for a moment. “Couldn’t grandfather teach
us?”
“Yes... But, that doesn’t change the fact that practice of telekinesis outside of the TSS is still illegal on Tararia.”
“He was High Commander.”
“And needed to give up his official TSS commission when he assumed the role of Head of the Dynasty,” Wil pointed out. “I doubt he plays by all the rules—you can’t spend your whole life with abilities and not occasionally use them—but we need to position you as a proper, law-abiding heir.”
“There has to be some way!” his daughter insisted.
“Maybe…” Wil said after a moment. “If an active Agent in the TSS went with you to Tararia as an official instructor, the case could be made that you were on an extended internship.”
“Sure. Then why do you sound so hesitant?”
“Going to Tararia puts you so close to the Priesthood. They came for you once—I have no reason to believe they wouldn’t try again.”
“Didn’t Grandfather do all sorts of security upgrades when he moved back there?”
“He did, but…”
Raena smiled. “Dad, I think you’re just making up excuses for me not to go because you’ll miss me.”
Wil softened and pulled her into a hug. “I’ll miss you like crazy.”
After several seconds, Raena pulled back and looked up at him. “You know this is the best way forward.”
He nodded. “I do. The TSS was never your path.”
“There’s something on Tararia for me to find. I can feel it.”
“We’ll make the arrangements for you to go as soon as the term wraps up.”
Raena gave him another hug. “We’re going to finish what you started. And we’ll win.”
CHAPTER 7
The hours passed slowly while Ryan awaited Raena’s return. He knew he shouldn’t expect her for at least two days, but he couldn’t help thinking about having her back in the relative safety of Headquarters.
Since their kidnapping by the Priesthood eight months prior, they hadn’t departed the TSS facility aside from a brief trip down to Earth and the more recent field trip. Considering how cautious Raena’s parents were about being out in the open, Ryan had taken that to mean there was an imminent danger, from the Priesthood or otherwise. To willingly go with the Aesir—who were questionable allies, at best—was directly contrary to the behavior he’d seen Wil exhibit in prior months. Either the Aesir were not as unpredictable as Ryan had been led to believe, or there was much more urgency for action than he’d realized.
