Empire Reborn (Taran Empire Saga Book 1): A Cadicle Space Opera A.K. DuBoff (guided reading books TXT) 📖

Jason resumed the walk to his quarters. With soft copper and deep red hues complementing the wood paneling and gray carpet, the residential halls felt like a cozy home rather than a military installation. After ten years with the TSS, living in the underground base seemed as normal as his childhood on Earth. He did miss being able to go into the countryside—and the rain, oddly—but his assignments to various planets offered a suitable substitute.

He was almost to his quarters when he spotted Gil, one of his former roommates and fellow Primus Elite, heading his way.

“Hey, what’s up?” Jason asked.

Gil rubbed the edge of his overcoat between his thumb and forefinger, a nervous tick Jason had observed many times over the years. “What do you know about the attack?”

Jason’s thoughts flashed to the dark presence he’d sensed during the flight lesson. “What happened?”

“I was hoping you knew. All I heard was a ship went missing, and they just found a lone survivor.”

That didn’t sound related to his experience. “Who’d you hear that from?”

“A friend out on remote assignment,” Gil replied with a shrug. “I thought your parents may have said something.”

Jason sighed inwardly. “Contrary to popular belief, I rarely get information before anyone else.”

Gil cracked a smile. “Sure, downplay it all you want.”

Jason waved him away with his flight helmet. “I need to change. I’ll let you know if I get any details.”

His friend started to walk away. “Oh, and are we still on for the match?”

“Shit, is that tonight?” The video game tournament had slipped his mind. He knew it was silly that they still indulged in such an unproductive diversion, but it had become a tradition. And, it was nice to do something with low stakes.

“Dude, you can’t cancel again.” Gil’s shoulders slumped.

Jason ran through the mental list of everything that would be delayed by attending the game. Despite the sizable disruption, his friend’s pleading eyes got the better of him. “All right, I’ll be there at 19:00.”

Gil’s face lit up with a grin. “Prepare to be slaughtered.”

“That’s all the trash-talk you can manage? You don’t stand a chance.”

“I haven’t even gotten warmed up.” Gil held his arms wide in challenge while he strolled away backward.

Jason shook his head as he placed his palm on the biometric lock to his door.

He’d been in the same quarters since graduating to Agent five years prior. The warm shades decorating Headquarters’ common areas carried into the living area, simply furnished to be both efficient and stylish—like most elements within the TSS.

Jason passed through the sliding door into the bedroom and tossed his helmet onto the double bed. He changed out of the flight suit and donned his standard black TSS Agent uniform, tailored snugly enough to show off his physique without being gratuitous. The t-shirt, slacks, and boots would fit with almost any outfit, but the knee-length overcoat with its narrow lapels and tapered waist gave the uniform its iconic look. Until recently, tinted glasses would have been a mandatory accessory—to hide the bioluminescent irises of those with Gifts. However, recent legislation to legalize the civilian use of those abilities had allowed the TSS and its Agents to become more accepted in society, no longer needing to downplay their abilities to set others at ease.

A quick check of his message inbox confirmed that there was no mention of the attack or any other crisis. Still, as a precaution, he decided it would be better to disclose his experience than not. Since his father was often in meetings as part of his TSS High Commander responsibilities, Jason opted for a text message: >>I sensed something odd during the flight lesson. It reminded me of what I saw in the nexus. We should talk when you get a chance.<<

With the message sent, Jason settled onto the plush couch in the living area to review some of his students’ written assignments. He was just getting into it when his handheld chirped.

A text message from Tiff illuminated on the matte surface of the palm-sized device. >>What are you up to tonight?<<

Jason knew from experience that it was a thinly veiled booty call. He slid open the handheld, which activated its smooth screen, and typed back, >>Stupid amounts of work, and Gil roped me into gaming.<<

>>Booo! I was hoping to unwind. It’s been a bomaxed day.<<

>>Same here, but can’t tonight. I’ll block out tomorrow evening.<<

>>Ugh, fine,<< she agreed. >>But only because I actually like Gil.<<

>>Your infinite understanding will be noted for future generations to admire.<<

>>I’m the best. Don’t you forget it!<<

Jason smiled. >>Never would.<< He paused. >>Hey, you didn’t hear anything about an attack on a ship, did you?<<

>>Yeah, actually,<< Tiff replied. >>There’s been some chatter this afternoon. Prisaris is handling it, I think. Why?<<

Prisaris is near the Rift, but… His brows furrowed. >>No reason. Just heard about it from Gil, and I wondered if there was more to it.<<

>>Not that I know of.<<

>>All right. I’ll see you tomorrow. Usual time?<<

>>Yeah, see you then. Now, get to work!<<

>>On it.<<

He closed out of the chat and frowned at the screen. Prisaris was the TSS base closest to the Rift, and anything having to do with the former war zone set him on edge. Still, the threat related to the Rift was supposed to have been resolved. Unless my vision all those years ago wasn’t about what I thought it was, and there’s something else lurking out there…

There wasn’t anything more he could do about it until he spoke with his father. Until then, plotting how to win the tournament would be a welcome distraction.

—     —     —

It wasn’t often that TSS High Commander Wil Sietinen found himself perplexed, but this particular set of information defied explanation. He had been studying the report from the Prisaris base for the