Read Online Crossroads of Fate (Cadicle #5): An Epic Space Opera Series by Amy DuBoff - Free Book Online

Center before.
    “It’s amazing,” Saera breathed as she came to stand beside Wil.
    “It really is.” He gripped one side of the handhold, feeling the ship respond to his presence. “Take one of the other stations.”
    Saera tentatively grasped one side of the handhold to Wil’s left. “Whoa.”
    A tingle ran through Wil’s arm as he sensed Saera’s presence through the ship. He telekinetically reached out to her, and the ship automatically entwined their energies. It’s effortless.
    “Do you approve?” Taelis said from behind.
    Startled, Wil and Saera let go of their respective handholds. “Yes, very much so,” Wil replied.
    “I see you’ve discovered the telekinetic link in the central podiums,” Taelis continued. “The consoles up front have it, as well.”
    “Yes. I’ve never felt anything like it.” What will I be able to do with such a link?
    Taelis nodded. “That’s what took the engineering team so long to work out. We knew that you would need an anchor during simultaneous observation. It will need to be calibrated to you and your Seconds, but our hope is that you will be able to project your vision of the activities in both dimensional planes on the viewscreen.”
    The Bakzen’s movements in real-time for everyone to see. “I had never thought about serving as a visual conduit. I suppose it could work. I’d need to play around with it.”
    “We’ve never been able to properly test it, of course, since you’re the only one with the ability. The biofeedback systems for mental visualization have passed all field tests, though, so it’s just a matter of the spatial translation between the rift and normal space. None of our computers have been able to reconcile those inputs.”
    “I’ll see what I can do.” It very well may be possible. And more. “Is there an assigned crew yet?”
    “No,” Taelis replied. “I can provide recommendations for some engineers and tactical officers, but the crew is fully at your discretion.”
    “Excellent. I’ll review your nominations.” Wil felt the pull of the ship. “Unless you have other quarters in mind, I’ll stay here with my men.”
    “That was our intent.”
    Now, we have more pressing matters to discuss. “Saera, will you get the Primus Elites oriented here while the High Commander briefs me on the latest developments with the Bakzen?”
    She nodded, a bit reluctantly. “Will do.”
    Wil turned to Taelis. “I’m at your disposal. Let’s get started.”

CHAPTER 5
    Saera watched Wil depart with the weathered High Commander. It was unnerving to see the leader of H2 so drained and disheartened. I can only imagine what he’s been through over the years. Anyone would get worn down eventually . I hope I can keep Wil from feeling that way.
    Though she wouldn’t admit it aloud, Saera wished she were attending the briefing with Wil. She knew the lack of invitation wasn’t meant personally, or as a means to sideline her, but it was uncomfortable to be left out of the action. Even harder to admit, part of her felt like if she were away from Wil, he would somehow be lost to her. His words from early in their relationship had always gnawed at the back of her mind over the years—that winning the war might take everything he had to give, and he might not make it through alive. She wasn’t sure Wil remembered that admission, but she had taken it upon herself to make sure it didn’t come to that. While she felt always being by his side was the best way to fulfill her silent promise, she would be there for her partner in any way he needed. Right now, that means taking care of his closest friends.
    Saera wandered over to the consoles at the front of the Command Center. She was well versed in TSS crafts after so much time helping Wil with spec reviews, and the Conquest appeared to follow conventional design principles, despite the flashier finishes. It only took her a few moments to locate the communications system. She was just about to activate