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

chance to observe, when you do,” Aram said. There was a hunger in his gaze.
    Saera examined him. “I find it interesting that you were working on a project with such focus on telekinetic interface, given that you aren’t an Agent.”
    Aram’s face darkened. “I can’t help that I was born without such abilities.”
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”
    Aram walked over to the console at the front left of the Control Center. “You were about to send a communication, right?”
    “Yes. Was there anything else you’d like to tell me about the ship?”
    “It can wait. I’ll just have to go over it with Agent Sietinen again.” Aram accessed the communications menu on the console and made some inputs. “Which ship was it you wanted to contact?”
    “The Vanquish.”
    Aram made some additional inputs. “The comm channel is ready for you to initiate.”
    “Thank you.”
    Aram headed for the door.
    I don’t think this guy likes me… “Thank you for the overview. Knowing about those features is helpful.”
    “Sure.” Aram left without so much as a glance.
    Saera shrugged off the strange meeting. Can’t please everyone. She initiated the communication to the Vanquish.
    After a moment, a rectangular video feed appeared on the front of the room’s domed ceiling, displaying the Vanquish’s Command Center. Cris and Kate were in the center chairs. They seemed surprised to see Saera.
    “Hi,” Cris said. “Where are you? CACI couldn’t identify the source of the call, only that it was TSS.”
    Saera held out her arms to either side. “This is the Conquest. It’s brand new and very fancy.”
    Cris smiled back. “Clearly. That’s an interesting setup for the Command Center.”
    “Wait until you see what it can do.” It’s impressive, even if it is terrifying.
    “I bet. So, what can we do for you?” Cris asked.
    “Wil requested that I get the Primus Elites settled in on the Conquest. Can you send them over on some shuttles?”
    “Of course. Anything else?”
    “Not at the moment. Wil is getting briefed by Taelis right now.”
    Cris’ expression turned serious. “Okay. I’ll tell the Primus Elites.”
    “Thanks. See you soon, I’m sure.”
    Cris nodded. “Talk soon.”
    Saera ended the transmission. Now to find the hangar .
    True to Aram’s word, the interior layout of the Conquest was identical to other TSS cruisers Saera had toured. She made her way slowly, taking in the design details of the ship. It lacked some of the finer finishes found on the Vanquish and other vessels intended for longer-duration missions, but it was aesthetically pleasing and had just enough artwork and padded seating to echo the comforts of home.
    As Saera passed by the corridor leading to Engineering, she noticed a slim woman with a light brown braid studying a control panel down the hall. If she wasn’t mistaken, it was H2’s Lead Engineer, Deena Laecy. “Deena, right?” Saera called out with a wave of her hand.
    The engineer was caught by surprise. “Everyone calls me by my last name, Laecy. Have we met?”
    “No, I recognized you from your personnel file. I’m Wil’s wife, Saera.”
    Laecy’s brown eyes sparked with recognition. “Of course! Sorry, I’m bad with faces. Is Wil here?”
    “He’s meeting with Taelis now. I’m on my way to meet the Primus Elites and get them settled in.”
    “I guess that shouldn’t be a problem…” Laecy murmured.
    “What do you mean?” Saera asked.
    “Well, I have system reports for the Conquest routed to my handheld, since we’re still in testing,” Laecy replied. “I’m checking out some strange heat readings in some of the wiring conduits.”
    “Did you find the cause?”
    The engineer frowned. “No. The temperatures have returned to normal operating parameters, and there’s no record of overheating in the ship’s logs.”
    Tampering? Saera came to full attention. “Who has access to the Conquest now?”
    “A couple of my engineers are down in