Crossroads of Fate (Cadicle #5): An Epic Space Opera Series Read Online Free Page A

try again.
    He shook off a sudden chill. We’re about to enter into the unknown. I hope we really are ready…
    *       *       *
    After weeks of avoidance, Wil finally found himself sitting across the desk from Banks in the High Commander’s office. On a rational level, he knew they needed to find a way to work together—somehow. But, the wound was still raw. He lied to me about the Bakzen for my whole life. How am I supposed to trust him again?
    “So,” Banks broke the awkward silence following their forced pleasantries, “you’re making progress with simultaneous observation.”
    “I can do it now, if that’s what you’re asking,” Wil replied, keeping his gaze fixed on the wall behind the High Commander’s shoulder.
    “Consistently?”
    “It’s more of an ‘all or nothing’ thing. I’m past the threshold now.”
    Banks folded his hands on the desktop. “Congratulations.”
    Wil held in a scoff. It’s hardly the accomplishment I dreamed it to be.
    The High Commander searched his face. “Are you okay, Wil?” 
    I don’t know anymore. Wil swallowed. It’s really not fair for me to be upset with him. He didn’t start the war… He was only trying to protect me. He straightened in his chair. “I’ve had a lot to think about since I got back.”
    “I know.” Banks paused. “I never wanted you to find out about the Bakzen like that. I should have told you sooner.”
    Maybe, but I know why he didn’t. “What’s done is done.”
    “Still…”
    Wil finally met the High Commander’s gaze. “Dwelling on past regrets won’t get us anywhere.”
    “You’re right.”
    “Regardless,” Wil continued, “as much as I wish I didn’t know that the Bakzen started out like us, in some ways, it’s a good thing to know. Their faults, their desires—it was all born from the same place as our own motivations.”
    Banks nodded. “A fair point.”
    “I don’t know how others would react if they knew the truth. I’ve told Saera, but anyone else…”
    “I agree that it’s best to keep it confidential.”
    “My men know I’m keeping something from them. They keep pushing me.”
    “They’re a perceptive group,” Banks replied, cracking a slight smile.
    “Yes. Annoyingly so, sometimes.”
    Banks examined him. “How close are you to completing their training?”
    Wil cast his eyes down. That’s not what he’s really asking… I’d never engage them in this battle if I had a choice. “They’ve honed their skills, but a lot of what they know is still only theory.”
    “Then we’ll need to get them some real-world experience.”
    “How? There’s no facility here that could possibly help us prepare any more than we already have.”
    “Not here, perhaps,” the High Commander replied, “but H2 is set up for that very purpose.”
    “It’s that time, isn’t it?” I can’t avoid the war any longer.
    “Everyone will be here to help you, Wil. We’ll win.”
    *       *       *
    While the conversation had been strained, Banks was relieved that at least Wil was talking to him again. He had enough to worry about without the added concern of infighting within the TSS.
    Events were once again converging, as so often seemed the case. Wil’s new ability marked a turning point in the war, necessitating that the Primus Elites be deployed as soon as possible. That would leave Banks with some time to investigate the other matter that had been bothering him for the past few weeks.
    The words of the Aesir Oracle were still fresh in his mind—a cryptic message about a Dainetris heir who had survived the dynasty’s fall more than one hundred years prior. A legitimate heir could have immeasurable influence on the future of Taran politics, shifting the balance of power. So long as the Priesthood remained in their position of absolute control over communications among the Taran worlds and had the final say in all policy decisions, there would be no way to make any meaningful changes