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

without the added influence of a seventh High Dynasty. However, the return of the Dainetris Dynasty would not only remove the Priesthood from its present position as a tie-breaking vote, but the reemergence might also unveil what had brought about the dynasty’s downfall. If Banks’ instincts were correct, the Priesthood was to blame, but he knew them well enough to be certain they would protect their secrets at any cost. If a Dainetris heir had survived, the Priesthood must have a reason for permitting it.
    Unfortunately, hunches weren’t useful. Banks still had a job to do. Before anything else, there was a war to win.
    The latest report from High Commander Taelis at H2 in the rift suggested a new Bakzen offensive. Wil’s recent mastery of simultaneous observation had come just in time.
    Banks set aside his thoughts about the Dainetris Dynasty and instructed the computer to call Taelis via the viewscreen.
    The other High Commander answered after a minute, appearing agitated, as usual. “Jason, hi. Do you need something?”
    “No, I wanted to give you some good news.”
    Taelis grunted. “I could use it.”
    “I just got confirmation from Wil that he has achieved simultaneous observation.”
    Onscreen, Taelis froze with surprise. “He has?”
    Banks nodded. “Just yesterday. It’s hard to believe this day has finally come, but I’ve reviewed the training log myself.”
    “We really needed this. Now more than ever.”
    “Yes… it sounds like conditions are deteriorating.”
    Taelis slumped. “We don’t know what’s causing it, Jason. A whole group of people on Kaldern spontaneously started voicing support for the Bakzen and attacked the planetary shield generators.”
    “Civilians?”
    “Yes, and a whole lot of them. People who should hate the Bakzen after what they’ve been through—their homeworlds destroyed.”
    That’s concerning, indeed. “People snap sometimes,” Banks speculated.
    “No, this was more than that,” Taelis countered. “The video footage is unnerving. It was like they were in a trance.”
    “Brainwashing?”
    “Or telepathic influence. Except, we have no way to stop it until we know the root cause.”
    “All the more reason to move forward with our end strategy.”
    Taelis inclined his head. “Yes, Wil and his officers should come here as soon as possible.”
    “Agreed, but they need some field experience before they’re sent into battle,” Banks cautioned. “Everything is all out of sequence.”
    Taelis narrowed his eyes. “What are you hung up on—an internship?”
    Banks nodded. “In part. And completion of the other Junior Agent testing protocols.”
    Taelis gave a dismissive flip of his wrist. “Just promote them. We don’t have time to waste on all that.”
    “Is it wasting time to make sure they won’t break under the pressure?”
    “Even seasoned Agents can break.”
    “I’m just not sure they should be in the field yet,” Banks insisted. “They’re untested and can make mistakes. Are we really willing to take that risk?”
    “Jason, I don’t think you understand what we’re facing here. We need to end this now. Promote them.”
    Banks sighed. “It will require approvals. I’ll let you know as soon as I get confirmation.” He ended the transmission. There was no doubt that the Priesthood would heartily agree, but it was the perfect conversation starter for the question related to his other research.
    Without delay Banks instructed CACI to contact the Priesthood. He paced in front of the viewscreen as he waited for the call to connect.
    The lifelike image of the Priest robed in black appeared onscreen. “Do you have news?”
    “More of a question,” replied Banks. “We have reached a pivotal time. Do we bring in the Primus Elite group now, or wait until they have had a chance to complete the formal training program?”
    “What still remains?”
    “Internships and formal CR testing, mostly.”
    The Priest shook his head. “Protocol means