Lineage (Baldwin's Legacy Book 5) Page 2

  “When do I leave?”

  “In two days. I’ve asked the crew of Shu to accompany you.”

  Tom had been hoping Constantine would have taken him, but it was probably for the best. They had their own imperative mission on hand, and as much as he wished he could join them, it wasn’t to be. He’d accepted this role, and he wasn’t going to start to complain about his choices now. “Very well.”

  Admiral Benitor returned to her inbox, scrolling through messages as they emerged on her projected screen, and he let himself out without another word.

  He entered his own office, which held the same impressive sight of the city below—only with windows half as wide—and took a seat at his desk. It was uncluttered. He looked around at the walls, seeing that they were bare. There were no plants, no personal mementos. He realized it felt like the office was empty, like no one would notice if he walked away at this very moment.

  “Can I get you anything, sir?” a young Tekol man asked, waiting outside Tom’s door.

  “Can you help him track down Lark Keen?” another voice asked from out of view, and Tom bristled.

  “Uhm, sir, I don’t think…” the assistant stuttered.

  “It’s okay, Gill. I’ll have a cup of Raca, please, and feel free to ignore Admiral West. He probably forgot to eat his morning snack,” Tom said. The young man rushed the steaming beverage inside and continued on, pushing the hovering food cart.

  “Oh, Baldwin, I was only having some fun,” West said.

  At my expense, Tom thought. West was everything he despised in a coworker. There were three human admirals, and Tom wished Anthony West wasn’t one of them. He was ten years older than Tom; his head was clean-shaven, but he sported a thick beard. It was more gray than brown, but it was obvious the man had undergone a lot of procedures to hide his age. He had that unnaturally smooth skin only modifications could create.

  “If you don’t mind, I have work to do,” Tom told him, and West tapped his wrist tablet. The time projected above it.

  “Interesting. The rest of us arrived an hour ago. I guess you don’t need to put the work in,” West goaded him, walking away.

  Tom liked to give people the benefit of the doubt, but he truly despised the man. Being on a ship, he’d been in charge. Even when he wasn’t the highest-ranking officer, others had looked to him to lead, had deferred to his judgment. Tom hadn’t dealt with a workplace bully before, but he could tell that West was more bite than bark.

  Tom sipped from his cup and reviewed his messages, hoping for a clue to Keen’s whereabouts, and wondering how it was possible to have escaped from the transport in the first place.

  ____________

  “I can’t do it,” Treena said, trying to sit.

  “Yes, you can.” Conner Douglas was ten feet away, arms outstretched like a doting father waiting for his toddler to hobble over for the first time.

  Treena wore robotic braces on her legs, which assisted the process, and she’d worked herself down to only using them at twenty percent power. It had been Conner’s idea to try to walk without them, but she didn’t think she was ready.

  “Listen, how about we call it a day?” she asked, sweat dripping over her spine.

  “No.”

  “It’s my…”

  “Just try it, Starling!” he shouted, catching her off-guard. “You’ve been pushing yourself so hard. Look at you! Did you think that after only two months you’d be almost walking? Your eyes are far better, your mobility is impressive.” His voice lowered, along with his arms. “Do it. Not for me, but for you.”

  Treena took a deep breath, wobbling in her stance slightly. It was only ten feet. How tough could it be? She took a step, her knee wavering, but it held. Those exercises to build up her idle muscles were working. Compared to operating her android body, this felt like torture, but if she was ever going to be herself for good, she needed to push it. The next foot came down, and she smiled as it settled. “I’m doing it…” Her left knee caved, and she sprawled out on the ground, landing on her hands.

  “Are you okay?” Conner rushed over, crouching near her. His touch was warm on her skin.

  She laughed, rolling onto her side. “Am I okay? I’m great!” she exclaimed. “I walked by myself. Or I stepped, at least. I can’t believe this is really happening.”

  Conner helped Treena to her seat, and she flicked the leg-assisting device on, settling it to fifty percent. She stood up unaided and saw her reflection in the gymnasium’s mirror. She was used to seeing this version of herself on the bed, being plugged into the android, but here she was, moving about with the damaged and worn version of Treena Starling. Her hair had grown longer, and she’d left it. It was time for a change. Aimie Gaad had offered to remove the scarring, and Treena knew she might take her up on it one day, but for now, she didn’t think it was necessary.

  “What’s next?” Treena asked.

  Conner peered over at her, grinning. “I’m leaving in two days. I guess Shu is taking Baldwin and Fayle to Aruto.”

  Treena wondered if she heard that right. “Aruto?”

  “Yeah. Have you been there before?” Conner asked.

  “Never. It’s rare for anyone to visit, isn’t it?”

  “I’ve seen it a couple of times. I don’t know what all the fuss is about. It’s a nice place, but the mere fact that one of our Founders—arguably, the main Founder—is reluctant to have others drop in has always struck me as a little cagey.” Conner walked her to the edge of the gym, and she flipped the robot-assisted leg device to eighty percent before heading into the halls. This entire floor of the R-Emergence building was closed off for her use, and she had access to countless rehab specialists.

  Today, she’d asked them to take the day off as Conner came to visit, which he’d done at least twice a week over the last couple of months. She stopped in the dim corridor, staring at the man she’d grown close to, and didn’t have to squint to see him any longer. They’d completed the surgery on her retinas, and she could see as well as in her artificial body.

  Conner seemed to feel her stare, and he stopped walking, turning to face her. “How about you? When do you leave?”

  “A few days after you. We’re going to stop by and pick up Ven, and I meet my new commander tomorrow,” Treena said.

  “I’ve only heard stories,” Conner told her with another grin.

  “I hope they’ve been embellished.” Treena was upset they’d given her Constantine with the caveat of making her take on an ex-Concord captain to be her second-in-command. She’d been told it was only for this one mission. If it was up to her, she would have stolen someone like Conner and promoted Ven or Brax to commander. But she hadn’t been given the choice, and Treena had a feeling that Benitor would continue to tug on her strings for her first few assignments. Tom had put up with a lot, but Treena wasn’t Thomas Baldwin. She’d been through the wringer for the Concord, and after what R-Emergence had done to her, she deserved some compensation.

  They entered the elevator, heading for the top floor, where their respective shuttles waited. The tower was one of the tallest in the city, and she felt a wave of vertigo she wouldn’t have experienced in her artificial form. Conner rushed to her side, clutching her arm, steadying her. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just not used to this yet,” she assured him. The city spread out in every direction as far as she could see. “I can’t believe Baldwin took the role.” She said this quietly, as if to herself, but Conner replied.

  “I know. Rene was flabbergasted. She’s also upset you were requested for the Earth mission instead of her,” Conner admitted as he walked past the first five parked shuttles to the Concord-issued model. Hers was next, with the First Ship logo painted on the doors of the white vessels.

  “You never told me that. Why?”

  He shrugged. “She didn’t want anyone to know, but it’s you and me, right?”

  Treena didn’t respond at first, but the air was thick with tension. She took a step toward
him, her entire body aching from today’s efforts. She wasn’t going to win any beauty contests with her ragged body, but she had to know. “What do you want?”

  “Adventure, a good book, a nice glass of Vina,” Conner said with a laugh.

  She stood beside his shuttle, straight-faced. “That’s not what I meant. Why have you been visiting so often, pushing me?”

  “Because you seemed like you could use a push. And a friend,” he said softly. She got the sense there was more behind his words, but nothing else parted from his lips.

  “Okay… good.” She watched as he entered the shuttle, stopping to catch her eye.

  “Keep in touch.”

  “Thanks for… coming,” Treena told him, and the shuttle’s door closed, leaving her alone on the top of the R-Emergence tower.

  Two

  “It is a shame you have to depart soon,” Hanli told him as they walked along the river’s edge.

  Ven Ittix basked in the sunlight, a rare thing for their people. He wore a protective layer of cream over his face, which would be beet red if not for the substance. The Ugna were powerful, but things like too much sun tended to alter their pale skin in minutes.

  “Truth be told, I am excited for the mission,” he said.

  “Earth…” Hanli slowed, turning to stare at the water. “How is it no one knew the location of the humans’ home world?”

  “Technically, Celevon, the Pilia’s planet, is their true home world,” he told her. The Pilia had sent off five colony ships a million years prior. One had ended up becoming the Vusuls, who were the same race that had fought with the Minon only a few short weeks prior. They’d also been destroyed by the Ugna fleet with ease. The Minon and the Seeli were the other two races, aside from the colony ship where they’d discovered the pure Pilia girl, Eve, alive.

  “Have you heard from Talepen recently?” Hanli asked him.

  “Yes. The Minon have been successful in their efforts. They expect to begin implementing the DNA adjustments, allowing their race to breed and thrive once again. The Seeli managed a few pregnancies as a result of the testing,” Ven told her.

  “That is great news.” Hanli moved toward a boulder and took a seat, leaving room for Ven. He’d thoroughly enjoyed his time on Driun F49, learning more about the Ugna this last while, but he longed for the comfort of his cabin on Constantine. With Baldwin gone, things would be different, but Ven was still excited at the prospect of traveling to Earth.

  “Has your Doctor Nee returned?” she asked him.

  “I think he will arrive at Nolix in time for the crew’s introduction to the new commander.” Ven wished he could be present, but he was being picked up on the way out of Concord space.

  “You should have been promoted. You are capable, and Ugna.” She said that as if it should be enough to claim he’d make a competent commander, despite the fact that he had only a year of experience.

  “My time will come. It is not yet. Patience is a learned attribute. Faith in the Vastness is honed. Seek either too quickly and falter. Balance your mind and efforts, for the finish line is rarely when you expect it.” He spoke the words with the respect they deserved, but Hanli broke into laughter.

  “I am sorry, Ven. You are always so serious. I understand your point. Perhaps you are too inexperienced. I do wish you the best success on your venture. Will you return to Driun when you are able?” she asked, her short hair styled to the side, her soft pink eyes boring into his.

  “I will return.” He didn’t know what else to say.

  “Good. Were you aware that Elder Fayle is gone?” Hanli changed topics. She stood again, slowly walking in the direction of their village, which was becoming more of a city.

  “I said goodbye to her last week.” Since then, Ven had spent a lot of time within the training structures, working on restoring his own faith. After learning how much had been kept from him over his life, he’d felt betrayed, but Fayle had assured him it was for his own protection. Before she’d departed, she’d issued an odd omen: a warning about High Elder Wylen. Be cautious around him. Do not show your true strength. I fear he will use you.

  The rocky river’s edge changed to paved walkways as they entered town, and Ven greeted a couple strolling by, boxes floating over their heads as they exited the storage warehouse with supplies. This city held somewhere around fifty thousand people, but it never felt crowded, despite the numbers. Many spent days, weeks even, training indoors. It was rare to see more than fifty people in the streets at the same time, and even the optional communal dining halls were never fully occupied.

  The sky was growing dark as the sun began its daily routine, setting behind the mountain range they lived beside. For a moment, he forgot he was leaving soon, and relished his time spent with another of his kind. Hanli was the perfect partner, and Fayle had more than hinted at their coupling potential. He remained unsure, not wanting to create waves quite yet. The idea of being with Hanli so intimately sent a ripple of nerves through him.

  “Do you want to eat?” she asked, but as much as Ven wanted to, he didn’t think it was proper. Perhaps after their next mission.

  “I should return to my quarters. I have an early morning,” he told her.

  She gave him a smile and touched his hand briefly. He felt her thoughts, her mood, her obvious interest in him. It was partly veiled with intrigue because of his notoriety, but not so much that it was disturbing. Hanli liked being around him, and she fed him those emotions. Ven stepped back, the onslaught of her intentions too much for him.

  He didn’t say a word, but only took off, leaving her alone in the middle of the walkway.

  Ven’s mind felt clouded. By the time he made it to the third resident tower, he’d stopped, making sure Hanli hadn’t followed him. She was nowhere to be seen. He felt like a fool for storming off. She’d put herself out there, and he’d run from her like a child. Never had one of his own kind opened themselves up like that to him, and it had severely startled him.

  “What has you so perturbed, my son?” a voice asked.

  Ven spun to see High Elder Wylen lingering near the building’s entrance. He was alone. Ven sensed others in their vicinity and scanned the promenade, recognizing the High Elder’s personal guard watching over him from twenty yards behind. He counted four of them, which meant there were likely ten or so others in hiding at this moment.

  “Nothing, High Elder. I’m only returning from a pleasant evening stroll,” Ven told him.

  The High Elder looked younger than he had the first time Ven had laid eyes on him, his eyes so dark and red, it was difficult not to stare into them. His head was bald, and he had once been very tall, but age had stooped his spine enough to cause a slight hunch in his posture. Wylen had scars on his cheeks, one on either side, and he guessed the cuts had been deep. He didn’t ask about them. It felt like there would be a long and personal story attached to the injury, and it was none of Ven’s business.

  “An evening stroll. I once had time for such activities,” Wylen said. He wore dark clothing, a long gray cloak draped over his shoulders. He was thin, as were most Ugna, but Ven saw something else in the High Elder. A sickness, perhaps. “Were you with First Officer Hanli?” The question sounded innocent enough, but Ven heard the accusation laced behind the words. Or was it something else? Was the High Elder the reason she’d been spending so much time with him?

  “Yes, with the First Officer, but I assure you…”

  High Elder Wylen shook his head, clicking his tongue onto the roof of his mouth. “You have no need for explanations. I was only curious. You two are well-suited. Tell me, Ven. When are you setting off?”

  It was becoming a popular query, and the fact that Wylen had asked it made Ven want to leave Driun F49 even faster, especially after Fayle’s warning. He undersold it. “In a few days. Not long.”

  “Good. You are doing a satisfactory job with the Concord. It’s nice to have someone on the inside, if you will.” Wylen had a different way about him, one that set him
apart from the other Ugna, the Elders especially.

  “I appreciate it, sir. I have enjoyed my time spent aboard…”

  “Enjoyed? Are you not supposed to be training? Working on Constantine?” Wylen’s expression shifted, and he frowned. His brows were wisps of white-blond hair.

  “I am working, yes. I am an Executive Lieutenant…”

  Wylen cut him off. “Yes, I am aware. I only meant that the reason you’re there is not relevant to your amusement at the position.”

  Ven didn’t move, the High Elder preventing him from entering the residential block. “I do not understand.”

  “Fayle told me you were aware of your role. Is this not the case?”

  It was Ven’s turn to frown. “I still…”

  High Elder Wylen stepped closer, and Ven wanted to retreat the second he felt the intense vibrations emerging from the powerful man. Ven had seen what they were capable of, and it had taken some convincing from Fayle to not renounce his faith at their actions against the Vusuls.

  “Listen closely, Ven Ittix. You are one of us. You belong to the Ugna, which means you”—he pushed a long, bent finger into Ven’s chest—“belong to me. You will be my eyes and ears aboard Constantine, do you understand?”

  Ven nodded, even though he would do no such thing. If he denied the man, he had the feeling he’d be killed on the spot, his body removed by Wylen’s personal guards and buried somewhere no one would find him. “Of course, sir. I was hoping you would ask me this very same thing,” he lied, struggling to force the words from his lips.

  The man’s mood changed in a flash, and he smiled, the sight disturbing. “Good. Let’s not tell Elder Fayle, though, okay? She has plenty on her plate, and I know how much she cares about you and your position. I’ve programmed my personal communication details into your console upstairs.”

  Ven peered up the building’s wall, wondering how long Wylen had been snooping through Ven’s things up in his room. “Very well. I look forward to reporting to you.”