captain lewis' broken dreams

8/12/2019 Captain Lewis' Broken Dreams

1/33

Captain Lewis Broken DreamsContemporary Fiction prequel to Dreams of the Queen

Copyright Jacqueline Patricks 2013ASIN: 00!""#$%

Pu&lishe' &y Cra(y ir' Pu&lishing

)irst Printing

"ritten &y Jacqueline Patricks

Co*er &y Jacqueline Patricks

!'ite' &y !+ ,a--

Thank you to my husband, family, friends and fans who specifically asked for this story to be written !

wouldnt be here without you

" special thank you to Debbie, "utumn, #ary and Brandi for their incredible support

.his is a /ork o- -iction+ All characters places an' e*ents are -ro the authors iagination an' shoul' not &e

con-use' /ith -act+ Any rese&lance to persons li*ing or 'ea' e*ents or places is purely coinci'ence+

All rights reser*e'+ No part o- this pu&lication ay &e repro'uce' in any aterial -or /hether &y printing

photocopying scanning or other/ise /ithout the /ritten perission o- the pu&lisher Cra(y ir' Pu&lishing or

author Jacqueline Patricks ecept in the case o- &rie- quotations e&o'ie' in the contet o- re*ie/s+ 4nauthori(e'

use in relation to this e&ook ay result in ci*il procee'ings an'5or criinal prosecution+ .he author has asserte' her

rights un'er the Copyright 6esigns an' Patent Act o- 17%% 8as aen'e'9 to &e i'enti-ie' as the legal author o- this

/ork+ .hank -or respecting the har' /ork o- this author+


2/33

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3/33

.! ;AJJ .;I$+? Captain $e/is roken 6reas @ prequel short story rate' ature>1 6reas o- the ueen @ -ull no*el rate' ature

>2 Nightares o- the ueen @.o &e pu&lishe' #arch 201B -ull no*el

>3 6estiny o- the ueen .A

.! D!;,! S!;I!S>1 )airytale Apocalypse @ -ull no*el to &e pu&lishe' late 201B

>2 .o &e announce'


4/33

Captain Lewis Broken Dreams

I thought you loved me!

Carolines southern *oice 'ra/le' through Captain Charles $e/is hea' on repeat+ .he paine' look

she' gi*en hi as he' trie' to eplainEagainE/hy this ne/ assignent /as ore iportant than their

plans -or a li-e together /as seare' in his in'+ er tears ha'nt &een a&le to ask her anger &oth

aking her -lushe' an' &lotchy+

I thought you wanted to move forward!

e 'i' /ant to o*e -or/ar'+ $i-e /ith Caroline "hittingtonEs/isuit o'el /anna&e an'

'aughter o- enry "hittington III retail ogul o- the Carolinas 8hence his 'aughters nae9Eha'

per*a'e' his e*ery thought -or onths+ e' e*en requeste' a short stint statesi'e to soli'i-y their onagain5o-- again relationship+


5/33

K=es it is+L $e/is tappe' a -inger on the &ar until he got his 'ou&le shot+ .he &arten'er /alke' a/ay

shaking his hea' an' uttering+

Scre/ hiM An' scre/ the #Ps an' their 'runk an' 'isor'erly punishentsM I- he /ante' to get

'runk he' 'an /ell get goo' an' toaste' until Carolines crying &lurre' an' -a'e'+

Why, Charles? Why?Stan'ing in their li*ing roo he' opene' his outh to speak &ut &lanke'+ No /or's epresse' the

turoil in his heart+ Shoul'*e &een siple to s/eet talk her &ut siple ha' -lo/n &ye&ye an' 'i'ntsee eager to return+ 4na&le to eploy his usual char he' store' -ro their apartent slaing the

'oor &ehin' hi+ .he cheap 'oor ha'nt -iltere' her crying an' he' re-use' to &e s/aye' this tie+

e sippe' ore tequila an' the alcohol /arth sprea'+ e pro&a&ly shoul' slo/ 'o/n &e-ore he

passe' out &ut a night o- en'lessly spiraling &lankness soun'e' &etter than his current eciteent+ e

thre/ his hea' &ack pouring the 'ou&le 'o/n his throat+

Secon's later a /a*e o- -u((iness hit hi an' Carolines *oice (ooe' through a 'ark tunnel -arther

an' -arther a/ay+ e cra'le' his hea' in his han's supporte' &y the &ar+ inally. e hate' 'isappointing

her+ She 'eser*e' &etter+ She 'eser*e' a an /ho /ante' to stick aroun' -or the long haul /ante' all the

noral things in li-e+

)or soe reason tonights 'rinking create' a strange clarity in his heart an' he ree&ere' -eeling a

&urst o- elation at Colonel Prescotts request+ It ga*e hi a chance to get &ack into the -iel' to shake o--

the 'ust o- seici*ilian li-e+ In*igorate' he' sai' yes ie'iately+ ,reen erets /ere a'e -ora'*enture &attle an' challenges+ e needed this special op+


6/33

$e/is slae' the secon' 'ou&le+ .he roo spun an' -u((iness trans-ore' into nu&ness+ Dision

&lurring he knocke' the shot glass o*er trying to set it 'o/n+ It rolle' in an angle' circle 'rops o- tequila

'ri&&ling out in a thin line+ .his is /here he /ante' to &e+ .oo 'runk to think clearly too nu& to -eel

too e*erything to anything+ Per-ect+

e sile' an' slupe' o*er hea' supporte' in one han'+K6oneFL .he &arten'er /ipe' up $e/is ess+

K#h+L e no''e'+ .he roo tilte' &ut nausea hel' itsel- at &ay+ )ailiar territoryEit /oul'stay a/ay -or a /hile &e-ore he so&ere'+

Colore' stro&es -lashe' o*er the 'ance -loor an' &ass /a*es o- techno usic *i&rate' against his

chest+ is toe tappe' on the stool support /ithout his perission+ "hen /as the last tie they' gone

'ancingF e like' it /ell enough &ut only /ent &ecause Caroline lo*e' it+ e shoul' pro&a&ly take her

'ancing again+

Couples an' groups -locke' to the open area+ It /as easy to pick out the clean cut sol'iers -ro the

ci*ilians allo/e' in &y *irtue o- their guest status+ !*en -eale sol'iers /ith long hair /orn casually

carrie' thesel*es 'i--erently than nonsol'iersEstraighter ore con-i'ent longer stri'es+ Sol'iers

coul' al/ays spot other sol'iers or -orer ones+

)orer ones

K6an it+L e slappe' his 'enicla' thigh+ e ha' to take the ission+ e ha' to get &ack into the

-iel' e*en it /as an unortho'o one+ Prescott ha' gi*en hi pick o- his teaEtoo great o- a teptation-or a ,reen eret+ !otic location speciali(e' equipent etra /eapons epan'e' training &u'get

/hate*er he nee'e'Epractically carte &lanche+ o/ coul' he re-useF

I love you, Charles. Ive waited. Why would you do this?

e gritte' his teeth until his Ha/ uscles ache' an' close' his eyes against the cheer-ul lighting+ ereally 'i'nt 'eser*e her+ She /as &etter o-- /ithout hi teasing her /ith proises he' ne*er keep+ .he

nu&ness /as starting to -a'e alrea'y+ .oo soon+

Key+L e /a*e' to the &arten'er /ho raise' his &ro/s an' -ro/ne'+ .hey per-ore' their *isual

tenacious t/ostep+ $e/is /on again+ liss-ul nu&ness quickly returne'+


7/33

K"hat the hellFL e hit his 'ri*ers 'oor an' struggle' to insert the proper key /ithout scratching his

pristine paint+ Dision 'ou&ling ears screaing $e/is &rain ski''e' o*er coherent thoughts an' actions

like a rock skipping o*er /ater+ KCoe on coe onML

6ual &eas o- light s/ept o*er the parking lot -ollo/e' &y the -ailiar gro/l o- a u*ee+

*'s!e /aste' another secon' on the lock then 'ucke' net to his 'oor+ I- they spotte' hi they'

'e-initely arrest hi -or &eing 'runk an' 'isor'erly+ I- he coul' Hust get his 'oor open he coul' slip insi'ehis car an' hi'e until they le-t+ #ight /ork

.he little &it o- light /as on the opposite si'e o- his car so he /orke' &y touch+ ey poise' o*ing

closer -ingers protecting the 'oor he squinte' to clear his sight key threa'e' at the locks entrance+

K


8/33

K=ou*e alrea'y sashe' your noseL ro/n sai'+ KI nee' to get you hoe /ithout aking it /orse

sir+L

K=oure going to ake e ri'e in your knocko-- u*ee arent youFL

ro/n slippe' his ar a &it -arther un'er $e/is shoul'er /ho 'i'nt -ight it+ K"ell youre not

'ri*ing an' i- I 'ri*e your #ustang an' scratch it youll kill e+LK)ine -ine+L $e/is /a*e' his -ree han'+

As they ean'ere' through the screaing cars he kept his hea' as still as possi&le to keep the nauseacontrolle'+ "arth 'ri&&le' -ro his nostrilsO he sni--e' har' an' /ipe'+ loo' 'arkene' his -ingers+

Care-ully he trace' the &ri'ge o- his nose until he -oun' the 'i*ot+ "on'er-ul+ e ust*e crushe' it into

the e'ge o- his irror+ "asnt the -irst tie he' &roken his nose &ut he' ne*er put a 'ent in it quite like

this &e-ore+ e trie' pinching his nostrils shut &ut they hurt like a &eotch+

K6ont /orry sir+ Shell still think youre pretty+L

KDery -unny+L

ro/n gui'e' hi to the passenger 'oor assiste' hi insi'e then /alke' aroun' to the 'ri*ers si'e+

ro/n ha' le-t the engine an' the A5C running so col' air hit $e/is like a slap so sharp he gagge'+

K.his ight help+L ro/n han'e' hi a &ottle o- /ater+

"here he' 'ug it up $e/is 'i'nt kno/ or care+ 6ehy'ration set its pain-ul ten'rils in his &o'y an'

he nee'e' /ater &a'ly &ut the thought o- putting anything in his stoach ugh+

K;ee&er to sip itL ro/n sai' as he t/iste' the cap then han'e' it &ack+e /asnt a 'an trainee+ e kne/ ho/ to 'eal+ Sco/ling he gra&&e' the &ottle an' took se*eral

sips+ $uke/ar an' agni-icent on his tongue $e/is s/allo/e' an' /aite'+ is stoach churne' &ut

'i'nt reHect it+

K=ou ha*e a to/el or soethingFL $e/is pointe' to his oo(ing nose+K4L ro/n ruage' through the center console Kpartially use' -ast -oo' napkinsFL

$e/is snatche' the han'-ul an' gently presse' the to his nose+ K"hate*erL he u&le' through the

/a' o- cheap paper+

,rinning ro/n put his u*ee in 'ri*e an' pulle' out o- the parking lot+ ,ee( the ki' ha'nt e*en

&ought a stan'ar' 'ri*e+


9/33

Ka ha sir+L

Aroun' the /a' o- paper $e/is sirke' an' sippe' ore /ater then stare' out the si'e /in'o/ as

his lieutenant an' -rien' 'ro*e through the streets o- )ort ragg+ Street lights -lashe' o*erhea'

interittently &rightening the u*ees interior+ It /as pleasant insi'e a &it crape' consi'ering the

si(e o- the *ehicle &ut ore co-orta&le than a real u*ee+ It actually &oaste' all the etras o- a noralcar+ ;eal u*ees 'i'nt ha*e stereos cant ha*e 'istracte' sol'iers+

K6i' she soun' a'FL $e/is aske'+KCarolineFL

K=eah+L

KI 'ont kno/+ "e 'i'nt talk long+L

K+L

KShe /as a' /hen you le-t sirFL

K#a' as I*e e*er seen her+ She ignore' the shirt+L

K"o/+ "hat' you 'oFL

e shi-te' an' glare'+ K"hat akes you think I 'i' anythingFL

KSeriouslyFL ro/ns eye&ro/s arche'+ KJust &ecause I 'ont ha*e a girl-rien' right no/ 'oesnt

ean I 'ont kno/ anything a&out /oen+L

ea*ing a resigne' sigh $e/is &alle' up the &loo'y napkins an' tosse' the to the -loor&oar'+ KI sort

o- &roke a proise to her+LKA &ig proiseFL

KI- you count putting our entire relationship on hol' as &ig+L

K,ee( sir I thought you really like' this girl+L ro/n /a*e' an' no''e' at the #Ps guar'ing the

&ase eit+KI 'oML $e/is sat up straighter+ is stoach ha' settle' a &it &ut his hea' still s/a i- he o*e' too

-ast+

KSoFL

KSoL he shrugge' an' -i''le' /ith the la&el on the /ater &ottle KI 'ont kno/+L

.heir spee' a&ruptly re'uce' an' ro/n Herke' his u*ee into the -ar right lane+ KAre you nutsF

Caroline is the &est thing thats e*er happene' to you+L

Ko/ can you &e so sure o- thatFL

Ko/ cant youFL ro/n continue' to slo/ the u*ee gra'ually pulling to a stop on the shoul'er+K4huhL $e/is /a*e' a -inger KI 'ont nee' this -ro you Sa+L

Kut shes cra(y a&out you+L

K=ou think I 'ont kno/ thatFL e slae' the &ottle in a center console hol'er+ K=ou think I ha*ent

/racke' y &rain -or a /ay to ake us &oth happyFL

ro/n Hae' the gearshi-t in park then t/iste' in his seat+ KShit you took another ission+L

Ja/ /orking like a 'ying -ish $e/is trie' to -in' any other response &e-ore ehaling in a slup an'no''ing+

Kut you Hust got your appro*al to stay statesi'e the rest o- the year+L

KI kno/ &utL $e/is che/e' the insi'e o- his cheek+ e et ro/ns &euse' epression /ith a

'i--erent sort o- churning in his gut+ "hy coul'nt he -inish the sentenceFut /hatF e 'i'nt lo*e herF No that /asnt eactly true+ e lo*e' Caroline as uch as he thought

possi&le gi*en his lack o- coparison an' eperience+ #ay&e he 'i'nt /ant a relationship+ .hen /hy 'i'he enHoy spen'ing tie /ith herF She really /as the &est /oan he' e*er et an' the i'ea o- arrying

her 'i'nt really scare hi any ore than /hat they alrea'y ha'+ So /hat /as itF

K=ou cant gi*e it up+L

$e/is &linke' out o- his ental -og+ K"hatFL

K.he rush+ .he issions+ =ou cant /alk a/ay -ro the a'renaline+L

K.hats not true+L

KIsnt itFL


10/33


11/33

KCaroline+L $e/is straightene' running all the right /or's he /ante' an' nee'e' to say through his

ental -ilter+ .hen he sa/ it an' the nausea in his stoach re'ou&le' &ecoing a -ull &lo/n aci' &ath

/hileEironicallyEhis hea' cleare'+ K"hat are you 'oingFL

er *ague sile rigore' into a -alse one as she angle' her hea' to/ar's the large piece o- rolling

luggage she gui'e' /ith one han'+ K=oure &ack earlier than usual+LK"hatFL $e/is steppe' through the 'oor/ay -orcing her to &ack up+ KI /hatFL

KIll Hust uh /ait out hereL ro/n sai' pointing ran'oly+K=ou hear' eL Caroline sai'+ KIts not e*en i'night yet here you areML

e slae' the 'oor shut+ K"hats that suppose' to eanFL

KPleaseL she rolle' her eyes Kyoure a sart guy+L

$e/is pointe' to her luggage+ KIs that /hy youre lea*ingF ecause I go out 'rinking once in a

/hileFL

KI- I care' a&out that I /oul'*e le-t a long tie ago Charles+L She set the luggage upright then

crosse' her ars an' Hutte' a leg out /ith attitu'e+ K6u& 'oesnt suit you so stop playing gaes an'

Hust 'eal /ith /hat you 'i' to'ay+L

K=oure lea*ing &ecause I accepte' that ission+L e leane' one shoul'er on the entry/ay /all+ KI

tol' you the training /ill pro&a&ly &e ostly at )ort ragg+L

K=ou 'ont kno/ that -or sure+L

KNo &utELKAn' you kno/ its guarantee' to &e ha(ar'ous+L

K"ellL he shrugge' Kyes+L

KCharles+L She approache' hi a so-t -ro/n curling her outh+ 4p close her eyes /ere &loo'shot an'

re'rie'+ She' really crie' har' this tie+ KI sorry &ut I Hust cant 'o this anyore+LK=ou /ont /aitFL

She shook her hea'+ KI*e alrea'y /aite'+ =ou proise' no ore 'angerous issions+L

KCaroline you 'ont un'erstan'+ Captains 'ont say no to colonels requests+L

K"hate*er+L er &ro/s arche' then -urro/e'+ K=oure /alking a/ay -ro a sa-e training position

/hich you proise' e you' keep so I 'one+L She thre/ her han's up then sighe'+ KI lo*e you

Charles &ut I cant 'o this anyore+L She gra&&e' her luggage an' /alke' to the 'oor+

KCaroline /aitML e pushe' o-- the /all reaching -or her as she passe' hi+ K"hat i- I proise' this

/ill &e the last one+ )ro /hat Prescott tol' e the training alone ight take up to a year+LShe pause' their -aces inches apart an' her eyes gaine' that sultry hoo'e' look /hene*er he in*a'e'

her personal space+ Caroline /et her lips+ KCharles IL

e 'i'nt let her -inish+ Spinning her aroun' $e/is presse' his &o'y against hers an' kisse' her /ith

e*ery shre' o- passion he' e*er -elt+ )ingers 'igging into Carolines &are upper ars he o*e' her

&ack/ar's+ She groane' into his outh as they hit the /all then gra&&e' the &ack o- his hea' an' pulle'

hi closer+ .hey 'i'nt nee' /or's to -i this+ .hey ne*er ha'+She hitche' a leg aroun' hi an' he helpe' her raise it up aroun' his hip+ .hey oane' at the

intiate contact kisses &ecoing -rantic+ e thrust into her heat his Heans &ecoing unco-orta&ly snug+

.eptation to take her rushe' through hi like a tepest &ut his rational &rain screae' to -ocus on her

-irst+ e nee'e' to sho/ her ho/ uch he care'+ I- she truly un'erstoo' then she' &e una&le to lea*e+$e/is un-astene' her pants an' slippe' his han' insi'e+ 6an he lo*e' her satin pantiesM Caroline

/hipere' an' t/iste' her &o'y to gi*e hi &etter access /hile he gently &it her neck+ She cla/e' at his&ack an' latche' her leg tighter aroun' his hip+

e kne/ Hust /here an' ho/ to touch her an' soon Caroline /as panting an' oaning his nae until

she shu''ere' an' elte' in his ars+ $e/is hel' her as she returne' to her senses+ eauti-ully -lushe'

an' ra'iant Caroline sile' an' snuggle' to his chest+ Care-ully he ease' her leg to the -loor an'

supporte' her /eight+

No they 'i'nt nee' /or's to ake this /ork+

e co&e' his -ingers through her slightly tangle' hair+ KI proise this /ill &e the last one then Ill

'o /ant e*er you /ant &a&y+L


12/33

She pulle' -ro his grasp+ KI sorryL she /hispere'+ KI cant+ =ou*e Hust got too uch o- the 6e*il

in you+L

KutL

er sile /as sall an' sa' an' $e/is heart -racture' open a tiny &it /hen she cuppe' his cheek+

Ko/ long has it &een since you tol' e that you lo*e' eFLKo/ longFL Shit+

She no''e' /ar han' presse' to his -ace+K4h I I 'ont kno/+L

As he stoo' otionless Caroline so-tly kisse' the corner o- his partially open outh /ith ore than a

touch o- &itters/eetness then /iggle' out -ro her /e'ge' position against hi+ 4na&le to reciprocate

speak s/allo/ or e*en &link $e/is /atche' the 'istance gro/ &et/een the as she re'resse' an'

collecte' her &ag+ $uggage /heels clicking on the tile she /alke' to the 'oor hea' hel' high hair

soothe' 'o/n+

She opene' the 'oor her &ack to hi+ KIll get the rest o- y things net Sun'ay a-ternoon+ Please

'ont &e here+L

K


13/33

KIn that case sir I kno/ an enliste' o--icer /hos the &est arksan I*e e*er kno/n+L

K=eahFL

K.hing isL ro/n scratche' his chin Kthis sol'ier is a /oan sir+L

KA /oanFL

KI*e kno/n her -or years+ Shes top notch+ All &usiness sir+LK /ell call her toorro/L $e/is clappe' ro/n on the shoul'er sirking Kan' /ell -in' out

eactly ho/ uch lee/ay Prescott has gi*en e+LK=es sirML

K"ho kno/s i- shes as goo' o- a arksan as you clai ay&e I can sneak her into sniper school

too+L

K


14/33

Dreams of the Queen Chapters .-/

Chapter .

6arkness an' cool crisp air reigne' in the su&terranean passages+ er eyes shut asthe alien *oices chanting in the 'istance 'ri-te' to her+ "ea*ing its usual peace-ul atosphere the song

ensnare' an' relae' her+ Cass al/ays enHoye' this part o- the 'rea an' 'espite the 'elicate &alance o-

co-ort an' claustropho&ia she ga*e hersel- o*er to the strange *oices+ .hey entice' her tepting her

through the passage/ay an' she 'ance' -or/ar' hee'lessly 'ra/ing her -ingers along the roughhe/n

/alls+

.hen soething change'+ .en'rils o- energy in-use' her &o'y tangling her li&s an' sensiti(ing her

skin like sun&urn+ She cringe' an' stu&le' her eyes snapping open+A striking an knelt at her -eet as i- proposing an' her pain rece'e' as she a'ire' hi+ $ong ice

/hite hair curtaine' his &o/e' hea' concealing his -eatures+ 6ark -aintly iri'escent clothing co*ere' his

sli physique+ Cautiously she touche' the cro/n o- his hea'+ air like silken -eathers et her &urning

-ingers an' a -aint &lue glo/ eanate'+ A static shock an' a -aint scent o- o(one struck her+ er knees

qui*ere' an' she s/oone' lighthea'e' &e-ore locking the straight an' regaining her coposure+

K#y queen the tie is nighL he sai'+ is &aritone soothe' o*er her scattering the ashes hi'ing the

e&ers o- her passion+

K.ell e your naeL she sai'+

K=ou kno/ y nae+L is hea' tilte' up eposing his -ace+

She inhale' pinne' &y his &right in'igo eyes an' his 'ilating catlike pupils+ "ith his pale sharp

-eatures she recogni(e' hi as huanoi' &ut not huan though un&eara&ly &eauti-ul+ Coul' a an &e

&eauti-ulFK=ou*e al/ays kno/n y nae y Cass y ueen+L

K.ell eML She &olte' upright into 'arkness+ .he ca*es+++she /as still 'reaingM NoM She clenche' a

cotton sheet in her -ists+ It &unche' at her rapi'ly rising an' -alling chest+

er &e'she /as hoe+

)ingers -u&ling the s/itch 6r+ Cassiopeia aros leane' o*er an' snappe' on the light+ )ace' a/ay

-ro Julian her -ianc she rolle' o*er an' sile' in relie- at the sight o- his *ery noralEhuanE&o'y

in repose+ a*ing gotten use' to her /eekly trou&ling 'reas he 'i'nt stirO &ut e*entually the light /oke

hi an' he shi-te' a/ake /ith a concerne' -ro/n arring his so-tly han'soe -ace+

lue eyes &linking an' squinting as they a'Huste' /ithout his glasses he spoke in a gra*elly *oice

KonFL e reache' out an' caresse' her ar+ K.hat 'rea againFL

K=eah + + +L She ent/ine' her -ingers /ith his an' lay &ack 'o/n concentrating on keeping her

&reathing slo/ an' e*en+Ka'FL

KSort o-+++part o- it /as 'i--erent this tie+L

K;eallyFL e sat up eyes /i'ening+ K"anna talk a&out itFL

6i' sheF .he intensity in his ga(e unner*e' her an' she copare' his eye color to her 'rea ans+

"hat 'i' that say a&out herF Pro&a&ly nothing goo' 'e-initely nothing she /ishe' to 'el*e intopresently+ No she really 'i'nt /ant to talk a&out it right no/ especially not /ith Julian+


15/33

KNot no/ ay&e laterFL She hope' he /oul'nt push+ A''itional 'etails /oul' sen' hi into a -ren(y

o- scienti-ic 'isco*ery lea'ing to her &eing questione' the rest o- the night+ I- ho/e*er she set hi up to

pry he' pro&a&ly &ack o--+ )or no/+

K


16/33

She snorte'+ K


17/33

organi(e' chaos+ A cacophony o- light an' soun' assaulte' her as la& assistants interns an' stu'ents

scurrie' /ithin the orass o- eotic scienti-ic equipent any han'cra-te' &y her an' Julian+ .he la&

&u((e' /ith an atosphere o- &arely containe' enthusias that create' electricity (ipping along her skin+

,o' ho/ she lo*e' 'ays like thisM So uch concentrate' passion an' &rainstoringEthe possi&ilities

-or 'isco*ery /ere en'less+K6r+ arosM 6r+ Saun'ersML the *oice o- their priary assistant rian South slice' the claor+

K=oure here -inallyMLKIts not e*en eight oclock rianL Julian sai' /hile Cass sile'+ K"ere an hour earlier than usual+L

.he stra/&erryhea'e' young an Hogge' up to the -ro across the roo 'o'ging equipent an'

people his la& coat -lapping+ Kut to'ays the 'ayML

K=es /e kno/+L Cass took a slo/ sip o- her co--ee+ Julian iicke' her+

rian hu--e' an' plucke' a pen -ro his coat pocket+ Ko/ can you &oth &e so relae'FL he aske' his

*oice pitching higher as he -i''le' /ith his pen+ K"e*e 'e*ote' years to thisML

KAn' no/ /ell 'isco*er i- y /orhole theory is correctL Cass sai' sipping her co--ee again+

Julian /a*e' a han' nonchalant+ K.he preliinary tests are positi*e+ "e 'ont see any reason -or

apprehension+L

K4ghM =ou t/o+++I+++I Hust cant &elie*e youre so &las a&out thisML

Julian set his coputer &ag 'o/n partially sat on a /ork ta&le an' crosse' his ankles+ K"oul' you

rather /e acte' ore like youFLK"/ell+++no+++&utL rian shook his hea' an' yanke' a tu-t o- hair Kyou coul' at least &e a little

ecite' sho/ a &it o- concern+L e tugge' on his la& coat as his neck -lushe'+ .he pens in the &reast

pocket shi-te' nearly tipping out an' he alost 'roppe' the one spinning &et/een his -ingers+

Krian Hust /orry a&out prepping the Cha&er+


18/33


19/33

Chapter 0

Cass stare' into la&s &athroo irrorO tiny crison capillaries trace' the /hites o- her

ha(el eyes like a cra(e' !gyptian treasure ap to no/here+ er eyes /ere like the Sahara tooEscorche'an' gritty+ o/ long ha' she /orke' /ithout sleep since the Cha&ers -aile' po/erup testF So

'isoriente' an' isera&le she coul'nt ree&er ho/ uch tie ha' passe'Ehours 'ays /eeksF

$ikely not ore than hours Julian /oul'nt allo/ that+ )or all his annoying pushiness he 'i' try to take

care o- her /hen her genius traipse' the line o- a'ness pushing her to etrees an' this certainly

quali-ie'+

;unning her -ingers through her shoul'er length hair she usse' it attepting to hi'e the &lack roots+

So uch -or her au&urn highlights+ "ith her proHect no/ &ehin' sche'ule a &eauty 'ay at the salon

seee' ri'iculous an' utterly irrele*ant+ I- she lost the grant there' &e no ore hair treatents+

She release' a short harsh laugh as her han's -ell to the porcelain sink to support her /eight+ =ears o-/ork /aste'M .he eory o- the energy lines sputtering hal-hearte'ly -ro the generator clenche' at her

stoach an' ra'iate' a sta&&ing pain &ehin' her eyes+

uc$! Dont cry7not now!


20/33

"ithout &reaking Julians glare she spoke to their tea in a -ir un/a*ering *oice+ K.hank you

e*eryone /ell &reak -or no/+L .hen she panne' the roo eeting a range o- intense to uneasy -aces+

Ke &ack at % a++ toorro/ an' &e prepare' to /ork+ "ere sol*ing this pro&le or /ere all out o- a

Ho&+L

;elie*e' gasps an' up&eat chatter -ille' the la& as the tea rapi'ly close' 'o/n an' -ile' out+ A -e/no''e' or /a*e' at Cass an' Julian &ut ost &eeline' -or the sall /in'o/ o- escape ecept -or rian+

K6r+ aros 6r+ Saun'ersL he sai' /ith no's stopping /ith slupe' shoul'ers an' han's in hispockets+ K=oull -igure this out+ =ou al/ays 'o+L "ith a 'eep &reath his &ack an' shoul'ers straightene'

an' he &rightene'+ e /as the thir' person ost pro-essionally an' eotionallyin*este' in her proHect+

K.hank youL Julian sai' politely+

Cass -orce' a sile+ rian 'i'nt 'eser*e her anger+ K"ell see you toorro/ orning rianL she

sai' an' he returne' a *ague sile &e-ore lea*ing+ No/ alone Cass -ace' Julian again roughly pulling

her el&o/ -ro his grip an' saying sarcastically K.hanks JulesML

K6ont+ =oure pushing too har'+ =ou nee' to rest+L

KI nee'to sol*e thisML

K=ou nee' to eat soething ore than co--ee an' *en'ing achine snacksML

KI not hungryML

Kecause you ha*ent stoppe' long enough to think a&out itML

KJulesLKAn' youre 'ragging e*eryone else 'o/n /ith youML

K.hen they Hust nee' to &e ore coitte'ML She peele' o-- her la& coat an' -lung it to the -loor+

Spinning on her heel she gra&&e' her sall purse -ro insi'e her coputer &ag &e-ore hea'ing -or the

eit+KCass stopML e kicke' the la&s ain 'oor as she stope' 'o/n the hall/ay+ .he glass rattle'

perilously in the /oo'en -rae &ut she continue' /alking since she 'i'nt hear &roken glass -all to the

-loor or -ootsteps -ollo/ing+

She kne/ he reali(e' chasing her once her teper -lare' /oul' only eacer&ate the situation+ .heir

collection o- eotional scars atteste' to it+ !*entually she' cool 'o/n an' return usually in a -e/ hours+

.hough once she' 'isappeare' -or 'ays causing hi to en'lessly /orry a circle in the li*ing roo

carpetO she' hear' a&out that -or /eeks+

Cass took the ele*ator to the groun' -loor an' le-t the physics &uil'ing as 'a/n greete' #I.scapus+ 6r+ Ne/ton /oul' &e a/ake &y no/ so she hea'e' in her 'irection ste/ing the entire /ay+

5ulian had no right guilt1tripping me. e $nows how high the sta$es are!

-o-

KCassML 6r+ $ouise Ne/ton alrea'y 'resse' in casual /ear greete' her /ith a &roa' sile an' open

ars+ $ocate' a -e/ &locks -ro #I. 6r+ Ne/tons o--ice /as attache' to her pri*ate resi'ence+ K"hat

&rings you to y 'oorstep this orningFL 6r+ Ne/ton ushere' her longtie patient insi'e+

)i'geting /ith her purses clasp Cass stu'ie' the e'ucation certi-icates on the /all &e-ore eeting her

therapists -rien'ly 'ark &ro/n eyes+ KA couple o- things+L

K=ou look tire'L 6r+ Ne/ton sai' reaching out+ KAn' your roots are gro/n out+L

Cass han' -luttere' up/ar'+ K


21/33

KNoF .hen /hy 'i' o insist on telling e insane stories a&out naing e a-ter a queenF "hy 'i'

she go on an' on a&out her /eir' 'reas telling her to 'o it to raise e up -ro nothing to ake e

/orth/hile to ipro*eEL

KCassML

KShe ruine' e*erything e*en ran y -ather o--MLKCass is this /hy you cae here to'ayFL

K"hatF No+ IEL She shook her hea' an' squee(e' her eyes shut+ K.he po/erup /as a huge -ailure+LK


22/33

K,o ahea'O he cant har you+L 6r+ Ne/ton leane' -or/ar' in her /ing&acke' chair el&o/s on her

thighs listening+

K# +++so so-t like 'o/ny -eathers theres &lue glo/ing -ro his hair e*ery tie I touch it+L

6r+ Ne/ton aske' in a controlle' *oice+ K"hats he 'oingFL

Kes reaching -or y han'+ es touching e ahhhML6r+ Ne/ton Hupe' as Cass /rung her han's /orrying the skin until it re''ene'+ KCassFL

K


23/33

KJules youre hereML She looke' up -ro her crouche' position o*er the energy net/ork generator her

-ace &right an' aniate' &eneath the ehaustion+ She' hoiste' it -ro the Cha&ers center hole /ith

the po/er li-t an' the generator sat partially 'econstructe' aroun' her+ Its echanical parts /ere like the

precious &ones an' organs o- her chil' an' the grease searing her han's an' clothing /as its &loo'+

KI*e -igure' it outMLK"hat the hell are you 'oingFL is taut *oice echoe'+ K=ou cae &ack right a-ter I le-t yester'ay

'i'nt youFLK"ell no+ I talke' to 6r+ Ne/ton+L $ooking up at hi -ro her hunkere' position on the -loor Cass

-i''le' /ith her tools an' re-use' to eet hi eye to eye+

e leane' o*er her his ars crosse' an' -or a oent he consi'ere' helping her stan'+ Instea' his

ar &ecae accusatory as it choppe' the air an' she -linche'+ KAll 'ayF No o- course notL he sai'+ K=ou

race' &ack here an' /ent right &ack to /ork+ =ou ne*er e*en calle'ML

Cass scra&le' to her -eet in an a/k/ar' cra& cra/l a/ay -ro hi a onkey /rench still in her

/hiteknuckle' grip+ KScre/ you JulesM "e*e got too little tie le-t to &e picky o*er sche'ules an'

inspiration struck e+L ran'ishing the /rench Cass pointe' to the generator+

KCaEL

KI*e uppe' the po/er 'ra/ paraeters into the generator+L

is outh -ro(e /i'e open+ K=you+++/hatF "ere alrea'y pulling enough to light a sall city -or a

/eekMLKAn' /e nee' ore a lot ore+L

e &acke' o--+ er o&sessions usually eant success+ Soething they genuinely nee'e' right no/+ e

so-tene' his anner as his curiosity rape' up an' then knelt to inspect his -iances /ork+ er

eciteent s/ept o*er hi an' he grinne'+ K=oure sureFLKA&solutelyML She knelt net to hi pointing out the upgra'es+ K.his shoul' pull enough po/er no/

to support the energy net/ork to start the Casiir !--ect+ A-ter/ar's it shoul' &e sel-sustaining as long

as /e keep it supplie' /ith po/er+L

K.hen /orholeL he sai' a/e' an' rocke' &ack to his heels one han' hol'ing onto the generator

-or &alance+

K!actlyMLCass &rilliant sile alost erase' her haggar' appearance+ KI alost 'one /e can test

it again toorro/ itll &e &eauti-ulML

Cass speech outran her sleep 'epri*ation her &o'y cycling on ra/ /illpo/er+ er genius rotate' athigh reps an' anyone /ho trie' to &locka'e her through arrogance or stupi'ity /oul' only su--er the

consequences+ =ears ago he' learne' to -ollo/ or gui'e &ut ne*er &lock+

e entally roughe' out the cople ath+ KI think youre right+L

K


24/33

Chapter 1

.he rest o- the 'ay passe' in a &lur o- /ork an' stress as Cass pushe' e*eryone to the&reaking point+ er sleep 'epri*ation an' lack o- goo' nutrition epose' the /orst in her teperaent

ecee'ing e*en Julians a&ility to sooth o*er at ties+ ut the tea 'i' it+ .hey coplete' her upgra'e'

paraeters -or the generator an' re/rote the so-t/are+ .he aount o- po/er she require' astonishe'

theO ho/e*er 'ue to her longstan'ing recor' o- genius &reakthroughs they kept any coplaints to

thesel*es+

Starting again early the net orning e*eryone squee(e' into the control roo an' ga(e' through the

thick Pleiglas picture /in'o/ into the Cha&er+


25/33

gri' pattern in theory an ipossi&le task+ She' 'one e*erything right+ "hat /as issingF "hat 'i'nt

she kno/F

KCoe on you &astar' /orkML She sacke' her pals to the /in'o/ lea*ing sears on the

Pleiglas as she leane' her /eight -or/ar'+ .he thick aterial 'i'nt shi-t &ut e*eryone gaspe'+

KCassML Julian sai'+ K.heres peopleLK6aitM It shoul' &e /orking JulesML She -ocuse' her /ill upon the 'a((ling &ut currently useless

light+ Its a(ure glo/ re-racte' through the /in'o/ 'ancing in her *ision+KI 'ont think its a goo' i'ea to touch the /in'o/ /hile+++oh y go'MCassML Julian reache' her Hust

as a large &olt o- energy leape' -ro the net/ork insi'e an' connecte' to her han's+

Cass 'i'nt -linch as it struck her+ .he energy repelle' Julian as a agnet resists a re*erse pole

knocking hi &ack se*eral -eet to lan' in a pile o- surprise' assistants+

Another &olt o- energy -lashe' -ro the net/ork to Cass han's an' another an' another until it

&ecae a constant strea connecting her to the spinning energy net/ork+ She kept her han's -lat to the

/in'o/ an' her &o'y /ent rigi' as she stare' straight ahea' un&linking+ Sparks o- electricity tra*ele'

o*er her ars an' torso an' the sell o- o(one snappe' in the air as its spin increase' -aster an' -aster+

KCass get a/ay -ro the /in'o/ML Julian sai' as a screaing hu Hoine' the earlier *i&ration &oth

gro/ing so lou' he ha' to shout+

Scra&ling -ro the -loor he regaine' his -ooting horri-ie' as the energy aelstro knitte' aroun'

Cass+ A -e/ o- the less 'e'icate' assistantsElikely ore into sel-preser*ation than gra'es orachie*eentE'ashe' -or the eit lea*ing only rian Julian an' t/o others+

Cass &o'y tre&le' /ith eertion as the net/ork spun so rapi'ly it trans-ore' into a soli' &lur o-

&lue light -ollo/e' &y a lou' &ass &oo throughout the la&+ .he net/ork *anishe' in a &link replace' &y

/hat coul' only &e 'escri&e' as a /orhole since no huan ha' e*er /itnesse' ones -oration+Koly+ Shit+L Julian leane' to/ar' Cass &ut hesitate' as the ipro&a&le looke' &ack at hi+ "hate*er

his -iance ha' 'one /hate*er ha' Hust occurre' no /or's -ore' on his lips to eplain it+

.he onster gape' throughout the entire Cha&er+ Its -ily e'ges roile' in/ar' an' 'o/n/ar'

continuously turning in on itsel- as one rolls 'o/n a tu&e sock ecept to/ar' the center rather than

out/ar'+ Julian -irst /ante' to call it &lack &ut as he /alke' closer to the /in'o/Ein the a&rupt

shocking silenceEhe 'etecte' a strange insta&ility o- color as i- the /orhole /as colorless an' all

colors at once+

Cass ga*e a 'eep shu''ering gasp an' he Hupe' -or/ar' catching her as she 'roppe' -ro theglass her &o'y crupling+ KCassL he sai' quietly as he cra'le' her -lacci' -or against his chest+

She lolle' into hi gi*ing hi a /eary sile /hich -a'e' a secon' later+ KI 'i' it JulesL she sai' in

a raspy *oice then passe' out+

Speechless he echange' a /i'eeye' epression /ith rian an' the t/o other -la&&ergaste'

assistants &e-ore they looke' &ack to the unconscious Cass then to the s/irling sel-'e*ouring *orte

secure' sa-ely insi'e the Cha&er+KShe 'i' itL rian echoe' aa(e' his chair creaking in the -reakishly quiet roo as he slupe'

&ack+

K=es &ut /hat eactly 'i' she 'oFL Julians ars tightene' aroun' her as he ga(e' at the /orhole+

#ore occurre' this orning than a ne/ly pro*en theory+ "hate*er ha' happene' ho/e*er it ha'happene' she' interacte' physically /ith the /orhole an' sur*i*e'+

-o-

Cass a/oke to a igraine icepicking her &rain an' a terri&le ringing in her ears yet her -irst thought

centere' on her success-ully -ore' /orhole+ .he t/enty &y t/enty t/isting orass o- inter

'iensional energy shoul' &e po/er-ul enough to transport hal- a 'o(en huan &eings in in'i*i'ual sel-

containe' spacesuits+ .hat /as the tra*ersa&le portion o- her theory at any rate+


26/33

She squinte' in the -luorescent lighting an' squire' on the lupy cushions+ "hy /as she lying on

her o--ice couchF er last clear eory consiste' o- &eing intiately connecte' to the energy

net/ork +++ho/ long ago /as thatF She checke' the /all clockEalost 7 a++ .he test ha' starte' Hust

a-ter % a++ She' &een unconscious -or ore than hal- an hourFIt -elt like secon's+

Sitting up slo/ly she ru&&e' her teples an' oane' as the pain increase'+ She 'i'nt recall anythinga-ter the /orhole acti*ate' an' nuerous questions sproute' /hich she 'esperately /ante' ans/ere'+

"as the /orhole still *ia&leF a' Jules kept the po/er -lo/ sta&leF "hat ha' actually happene'F6i' she really acti*ate itF o/F

er o*eracti*e &rain starte' clicking o*er a ne/ theory+ Cataloging the oents &e-ore she touche'

the /in'o/ she recalle' hearing the alien ans *oice urging her -or/ar' telling her to interact /ith it+

.he &lue energy rein'e' her o- the glo/ pro'uce' &et/een the+ An' /hen she' touche' the energy

it ha' pro'uce' that siilar con-licting -eeling o- &eing energi(e' an' 'raine'+ Julian opene' the o--ice

'oor startling her an' she coughe' to co*er her gasp+

KCass youre a/ake thank ,o'+ I /as starting to /orry+ .hought I ight ha*e to take you to the

hospital soonL Julian sai' as he sat on the e'ge o- the couch net to her+ e /rappe' his han's aroun'

hers his &loo'shot eyes an' pale -ace &etraying his eotions -ar ore than his -lippant tone+ Ko/ are

youFL

Kea'acheyL she sai' sitting upright an' s/inging her legs o*er the si'e+ er la& coat slippe' 'o/n

onto her lap no longer a &lanket+ She shi*ere' at the rush o- &risk air+ Ko/s the /orholeF I 'oree&er it rightO theres a real /orhole in the la&FL

K


27/33

$aying her hea' &ack on the couch she stare' at the hu'ru /hitish ceiling tiles an' 'e-ocuse'

allo/ing her in' to 'ri-t o-- to her 'rea an the energy net/ork an' her ysterious connection to

&oth+ ol'ing &ack part o- the truth -ro Julian starte' a t/isting in her stoach as usual+ ut i- she

eplaine' her suspicions too soon he /oul' isun'erstan' an' /oul' likely &e Healous an' pick o*er the

'etails causing ore -riction &et/een the+She 'islike' the /ay he' &een gi*ing her ore si'elong glances lately preten'e' a supporti*e role

/hen he' rather run the sho/Eher sho/+ She kne/ he care' a&out her lo*e' her &ut he o-tenun'erine' her e--orts /hen inspiration struck the har'est acting as a parent rather than her partner+ She

hate' that+

K,o' so no/ /hatFL She ru&&e' the &ack o- her neck /ishing a/ay the sharp in*asi*e pain at the

&ase o- her skull+ Shoul' she /ait /hen e*ery cell *i&rate' to /orkF K.o hell /ith Janson+L

Cass scru&&e' her -ace /ith her han's got up an' gra&&e' a chocolate protein shake -ro the sall

-ri'ge an' t/o aspirin -ro the 'esk &e-ore reentering the la&+ She' Hust run a -e/ testsO get the process

starte' to sa*e tie+ no/ing Julian he' take at least an hour anyho/+

KrianML

er assistants hea' poppe' out o- the control roos open 'oor+ K6r+ aros youre -eeling &etterFL

is sile sho/e' the entire top ro/ o- his large teeth+ .he other t/o reaining assistants stoo' &ehin'

hi /ith siilar looks o- ie' concern an' relie-+ K=oure not going to the hospitalFL rian aske'+

KNo o- course not I -ineL she sai' &et/een sips o- her shake a-ter 'o/ning the pills+ KI /ant -ull'iagnostics run on the /orhole ie'iately an' the scout pro&e preppe' -or 'eployent+L

K"hatF No/FL e 'i' a 'ou&le take &et/een her an' the Cha&er+ K&ut 6r+ Saun'ers sai' to /ait+L

KI in charge i- youll care to ree&er an' I say /e start no/+L 4sing the shake can in her han' -or

ephasis she gesture' to/ar' the Cha&er+ K.hat onster is pulling an enorous aount o- po/er tokeep open an' I /ant to &e tra*ersing it /ith a huan tea &e-ore /ere tol' to shut it 'o/n+L She glare'

at each assistant until they 'roppe' their ga(es an' counte' 'ust&unnies+ K,ot itFL

K=es 6r+ arosL all three sai' in unison an' rushe' to their /orkstations in a Hostle o- la& coats an'

squeaking shoes+ A assi*e aount o- 'ata require' copiling in a short span o- tie &y a se*erely

re'uce' sta--+

K.his is it teaL she sai' /alking to the /in'o/ to a'ire her /ork as she sippe' the shake+ K.his

is e*erything I*e /orke' -or+L

-o-

Julian /asnt surprise' to -in' Cass /orking the tea at 'iagnostics /hen he returne' /ith Janson+She rarely listene' to hi on her goo' 'ays an' no/ /ith her 'rea a reality he ha'nt really epecte'

her to /ait -or hi &e-ore she starte' *eri-ying 'ata+ Still it irritate' hi+ She coul' at least preten' to

listen to hi+

ut as Janson stoo' a/estruck &e-ore the 'iensional /hirlpool Julian rein'e' hisel- to -orget

Cass personality -la/s -or the present+ ;esults counte' ore than personal -eelings an' Cass al/ays

'eli*ere'+ All that attere' right no/ /as keeping Janson happy+ is &ehin'thescenes tap 'ance

&et/een Janson an' Cass /as a&out to &e center stage an' Julian 'i'nt epect it to go /ell+

K=ou 'i' itL the el'erly Janson sai'+ Stan'ing close yet not quite at the /in'o/ Jansons han' shook

slightly as he cuppe' his cleansha*en chin+

KI tol' you I /oul'L Cass sai' sirking an' Hutting a leg out+

K=es &utL he steppe' closer to the *iolently spinning ass o- *ariegate' energy Ka /orhole+++in a

la&+++its+++its unprece'ente'+L

Kut not ipossi&le 6r+ Janson Hust as I sai'+L Cass leane' a shoul'er on the /in'o/+

is a/e re-lecting o-- the Pleiglas change' to 'ou&t+ Kut is it tra*ersa&leFL

K


28/33

KI agree /ith her 6r+ Saun'ersL Janson sai' turning -ro the /in'o/+ .he -ascinate' scientist

e*aporate' an' all &usiness he sai' KCoplete your preliinary tests as quickly as possi&le+ I /ant all

'ata -or/ar'e' to y o--ice then the huan tra*ersa&le tea asse&le' an' preppe' to go as soon as its

rule' sa-e+L

K=ou cant &e seriousML Julian sai'+ Why is he moving so &uic$ly?KI quite seriousL 6r+ Janson continue'+ K.his proHect has pro'uce' a great 'eal o- interest outsi'e

o- #I. an' the sooner /e see results the &etter+LK


29/33

Chapter /

Jeaon rouse' at the -irst soun's o- #asters alert the chies en'ing his e'itationsession+ uickly he un-ol'e' his legs -ro the lotus position stoo' &rushe' o-- his &lack trousers an'

-inishe' 'ressing+ #aster 'i' not appro*e o- 'isarray or tar'iness so Jeaon /as sure to &e e--icient in

his anner as he slippe' on his equally &lack tunic an' &oots+

4sing his inert quicksil*er irror he in'ulge' his one *anityEco&ing his long /hite hair until it

gleae' per-ectly straight+ A -aint cocking o- his hea' an' a curl to one corner o- his lips /ere the only

physical epressions o- his satis-action &e-ore he le-t his quarters+

oot heels clicking on the stone Jeaon stro'e through the 'i halls to #asters cha&ers+ .he -e/

people he passe' no''e' in silent 'e-erence+ Ignoring their hea' &o/s as per custo Jeaon -ocuse' on/hat #aster ight 'esire at this late hour+ #aster rarely calle' upon hi near e*ening retireent so

/hate*er the reason it /as certain to &e iportant+

Ser*ing as #asters secon'incoan' /as a pleasure as #asters nee's an' 'esires /ere e*erpractical an' he /atche' o*er his people /ith a passion+ .his co-orte' Jeaon 'uring 'i--icult tieskno/ing #aster care' -or the an' ha' success-ully 'one so -or hun're's o- years long &e-ore Jeaons

&irth+

Coing upon #asters open entry/ay Jeaon knelt place' &oth han's -lat upon the -loor an' &o/e'

his hea'+ is presence announce' itsel- to #aster &y his physical signature an' he /oul' &e grante'

entry through the energy -iel' /hen #aster /ishe' it+

K!nterL #asters 'eep *oice sai' -ro -ar /ithin an' shi*ers ran 'o/n Jeaons &ack+ Silently

Jeaon un-ol'e' his &o'y stoo' to his -ull sli height an' /alke' into the 'arkene' cha&ers+

.he gloo en*elope' hi as he passe' through the /i'e siple stone arch/ay+ No lap /as

necessaryO he kne/ these cha&ers as /ell as his o/n an' he easily /alke' to #asters recei*ing chair+

As he 're/ closer a so-t re' glo/ illuinate' the shiny sur-ace o- Jeaons &oots an' his eyes a'Huste'

to the changing light -orcing hi to squint his eyes /atering+

Se*eral ore steps then #asters outline eerge' an' Jeaon represse' his usual 'aunte' gasp+

#asters physique ne*er -aile' to ipress+ Consi'ere' the greatest o- the raHH #aster to/ere' /ith his

iposing height+ is strength surpasse' e*en Jeaons chapion a&ilities an' his physical appearancegre/ ore striking e*ery 'eca'e+ .he ,o''ess .aat /oul' /eep at his &eauty shoul' She e*er grace

their /orl' again+

K#aster you calle' -or eFL Jeaon aske' &o/ing his hea'+ #otionless in supplication a -e/ loose

stran's o- hair -ell -or/ar' aroun' his -ace an' he in/ar'ly cringe'+ e' -orgotten to &rai' it+

KJeaon+L #asters serene &ass *oice carrie' throughout the large cha&er+ is chair creake'

supporting his shi-ting /eight+ K.he portal has opene'+L

Shaken Jeaons hea' -linche' ere centieters &e-ore he caught hisel- an' looke' to the -loor

again+ Could it )e true? 9t last? Jeaon clenche' his teeth to restrain his po/er o- speech his urge to

coent to e*en think+

A rustle o- cloth /hispere' as #aster &esto/e' his graciousness+ K=ou ay speak -reely+L

Jeaon raise' his hea' grate-ul to look upon his s/orn lor'+ K.hank you #aster+L e chose his net

/or's /ith caution+ KShe has arri*e'FL

KNot as yet &ut soon *ery soon+L

K"ill it &e in tie #asterFL

linking slo/ly he no''e'+ K.aat has spoken to e has gi*en e assurances our queen /ill arri*e

proptly an' you Jeaon /ill collect her -or usE-ore+L o/ing his hea' again Jeaon ga*e his


30/33

silent assent as #aster continue' K=ou /ill -etch her -ro the Sacre' Ca*erns then ie'iately &ring

her to our City+L

K=es #aster+L Pri'e /elle' /ithin Jeaons &reast causing his heart to -rolic as the night /in' in the

trees+ e reHoice' e*en as he kept his -ace stoic+ %he divine tas$ falls to me!

#aster 'rue' his long thin -ingers on his pa''e' arrest in a 'ull staccato &eat+ KA-ter/ar's I/ill &ring her &e-ore .aat -or her cleansing+L

K=es #aster+LKAt long last our queen arri*esL #aster sai' in an increasing pitch ehi&iting &latant enthusias+

K.aat has 'eli*ere' us -ro 'e*astation once again JeaonM I gi*e you perission to sprea' the ne/s

o- .aats generosity to er people+L e a'e an a&sentin'e' shooing otion /ith one pale He/ele'

han' as i- he care' little /hether or not Jeaon tol' others his anner -ast returning to stoicis+

Kappily #aster+L .he -irst hints o- 'eep eotion slippe' out his lips t/itching as he stoo'+5oyous

news indeed!$ong ha' the raHH a/aite' a queen to -ul-ill .aats prophecy o- sal*ation alongsi'e

#aster+ It /as tol' her arri*al heral'e' a tie o- prosperity+ I- only the portal ha' opene' se*eral years

earlier then his sister coul' ha*e Hoine' in the cele&ration.

K,oo' goo' you /ill lea*e on the orro/ /ith the usual tracking party+ .hat shoul' su--ice -or tie

enough an' strength+L

K=ou epect her /ithin 'ays #asterFL

#aster sat up straighter -or a oent+ K=es an' Jeaon 'o not &e late -or her arri*al an' allo/nothing to ipe'e your return+L

KI un'erstan' #aster+L e &o/e' 'eeply at the /aist long hair curtaining either si'e o- his -ace+ KIt

/ill &e as you say+L

K!cellent no/ go an' ake goo' y coan's+L e /a*e' Jeaon a/ay sluping &ack into hiso*ersi(e' chair /hich release' a /oo'en groan+ 4sing a -ist to support his chin #aster ga(e' o-- into the

sha'o/s his pale -eatures 'eeply etche'+

Jeaon &linke' at this rare sho/ o- *ulnera&ility an' -or a oent -orgot his place an' hesitate'

/anting to o--er co-ort+ .hen ree&ering #asters 'isissal he pi*ote' on his heel an' retreate'

-ro the cha&er+ As his e*en hea*y &oot strikes echoe' Jeaons in' planne' the queens reco*ery

an' shie' -ro conteplating #asters nee's+ "hen an' i- he chose to share his /orries /ith Jeaon he

/oul' 'o so+ Nothing Jeaon 'i' or sai' /oul' alter #asters 'ecision.

-o-

%he son of a )itch sold out my pro#ect! Ars crosse' as she se*erely sco/le' Cass ste/e' in the -ar

corner o- her la&+

er tea ha' coplete' their initial tests on the /orhole then sent a sall ro&otic pro&e through

an' &ack pro*ing its tra*ersa&le *ia&ility+ .he pro&e ha' returne' /ith air an' soil saples /hich they

ie'iately ran through ore tests+ .he results /ere copara&le to !arth noral -urther *in'icating

Cass+ Soeho/ she' al/ays kno/n the 'estination /oul' &e -rien'ly to huansO no one argue' /ith

her an' she /as ecstatic+

.hen Janson 'upe' a ilitary tea in her la&+

A short heate' ostly pri*ate 'iscussion &et/een Cass an' Janson ha' -ollo/e' in /hich he'

-inally a'itte' /ho' actually -un'e' her proHect+ Apparently the 4+S+ Ary o/ne' the purse strings

/hile #I. o/ne' the hea'lines+ e' also a'itte' to her ar'ent 'ispleasure that she 'i'nt hol'

coplete autonoy anyore+ !*entually she cae to un'erstan' ho/ Janson ha' tol' her a lot o- things

in the &eginningEost o- /hich /ere -alse+

ringing her &ack to her current -rustration +++

.he ilitary tea stoo' rigi'ly near the la& entrance coplete /ith -ull caou-lage uni-ors an'

ountains o- gear+ !ach sol'ier eitte' a 'eterine' in'i--erent air /ithout a hint o- coproise+9

fuc$ing military team7


31/33

KI cant &elie*e he 'i' thisML Cass sai' to Julian hu''le' net to her+

e no''e' sharing her sco/l+ K.he &astar' has al/ays &een a&out oney an' prestige+L Julian

scru&&e' his han' through his hair+ KI &et they e*en ga*e hi a huge kick &ack -or this+L

K)uck JansonM An' -uck theML er chin Hutte' to/ar' the sol'iers+

KCass please+LKI serious+ Its y proHect+L er thu& Ha&&e' her chest+ K"e*e 'one all the /ork+ .he pro&es

tests ha*e all coe &ack positi*e+L She ticke' o-- her points on her -ingers her *oice rising /ith each one+Kell /e*e e*en gotten -aint pictures &ack o- soe ca*erns Hust like in y 'reaM An' they /ant to go

in -irstF "ith usF No+L She shook her hea' an' a'e a slicing otion /ith her han'+ KNo /ayML

KCassL Julian sai' lou'er gra&&ing her han's+ KI agree /ith you &ut you*e got to cal 'o/n+L is

eyes 'arte' -rantically to the ain 'oor at the opposite en' o- the roo an' &ack+ .he sol'iers asse'

together like a &loo' clot an' 'i'nt see to hear her elt'o/n+ Kesi'es I*e alrea'y spoken /ith

Janson a&out this+ I- /e 'ont let the Hoin our epe'ition he cuts o-- our -un'ing as o- yester'ay+L

K"hatF =ou 'i'FL She looke' &ack an' -orth &et/een Julian an' the cluster o- ilitary personal+

K"henF e le-t so quickly a-ter his speechO I &arely ha' a chance to argue+L

Julian &linke' a -e/ ties his han's tightening aroun' hers+ KI ran into hi earlier this orning /hile

you an' rian /ere analy(ing the pro&es 'ata+ e acci'entally let it slip that the ilitary /ere en route

an' I argue' -or us+L A hea*y silence -ell+ K;ee&er CassF I got &ack Hust a-ter they sho/e' upO I

'i'nt ha*e tie to ention it+LShe slippe' her han's -ro his s/eaty ones+ e ha' &een gone /hile they /orke' earlier an' /hat he

sai' a&out his arri*al /as true+ )unny she 'i'nt think to ask /hy until no/+

KWhat?L is &ro/s rose o*er the ri o- his glasses+

KNothingL she sai' an' turne' a/ay+e gra&&e' her ar+ KAre you alrightFL

K=es+L

ea' 'ucking close to her he quietly aske' KSureF ecause I /orrie' a&out you+L She shrugge'+

KAre you e*er going to talk a&out /hat happene' in the Cha&er CassF I kno/ you ha*ent spoken to

6r+ Ne/ton a&out it+L

KChecking up on e JulesFL Cass su''enly recalle' soething her other use' to say Just &ecause

youre paranoi' 'oesnt ean theyre not a-ter you+ er otherEa slightly insane antisocial heritE

ha' occasionally &een a unusually /ise /oan+K6ont &e sni'e+ =ou kno/ its not like that+ "ere concerne' a&out you+L

KI -ine+L She shook o-- his han'+ It liply -ell to his si'e an' she hear' hi sigh as she /alke'

a/ay+ She itche' to lea*e /ithout /arning lock hersel- in the Cha&er an' Hup to the other /orl' to

'isco*er the secret o- her 'reasEalone+

K6r+ arosFL


32/33

KCaptainL she sai' han's in her coat pockets to hi'e her cla/e' -ingers+ KI 'ont kno/ /hat 6r+

Janson ay ha*e tol' you &ut our -irst huan ission /as planne' to &e purely scienti-icO there-ore all

o- our equipent is custo 'esigne' -or y tea not yours+L She glance' aroun' his clich' &roa'

shoul'ers to/ar' his tea in question an' notice' a /oan in uni-or interesting+Dont get soft,

Cass. 5ust )ecause Captain -ewis might not )e a se8ist ;eanderthal doesnt mean hes not a dum) grunt.KActually 6r+ aros your ission has &een on our training sche'ule -or onths+ "e ha*e our o/n

equipent aa+L I- possi&le his stance tense' -urther as his lips quirke'+Cass gritte' her teeth+ K=ou*e kno/n -or onthsFL

K=es aa+L e no''e' /ith ore o- his insu--era&le aryissue' look o- *acancy+ K6r+ Janson

/as *ery clear that youre the tea lea'er aa+L

K"as heFL

.urning her hea' to one si'e Cass caught an intent Julian /atching the -ro se*eral -eet a/ay his

eyes hoo'e'+ )ingers o- uneasiness cra/le' up her spine en'ing at her neck an' craping her uscles in

an instant tangle+ a' they planne' this all o- this -or onthsF S/allo/ing slo/ly Cass kept her -ace

ipassi*e as she panne' &ack to Captain $e/is /ho continue' speaking once he regaine' her attention+

K6r+ Janson /as etreely speci-ic+ "ere to atten' as a supporti*e an' protecti*e easure -or your

tea an' as early scouting -or any possi&le longter 'angers against !arth aa+L

KI seeL she sai' slo/ly+ Ke thinks y tea is una&le to analy(e such 'angersFL

.he captains lips 'o/nturne' -or a split secon'+ K#aa+++u+++I &elie*e he thought /e ight -ree upyour tea -or research /hile /e -ocuse' on such things+L

)eigning 'eli&eration she ru&&e' a -inger across her upper lip an' turne' to Julian /ho ha' ho*ere'

closer+ K,et our tea preppe' 6r+ Saun'ers+ I /ant to &e rea'y to go an' in the Cha&er &y this

a-ternoon+LK


33/33

.he stones lining the pool sparkle' -ro the e*er-laing /all sconce+ Angular shapes o- re-lecte'

light 'ance' o*er his -ace as he knelt at the sooth e'ge an' he squinte' at the intensity+ .aats Pool

ne*er reste'+ .he /aters constantly shi-te' an' peake' /ith er 'i*ine presence+

is long hair no/ plaite' -or security an' ease o- o*eent -ell to his i'&ack+ A-ter laying his

energy /hip 'o/n on the -loor Jeaon &o/e' his hea' an' /hispere' a short prayer -or er lessingupon his Hourney+ $eaning -or/ar' he 'unke' &oth han's into the shallo/ pool an' sy&olically /ashe'

the cleansing hisel- &e-ore 'rinking to kno/ er "ill+As soon as the col' liqui' touche' his tongue his in' -ille' /ith iages too s/i-t to -ollo/ or

'ecipher+ ,asping at the sharp pain ricocheting in his hea' Jeaon -lattene' his han's to the -loor

supporting his qui*ering /eakening &o'y as all un-ol'e'+ e o-ten sought .aat an' She o-ten grante'

hi snippets o- /is'o &ut this torrent threatene' to sink hi 'e*our hi /hole+

KNo+++I &eg o- you+L e collapse' to his si'e spasing+ A gentle *oice spoke /ithin his in' his

sister an' he concentrate' on her o-tisse' *oice+ e pushe' the pain to one si'e /illing hisel- to stay

on the e'ge o- consciousness+

5eamon, you must do this or the 2ra## are lost forever, Serlina sai'+

KI 'o not+++un'erstan'+++too uchL

Craps ripple' through his lo/er torso an' he Herke' han's cla/ing at the une*en stone -loor+ !yes

seale' tight Jeaon /rithe' as the pictures repeate' -aster an' /ith ore pressure+ ,reenish&lue &loo'

trickle' -ro his nostrils an' he clutche' his hea' -ingers 'igging into his scalp as he curle' into a tight&all+

+ou must save the &ueen! +ou must save her, 5eamon, or we are all lost.

KSerlinaML is &o'y Holte' one last tie &e-ore he passe' out+ e lay in the -etal position at the &ase o-

.aats Cenotaph as his &loo' oo(e' -oring a sall pu''le &eneath his -ace+

-o-

=

captain lewis' broken dreams

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