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

before we knew each other.”
    “Not just that,” Wil clarified, “but how things were for the first few years. Sneak around just to see each other…”
    “That was exhausting!” Saera exclaimed. “And for years ! How did we manage to keep it secret for so long?”
    “We’re just that good.”
    She laughed. “I guess we are.”
    Wil disentangled from Saera just long enough to top off their glasses with more pomoliqueur. He handed her glass back to her.
    “To better times,” Saera said, raising the drink for a toast.
    “To better times.” Wil clinked his glass against hers and they both took a sip.
    She sat in quiet contemplation for a few moments. “How long do you think it will take before we can get back to this?”
    Wil slumped back on the couch. “I have no idea.”
    “I guess we don’t even rightly know what we’re walking into, huh?”
    “No, we really don’t.”
    Saera felt him tense next to her, and she took his hand. That wasn’t the right thing to bring up. “We need to enjoy these times while we can.”
    The anxious worry evaporated from Wil under her gentle touch. “Thank you for keeping me grounded.”
    “Always. I’d do anything for you.”
    “And I you.”
    Saera polished off her drink and set down the empty glass. “No more heavy talk.” She climbed onto Wil’s lap, straddling him. “We have two days to ourselves. We need to make the most of it.”
    Wil placed his hands on her hips. “How do you propose we do that?”
    “For starters, I’m going to consume an inadvisable amount of chocolate.”
    “Your phrasing makes me hesitant to endorse that plan, but okay.”
    “Also, no checking email or anything work-related for the next two days.”
    “Agreed.”
    “Good. Now, I believe we have a backlog of terrible movies to watch.” Saera pressed herself closer to Wil, drawing him in for a kiss.
    “Do I have to pay close attention?” He slid his hand up the back of her shirt.
    “Absolutely not.”

CHAPTER 4
    It was time.
    Wil looked out over the empty TSS spacedock above the moon. Only the Vanquish and a handful of shuttles remained. The fleet was deployed, committed to the war. His fleet. I can’t believe we’re leaving.
    But, the reality was sinking in. A place that was once so filled with life was now barren, grim. When Wil and Saera had been married on that same spacedock two years before, the war had still seemed so far off. Even with the TSS backdrop and Banks as the officiant to serve as reminders for his other duties, the wedding had highlighted a commitment in Wil’s life that transcended anything to do with the Bakzen and impending war. Yet, as much as he wanted that love to be the driving force in his life, he had to focus on his responsibility to the TSS—a purpose he was born to fulfill.
    “Ready?” Saera’s voice pulled Wil back to the present.
    He turned to see that all the Primus Elites had gathered behind him at the dock. Saera was standing a few paces in front of the group.
    “Yes, let’s go.” Wil led his team up the gangway onto the Vanquish, with Saera by his side.
    Cris, as captain of the Vanquish, met them at the top of the gangway. “Welcome aboard,” he said as Wil crossed over the threshold.
    “Reporting for duty, sir.”
    “You and Saera can accompany me in the Command Center. We have the officers’ lounge reserved for your men during the trip over.” Cris gestured down the hallway.
    Wil nodded. “Thank you. Michael, make sure everyone gets settled in.”
    “Yes, sir. See you on the other side.” Michael led the Primus Elite trainees away.
    Wil, Saera, and Cris were left alone in the hallway. “How are you doing?” his father asked.
    “Ready to get to work,” Wil replied.
    Cris smiled. “I know that feeling.”
    Wil glanced in the direction of the Command Center. “We should get going.”
    “Right.” Cris led the way down the hall.
    Saera grabbed Wil’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m here for you,” she said