Crossroads of Fate (Cadicle #5): An Epic Space Opera Series by Amy DuBoff

center of the ring began to take on the familiar blue-green hue of subspace. With a flash, the subspace portal became a fully formed tunnel to the other dimensional plane. It was difficult to see the portal, but Wil’s trained eye detected the bending of light around the surface of the event horizon where light was being reflected back.
    “Gate is stable,” Alec announced.
    “Take us through,” commanded Cris.
    The Vanquish slipped through the event horizon at the center of the ring. A shudder ran the length of the ship as it made the transition to subspace. For a moment, everything was still. Then, the ship dropped into the rift on the other side of the gate.
    Wil shifted in his chair. The energy on the other side of the rift felt different from his home plane, and it always took a minute or two to adjust. Looking around the Command Center, it was apparent that the other Agents felt uneasy, as well. Better get used to it. We’ll be here for a while.
    Gazing out the front of the spherical viewscreen, Wil was struck by the changes around the headquarters structure. When he had last visited H2 five years before, to test the prototype IT-1 jet, the cylindrical structure and rift gate ring were the dominant features in the echoed starscape. To his relief, Wil saw new spacedocks branching in all directions from the core H2 structure, hosting several massive carriers and fleet support vessels for medical, food, and repairs. In his limited view, the combat fleet had multiplied by at least twenty-fold. This is more than I was expecting.
    “They’ve been busy!” Cris commented from the captain’s chair.
    “I can’t believe this is all here, just out of view,” Saera said with audible awe.
    “There’s a lot we can’t normally see.” Wil rose from his seat at the back of the Command Center and stepped forward to stand next to his father’s command position. “I wonder where they want us to dock.”
    “I already sent out a docking request,” Alec said. “It looks like we’re being directed to one of the outer platforms. They’re full up.”
    Cris frowned, his brow knit with confusion. “Bomax.”
    They knew we were coming, right? “I’ll take one of the shuttles over. That way, I can begin getting oriented as soon as possible. I hope it’s okay if my men remain here for a few hours, until I know where we’re staying.”
    Cris nodded. “Yes, of course.”
    “Thanks. Saera, want to come along with me?”
    “Sure.” She rose from her seat. “Where is it we’re going?” she asked him telepathically.
    “I’m working on that.” At the door, Wil turned back to give a parting wave to his parents and the rest of the Command Center crew. “See you soon.”
    “Good luck!” Kate called out as Wil led Saera from the Command Center.
    They made their way to the shuttle hangar several decks below, and Wil selected one of the smallest transport vessels. They better find room for this.
    Wil initiated the start-up sequence. “This is ridiculous. How could they not have berthing set aside for the Vanquish?”
    Saera buckled into the passenger seat next to Wil. “No kidding. I thought they were expecting us.”
    “Me too. Banks made it sound like they’re pretty desperate for backup.” Wil completed the pre-flight check and pointed the shuttle toward the shuttle bay exit.
    Saera smiled playfully. “I don’t blame them for wanting you here. I mean, you are pretty great—not that I’m biased, or anything. I’m not surprised you’re so in demand.”
    Wil’s heart warmed. She always knows just what to say. The shuttle passed through the force field, and Wil swung it around toward H2. “Thanks for coming with me.”
    “Thank you for taking me! I’ve been curious to see this Taelis guy in action.”
    “He is amazingly dedicated to his job, that’s for sure.” Knowing what I know now, his matter-of-factness makes a lot more sense. I definitely misjudged him when we first met.
    The command console chirped