Empire Reborn (Taran Empire Saga Book 1): A Cadicle Space Opera by A.K. DuBoff (jenna bush book club TXT) 📕

When most parents go away for the weekend, they tell their kids not to throw a party. Mine leave me in charge of the deadliest warship in the TSS fleet. He wasn’t sure what that said about their lives, but he took it as a compliment. Nonetheless, it drove home the gravity of their situation. “Are you sure leaving Headquarters right now is a good idea?”

“We need answers, and we can’t get them here.”

Jason nodded. “Okay.”

His father looked him in the eyes. “I trust you, Jason. I wouldn’t ask anything of you I didn’t believe you could handle.”

“I know. It’s just…” Jason searched for the words, “you’ve talked about the Bakzen War and how it changed everything. What having responsibility for so many lives did to you. I don’t know if I can handle it as well as you did.”

“You won’t be alone, just like I wasn’t. This family—and our extended TSS family—sticks together, especially when things get tough.”

“I’m in no rush to be making leadership calls.”

“And you won’t have to right now. Michael will be in charge of TSS operations, but the Conquest is yours. You’ll be the only one here who can use the weapon to its potential, should it be necessary.”

Jason had trusted Michael as a family friend for his whole life and respected him as a leader, so the TSS was in good hands. Still, it was a little exciting to know he was second-in-command. “Will the Conquest even do any good against this enemy?”

“I hope we don’t need to find out.”

CHAPTER 7

Tararia was a sight to behold from above. With its expansive oceans and green lands, the world resembled the best parts of Earth. However, unlike the planet that served as host to TSS Headquarters, massive orbital structures surrounded Tararia to support its role as a commercial and transportation hub. The sprawling spacedocks stood out as reflective gems against the starscape, with sculptural designs that were equal parts form and function. All manner of craft were docked along the concourses, from small surface-to-port shuttles to massive cargo haulers. Even so, Wil and Saera’s TSS transport ship, with its clean lines and almost iridescent hull, was a striking contrast to the surrounding civilian vessels as it nestled into its berth.

“Ready?” Saera asked Wil as they prepared to disembark.

He nodded. “I hope we find what we’re looking for.” I feel it’s here. Somewhere.

“Me too.”

They boarded one of the smaller transports used by dynastic delegates for trips to the planet’s surface. Though Wil generally disliked traveling in a craft that he couldn’t pilot himself, he’d learned to yield control and enjoy the view on the journey down.

The shuttle descended through the atmosphere with barely any sense of motion, thanks to the advanced stabilizers. Only the immense ocean between the First and Third regions was visible as the craft broke through the upper layer of clouds. As it turned and headed south, Morningstar Isle came into view.

An elaborate white stone estate rose above the sheer cliffs along the northern coast. Its carved towers and terraces contrasted the darker rocks, but the forms were a natural extension of the landscape. The structure wrapped around a courtyard facing the inner span of the isle, which sloped into a lush valley dotted with colorful gardens. On the opposite side, bright red flowers dotted the top of the cliffs—the morningstars that had inspired the island’s new name. Smaller structures lined the southern coast, mostly housing for support staff.

The transport ship came to rest on a landing pad positioned near the eastern entrance to the castle-like structure. A handful of attendants stood ready to greet them.

Wil exited the shuttle first, followed by Saera. He breathed in the salty sea air, its somewhat foul aroma of seaweed and fish a reminder of how he had become accustomed to highly filtered environments.

The welcoming attendant quickly came forward with the fluid movements of someone accustomed to working under pressure. “Hello, my lord, my lady.” He nodded to each, in turn, and met their gazes. “How was your journey?”

“Uneventful, just like it should be,” Wil replied with a cordial smile.

“Wonderful. Well, I’m Jovan, one of Raena’s personal assistants. She asked me to receive you while she finishes a meeting.” The name sounded familiar; it was possible his daughter had mentioned the man during one of their video chats.

“We appreciate the welcome, thank you,” Saera said. “How long have you worked with her?”

“Just over a year now,” Jovan replied. “And quite a year it’s been.” He chuckled.

“Indeed, it has,” Wil agreed.

“The valets will collect your bags. Please, follow me.” Jovan beckoned them toward the building’s entrance.

A stone pathway led to the arched entry doors standing four meters tall. Like the rest of the structure, the grand scale and intricate carvings emphasized the importance of the place. The Priesthood would have professed that the architectural touches were to demonstrate their commitment to divine truth, though Wil suspected that it was more to elevate their standing in Taran society. He’d always detested such ostentatious presentations of wealth and power; it was the reason he wore his TSS dress uniform on formal occasions rather than the fine suits or robes adopted by most Taran nobles. That was the way of Tararia, though. It again reminded him why he visited so rarely.

They had just made it inside the doors when the brisk click of heels sounded from down the interior corridor. Raena rounded the corner and beamed at them.

“Hi! Sorry I’m late,” she called. “Everything is a freaking crisis with these people, ugh!” Despite her annoyed tone, she laughed.

Wil smiled back. His daughter had come into her own over the last few years. He had no doubt he’d made the right decision to abdicate his position in the familial succession so