“Sounds like prison,” Rosa said.

  “They don’t want outside forces mucking up the negotiations.”

  Caleb snickered.

  “It should be good incentive to finish the work before everyone grows sick of each other.”

  Exeter didn’t like what he heard.

  “Admiral, can Rosa and me lean on anyone in our delegation if we need help?”

  “Only as a last resort. They’re loyalists to the core. In a tight squeeze, you might consider your Talon brothers. The Scylla crew has good reason not to trust Michael.”

  “I’ll bear it in mind.”

  “Exeter, I’ll give you the same advice I gave to Rosa. From the first day, massage his ego. Agree with him before you disagree. Reiterate your shared love for Aeterna. Make him see that as more worlds embrace us, the greater his own star will shine.”

  “In other words, suck his cock.”

  Kane paused to reflect.

  “As metaphors go? Yes.”

  3

  The Hold

  H AM CORTEZ SPECIALIZED in the business of secrets. As a child, he learned the art of commandeering them for leverage. As an agent of UG Special Services, he deftly oversaw them as a matter of professional survival. As an intelligence broker for the seamasters of Pinchon, he mined them for entertainment and a passable income. Every secret held value to someone, and a few carried global consequences if unveiled. Now, that vast inventory of lies, coverups, and manipulations wasn’t worth a Dim.

  Amayas Knight introduced Ham to the grandfather of all secrets, the kind where the big questions about life and the universe intersected. He did so without hesitation or reservation. The Inventor welcomed Ham and his small team inside this giant asteroid two thousand light-years from civilization rather than putting up the fight Ham expected.

  “Please,” Amayas said after Scramjet Horn landed. “Join me.”

  He led Ham, along with Talons Leto Ahmed and Force Carmel, down a narrow vertical shaft and into a structure created by an unidentified species millions of years ago. Ham thought Amayas seemed relieved someone discovered his hiding place.

  “I suspected you were tracking me, Hamilton. Good job.”

  Amayas explained everything like a tour guide who learned his script years ago and recited it for the thousandth time. He left out nothing about the asteroid’s construction, including its energy source and the field that held the asteroid in place. He showed off the living quarters and offices. He explained how he chose the men for his Splinter Vanguard. Amayas even told the story of how he met Shin Wain. Nostalgia for him, pointless to Ham.

  Amayas asked Leto and Force to remain behind with his SVs while he took Ham to another section of the asteroid. They objected, but Amayas insisted.

  “If Hamilton believes what he learns down below should be seen, I’ll allow him to invite you. Please try to trust me.”

  They didn’t, but Leto and Force complied.

  The Splinter caverns changed everything for Ham. Billions of translucent cubes glowed with endless beauty. When Ham no longer felt faint, Amayas took his time to explain the particulars, which Ham thought implausible. Nonetheless, he absorbed the gist: Splinters held together time and human life across nine universes. This rock was designed to stabilize the reality of the original universe only. Alpha, he called it. In time, their influence over the eight fractured universes would fade, bringing those realities to an end.

  The Inventor had an answer for most questions. He revealed how a Jewel of Eternity aroused his sense of purpose eight years ago and guided him on the journey from Aeterna to The Hold.

  He deferred Ham’s unanswered questions to the Creators.

  “And where might they be, Amayas?”

  “Either they no longer exist, or they reside in some form inside the Origin.”

  “The Origin?”

  Amayas said it was located inside the Imfeeli Nebula, where he traveled years ago, but the details remained locked within his mind. He could neither speak nor write about what he experienced. He believed the Creators, or an artificial intelligence of their making, constructed a hard seal around his recollection.

  Ham thought the answer more than a little convenient.

  “Am I to take the name Origin literally? As in, the place from which the universe sprang?”

  “As I said, I don’t know its role. The Jewels of Eternity found this asteroid a million years ago. They were travelers looking for a new purpose. It was here they discovered secrets that eventually allowed them to terraform planets and shape human destiny. They also discovered the signal that is constantly broadcast between here and a location inside the nebula. They named it the Temple of Creation. I think Origin sounds better.”

  “Did they travel there?”

  “No. In fact, when I committed to do so, the Jewel inside me refused to go along. It left my body.”

  “Why? Was it frightened?”

  “It said the Origin wasn’t meant for human eyes. It wanted me to create a legacy of my own, like the Jewels did.”

  “But you went anyway. Why?”

  “I was arrogant. I already knew more about the true nature of the universe than any man alive. Why not seek the greatest answer?”

  Ham laughed.

  “Because it’s bound to be what you don’t want to hear. Secrets exist for the purpose of withholding pain. In my experience, revelation precedes devastation. People who claim truth is freedom don’t understand how the world works.”

  “You’re a cynical man, Hamilton.”

  “I was raised as a Chancellor, same as you. My stripes will always be a certain color.”

  “I thought the same way until I left Aeterna. It’s possible to rise above ourselves. That’s what I’ve tried to do here. What I’m still trying to do.”

  With that, Amayas led Ham into the forest of mirrors. The dazzling light show reduced Ham to a blubbering mess. The Inventor’s explanation of their role brought him back to reality. Ham moved past being impressed. Now he was downright livid.

  “The future, you say? All of it’s on display in this chamber? Every life in nine universes? You want me to believe you can see which direction the entire fabric of human life is headed?”

  “Not at once, and never with exactitude. Causality is constantly shifting, but I can extrapolate the long term based on short-term trends. Hamilton, I couldn’t have created the Alliance without these tools. I studied the people on those ten worlds. I studied the Chancellor fleet. I predicted their needs and brought them together, and I used the Splinters as tools to show them I offered more than a vision. Last year, I knew there were multiple conspiracies in place to destroy Hermes and Charybdis at the Arakaat Shipyards. I saw the Chancellor threat and Michael Cooper’s attack plans.

  “I used the mirrors and tethering to ensure the proper future played out. Those warships had to be preserved, and Scylla needed to make its way to Aeterna. I didn’t know if or when the Swarm would cross over, but I knew the warships, the Aeternans, and my Splinter Vanguard were destined to unite in common cause.”

  “You saw all this in the mirrors?”

  “Most, I extrapolated. When the Swarm arrived above Pinchon, I found myself reacting instead of preparing. During those twenty-one minutes to Aeterna, the pieces came together. When I stepped off the Scramjet in Promise and saw you there, I knew the proper future had arrived.”

  Ham moaned. He felt like an ensign on his first day in the Unification Guard, coming to the realization that even after a Tier III education, Ham didn’t know squat.

  “You’ve made yourself into quite a mastermind, Amayas. I’m sure there’s a hundred questions begging to be asked, but there’s only one I think you need to address. What are you hiding?”

  Amayas held out his hands as if waiting for cuffs.

  “I’ve told you nothing but the truth, Hamilton.”

  “So far. Maybe. What aren’t you telling me? Kara Aleksanyan believes you’re afraid of something. I trust her instincts.”

  “You should. They’ve helped her navigate a dangerous road. She has a crucial role yet to play.”

  “But you won’t tell me because …?”

  “The future. Yes. Nothing is a straight line. Especially for Kara.”

  “I ask again: What are you hiding?”

  Ham saw the Inventor’s gears turning. Amayas knew he’d been caught. His fleeting delay was itself a confession.

  “Come with me, Hamilton.”

  They left the caverns and returned to the living quarters. Amayas poured them a drink and led Ham into his office.

  He offered Ham a pipe.

  “I’m not big on the leaf, Amayas. You were saying?”

  Amayas settled behind his desk.

  “Only a few humans know the truth: My SVs here and those abroad with Shin, collecting delegations for the Tranteum Conference. Shin and I devised the plan together. When we launched it, we felt it was our best chance to guarantee the peace.”

  “What plan?”

  “A defense against the Swarm, or any other potential invader.”

  “Hold on now. Months ago, you said you were working on a defense but refused to offer details. The point of Tranteum is to organize the human race in a common defense against the Swarm. I take it you’re playing a different game.”

  “It’s no game, and it went into effect days after I made the Alliance public. It’s …”

  “For all the rings! It’s those Splinters you distributed.”

  “Yes. We mined them from the caverns. Well over a million. By putting them into the hands of the masses and opening all those trans-universal avenues between counterparts, I intended to place far greater strain on the Splinters here. I wanted to loosen their grip on the other universes at an accelerated pace. Originally, I foresaw the end of those realities occurring within twenty standard years. This strategy, which I call the Genesis Defense, is designed to reduce the timeframe to less than two years.”

  “The fuck?”

  “The other fractures will vanish. It will be as if the Swarm never existed. I anticipa …”

  “Stop right there. Let’s say I believe this isn’t the most insane notion a human has ever possessed. Let’s even say it’s theoretically possible. How many people will die?”

  “Approximately two hundred billion.”

  Ham finished his drink and wiped his lips.

  “You said that without a hint of bother.”

  “Only because I came to terms with it long ago. I’m trying to save thirty-five billion in my home universe. Ours was the first, and it was meant to be the only one. I don’t know how the fractures occurred, and knowing won’t make a difference. I will restore the structure as it was originally created. The Alliance will survive and prosper. Now, because of Tranteum, it might grow, even span the whole of forty worlds. I won’t apologize for protecting our future.”

  Spoken like a true megalomaniac.

  “Interesting. You’re working to save humanity, but you don’t want anyone to know. Why, Amayas?”

  The Inventor stared at his drink then pushed it away.

  “Because I’m afraid it’s failing.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I study the mirrors every day. I look across the divide. I analyze the energy levels inside the caverns. I don’t see the expected degradation in the other realities.”

  “So … you were wrong?”

  “No. The degradation is happening but at a miniscule pace. In the meantime, the Swarm threat increases. They are building devices to travel across the divide. My analysis shows they are still months away from developing the necessary resources for a full-scale invasion. But the Genesis Defense won’t obliterate them in time.”

  Ham thought of one word to sum up the day: Wow. So much for having seen and heard it all.

  “I’ll give you credit, Amayas. You’ve certainly exceeded my lofty expectations. I find all of it absurd. I’m sitting here sharing a drink with a man who is trying to destroy eight entire universes, and he’s upset because his plan isn’t working. I don’t even know what my next question should be. A little help, perhaps?”

  Amayas leaned forward and buried his face in his hands.

  “There’s more.”

  “Oh, please.” Ham stifled a laugh. “Do go on.”

  “I overlooked a flaw in the plan to mass distribute Splinters. I’m ashamed to admit it.”

  “Tell me.”

  “The Splinters allow the user to see their genetic equivalents in the line of causality. Many of these counterparts inspire and promote positive growth. Others are failed humans with miserable lives and nothing to offer. Then there are the dangerous influences.”

  Ham interrupted.

  “I’m familiar, Amayas. We encountered a situation with a cult on Zwahili Kingdom. Ya-Li Taron’s mad scheme in Pinchon brought out the worst in many Hokkis, starting with that psychopath himself.”

  “I wouldn’t be concerned in most cases. However, the Swarm conquered two worlds in Beta universe corresponding to Alliance members. It’s likely … certain … the religious fanaticism of those so-called Converted has bled across the divide through the Splinters.”

  Ham shuffled with unease.

  “So, a few might receive some messaging from what-is-it-called?”

  “The Holy Risen Church.”

  “What are we talking about, Amayas? A little preaching? Isolated indoctrination? You believe there’s a threat?”

  “Unsure. The mirrors don’t show interaction between counterparts.”

  “What planets are involved?”

  “Bolivar and Zwahili Kingdom. It could’ve been worse. The Swarm converted sixteen worlds, and they’re on the brink of finishing off Hokkaido. It’s a good thing we never off-loaded the Splinters there.”

  Why was it that the most brilliant men always made the biggest mess of things? As if Hokkaido didn’t have enough problems.

  “I assume you’ve been looking in on Bolivar and the Kingdom for signs of trouble.”

  The Inventor’s tone, once pride and ebullient, darkened with each new detail.

  “Yes. My concern is if the message gains traction, it will spread through subversive means. Now that people are aware of the Swarm, I don’t expect new adherents to publicize themselves unless they are organized.”

  “But if word gets out that the Splinters are the conduits …”

  Amayas nodded. “You see the problem.”

  “For you, yes. Have you considered recalling them?”

  Amayas threw back his drink.

  “A recall would require an explanation and generate too many questions. It also wouldn’t work. The Splinters have been circulating through these populations for five months. Tracking them down would require more months. Possibly years. By then …”

  “It won’t matter. Amayas, why tell me all these things? Why the transparency now?”

  “Because I need you to close your mission. Over a year ago, you and the others left Hokkaido on a wild goose chase to find me and destroy the Splinters. You were told I threatened to bring down the barriers between universes. You were manipulated.”

  Ham tried not to take offense though Amayas was right.

  “Actually, what you’re doing now sounds remarkably similar.”

  “Except you know the difference. I need you to promise, Hamilton: What you’ve seen and heard today never crosses your lips. Allow the Tranteum Conference to prepare a defense against the Swarm.” He flailed his arms. “All this will create a distraction. It will undermine the conference.”

  “And ruin you, the great and mighty Inventor. You opened this door. Now you’re stuck, and there’s no retreat. You want me to save you.”

  Amayas said nothing. Here we go, Ham thought. Another asshole and his secrets. The wheel keeps turning.

  “We’ve been holding Bonju Taron on Scylla for five months,” Ham said. “The Hokkis would love to rip him to shreds. They think he’s the architect of their nightmare. He played his part, for sure, but if they knew you sat atop the pyramid …”

  “If my role goes public, the Alliance will collapse. Tranteum will be a farce. They’ll learn my identity and hold it against the Aeternans.”

  Well, at least he understands the stakes.

  “Yes, Amayas. They’ll long for the good old days when Carriers commanded the skies and the Guard kept a firm grip on crime and insurrection. One day, while everyone is still bickering, the Swarm will invade. Tell me, Inventor. If I refuse to keep your secret, will you allow me to leave here alive?”

  Amayas pushed back his chair and popped up in a fury. He wagged his finger in Ham’s direction.

  “I’m not that man. I came to you for help. I’m your ally.”

  “Allies one day, enemies the next. Yes?”

  “Listen, Hamilton. I’ve killed many people who didn’t deserve to die. I played God. I admit it. But I won’t stop you, no matter your choice.”

  Ham focused on the Bouchet name and its devastating legacy.

  “I can destroy you, Amayas. You’ll die more infamous than even your parents, and that’s a hell of a reach.”

  “You’re a practical man, Hamilton. I’m banking everything on it.”

  “You won’t even try to bribe me?”

  Amayas circled around his desk.

  “Would you even take a bribe?”

  Lucky for you, I also understand the stakes.

  “Not a chance.” Ham rose from his chair. They stood face to face. “I’ll keep this to myself on two conditions. One: You and Shin Wain will be at my beck and call. I’ll always know how to contact you.”

  “Done.”

  “Two: After Tranteum, you will set up a permanent base somewhere in the Alliance. Your choice. This place will be off-limits.”

  Amayas held his tongue for a bit.

  “I need to look into the mirrors from time to time. I have to monitor the Genesis Defense and the Swarm threat.”

  “We’ll work on a travel schedule. You are going to become a public figure and deal with your cudfrucking public. Otherwise, you and I will have a problem.”