Synthesis: Legacy (The Synthesis Trilogy Book 2) by F.G. Smith

Author:F.G. Smith [Smith, F.G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

13:40, November 26th, 2134

“So that was…something.” Elara said, filling the silence of the now-empty meeting room.

Kayden chuckled. “It certainly was. Do all Kel military meetings involve that much shouting?”

“No.” She replied. “Usually the bickering involves a lot more passive aggressive comments instead of outright yelling.”

She paused for a moment, locking eyes with him. Kayden used the moment to study her face – the way she tucked her white hair behind her ear, the soft curve of her cheek, and the way her eyebrows arched ever-so-slightly when she was deep in thought. She held his gaze for a few more moments before he broke the silence.

“There’s something on your mind.”

She exhaled, then nodded. “Did you really mean what you said before? In front of the High Commander?”

“Every word.” Kayden replied without hesitating. “You’re talented, disciplined, and you’re a fantastic leader. I’d fight beside you any day of the week…though if I’m being honest, that’s not why I want you on my crew.”

“Why do you want me on your crew?” She pressed him.

“You’re more than a soldier Elara. Back in the jungle, you showed that you understood what I needed to hear to stay on the right track. I want to surround myself with people like that – people who will challenge me when I need to be challenged, and support me when I need support. And I’m willing to bet that you’re like that with everyone in your life – because that seems like the kind of person you are.”

“How do you know what kind of person I am though? We haven’t even known each other for a week.”

Kayden shrugged as he sat on the closest chair, spreading out languidly. “Are you saying I’m wrong?”

“Well…no, I’m not saying that.” She said, sitting next to him.

“Maybe I should add ‘humble’ to the list of qualities I like about you then.” He said, causing her to blush.

She went quiet for a long moment before speaking again. “If you really want me on your crew, there’s some things about me you should know first.”

“I’m all ears.”

“I come from a family of Kel that disagrees with the idea that we need to diversify our gene pool. They…we…call ourselves ‘Kel’isara’, which directly translates to ‘pure-blooded’. Nobody in my family has ever had children with a non-Kel mate. Our offspring have always been born the other way.”

“By mitosis, right?” Kayden asked. “You basically break off a piece of yourself and it becomes a new, genetically-identical Kel.”

“A crude summary, but yes.” Elara said.

“Why does your family disagree with diversifying the gene pool?”

“My family is quite religious. They believe in the literal words of the ancient Holy Kel-Azaan scripture, rather than taking them more figuratively like most modern Kel do. They think that having children with a non-Kel is an affront to the goddess, and therefore sacrilegious – even if most religious leaders disagree with them.”

“Okay, I follow so far.” Kayden nodded. “Humans can have some pretty crazy religious beliefs too, so you’re not alone. What do you

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