THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

in line for the Governing House eliminated. “I’m not convinced they’re capable of the damage incurred in those two aborted launches. Not without help. Logic says we have a traitor, which is why I retaliated.”  He paused, giving that statement weight. “Someone inside our program who sabotaged the HERMES system only to give substance to the MystiK claims of power.”
    Rustaad pressed his opinion in a stronger voice. “We erred once in underestimating the MystiK abilities and lost three geniuses–future TecKnati leaders–as a result.”
    Rage bunched in SEOH’s chest and rolled down to his fingers that fisted, searching for a target to crush. “Do you think I need to constantly be reminded of their deaths?”
    “Of course not, and I don’t like bringing up the subject. But–”
    “That’s why we’re capturing their prodigies instead of killing them, so what’s your point?”
    The dark silk suit covering Rustaad’s chest rose and fell with a soft sigh, the most reaction anyone would see from the man. The gunmetal greenish-gray uniform appeared at first glance to be the same all TecKnatis wore, but was very, very different. The color a shade darker, the texture richer, the construction hand made. Plus Rustaad wore the ANASKO tri-circle insignia, awarded to only the most deserving, the most loyal of TecKnatis.
    Rustaad cleared his throat and continued. “My point is this. In spite of our captives being no older than seventeen, and many much younger, they’re proving exceptional at surviving in the deadliest part of the Sphere.”
    That did give SEOH pause, but as long as the brats were isolated from this world and their families they were not a problem. He couldn’t expend energy on something that didn’t deserve his time. Especially not right this minute. He had an impending meeting with his damn board of twelve. They were waiting to be updated on the Sphere.
    Eleven now, he corrected himself. “I know you’re not here just to debate the power of the MystiKs again, Rustaad. What is it you want?”
    “I want you to put aside your prejudice against the supernatural and open your mind to the possibility that if we underestimate MystiKs we risk making a major mistake, one that may end with them ruling this world if they unite.”
    Rustaad had a way of presenting the inconceivable in a deadly tone that warranted credibility. SEOH tossed back, “I think spending ten million credits out of my own pocket to build a laser grid says I’m giving serious consideration to their power potential.”
    “I’m not discounting what you’ve invested in this project, but your primary reason for building that grid originally was to allow you control over all Ten Cities. Control over TecKnati and MystiKs that depended upon TecKnati resources. Finding out the laser grid harmed MystiK powers was a bonus.” 
    “Point taken.”  In the interest of getting this behind them, SEOH finally let go of his irritation long enough to give Rustaad’s point the respect that his second in command was asking for and deserved. In a more thoughtful tone, SEOH said, “I don’t see how MystiKs can join together if they’re as untrusting of each other as we’ve been informed. Their lack of unity is one of our best weapons against them. Seems like that alone should be enough to undermine the prophecy you keep nattering about.”
    “We have to expect the unexpected. You taught me that.”
    “I’ve allowed you resources to analyze that furkken prophecy, and for what? You said we only needed to grab those two G’ortians...”
    “Callan and V’ru.”
    “Right. Now you say we need more. We can’t succeed by chasing invisible threats.”
    “I understand, but the prophecy is written as a puzzle we’re using Cyberprossessing and scientific expertise to unravel. Based on what I learned this morning, I now believe we should locate and confine the seven remaining G’ortians we know of.”
    SEOH missed the days when technology ruled and the MystiKs were nothing more than a group of harmless spiritualists. How had things gotten so out of control? But Rustaad was a brilliant strategist whom SEOH trusted, an allowance he rarely granted anyone. “Why?”
    “Because at first we believed the prophecy meant the final step would require the G’ortians to join as one. But as we’re unraveling the meaning, we now believe that one specific G’ortian will unite all, and we have no way of knowing which one.”
    SEOH raised a hand