Supremacy: SUPREMACY SERIES Book 1

CHAPTER ONE

WHY IS THERE A DEAD body in the hall? An authoritative voice billowed as the heavy door abruptly flew open.

Ambassador Noah, I wasn’t aware you were here, Lucas said indifferently.

The Master Ambassador walked into the room, his blue robe snapping with each step. The long golden rope, which identified him as the leader of the pod, was draped over his left shoulder. It hung down the length of his body and trailed behind him. He glared at the young Warrior as he approached him. I expect an answer.

He was a traitor, he replied in a cold, emotionless voice.

Master Lucas whenever there’s a dead body, you’re somewhere near.

I do my job very well, Lucas replied. Noah was flanked by a Warrior and a Thinker. Both Hallows stopped several feet behind the Master Ambassador as he approached. He knew the Warrior well, he’d not only trained with him, but occasionally they worked together. His name was Nic and he was around his age, nineteen. He glanced to the Thinker clad in the custom long white robe, though her eyes were averted, he knew they had never met. As a Warrior, his job was to protect and not to be seen. Ambassadors, Thinkers, and Scientists all were expected to work together and collaborate, but the Warriors were the exception to that statute. Socially they were inept, isolation was their preference as well as everyone else’s.

Noah’s attention shifted quickly as he took in the middle-aged man trembling next to Lucas. He was wearing jeans, a torn sweater, and a look of terror on his face. With a sweeping hand, he gestured. Move away from the Surfacer, Lucas. I would like to talk to him.

Lucas didn’t budge as he stared at the gray-haired man. Having a Surfacer in a pod was the worst thing that could happen. Even though the circumstances allowed Lucas to bring him below ground, Noah didn’t like it, he wanted an explanation as well as a full investigation.

Noah raised a questioning brow as he gently stroked his long silver beard thoughtfully. Might I remind you this is my pod and I—

He’s my target, Lucas said firmly as if nothing more needed to be said.

Noah glared at Lucas and then challenged, The target I assigned was a young female. I believe you were given all the information you needed to locate and begin the assignment—her location, age, and description where she—

I was given everything, Lucas interrupted.

And...

And, I have yet to begin that assignment. He gestured with is head. I’m just finishing up my last assignment.

I believe I made it very clear that it is imperative that you find her immediately.

You did, he confirmed.

And yet, you’re standing next to a Surfacer who isn’t the one I assigned you. Noah clasped his hands together impatiently. He moved in and directed his question to the Surfacer. What the hell are you doing in my pod? Who sent you?

Step away from him, Lucas growled as he took a threatening step toward Noah. You know my job is to protect him until the assignment is completed.

Not liking being told what to do, Noah pointed a finger at Lucas. I’d be careful if I were you, Lucas.

Bitterly, Lucas replied. I was not trained to discriminate. A Warrior who is assigned a target to protect can’t distinguish differences—a threat is a threat no matter who you are, where you are, or what your rank is. But you already know this because you created me. Master Hallows like yourself decide how I—how all Warriors—respond to every situation you put us in.

Noah watched him closely. You sound resentful.

Resentment isn’t an emotion I feel, Lucas replied coldly as he stepped in front of the Surfacer to shield him.

You, too, are a Master Hallow, Lucas. You made history by acquiring this rank at such a young age. You are a rare breed and have abilities most Warriors never learn to master, and if they do, it’s much later in life, when their bodies are too old to fight the way you do. What’s your specialty? Karate? Boxing? Jujutsu? Wrestling? Aikido—

I don’t specialize in any—

Yes, that’s right, you excel at all fighting styles, don’t you? Noah interrupted, Your skill and ability has no limit, how blessed you are.

Certainly, you understand standing so close to my target is difficult for me, Lucas spoke coldly. I’ll ask you one more time to step back.

Noah raised a thoughtful brow. It’s interesting, he looked toward the Warrior and then the Thinker and back to Lucas. You could kill all of us effortlessly, yet you won’t—

Lucas rolled his neck from side to side as he watched Nic ready his stance. Why are you doing this? You are pushing me—

You know exactly why I’m pushing you. Any other Warrior would have lost it by now.

With an effort, he suppressed the urge to fight. Let me take my target to level seventeen and I’ll be on my way.

No matter what the Surfacer has done, there are more important things to do. Let me make it a little less difficult, I release you from your target.

Lucas’s jaw bunched. He knew what Noah was doing. He was freeing him from his assignment, so he could move onto the next. I would like to finish this assignment first, he said through clenched teeth.

That won’t be necessary. He studied Lucas’s enraged expression. I know how you Warriors get with your targets and your unfinished assignments, but the present situation doesn’t allow for the indulgence of what you prefer or don’t prefer, Noah called over his shoulder. Warrior.

Nic stepped forward. He pushed back the hood of his black robe. Yes, Ambassador.

Noah shifted his gaze between the two Warriors. Lucas hand over your Surfacer. He is now being reassigned. He raised his hand to stop any argument. Though reassignment is rare it is necessary in this case, I will have no arguments.

It was the most unnatural feeling to have a target released mid-assignment. He was ruthlessly trained to never lose focus, to never give up or give in, and to never quit until a task was completed. This task would go uncompleted. He had never experienced that before.

As Lucas reluctantly stepped aside, Nic moved in and took the arm of his target.

Dispose of him, Noah ordered.

Nic nodded and lead the Surfacer out of the room.

Noah’s lips lifted with pride and satisfaction. And that’s the beauty of your training.  A simple order is all it takes for you to kill or be compliant. Some of the technology we have created and developed is truly spectacular but you, the Warrior, are by far our best. There is no substitute for thousands of years of evolution. You are our greatest weapon, conditioned to perfection.

Lucas held the Ambassador’s stare, disliking his attitude and suggestion.

None of this is going to be easy, Lucas. You, the Surfacer, the training, taking down The Union—none of it will be simple, problems are bound to appear. To expect otherwise is just foolish. However, I can’t have dead bodies lying about—

There was only one, Lucas replied.

Lucas, I fully understand your pod in Spain has ordered you to find the female Surfacer and terminate her. The circumstances here are quite different, we don’t see her as a threat, we see her as the only resource capable of saving our world. Will you be able to control your anger?

Have I ever failed an assignment? Lucas replied irritability. He had no idea what he would be able to control—he wouldn’t know that until he found his target. He guessed much of it would depend on how willing and cooperative she was. Unbeknownst to those who hired him he had been on the surface participating in normal life. Warriors, the only Hallows allowed on the surface, were expected to blend in using whatever cover necessary—protecting their people and way of life was paramount. But Lucas took it one step further—doing the forbidden—he joined them. Learning to live like a Surfacer was hard, and very time-consuming, but he had integrated himself. Exactly how successful he was at accomplishing it was yet to be determined.

No, that’s why we’ve brought you in. Noah turned. Thinker, tell us what you see—

I don’t care what the Thinker’s visions show. And I sure don’t want—

I don’t recall asking what you want, Noah bit out as he waved the Thinker forward. Tell us what you see.

The Thinker stood quietly, eyes motionless, as she moved into a trance-like state. After a few moments, she spoke softly, The Master Warrior and the Surfacer will meet soon. The challenges this assignment will bring will prove to be difficult.

Yes, but will he succeed? Noah prodded.

That depends on... Her words trailed off as a new vision came. Her breath caught. The Master Warrior will struggle with emotions—

I don’t struggle over anything. Your visions are wrong, Lucas touted arrogantly.

By emotions, I am assuming the Thinker means anger and allegiance, Noah clarified. You’re not able to feel much of anything else.

The soft voice began to explain. I’m referring to—

My anger won’t be a problem, Lucas cut in. The sharp edge to his voice caused the Thinker's eyes to snap open. And you know my loyalty will not waver. His icy gaze found the Thinker’s and willed her to keep her mouth shut. It wasn’t hard to intimidate her with his silencing glare. Quickly she dropped her head and stared at her feet. He’d already been told he and his target would have reactions to each other—he would feel things that had long been eliminated and destroyed from years of intense training. These feelings would be intense, hard to control, and for a Warrior uncharacteristic. He couldn’t imagine having a feeling for anyone, much less a Surfacer. But the Thinker he confined in was an elite Master and her abilities were advanced. Secretly, he had been trying to prepare for them. What he didn’t need was for Noah or any other Ambassadors in his pod to discover he held the flaw of feeling emotions. Flawed Warriors were ineffective and ultimately terminated. Whatever emotions—reactions he would have he would deal with and he would make sure they never interfered with his assignment.

We cannot have our Surfacer harmed due to your lack of self-control, you understand how important she is to our people. Are you certain you can handle her as your target and your student?

As I explained previously, I will not let you down.

This is going to be the biggest challenge you have been given.

I understand.

I will except nothing but perfection. Noah glared. Find our girl and get her to comply. She is your target. Your only target. Do you understand?

Yes.

CHAPTER TWO

KATE PARKER DROVE SLOWLY as she made her way down the quiet back road. Her deep, green eyes were intently searching the thick brush on the side as she scanned each spot with interest and determination. She had been driving around the area every day after school, trying to find the thin, stray dog she had spotted earlier in the week.

Come on, boy. Show yourself, little guy, she called out the window as she pulled to the edge of the road, shifted the truck into park, and turned it off. As the warm breeze brushed her face, she listened intently for any sign of the dog’s whereabouts. I know you’re out there.

She grabbed the pork chop—a remnant of the previous night’s dinner— from a plastic bag and then hopped out of the truck. Here boy, she called as she walked a few feet into the dense brush. She whistled several times before she cupped her hands to her mouth and called again, Come on, boy. You don’t need to be afraid. I know you’re out there.

Kate knew the area well because part of it was adjacent to her high school and another section ran the length of the highway. The rest of the land backed up to a large greenbelt—a perfect place for a dog to disappear. A car horn in the distance caused her to cringe as she thought about the helpless dog wandering over to that side.

She whistled a few more times as she walked down a small embankment. She knew he was close...she could feel it. For as long as she could remember, she had a deep connection with animals. They were just as drawn to her as she was to them. That was why she was a vegetarian—though her two brothers and parents didn’t share her meatless diet, hence the pork chop—she couldn’t bring herself to eat her friends.

She was blessed to live on five acres and have parents who supported her love of animals. She smiled to herself. Support maybe wasn’t the right word—tolerate would be a better description. Either way, she knew she was lucky she was able to have several furry friends living with her. She ducked under a branch. If things worked out according to plan, she’d be adding another friend shortly.

Kate stood perfectly still when a twig snapped directly in front of her, her eyes the only part of her body daring to move. She saw the dog crouched under a bush, staring at her. Hi there, little guy. Do you remember me? she said is a soft calming tone. I brought you a bone. Doesn’t that sound good? I know you’re hungry. Your ribs are sticking out like you haven’t eaten in weeks. The scrawny-looking dog watched her with interest. I’m not going to hurt you, she continued softly. Come on, it’s okay.

Slowly, Kate tried to work the bone from the plastic bag. That was all that it took to lose what little progress she’d made. The sound and movement caused the dog to back up timidly and then dart further into the woods. Damn it.

Pushing back branches, ducking under limbs, and high-stepping over tall weeds, Kate followed the dog as it zigzagged deeper into the woods. For twenty minutes she tracked him, getting a glimpse of him every so often, but never getting close enough to toss him the bone. She could hear the cars in the distance, so she knew she was getting close to the highway. Where are you, little doggie? She climbed on a rock and looked around. Unfortunately, she hadn’t seen him for the last five minutes.

She knew it was time to call off the search, but she couldn’t bring herself to just yet. Her gut was pulling her to the highway—when her gut told her to do something, she did it, because it was usually right. It wouldn’t hurt if she took a quick look.

As Kate appeared from the brush and stepped out onto the edge of the road, she looked across the four lanes. A few cars were speeding along, and much to her relief, no dog in sight. Looking down the road, she realized a person was standing a few feet from her. He was squatting near a motorcycle and looked as if he might be trying to repair it, if his attention hadn’t been so focused on her.

Kate smiled and raised her hand. Hi.

He stood up slowly and nodded. Hello.

Kate thought he looked confused, or maybe he was a little startled. She walked his way and then stopped a few feet from him. He was tall, about six feet, and his build was strong and solid. She guessed he was around her age, maybe a year or two older. His dark brown hair was a haphazard mess that looked neither done nor too wild. Wisps of hair dipped near his deep brown eyes. Well-defined muscles were visible beneath his snug white t-shirt and slightly baggy jeans. Everything okay? she asked.

I was going to ask you the same thing, he replied seriously.

Kate tried not to smile. His words, laced with a Spanish accent, fell pleasantly against her ears. It wasn’t heavy, and it sounded as if he’d been speaking English for a while. She gestured to the motorcycle and the parts lying on the ground. I’m not the one who is broke down, she pointed out with a soft smile.

He seemed to consider his answer before he said, I’m not the one who just walked out of the woods carrying a steak.

She laughed lightly as she looked down at the piece of meat in her hand. It’s a pork chop.

Curiously, his head turned to the woods and then back to her. I heard you walking around in there. I thought you were a wild animal. You surprised me when you came out.

Her grin widened. No wild animal—just me.

What are you doing wandering around?

I’m looking for a dog. She bent slightly as she held her hand to her knee. He’s about this high and mostly light brown. His back right leg is all white. His tail is long and has a white tip. He’s really thin, but I think he will fill out nicely once I get some meat on his bones. He has the cutest ear that bends forward. She cupped her hand by her head and then realized he was staring at her very oddly. She was rambling, damn it; she tended to do that. Her mom always told her she talked too much. Never mind. So what’s wrong with your bike?

He shook his head in frustration. I’m not certain. It started cutting out then it just died. You wouldn’t happen to have a phone, would you? I forgot to charge mine, so it’s dead.

If I don’t have my phone on me at all times my parents would freak out, Kate said wearily as she reached into her back pocket and pulled it out. She handed it to him, and then she walked around the bike looking, at it with interest. This is a nice bike.

Thank you. I just got it last month. It’s not new, but it’s new to me.

If you don’t mind me asking, what happened before it died?

He shrugged. Nothing. It just cut out and died. I noticed the other day that when I was riding in higher gears, it would jerk, and then the power would cut in and out. After it was parked for a bit, it started up fine, but when I turned the throttle, it would cut out again.

Kate squatted down and poked around. Does it cut out in neutral?

Sometimes.

At what RPM? she asked seriously.

He raised a curious brow as he answered. About three or four thousand.

Do you know the last time the plugs were changed?

Yesterday. I changed them myself. That’s what I thought the problem was. But as you can see... it’s not. He blew out a long breath. I’m actually in a bit of a hurry. I have a class that starts in an hour.

You go to the university? Kate asked as she pulled a wire-free and inspected it.

Yes. He looked down at the phone in his hand. I think I’ll call a tow truck.

Feel free to call whomever you like. A mischievous look lit her face before she turned to him and said, You know what? I bet you I can have it fixed by the time the tow truck gets here.

He stared down at her as he tried to figure out what she was saying. "A bet? His dark brows furrowed as he thought. Like gambling? he said quickly as he made the connection. What exactly is it that you would like to gamble?"

Kate laughed at his misunderstanding. Perhaps he didn’t speak English as well as she initially thought. Maybe he had just mastered the accent and not the actual vocabulary. "I didn’t actually want to bet you anything. It’s a figure of speech," she explained.

Figure of speech, he repeated under his breath as he searched for the meaning.

Kate knew he was blushing under his dark skin. She could tell by the shy way he pushed one of his hands into a pocket of his jeans that he was a little embarrassed. The last thing she wanted was for him to feel uncomfortable. "I meant it more like, bet you I can fix it. I’m competitive that way. I like a challenge. I always have."

"So you’re challenging me that you can fix it?" he confirmed.

It doesn’t sound good when you say it that way. There was that puzzled expression again. She knew she was confusing him even further. Your English is very good. She watched as one of his brows shot up in a questioning arch. Oh, God why did she just say that? What I mean is...you...your...you speak... She groaned inside. She was only digging herself in deeper. Just say it in plain English so he’ll understand. I think I can fix your bike faster than the tow truck could get here. You won’t be late for class and it won’t cost you anything. That was as clear as she could be.

You don’t need to talk slow—I understand what you are saying, He said with a look of amusement. Though I’m not familiar with all your American phrases, I do understand English. And if I don’t get something right away it usually comes to me quickly.

Horror shot through her. Had she been talking slowly? She might have been now that she thought about it. The last thing she wanted to do was insult the man. Judging by his slight grin she didn’t think that he was that insulted. My name is Kate. She stood up. I hope I haven’t offended you—it was not my intention if I did. Sometimes I just carry on. She smiled meekly. Or as my mom says, I don’t think before I speak. She lifted her shoulders and then let them fall. She also says I like to hear myself talk. I don’t think that’s the case, I just like words. Her words trailed off as she realized what she had just said. Like words. Really Kate! Who says that?

I’m Lucas. And no, you haven’t offended me.

She sighed in relief when she saw his grin move into a warm smile. Let’s try this again. She licked her lips, paused as she thought about what she was going to say, and then said, Lucas, if you hold my pork chop, I will fix your bike. She held out the meat and waited for him to take it. When he did she pulled the rubber band from her wrist, gathered her long red hair, twisted it into a bun, and secured it in place.

Kate could feel Lucas’s gaze on her as she moved around his bike checking things. She liked that he was intrigued by her. She knew she was acting a little over confident by telling him she could fix his bike, but she didn’t want that look on his face to change. She found that she liked the hint of admiration and surprise she saw in his eyes when he looked at her. She was also trying to kill a little time because she didn’t want their meeting to end.

Are you sure you know what you are doing? Lucas asked as he squatted down beside her.

Her eyes found his, Yep, I’m sure, she replied confidently. She watched him pull his teeth over his bottom lip. Don’t look so worried. I’m not going to ruin your bike. She turned back to it and removed a few things on the motor.

He winced as he watched her tug off a long black tube. I think that’s important. Maybe you shouldn’t touch that.

It is important. It’s the fuel line. She tapped it on the ground and then looked into it. It isn’t clogged. She reattached it and then popped off a few clips. And the air filter is clean. The plugs are new, so it’s not that. She looked over at him. Did you run it out of gas lately? I’m thinking there may have been some debris in the fuel or the tank and it’s clogged the filter.

No.

She tinkered with a few other things and then asked. Can I start it?

He stood up with her. Sure. The key is in it.

Straddling the bike, she started it and revved up the motor then listened closely as it cut out and then died. She started it and barely had time to rev it before it died again. I think I know what it is. Do you have a screwdriver?

Lucas shook his head as he dug around in his front pocket. I have a pocket knife. His smile widened as he handed it to her. "I bet it’s just as good as a screwdriver."

Her smile matched his as she took the knife. He thought he was clever because he had used the word right. He did catch on quickly. "I bet you’re not very mechanical."

I wouldn’t be stuck on the side of the road having a girl fix my bike if I were, he said pathetically.

"You know, it’s not that bad having a girl fix your bike. It took Kate a mere five minutes to fine-tune the carburetor so it ran smoothly. All fixed. It was the carb. It needed to be adjusted. That happens occasionally. She turned the motor over and revved its RPMS. It doesn’t cut out now."

Amazing, Lucas said over the roar of the motor. It sounds great. As you Americans say, it’s purring like a cat.

She laughed as she turned the bike off and then handed him the knife. It’s purring like a kitten, she corrected.

That’s what I said.

You said cat. Where are you from?

Spain. I’m here for a semester as an exchange student. Do you go to the university too?

No. I’m a senior in high school. My older brother, Jack, goes there, though. He’s a junior.

His eyes focused on her while he stated, You’re very impressive, Kate. How do you know so much about bikes?

Impressive—she liked his choice of words. She was impressive. I took an auto mechanics class for a semester at school. We had a choice of rebuilding a car or a motorcycle. I chose the motorcycle.

One semester and you can do that?

I catch on to things quickly. Why did her eyes drop when she said that? Normally, she was very confident, especially when it pertained to her intelligence. Her parents were always reprimanding her for showing-off. Kate knew she was smart and she didn’t hide it. She was a show-off, but it wasn’t to put anyone down; it was because she loved all the knowledge she had gained.

I hope you got an A.

I did. She’d gotten an A+...and the mere fact she didn’t tell Lucas proved she was humble.

Do you own a bike?

Are you kidding me? My parents would never allow that. I drive a truck the size of a tank to ensure my safety.

Thank you very much. Lucas shuffled the items in his hands awkwardly and then said, Here are your phone and your meat. I hate to rush away after all you’ve done, but I still have to run home and get my books before class starts. He reached for his helmet. I hope you find your dog.

Kate looked toward the woods. He’s not my dog. He’s a stray.

If I had time, I’d help you look for him.

That’s okay. I should be heading back. My parents will be worried if I’m not home soon.

You know...it’s good they watch out for you, he pointed out seriously.

They keep track of me like I’m nine, even though I’m seventeen. As she finished her sentence, her phone rang. See what I mean? It’s my mom. She held up her hand to Lucas as she answered the phone. Hey, Mom. I’m on my way now. No, I’m not trying to find that dog. When she saw Lucas smile, she held her hand over the phone. I’m not lying...currently I’m helping you, she pointed out smugly.

Sounds like you are bending the truth, Lucas replied in a hushed tone.

But I’m not lying. The smug look on his face made her want to punch him in the arm. Her attention turned quickly back to her mom. Yes, I’m listening to you. I know dinner is early tonight because Jack has class. Okay. I love you too. She slipped the phone in her back pocket.  "Technically, I wasn’t lying," she said defensively.

He slipped his sunglasses on. "Technically you were lying." His slight grin turned into a full smile the longer he looked at her.

Why are you looking at me like that?

I get the feeling you are very clever, Kate.

I am.

Lucas laughed as he put his helmet on. I also get the feeling your parents know it.

Unfortunately, they do. How did you get your parents to let you come all the way to the United States and go to school?

My world is different from yours. Where I come from our parents don’t control what we do. I’m nineteen, but that doesn’t have much impact on what I’m allowed to do.

You make Spain sound like it’s a completely different world.

If you only knew. He shrugged indifferently. Status and rank are all that is important.

That sounds hard to live up to.

It can be, but it’s really all we know.

She wanted to ask who we were. Was he referring to Spain, his family, his friends, or something else? She got the feeling that there was something else. Instead of asking him to elaborate she said,