Chapter 1

Prologue

Saron Bahl relaxed on her utilitarian bed and absently twirled the ring with her thumb and forefinger. It had become a habit soon after she’d purchased the symbol of her love. She was utterly oblivious to the fact that everything in her life was about to change.

Jasmine was off on her first mission, which Saron had also volunteered for, but the Ministry strictly forbade fusion partners from going on rare team missions. Sergeant Grimes had diplomatically reminded them of the rule—behind closed doors, of course. That hadn’t sat well with Saron because she knew this mission was critical and subsequently more dangerous than most routine assignments.

She and Jasmine had graduated from the academy in the same year, both jockeying for the top spot. Jasmine had inched her way ahead of Saron by one measly point, which had earned her the distinction of top of her class. Since it was the largest class in history, that was quite an honor.

Jasmine had wondered how they would juggle their new responsibilities as rookie Time Enforcers. Not that either was prone to break the rules, but they’d kept their love a secret, hoping to go on missions together. Unfortunately, Sergeant Grimes was a particularly observant leader and had made it clear that, while they could continue to keep their relationship secret, joint missions were never an option. That had thrown cold water on Saron’s plans.

She’d never met anyone more beautiful than Jasmine. It was love at first sight for Saron, and she’d bought the ring after only three vibradates. Of course, she kept that fact to herself, knowing Jasmine would deem her impulsive and completely ridiculous. But after four years, she was ready to make her argument for them to become legally bound fusion partners. They could do this. She was sure of it. So what if they went on separate missions. Love always prevailed. Didn’t it?

The buzzer to their assigned pod interrupted her train of thought. She quickly returned the ring to the titanium box and pushed the button for the hidden drawer. Glancing at the Dynamic Surface Display, she frowned when she saw Sergeant Grimes in her dress blues at the door.

“Come,” she announced before hopping from the bed to greet the imposing woman.

One look at her face and Saron knew.

Sergeant Grimes removed her hat and solemnly began, “Saron, I’m sorry. Jasmine…”

Chapter One

Ten years later…

“The entire Sapphite culture is at risk unless we prevent impending changes to the timeline,” Captain Grimes announced. “The time blip turned bright red on our time map, and intelligence has confirmed that a group of rebels obtained access to time-travel technology. Mid-21^st century. I know that isn’t anyone’s favorite time to travel back to because of the upheaval during that period with the resistance to the Age of Enlightenment, but I need someone to take this mission. The Sapphites are too important to our future civilization for us to ignore. Millions of humans will suffer if we don’t correct this at the point of origin. Unfortunately, we’re a bit short-staffed and cannot afford to send a team even though this type of assignment normally calls for one.”

“I thought our Time Enforcers captured the mercenaries many years ago. How the frak did that fringe group of Traditionalists get ahold of time-travel technology? I assume they’re behind the impending breach,” Officer Hernandez grumbled.

“Don’t you worry about that. It isn’t our concern. The Ministry of Time Politics is looking into it.”

“I’ll do it,” Officer Saron Bahl announced in her usual quiet confidence.

As one of the more seasoned Time Enforcers, the Ministry could always count on Saron to handle with maximum efficiency whatever mission they assigned her to or for which she volunteered. The fact that her direct familial ancestor was one of the founding members of the Sapphites made it even more fitting that she would be the one to volunteer for what was guaranteed to be a delicate mission. The mid-21^st century was not a timeframe that any Time Enforcer eagerly agreed to visit.

Saron had a commanding presence on her worst day, but today, she appeared ready to take on the entire galaxy if needed. Many fellow Time Enforcers hoped to catch her eye, only for her to gently rebuff them. She was never cruel in her refusal to engage in divine connection with prospective bond initiators. Still, many felt the deep disappointment that their overtures had not been the key to unlocking the mystery behind her simmering sensuality, which all had recognized, yet none had managed to unleash. It was as if she were savoring her power, only to release it once she’d discovered “the one.”

None of them knew she’d found and lost “the one” ten years ago. Captain Grimes had honored her one request and allowed her the space to heal without sharing the reason. Grimes had granted the leave, and they’d never spoken of it again. When Saron returned to duty, all of her focus shifted to her various assignments, earning her a reputation for brutal efficiency.

“I had hoped you would be the one to volunteer for this critical assignment, Saron.” Captain Grimes offered a warm smile. “Of course, you are shrewd enough to recognize that your entire existence depends on this mission’s success.”

Saron nodded once. “That is accurate, but not the reason I believe I am the person for this job.” No additional explanation was forthcoming, but Captain Grimes understood all too well why Saron was volunteering for the mission. She only hoped this assignment would not result in her greatest fear. Losing Saron would be an incredible cost to the elite Time Travel Enforcement Unit. The mid-21^st century was a dangerous time for women.

Captain Grimes watched with interest as Saron, appearing to sense someone focusing on her, turned her gaze onto Officer Graves. She narrowed her eyes at Officer Graves. He was a relatively new transfer into the elite Time Travel Enforcement Unit, and Captain Grimes didn’t have a good handle on his skills.

One thing she knew about Saron was that she didn’t appreciate anyone scrutinizing her. Unwelcome interest from women was one thing, but Saron had considerably less tolerance when the interest came from a man. She’d made it abundantly clear that even if she were in the market for a fusion partner, it would never be with a man.

†

Before Saron created a scene, Captain Grimes hurried to close the meeting and distract Saron from any confrontation. She needed to brief Saron further on the mission, anyway.

“With that settled. Dismissed.” Captain Grimes rushed over to Saron. “Officer Bahl, a moment, please.”

Saron shifted her focus from Officer Graves. “Captain, what can I do for you?”

“I’d like to provide additional information about the mission that we’ve deemed highly classified.” From the corner of her eye, she noted that Officer Graves seemed to perk up and lean closer in an attempt to listen to their conversation. “This way to the Collaboration Nexus. I set the room up for a private conversation.”

“Of course.” With one last glare at Officer Graves, Saron followed Captain Grimes as they exited the Enforcement Strategy Nexus. The captain noted with interest the sudden appearance of Jude, the assistant to Minister Gabrielle Barnes, a high-ranking minister.

Jude approached, appearing overly deferential. “Beg your pardon, Captain. Minister Barnes suggested you might need administrative support in your infosync with Officer Bahl.”

Captain Grimes narrowed her eyes and took a moment to respond patiently, attempting to hide her annoyance. She made a mental note to follow up with Minister Barnes to ensure she had sent her assistant. It seemed unlikely she had, knowing the highly confidential nature of certain aspects of the mission.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be able to capture the data required to supply the Ministry with a knowledge synthesis report and will personally deliver it to her.”

Jude bowed his head. “As you wish, Captain.”

†

Saron knew the rules. No advanced technology, lest it fall into the wrong hands. The only exception was the tiny devices for quick transport back to her time—one for herself and enough for ten Traditionalists. She assumed ten would be a sufficient number to complete her mission. The Ministry also allowed the standard-issue Universal Temporal Watch with numerous tools to make the mission easier.

She’d have to make do with the crude weaponry from the 21^st century. Securing more of those primitive weapons would be the first task upon her arrival in that time frame. A small footprint was preferable, but if she had to take out an aggressor to preserve her primary target, she only hoped it would not drastically alter the timeline.

The Traditionalists were a pain in the ass, and they were smart. Whoever they sent to 2045 might whip up the far right to do their dirty work. “Your body, my choice” was a phrase that had endured. If they informed the early Traditionalists about the scientific breakthroughs on the horizon, where men were no longer needed for reproduction, unfettered violence against women would undoubtedly follow.

Perhaps the suspected cloak agent had already attempted to send the founding Traditionalists to the location of those early scientists, and that was the reason for the blip on the time map. In that case, Saron might have more assholes to deal with besides whichever future Heritage Warrior had been sent.

Thankfully, those pioneering Traditionalists were woefully inadequate. Unfortunately, neither the Heritage Warriors nor the original Traditionalists were known for their finesse. They’d take out more than the one she was sent to safeguard. She couldn’t worry about protecting all of them. Her focus had to be on Avery Simpson.

Saron shook her head as she geared up with the crude vest and antique sidearms. One in her boot and another strapped to her side. Grabbing a knife, she tucked it in her other boot.

She was only authorized to neutralize her opponents, but experience had taught her that sometimes that lofty notion wasn’t possible. Slipping the ModuPak over her shoulders, she was ready.

Gazing at the picture of the beautiful woman on the cellphone popular in that era, Saron wondered what she’d be like in person. The physical resemblance was uncanny, even in the grainy picture the Ministry had provided. Saron hadn’t really needed it; she saw that same face in her dreams nearly every night. Avery had a larger-than-life reputation for grit and determination. That was good. She would need it. It was time.

She stuffed the phone in one of her pockets and turned the dial on her Universal Temporal Watch. The Ministry of Time Politics had a version for every era. Hers resembled the old-style smartwatches. Not the worst design, she thought.

†

Pushing the button, she prepared herself for her preferred setting of a five-second delay. This was the part she hated most but would never admit to. Traveling back in time created the worst motion sickness a person might ever experience. Even the veterans did not escape the effects on their bodies. The feeling was nearly instantaneous. The contents of Saron’s stomach promptly landed on the bed of pine needles in the forest where she’d appeared. She’d eaten before the journey because a dry heave was worse than simply giving in to the need to purge.

Looking up, Saron saw a flash of light. Shit. The intel had been off. Their Heritage Warrior was already here. At least she hoped it was a Heritage Warrior and not their more impulsive and brutal elite counterparts. The Heritage Warriors were savage enough to have to deal with.

The sun hadn’t even risen yet. Saron thought she had more time to track down Avery and get her to safety. It was time to improvise.

Another flash of light let Saron know she was in deep trouble. They had sent more than one Heritage Warrior. She’d have to get creative or regroup.

Taking off in a dead run, she headed to the first flash of light. There was no time to recover from the journey. Perhaps that would give her an edge. She might catch him before he had a chance to adjust to the new time.

†

The burly man had his head between his knees, groaning. A fresh pile of vomit, still steaming, lay in front of him. He wobbled as his head popped up, and bleary red eyes found Saron’s steely gaze. Before he could say a word, Saron kicked with all her might. His head snapped back, and he toppled over, continuing to groan. Thank goodness for steel-toed boots, still used by construction workers in the 21^st century.

“Hey, asshole. How many?” Saron asked.

The man spat out blood and a few teeth. “Frak you,” he growled.

“No thanks, you’re not my type.” With the knife in her hand, she pressed the tip against his groin. “Even without your penis, I wouldn’t be interested. Which, I might add, you’re about to lose unless I get an answer to my question. I’m not authorized to use enhanced interrogation, but I have a mission and will use whatever force is necessary to accomplish my goals. Besides, when dealing with the Traditionalists, I tend to make exceptions to the rule. Don’t think for one minute I won’t do it.” Saron was bluffing, but this man didn’t know that.

The man had the gall to reach for the phaser, a nasty invention that literally vaporized a person with one shot. The Traditionalists had no compunction against using modern weapons. It put the Time Enforcers at a disadvantage, but Time Enforcers were much better trained. While still keeping the knife pressed against his penis, Saron stomped on his hand.

Hearing the satisfying crunch, she shook her head and calmly uttered, “Unh uh. I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Grabbing the phaser, she tossed it out of reach. “I’m losing my patience. I can send you back to our time with your junk intact, or…” She let the words dangle in the air.

The man spat at her, and a glob of blood and phlegm landed on her jacket. “Go to hell, dyke.”

A promise is a promise. The Ministry of Time Politics didn’t always like her tactics, but they occasionally looked the other way. They had a strict “no enhanced interrogation” rule, and some might consider what she was about to do a clear violation of that rule.

Time travel always made her a little grumpy for the first few minutes, so she reconsidered her bluff. Besides, he’d pissed her off by soiling her jacket with his disgusting spit. She hoped they would understand in this particular instance. She shrugged. Even if they didn’t, the worst that might happen would be another demotion. Oh well, she didn’t want to climb the ranks, anyway. Being a bureaucrat was not her idea of a good time.

In a lightning-quick move, Saron cleanly sliced through his pants, divesting him of his manhood, then slapped on a transport device that would send him to the main building in the Ministry of Time Politics. He’d be puking again and would be minus one essential body part, but he’d live. Let the Information Retrieval Agents in the Neuro Analysis Unit deal with him.

†

Two more flashes of light caught her attention. Yup, she was in trouble. She needed to find the fledgling compound for the Sapphites before the Traditionalists found Avery.

Fortunately, Saron knew the compound’s coordinates. She prayed they did not. Hopefully, they hadn’t obtained vital information about the underground compound. It would be harder to locate if they didn’t know precisely how to enter. Saron did. However, she was a little fuzzy on the protective barrier they’d established to keep their enemies away. Saron didn’t relish getting her ass blown to bits as a result of tripping one of those wires. Nasty booby trap but quite effective.

Glancing at her Universal Temporal Watch, she sighed in relief, noting how close she was to the underground compound. Saron grabbed the phaser gun and stuffed it in her pants. That little death device could not land in the wrong hands. Although she hated the destructive tech and adhered to the rule not to bring one on the mission, she was secretly glad she had one now. Her opponents would not hesitate to use the weapon, nor would she, if it meant protecting Avery.

Cringing, she glanced at the bloody penis on the forest floor and debated whether a predator might gobble up the evidence. Deciding it was more prudent to turn the disgusting body part into a small pile of dust, she retrieved the phaser and aimed, sending a short burst of energy directly at the warrior’s vile appendage.