The Offer

Ill definitely get used to this. Daniel Sefor sank down into the black leather couch and took
stock of his surroundings. Crystal clear bulletproof windows framed half of the room, presenting
a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Expensive leather and steel furnishings filled the
space. A state of the art 3-D vidwall dominated the wall behind him.
This lifestyle had his name written all over it. Hed already adjusted to the changes in his
DNA, and in three months, he would have the ultimate status symbolsthe liquidators signet
ring and a new last name. Ninety-eight days until graduation. Ninety-nine until his bank account
ballooned with more money than his father could ever make in his lifetime. More than enough
money for Daniel and Avery.
Are you sure? The words, deep and craggy, filtered through the wall. If his hearing
werent perfected, Daniel never wouldve understood the words. He leaned toward the door, a
force of habit.
Hes the one. Im certain. A second voice younger than the first, familiar. And if not, I
can take care of it. He wouldnt be the first cadet Ive disposed of. Commander Westin.
Daniel took a slow breath. A whiff of leather, brandy, and something else filtered through
his senses. He closed his eyes and inhaled again. Blood. A rod replaced his spine, and he slid to
the edge of his seat.
The door swung open, and Commander Westin strode in, his piercing blue eyes pinning
Daniel with a stare. His baby face and blonde hair were misleading. Underneath lay a brilliant
mind and a will of iron. No one ever underestimated him twice.
Daniel shot to his feet, at attention. Commander, sir.
At ease, cadet. A smile filled Westins face. Unease curled in Daniels stomach. In
fact, take a seat. Get comfortable.
Thank you, sir. Daniel eased back onto the couch, his muscles coiled tight like a spring.
May I offer you something to drink? Westin indicated the side table filled with glasses
and decanters.
Daniel shook his head. He had to relax.
A man of few words, I appreciate that. We can get to business then. Westin intertwined
his fingers. Your GAP scores were rather impressive, young man. Your instructors all have high
praise for you as well. In fact, weve seen scores like yours just once before. Do you know who
that other person was?
No, sir.
Well, youre looking at him. Westins smile grew larger. Your scores resemble mine.
Your recall is almost perfect, your adjustment to the enhancements seamless. And you have yet
to be bested in the one-on-one combat exercises, correct?
Daniels shoulders opened up, and he fought a grin. Yes, sir.
I suspect you already have plans for your future as a liquidator. Am I right? Westin
poured himself a glass of amber liquid and took a slow sip.
The income guarantees Ill never again have to give my idiot father the time of day.
The grin broke through. In fact, the role reversal is the one thing Im most looking forward to.
Westins eyes twinkled. Very good. I thought so. Hence the summons to my personal
quarters. He set his drink down. Your life as a liquidator will provide you with more autonomy
and provision than any other citizen, and for most cadets this lifestyle is enough. However,
youre one of the few who crave even more, which leads to my proposition. Align yourself with
me and a select group of individuals who have higher ambitions.
A group to overthrow the potentate? Dont assume. Make Westin be specific. What are
you getting at . . . sir?
Most of the Council are aging. The potentate himself is nearing seventy-five, though he
doesnt look it. I suspect hes been dabbling in a few enhancements of his own. He waved a
hand. Within the next five to seven years, a power shift will take place, and a small group of us
are forward-thinking enough to begin orchestrating our fates now. We plan to rule Patrisia one
day, and wed like to invite you to join us.
Daniel shook his head, black strands falling into his vision. He brushed them away. It
sounded too good to be true. He was an eighteen-year-old recruit. Talented, yes, but for this?
Not to sound ungrateful, sir, but why me?
Like I said, your record is impeccable, and your profile couldnt be more perfect. With
the right direction, youd make an excellent commander. When the senior members in our group
move up, we plan to promote the others to our current positions here at the Academy or at the
Center. In any other scenario, a liquidator like yourself would have to maintain an exceptional
liquidation record and follow regional orders for thirty years before being considered as a
candidate to lead the Academy. What I am offering you is the chance to lead thousands of
liquidators in less than ten years. You would have power second only to the Liquidator Council
and the Council.
Power over thousands? Who could stand in his way then? No one. Wouldnt Avery be
proud to belong to him.
Westins eyes locked with Daniels again. If you agree, you must make yourself
available to us as we have need of you in the next five to ten years, and you must keep this in
strictest confidence. No one can ever know. My offer expires in thirty minutes. Take some time
to think it over, and I will return for your answer. Westin stood.
Who needed time to think? I accept on one condition.
Westin raised an eyebrow. You assume you are in a position to bargain?
Daniel didnt flinch. He couldnt afford to display a hint of indecision or fear in front of a
man with enhanced senses as honed as Westins. Its not an extravagant condition, and yes, I do
believe my silence and cooperation are worth something.
I could eliminate you now.
He calculated risks and combat maneuvers as he answered. Hear me out before you
make a decision. After all, why settle for a good profile when you could have a perfect one?
Westins face didnt ease. Very well. Let me decide how reasonable your condition is.
He stopped creating an exit strategy. Here went nothing. My brother. He becomes a
liquidator as well. Westin started to protest, but Daniel held up a hand. Not a member of your
group. Not even aware of it or my involvement in his status. Im asking only that he be inducted
into and graduate from the Academy. Everything else is up to him.
Westin pulled out his vidcom, navigating through the system. Noah Jackson Sefor?
Yes, sir.
He looks nothing like you.
Daniels teeth ground against each other before he forced his jaw open. He takes after
our mom.
While you inherited your fathers black hair and blue eyes? Westin smirked. Must kill
you to look in the mirror every day.
Daniel didnt allow himself even a clenched fist. I am not my father.
Westin shook his head, glancing down at the vidcom again. No, your GAP scores alone
prove it. Speaking of scores, your brother completed his placement exam last week. The results
arent public yet of course, and no career assignment has been made. But his final score isnt
even in the same ballpark as yours. Westins eyes narrowed. In fact, they are so dissimilar that
if I didnt know any better I would guess your brother manipulated the system to land himself a
Class Three education position. Though why anyone would choose Class Three is beyond me.
Idealistic idiot. Sure, being a teacher sounded noble at sixteen. But Noah would live
under the governments microscope for the rest of his life, and for what? Endless days spent
regurgitating the Elites pre-made lesson plans to kids who couldnt care less? How utterly mind
numbing. Good thing Daniel was looking out for him.
Westin clicked through to another page. Either that, or hes an idiot.
Dont react. He may not meet the criteria today, but the enhancements will eliminate the
deficiency. You can make a man out of him, and Ill make myself available to the cause. We all
win.
Very well. I like your brashness, Sefor. We have a deal. Your brother becomes a
liquidator, you get unlimited power and resources, and we all get to play an active part in our
futures.
Daniel exhaled, his shoulders dropping. It might take some time, but Noah would thank
him for this. Noah might think he wanted no part of the Elite, but Daniel knew better. He always
had.
Oh, Cadet Sefor, one more thing. Westin pushed a button, and the door opened.
Another liquidator dragged in a trembling, handcuffed man in his twenties. The bulky liquidator
threw the wide-eyed prisoner into a chair and bound his arms and legs. To seal the deal, youll
need to liquidate him.
Daniel stood and cracked his knuckles. Whats the charge?
Does it matter?
No.