Contributor: Contributor, #1

Chapter 1

Dara swallowed hard, trying to fight the nausea that threatened her concentration. As she stared at the monitor, the numbers and symbols seemed to swim through her vision, and she blinked several times, forcing herself to focus. Though she was just seventeen, her training as an engineer had begun at the age of three, so she was more than capable of handling the task before her.

This, however, was no mere exercise. If she failed this evaluation, none of her years of hard work and dedication would matter. She would lose her position amongst the Ballasts and would have to take up a menial occupation with the Cores. If she did well, a prosperous future would be well within her grasp.

With one last deep breath, Dara looked at the screen. As she exhaled, she cleared her mind. To her immense relief, once she started to pick apart the problem, she lost all sense of her surroundings, her mind completely focused on unraveling it and implementing a solution.

At first glance, the problem appeared to be simple, but Dara knew the engineers wouldn't lob anything quite so easy at her. Because she had been first in her class, they would want to test the limits of her abilities, so she continued examining the schematics in front of her, her mind working rapidly to diagnose and analyze the problem. She ran through a couple of scenarios, rejecting several possible solutions until, finally, everything clicked into place. Breaking into a wide grin as her fingers flew over the interface, she implemented her solution. It was tempting to pump her fist in the air when the machinery resumed its smooth operation, but she managed to restrain herself—barely.

Almost instantly, a door opened and a tall, imposing man entered, followed by two women and one other man.

Pupil Morrow, I'm Head of Engineering Andersen, and these are my subordinates, Senior Engineers D'Angelo, Walters, and Chen, the tall man said.

Stunned, Dara hoped she wasn't gaping. She'd had no idea the Head of Engineering would be supervising her evaluation, which was a good thing. Had she known, she'd have been even sicker with apprehension.

P-pleased to meet you, Dara said, cringing internally at her stutter. She offered her hand first to Andersen, who shook it with a bruising grip. Each of the others shook her hand in turn, and Dara tried her best not to squirm as they studied her.

Due to the high level of aptitude shown by your evaluation results, you have been selected for a specialized apprenticeship program. You and two other candidates will spend a year under the tutelage of the senior engineers. The highest performer may earn the opportunity to become my assistant, Andersen announced, his eerie blue eyes skewering her with a keen gaze.

Oh, thank you, Head of Engineering Andersen. This is truly an honor, and I'll work very hard to prove myself worthy, Dara said. She fought to remain composed as a giddy combination of relief and excitement washed over her.

I will expect you tomorrow morning at six-thirty sharp, when you will begin your training with Contributor D'Angelo. A word of caution to you, Pupil Morrow: you must operate at your peak each and every day. I expect nothing less than a stellar performance from you. Andersen's eyes met hers, and Dara had the disconcerting sensation that his gaze bored straight through her, stripping away skin and bone, muscle and sinew, until all that remained was her very essence, her innermost thoughts. She tried hard to suppress a shudder and thought she saw Andersen's mouth quirk, as if he had noticed her discomfort.

I assure you, sir, I will not disappoint you, Dara vowed. The thought of working with this towering, blond, imperious man was dismaying, but she wouldn't allow this to show—she couldn't. She knew full well that becoming the Assistant to the Head of Engineering would mean big things for her. If she had to work herself half to death in order to impress him, so be it. Nothing mattered more than securing her future with Magnum.

I will see you in the morning. He examined her for another excruciating moment before turning smartly and leaving the room.

Congratulations, Apprentice Morrow, Walters said, smiling warmly.

We'll see what you can do tomorrow, Chen added, a muscle in his cheek twitching. The two shook her hand and left the room.

I'll escort you to the exit, D'Angelo offered. Her face betrayed nothing, and Dara's stomach quaked. The senior engineer was taller than Dara, her dark hair pulled back in an immaculate twist. Her face would have been devastatingly beautiful were it not for the cold expression in her dark eyes. As D'Angelo turned, Dara shivered.

They wound their way through the corridors of headquarters, Dara peeking into every window as inconspicuously as possible. Though apprehensive about her severe master, she tried hard to contain the excitement that made her feel as if she would fly apart. She couldn't believe that she was actually here, in Magnum's headquarters, that she would become a part of its team. Her head spun as she thought about her acceptance into the elite apprenticeship. She couldn't imagine a more perfect beginning to her career.

They reached the exit, which led into the thoroughfares ringing the dome. D'Angelo closed the door gently behind her.

Be prompt tomorrow, D'Angelo instructed, smiling and nodding at a passing Contributor before turning back to Dara, all trace of the smile gone. Dara suppressed a shiver of apprehension.

I will, she promised.

Head of Engineering Andersen is a man of many talents and one of Magnum's most valued Contributors. He has high expectations and misses little, D'Angelo said, emphasizing the last two words. You must be meticulous. Each syllable was like a hammer blow, and Dara forced herself to stand up straighter.

Of course.

I'll see you tomorrow.

D'Angelo went back into headquarters, leaving a stunned Dara staring after her. It took her a moment to get her feet moving, and she headed over to a window, collapsing against it with her back to the outside world. She twisted her hands nervously as she waited for Jonathan.

He grinned widely as he exited headquarters a short time later, and she knew his evaluation had gone well. She wanted to jump up and down, but refrained from showing such a lack of decorum.

How did it go? he asked. He tucked her hand into his arm in a familiar, proprietary way, and they began walking home.

Head of Engineering Andersen and the senior engineers supervised my evaluation, she said.

His eyes widened. That's fantastic!

She nodded, unable to keep a smile from spreading over her face. Ducking her head, she tried to maintain an air of professionalism. I've been accepted into the elite program.

I knew it! His voice was quiet but emphatic. You deserve it.

Warmth spread through her chest, and she squeezed his arm. Let me guess: you've been chosen for the elite logistics program. She couldn't resist using a teasing tone.

Jonathan was one of the smartest, most gifted students in their class, and he had a very promising future ahead of him. She knew many suspected this was the reason she dated him. After all, everyone vied to make the best possible connections. But Dara's feelings for Jonathan were very genuine.

Yes, he answered, turning his head so only she could see his grin.

How could they not choose you? I'm so proud of you.

And I'm proud of you. See, I told you there was nothing to worry about.

You were right. There's no reason at all to worry. His happiness was infectious, but she couldn't suppress a slight feeling of unease, though she tried her best to ignore it.

Chapter 2

Show them your strengths in order to illuminate others' weaknesses, Dara reminded herself as she got ready for the first day of her apprenticeship. One of her former instructors had been particularly fond of this motto, and it had immediately struck a chord with Dara. She knew some of her classmates had found this a weak, passive strategy, but it wasn't in Dara's nature to go for the jugular.

Still, there was no way of knowing if this would be an effective strategy, as she had no idea what she was up against. Though she had tried everything, she hadn't been able to find out the identities of the other two candidates. Hopefully, they had been equally unsuccessful.

On the bright side, she and Jonathan had both been assigned to the seven to seven day shift, which meant they could spend their free hours together. While she wasn't thinking seriously of marriage just yet, Dara had known for almost the entire two years that she and Jonathan had been together that they were absolutely perfect for one another. They shared the same values, the same philosophies, and their relationship was smiled upon by everyone whose opinion mattered—most especially that of their seniors at Magnum.

You're not still nervous, are you? Jonathan asked, as they walked to shift.

A little, maybe, she admitted.

You have nothing to worry about. Just wait until you're in front of those controls, working with your master. You'll know exactly what to do because you'll be exactly where you were meant to be.

Thanks. She squeezed his arm gently and he placed his free hand over hers.

And you look fantastic, he complimented, shooting her a quick, appreciative gaze.

She blushed. Though he bestowed compliments freely when they were alone, they both usually kept things at a more professional level when they were out in public. After all, they were always representing Magnum.

However, she couldn't deny that she felt fantastic. From her sleek, dark stockings to her fitted black skirt and blazer, she felt every inch the Contributor. She had carefully tamed and smoothed her thick, golden brown hair into a perfect twist at the nape of her neck. Her deep blue eyes were clear; she had gone to bed early to ensure they would be, and she had applied her makeup with a meticulous hand.

You're a very professional representative of Magnum yourself, Dara complimented. He was an unusually handsome guy, with thick, waving chestnut locks and striking green eyes, chiseled cheekbones and perfect lips. His tall, lean frame was meant for his tailored black suit, which added an air of smooth sophistication to his natural grace. There was no doubt in her mind he'd be a smashing success.

He couldn't suppress a smile, though he smoothed his features as he said hello to a friend of his father's. I want to just savor this moment, he murmured.

You should. You've worked so hard for it. For a long, satisfying moment, Dara basked in the golden glow that seemed to envelop them.

As they approached Magnum's headquarters, Jonathan gave her hand one final squeeze before she removed it, allowing it to hang casually by her side. She took a deep breath, drew herself up to her full five feet five inches, and lifted her chin confidently. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a small smile play across Jonathan's mouth.

Good morning, Dara, Contributor D'Angelo said, as they stepped inside.

Good morning, Dara replied. D'Angelo looked rather appraisingly at Jonathan, and Dara decided introductions were in order. Allow me to introduce you to Jonathan Canterly. Jonathan, this is Contributor D'Angelo.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Jonathan, D'Angelo said, extending her hand to him. Her face showed approval at the firmness of his handshake. I've been fortunate enough to work with your father in the past. Please give him my regards.

I'm very pleased to meet you, Contributor, Jonathan said with a smile. I'll give my father your message. I hope you'll both excuse me. I don't want to keep Head of Logistics Gonzales waiting.

Have a productive day, D'Angelo said.

Thank you. You as well, Jonathan replied. He turned to Dara, his warm gaze reassuring. I'll see you tonight.

He has the makings of an excellent Contributor, D'Angelo commented, as Jonathan walked away. Though her words sounded like a compliment, something in her tone gave Dara pause.

Thank you, Contributor D'Angelo. Dara studied her master but could discern nothing.

Please, call me Letizia. You're the daughter of Joshua and Leona Morrow?

Yes, I am.

I understand that your father has been instrumental in streamlining Magnum's accounting processes, and that your mother is one of the managers of information systems.

That's right. It surprised Dara that Letizia was so well-informed. Though her parents were both widely respected Contributors, neither of them worked in engineering. It was a little unusual for Letizia to know that much detail about someone with whom she didn't work closely.

Head of Engineering Andersen and I are of the opinion that knowledge can be quite valuable, Letizia said, apparently noticing Dara's surprise. Come on. I'll take you to him. He'll be pleased that you're early.

Dara wondered if Andersen kept some kind of score, and she tried not to worry. Though Letizia had just offered a certain level of casualness, Dara knew Andersen wouldn't extend the same courtesy. All of his underlings, no matter how senior, would always be expected to address him by his title, never by his first name.

As Letizia led her through the building, Dara's mind raced. Her master was so hard to read, and there was something about the woman that Dara found very disconcerting. She was so distracted that, by the time they arrived at the engineers' floor, she couldn't have said how they'd made it there. She knew she would be hopelessly lost if she tried to find her way back to the front entrance, and she mentally kicked herself for being so lax.

Andersen appeared before them, seemingly materializing out of nowhere, and Dara nearly jumped.

Ah, Apprentice Morrow, Andersen said. I'm pleased to see you arrived a little early for your shift. I approve of initiative. The appraising way Andersen studied her made her extremely uncomfortable.

Thank you, Head of Engineering Andersen, she said, with as much composure as she could muster.

Please, there's no need to be quite so formal. You may call me 'sir'.

Thank you, sir. Dara's palms began to sweat. This man intimidated her as no one else ever had.

Shall we begin? Andersen asked. We have a lot to cover, and chances are you're very ill prepared.

Alarmed, Dara cast a quick glance at Letizia. The faintest of creases appeared between her master's eyebrows as Letizia attempted to conceal a frown.

Then I am eager to defer to your guidance, Dara responded. To her relief, Andersen nodded at her approvingly.

Follow me. He strode off briskly toward a door on the far side of the room.

The bubble of happy anticipation that had been in Dara's stomach all morning hardened into a lump of icy anxiety.

Chapter 3

As she entered the conference room, Dara held her breath. To her immense relief, she had arrived before the other candidates, a fact which seemed to please Letizia enormously. Her master didn't even bother hiding the triumphant look on her face. Andersen sat at the head of the table and indicated chairs to his right.

A moment later, the door to the conference room opened, and Contributor Chen entered. Dara's stomach sank as she saw who followed him.

Ryan LeTour is one of the apprentices? Dara whispered to Letizia, who quirked a brow at her.

Ryan looked at Dara with a rather sour expression, and she smiled sweetly at him in response. He glared at her for a second before turning his full attention to Andersen.

Before Dara could worry too much about Ryan, the door opened again. Contributor Walters entered with Javier Gutierrez, and Dara felt the slightest twinge of relief. Though she hadn't expected the apprenticeship to be easy, her competition made her unhappier than she wanted to admit.

As surreptitiously as possible, Dara studied the other senior engineers. Tall and dark-skinned, with close-cropped dark hair that accentuated her lovely brown eyes and full mouth, Walters appeared to be in her mid-thirties. Dara envied the dignified, confident way the senior engineer carried herself.

Short and wiry, Chen also looked to be in his mid-thirties. His whole body vibrated, as if it couldn't contain his energy. Even the tips of his short, spiky black hair seemed to crackle with electricity.

Welcome, candidates, to Magnum's most prestigious engineering apprenticeship, Andersen said, rising from his seat. With a slight gesture of his hand, the lights dimmed, and the Magnum logo appeared behind him. "As you know, Magnum is a premier Job Creator, and we are all privileged to Contribute to Magnum's success.

Much is expected of Magnum's apprentices, but this is especially true of the three of you. Your evaluation results suggest that you are the cream of the crop. You had best be prepared to work your hardest to prove it.

Andersen fixed his gaze on each of them in turn. When he turned his attention on her, Dara ignored her fluttering stomach and tried to project an air of composure. She let out a nearly audible sigh of relief as he looked away from her.

Understand this: your being here guarantees nothing, Andersen informed them. I have been known to reject all candidates when I've felt they had nothing to offer. It will be up to you to prove to me that this will not be one of those years.

As he continued on in this vein, Dara's throat tightened and her palms sweated. The palpable tension in the room didn't ease until he finally moved on, explaining Magnum's organizational structure. From there, he gave them an overview of each of the projects on which the engineering teams were working.

By the time Andersen began to wrap up, it was already well after two o'clock. Though fascinated, Dara struggled to ignore her rumbling stomach, and she couldn't help but suspect Andersen had intentionally carried on for so long as a means of testing the apprentices' stamina.

We will reconvene in engineering in thirty minutes, Andersen ordered.

Come on, Dara, Letizia said, standing up and gathering her things while Dara remained glued to her seat, dumbfounded.

Uh, right. Dara scrambled to her feet.

I know a spot where we can sit and talk for a while, but we'll need to walk quickly, Letizia said, speaking in a low voice. Dara nodded and picked up her pace in an attempt to match Letizia's much longer stride.

They wound their way through several corridors and, just as Dara became hopelessly lost, Letizia led her into a small alcove between two conference rooms.

I hope you can talk and eat at the same time, Letizia said. If not, don't eat. You need to tell me everything you know about your competition.

A little taken aback, Dara nodded curtly and began yanking her lunch things out, talking all the while. Ryan LeTour consistently scored near the top in my classes. She paused for a second, taking a bite of her sandwich and chewing.

Talk while you chew, Letizia said brusquely, sighing exasperatedly at the expression on Dara's face. Get used to it. There's no time for leisurely eating.

Aren't you going to eat? Dara asked, knowing she was getting off topic.

I never eat during shift—and it would be a good idea for you to learn to do so as well.

Right. Dara's stomach clenched in protest.

So LeTour got high scores, so what? That doesn't tell me anything about him.

He's ruthless, Dara blurted, her face flaming from a mixture of embarrassment and bewilderment.

Now we're getting somewhere, Letizia muttered. Ruthless how?

Ruthless, ruthless: he'll stop at nothing to succeed and he'll get away with it. More than once he was suspected of sabotaging other students, but no one could ever prove it. He knows how to cover his tracks.

So no frontal assaults on him. Letizia pulled her stylus and tablet out and began scribbling furiously. He must have something to lose. We'll have to ferret it out.

Dara blanched. What Letizia proposed sounded every bit as ruthless as Ryan's behavior, and Dara didn't really know if she wanted to play that game. But before she could voice this thought, Letizia moved on.

What about Gutierrez?

I don't know, Dara said honestly. He wants to win, of course, and he's brilliant. But it's hard to tell exactly how he plays the game.

So he's a much bigger threat than LeTour. Fortunately for you, I'm excellent at studying others.

Studying others? Dara asked, mentally kicking herself for sounding like such an idiot.

Yes, Dara. How do you think I got where I am? Surely you've noticed that both Jin and Maxine are quite a bit older than I am. Don't take that to mean that I'm a better engineer. I'm not. I'm just very, very good at playing the game.

I see. Dara suddenly didn't have much appetite left. Sure, she was lucky to have Letizia as a master, but what would happen when her apprenticeship ended and she became Letizia's colleague?

You will. I'll teach you, Letizia said brusquely. "Now come on, we only have ten minutes to get back to engineering.

I'm ready. When Letizia turned away, Dara allowed herself the luxury of a frown as she studied the