by Terry Mixon
“Compromise is occasionally a bitter pill to swallow, but there are guardrails to ensure that Andrea comes to no harm. In fact, once the five years are done—if she cooperates—her Imperial citizenship could be restored on the recommendation of the Imperial Intelligence director and made permanent.”
“Then why didn’t you lead with that?” Grace demanded.
“Allow me to apologize for my associate’s lack of empathy and common sense.” That was accompanied by a glance at the countess that wasn’t in the least complimentary.
Countess Dayton’s face twisted in anger. “You forget yourself, Still Water. I’m not someone you wish as an enemy.”
“They say a man is defined more by his enemies than his friends, so I’ll take my chances.”
None of his words did anything to erase the fury on Grace’s and Fei’s faces. Kayden’s expression was more urbane, but Andrea could see the fire in his eyes too. She needed to defuse the situation before they did something that they couldn’t walk back.
“It doesn’t matter what the price of failure is because I’m going to succeed,” she said firmly, resisting the urge to stand. “I will become an Imperial Marine. Never doubt it.”
Duke DeSantis nodded, looking a little relieved as the tension in the room came down a notch. “That would be the simplest solution. I suggest that you give this your absolute best effort because you’re potentially blazing a trail for others who might one day come behind you.”
He spared the countess a glance. “There will, unfortunately, be those opposed to your success. They’ll try to trip you up, place obstacles in your path, and hate you for who and what you are. Be better than them because—rightly or wrongly—the Empire will judge those that come after you by your actions.”
Fei nodded slowly and moved her hand away from her waist. The three of them relaxed a bit further and sat again.
The only one in the room who seemed unaware that a potentially deadly fight had just been averted was Countess Dayton. She sat there with her lips curled in disdain.
“Don’t overestimate yourself, One Twenty-Four,” she said with a sneer. “The Imperial Marines are a discerning lot—evidence in this room to the contrary—and I think it unlikely that you’ll make the grade.
“And Imperial Intelligence has an… unsavory reputation. I wouldn’t count on surviving five years under their so-called care. Things like you will always be things.”
“Enough!” Duke DeSantis roared. “You’ve delivered your news, Your Excellency. Retire to your rooms at once, and I’ll come by to speak with you—in detail—shortly.”
The woman rose to her feet and exited the room without a word.
“This is utter bullshit,” Grace growled into the silence. “The Empire is supposed to be better than this. Are we just as bad as the Singularity?”
“Sadly, there are competing interests at play,” Duke DeSantis said. “And nobility doesn’t miraculously grant honor or humanity. Trust me when I say that you’re already a far better human being than that woman, Andrea.
“Grace, you have my word that I’ll make certain that Andrea is well treated if she washes out of Imperial training. The facility that Imperial Intelligence would use if it comes to that will be located on DeSantis, and I will make absolutely certain that there are liberal visitation rights and that one of my representatives would be present at all times to make certain that no harm comes to her. I’m sorry, Grace, but that’s the best I can do.”
He turned his attention to Andrea. “The best solution to this problem, as I said, is absolute vindication. Prove to them just how good you really are, young woman. As of this moment, you’re an Imperial citizen with all of the rights and privileges that entails. You’re going to have one shot at keeping them, so I suggest you impress your trainers.”
Well, that certainly put the load firmly on her shoulders, didn’t it? Not that she intended to fail. She’d do this for herself and for her family, and God save the bastards who got in her way.
3
Even though things had calmed down significantly once Countess Dayton had been ejected from the meeting, Fei wasn’t feeling any better about what she’d heard. She had to keep Andrea away from Imperial Intelligence, no matter what restrictions they might supposedly be subject to.
They had an unsavory reputation and a penchant for exceeding their mandates. Their unofficial motto was “It’s easier to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission.” That attitude infused their organization, and she had to protect Andrea from them at all costs.
Fei believed Duke DeSantis would do everything in his power to make certain that Andrea was taken care of, but Imperial Intelligence couldn’t be trusted. They’d find a way to game the system.
She could tell from the way Grace was scowling that she understood that just as well as Fei did. Kayden had worked for Imperial Intelligence as a source for years, and he didn’t trust them either. In this matter, the three were of one mind.
Her family had been concerned that Imperial Intelligence would try something ever since they’d returned to the Empire with Andrea. Honestly, it had only been a matter of time, and it now seemed that that moment was at hand.
According to the scenario that Duke DeSantis and the Imperial representatives had laid out, Andrea was supposed to get a real shot at the Imperial Marines, but Fei found herself doubting that that was how things were going to work. Imperial Intelligence would benefit significantly more from her failure.
There would also undoubtedly be other forces in the Empire that would dearly want to see someone from the Singularity fail. If any of the genetically altered beings that ruled the Singularity were recognized as a human inside the Empire, that would set a precedent that would have far-reaching consequences for centuries to come.
Sadly, there was nothing she could do to protect her girl from any of that. Andrea was going to be on her own in a hostile universe with only her wits to protect her.
Duke DeSantis had done everything that he could to calm their fears, and she could see his efforts were having an effect on Grace and Kayden. Then again, since she was the group’s pessimist, she’d worry enough for all three of them.
After a few more minutes of de-escalation, the duke rose to his feet with a smile. “I realize that this has been unsettling, but I’d like you all to join me for lunch to celebrate. My chef has prepared something that I think that you’ll like, Andrea.”
The family rose and started toward the exit.
Earl Still Water softly cleared his throat and waved a hand at Fei. She turned toward him and raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, Your Excellency?”
“If you’ve got a few minutes, Lady Na, I’d like to speak with you about a private matter.”
She made her excuses to Grace and the rest before turning back to face the portly nobleman. He gestured toward the table at which he’d been sitting and beckoned for her to join him. She retrieved her tea and sat across from him, both interested and concerned about what he might want.
“I’ve had an opportunity to review your full service record and noted that you were quite an accomplished marine,” he said. “I’m about to make an offer that would allow you to provide some level of protection for Andrea, and I ask that you consider it fully before indulging in any impulses to reject it out of hand.”
That unexpected statement made both of her eyebrows rise slightly, which for her was an expression of pure astonishment. While it was always possible that someone had the pull to see portions of military service records, he was acting as if he’d seen much, much more than just sanitized summaries.
“That’s quite a statement, Your Excellency,” she said slowly. “As I’m sure you’re aware, my military service record is classified, even for Imperial nobility. I can’t imagine under what circumstances you might have acquired it, as it shouldn’t have been part of the consideration of Andrea’s case. I think that you’d best explain yourself.”
“Not an unexpected reaction,” he agree
d with a nod. “First, I have a revelation. There’s more to me than meets the eye.”
He looked down at his large belly. “And by that, I mean more than simply the physical. May I ask what kind of weapon you have concealed at the small of your back?”
“What makes you think that I’m armed?” she asked warily.
“I’m no fool, Lady Na,” he said, his lips curling up into a genuine smile. “When you thought you’d have to defend Andrea, your hand moved toward a weapon. I’m familiar enough with the gesture of someone preparing to wage violence against another.
“Everything I’ve told you and your family today is true but incomplete. Now, as they say, I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours.”
That last made her smile slightly. “It’s been quite some time since I’ve heard that pitch. It’s a good thing my spouses aren’t here, as they might object.”
Before he could respond, she reached under her short jacket and pulled out a miniaturized stunner. She’d paid a lot of money to make sure that no scanner in the Empire could pick it up. Even its power supply was heavily shielded. All of those features made it highly illegal, not even counting the act of bringing it into the duke’s presence.
She slid the weapon across the table and watched the nobleman pick it up. He examined it competently and even removed the power pack to look inside the grip. “A true work of art. The creation of Anton Casey, unless I miss my guess. You acquired this weapon in the last year or so. Certainly no further back than two.”
It took every ounce of willpower to keep herself from reacting. How could a nobleman recognize the work of a highly skilled underworld weaponsmith? That set off every alarm bell in her head.
“Who are you?” she demanded, her voice hard.
The earl put her weapon back together and slid it toward her with much less energy than she’d used to get it to him. Then he reached behind his back and pulled out a stunner that was virtually identical to hers.
“He built this one for me five years ago. As you can see, some of the details in workmanship have improved with your model, and the materials are slightly different, but these weapons were made by the same artisan.
“He does first-rate work. I’ve known of him through cutouts for many years. I suppose that if I really wanted to find out who he was, I could, but that would damage an otherwise exceptional relationship.”
He put his weapon away and smiled urbanely. “I’m exactly who I’ve claimed to be, but as I told you, there’s more to me than meets the eye. Besides being a representative of His Imperial Majesty in this matter, I’m also a roving director with Imperial Intelligence.”
His claim stunned her to her very core. She’d met Imperial Intelligence field operatives in the course of various missions. They were the faces that Imperial Intelligence allowed others to see.
For someone to claim to be a roving director was quite a jump. That meant that he was not only management but senior management. He might very well be the most senior Imperial Intelligence representative on DeSantis if his claim were true.
Rather than say anything, she chose to sit there and sip her tea. He watched her, seemingly unperturbed. He was obviously ready to allow her whatever time she needed to consider his statement.
“I’m somewhat at a loss for words,” she finally admitted. “There’s no way to prove anything you’ve said, so I’m not sure how to react.”
“Duke DeSantis knows who I am. He’s also aware of this conversation and will verify everything I’ve said and will say. You’ve trusted him—with good cause—over the last six years. I urge you to do so now.
“Now, allow me to explain my mission and my offer. The emperor ordered me to make sure that you understand that if Andrea does not make the cut for the Imperial Marines, she will be well cared for. I’m to handle the matter personally in the unfortunate event that it’s required.
“I know that you have no reason to trust me. In fact, as a representative of Imperial Intelligence, you have many sound reasons not to trust me, yet here we are.”
“Why tell me any of this? Now I’m far more concerned for Andrea than I was before.”
He nodded. “That’s understandable. Let me put all my cards on the table, which is a refreshing change of pace, believe me. I think that the Empire would benefit far more from Andrea succeeding than failing.
“Yes, having her on hand for five years would be illuminating, but you’ve already provided quite a bit of information. Detaining her for study gains the Empire very little.
“This business of regarding genetically engineered humans as property is odious and offends me more than I can reasonably express. It smacks of slavery or worse. I want to see that law changed just as much as the emperor does.
“Yet the Imperial Senate is an overly dogmatic organization and a selfish one. Trying to get them to do anything is very much like herding cats. Each and every one of them has their own agenda, and they think far too highly of themselves.”
That almost made Fei laugh. The comment perfectly matched what she’d heard about the Imperial Senate. As a body, they rarely got anything worthwhile done because they were too busy hissing and swatting at one another, just like offended cats.
That wasn’t how government was supposed to work, but when you had powerful people acting in their own self-interest, it was almost inevitable.
“So, now that you’ve shocked me again, what do you really want?” Fei asked. “Why tell me any of this? Andrea’s going to the Imperial Marines, and nothing I can do is going to help.”
“What if you could help?” he asked, leaning forward with a serious expression. “What if you had an opportunity to protect her from people that might wish her harm? A way that didn’t involve that oh-so-deniable freighter you have in orbit if things don’t work out?”
Her mouth dropped open. No one could connect Gamma to them. That just wasn’t possible. They’d been far too careful.
He smiled indulgently. “If one has to spy on someone, one should at least be good at it. I’m sure that no one else is aware of your contingency plans, but they aren’t needed in this case. It would sadden me if I had to track you down, but rest assured that even if I’d been unaware of the ship, I’d have found you.
“Thankfully, our interests align in this matter, and we won’t have to put one another to the test. Allow me to repeat my question. What if you had an opportunity to protect Andrea from people that might wish her harm? What would you do?”
“I’d do it,” Fei said without hesitation. “If I could trust you.”
“You’ll have to make your own assessment of just how much you can trust me, but I’m here to offer you that chance. Andrea cannot know any of this, though. Her success or failure must be on her own. The Empire cannot be seen as meddling, and if she knew you were there, it would damage the accomplishment in her own mind.
“I want you to infiltrate the training battalion that she’s going to be assigned to. I’m making an unscheduled, last-minute change to where she’ll undergo training, so theoretically, none of the staff will be aware that she’s coming until she’s on their very doorstep.”
He smiled grimly. “Even though the original unit was supposedly secret, I know for a fact that several members of its staff were replaced by agents of the opposition. Those people and their backers won’t realize that anything has gone awry until Andrea fails to appear. By then, it’ll be too late to locate her actual unit and place anyone on staff.
“Still, it’s possible that they could bribe someone already there or that some individuals will act on their own to stymie her. To offset that, I’m offering you the opportunity to be embedded as an officer at the battalion level to counter them. Are you interested?”
“They’re going to know who I am,” Fei said. “It’s all in my record.”
“It won’t be by the time you arrive. All references to the raid and your association with Andrea or Baroness Iron Mountain will be temporarily scrubbed.
“Andrea’s
records will also be modified. Her background will be marked as classified at the very highest levels, and few details given. Your identities have been a closely guarded secret since you settled here, for your protection and that of the Empire as a whole. I’ve made certain that remains true.
“Even Countess Dayton didn’t know which system we’d be going to until we arrived here. Now that she’s aware of who you are, it will take some time for that information to get to her co-conspirators.”
He smiled brightly. “Did I mention that she’s part of the cabal determined to see Andrea fail? I’m sure that revelation shocks you, so I’ll allow you time to gasp with dismay before we continue.”
Fei grunted and shook her head. “Shouldn’t conspirators be more… subtle?”
“You’d be surprised how stupid many in the nobility truly are. In any case, she won’t be passing that information along to anyone else for quite a while. I’ve taken the precaution of monitoring her communications. If she tries to send word back to Terra—which I don’t see, since none of the information she’s acquired will advance their cause at the moment—it will simply fail to arrive.
“As will she, though only for a period of time. Her ship—on which I will not be traveling—will suffer an engineering casualty that will strand her in an out-of-the-way system for between four and six weeks. Added to the time it will take the cabal to learn that Andrea isn’t where they expected her to be, that should be enough time for her to complete her training without their interference. That will effectively neutralize the countess.”
Fei ground her teeth. “Why don’t you just arrest her?”
“At this point, she’s done nothing illegal,” he said with a shrug. “Even if I were to allow her to act, her wealth and power would easily shield her from serious consequences. It’s better to foil her and those that think like her. That’s far more punishing in the long run.
