by Tony Corden
23
December 16, 2073 - Part 5
PNEUMATICA
Leah and Kate were stopped at the front door of Lord Hammerford’s manor and were politely asked to show their invitations by an elegantly dressed servant Kate identified as the chief assistant to the major-domo. After a quick survey, he passed them over to a footman who led them toward the eastern wing where the large ballroom was located. Leah took note of one of the other servants who’d been watching nearby. As soon as Leah had shown her invitation, he had taken off toward the ballroom almost moving at a run. Frank Emerson would quickly know that the person who stole from him had arrived.
Frank must have been waiting at the entrance to the ballroom because he, followed by Thad and four men, came striding toward Leah and Kate while they were still some thirty paces from the ballroom entrance. Frank stepped in front of the footman and said, “I’ll escort them the rest of the way. You may return to the front entrance.”
The footman nodded politely and headed back the way they’d come. Frank looked Leah up and down and then did the same to Kate. He said, “I’m not surprised to find the infamous Charlotte here. I even guessed it might be you, no one else would have dared steal from me. But you, Paris, or Katherine as you go by here, I never expected you to step out of the shadows where you always hide. Yet here you are, not only stepping into the limelight but doing it as a traitor to your family. I’m sure your father will have something to say about this.”
Leah didn’t say a word but stood quietly with her hands clasped in front of her, the flare at the end of her long sleeves hiding them. She was ignoring Frank entirely and was looking at Thad’s face, waiting to see if there was any sign that he recognised her, but he gave nothing away.
Frank said, “That is my nephew, Thaddeus. He’s the replacement for my son who is not welcome at court anymore. Tedrick suffers recurring nightmares of falling to his death. Thaddeus, this is Charlotte, she is a thief and a murderer. She is about to learn that to take on the Emersons is not only foolish, but it is your worst nightmare come true. Take a good look at her and remember the face, and if you ever see her again, I want you to kill her as painfully as you can.”
Thad looked Leah over and said, “Yes sir. What about my sister?”
Frank said, “Take your sister home. We can’t make a mess here so the rest of us will take Charlotte somewhere quiet and deal with her.”
As Frank stepped forward to grab Leah’s arm, she snapped her arms apart, sending two of her knives into the necks of the henchman on either side of her. Then stepping forward, she blocked Frank’s arm and palming one of her small pistols she lifted her arm and shoved the barrel hard under Frank’s chin, bending his head back and stopping his forward motion. Kate had stepped back from Thad, and she had a pistol in either hand, one was aimed at Thad and the other at one of the remaining men.
Leah still didn’t say anything but continued to push the barrel harder into the soft under-part of Frank’s chin, with the barrel aimed at the back of his head. He had to take a step backwards to take a breath, and Leah followed him, never letting up the pressure. Kate motioned to Thad and the other two surviving members of Frank’s party and said, “Keep your hands where I can see them and move in front of Uncle Frank.”
One of the men was slow in obeying and just stared at her defiantly, so Kate pulled the trigger and shot him in the chest, and then without saying another word motioned again for them to start walking. The group had only moved a few paces when guards came to investigate the noise. Despite being surrounded by guards, Leah kept up the pressure under Frank’s neck and kept walking toward the ballroom.
They were five paces from the door when a small force of Royal Guards blocked the way completely, and a captain yelled, “Stop in the name of the Queen!” His yell was forceful enough to stop Leah’s advance, yet even then she barely lessened the pressure under Frank’s chin. The captain said, “That is far enough, miss. No weapons are permitted in Their Majesties’ presence. Release Lord Emerson into my care, and I assure you I will understand what has occurred before I release either of you. If he has wronged you, then you shall have your justice.”
Kate said, “Captain, my name is Lady Katherine Emerson, and I am Lord Emerson’s niece. If your men take charge of these two, I would have a private word with you and perhaps give some explanation of my companion’s reticence to give her prisoner over into your care.”
The captain nodded to his men and Frank tried to say something, but Leah just pushed the barrel up harder under his chin, cutting off his air for a moment. Kate stepped to one side, and after a short conversation with the Captain, she was escorted into the ballroom.
Almost ten minutes later the captain returned and said, “Captain Charlotte, Her Majesty has expressed a desire to discuss this situation with you. As it is unseemly for you to have weapons in the presence of Her Majesty, might I suggest that you allow my men to take Lord Emerson into custody?”
Ever since she’d attacked Frank, her eyes had not left his face. She looked for anything that might give her a way to force him to release his family’s control of Thad’s will. So far, all she’d seen was fear, the fear of a bully finally being confronted. But as soon as the captain suggested he take custody of Frank his eyes had flashed with hope, followed by satisfaction.
Leah kept the barrel pressed into his neck and said, “Captain, life sometimes sets us upon a singular and undivided path without informing us of the final destination, nor permitting a discussion of its suitability. In such a situation, a poet and philosopher from my world once suggested the individual ought not to go wherever the path might lead, but instead, they should go where there is no path and so leave a trail that others might follow. Let this be the trail I set for dealing with one such as Lord Emerson.”
As soon as she’d finished speaking Leah pulled the trigger, killing Frank instantly. As his body fell, Leah turned to the Captain and handed him her pistol. She smiled warmly and said, “I am pleased with Her Majesty’s invitation, for I had looked with some anticipation for an opportunity to express the high regard in which I hold her.”
She then turned to look at Thad, and the remaining man who’d been with Frank, and then looking into Thad’s eyes said, “Captain, these men are of no account. They are mere lackeys, nothing but hired hands and unthinking witless accomplices. I make no accusation against them and see no point in their being disciplined for the dishonourable, treasonous behaviour of their employer. Deal with them as you will for I have already forgotten them.”
Turning back to look at the Captain she continued, “Now if it is not inconvenient, I would ask that you might escort me right away that we might not keep Her Majesty waiting.”
The captain was unsure how to respond, but in the end, he gave a small bow and offered his arm to escort Leah into the ballroom. As she reached for the extended arm, Thad said, “I will remember you Charlotte. I have burned your image into my mind. I will find you, and I will have justice for this day.”
Leah looked over her shoulder at him and said quietly, “Good, then I will look for you anon, Thad.”
Turning away from Thad, she followed the captain into the ballroom. Despite the confrontation in the corridor the guests were still mingling and chatting quietly. They didn’t appear to even be aware of what was going on. Just inside the door was a servant who was waiting for Leah and the royal guard, who approached them. He said, “Her Majesty was disinclined to make a spectacle of Captain Charlotte and desired to discuss these current matters in a more private setting. The Queen and Prince Albert have retired to Lord Hammersmith’s library. If you would please follow me.”
After a nod from the captain, the servant led Leah and her escort from the room through a side door and then along a wide corridor until they approached a room guarded by two of the Royal Guards. They were immediately shown into the room. Several guards stood around the periphery of the room while the queen and prince were both sitting in armchairs and looking th
rough the documents Leah and Kate had recovered. Kate was seated nearby but was being ignored.
As Leah and the guard captain approached, Queen Alexandra looked up from her reading and watched as Leah made her way across the room.
The captain had offered some advice on protocol as he led Leah along the corridor, and he stopped at the correct distance from the Queen and said, “Your Majesty, in accord with your command may I present Captain Charlotte. She holds a Letter of Marque and Reprisal in your name and is newly arrived from the Aether Worlds.”
Leah gave a small curtsey and dropped her eyes, waiting for the queen to initiate the conversation.
The Queen waited for several breaths to show her command of the situation and then said, “Captain Charlotte, we are pleased to meet you. Your companion, Lady Katherine, was kind enough to pass on to us, in your absence, the gifts you had so graciously prepared. We are pleased with the foresight and kindness showed in choosing such unique and valuable presents. Needless to say, but we find ourselves somewhat at a disadvantage as the only communications we have had concerning you have either declared you a heroic saviour or a depraved criminal. Having our own opinion concerning the nature of your most vehement critic lead us to think the more positive reports might hold true. We desire to discuss these matters in more depth, but first, we have several issues which require clarification.
“First, Captain, where is Lord Emerson at the moment? Do you hold him in your care?”
“Your Majesty, I did enquire if Captain Charlotte might relinquish Lord Emerson into my care, but she did assert quite forcefully her prior claim in the matter of her honour. With a desire for the immediate application of justice, she did discharge her pistol and end Lord Emerson’s current incarnation.”
The Queen raised her eyebrows and said, “Well, Captain Charlotte, you have rid us of this traitor, and for that we thank you. Unfortunately, what at other times is a blessing in the case of those like Lord Emerson has become a curse. For even though we end their lives, they return again and again to haunt us. I fear he still has means to bring us harm.
“My next question is for you, Captain Charlotte. Have you had an opportunity to become fully cognisant of the contents and import of these missives you have so generously relinquished to us?”
Looking up and meeting the Queen’s eyes Leah said, “I have your Majesty.”
The queen was silent for a moment and then said, “I see. Lady Katherine was somewhat reticent to describe the particular situation by which you found yourself in possession of these items. It would please us if you would provide us with a concise explanation of the events.”
“Certainly, Your Majesty, Lord Emerson is a wicked man who brings harm to others for his own profit. I made him a promise that I would destroy him both in this world and in any world to which he might flee. In addition, he has something which is precious to me. In my research into how best to destroy him, I uncovered his piracy and his treason against Your Majesties. It seemed beneficial for both the purpose of his destruction and for the protection of the Crown that immediate action be taken. Lady Katherine most courageously agreed to accompany me in reclaiming what belonged to Your Majesty, that Lord Emerson might be set adrift from royal protection and left open to my hand of retribution.”
The Queen looked disappointed and said, “You freely admit your motivation was first personal, and that the good of the crown a somewhat happy coincidence?”
“I do, your Majesty.”
“And what would you have us do, Captain Charlotte as gratitude for the return of our property?”
“I have no such expectation, Your Majesty. Gifts which come with conditions are misnamed, for in truth, they are nothing more than corruption adorned with flattery.”
“Lady Katherine, have you any expectations regarding the largess of the Crown?”
“Your Majesty, I did not have any expectation until just now.”
“What, pray tell, is this sudden inspiration that has turned your thoughts from charity to mercenary?”
“I would ask that Your Majesty forgive Captain Charlotte her candid and abridged answers to your enquiries. During our short acquaintance, I have found her to be somewhat parsimonious with information. She does not consider her honour subject to the judgment of others and so frequently fails to explain herself adequately.”
Queen Alexandra considered Kate for a moment and then turned to Leah and asked, “Captain Charlotte, would you have taken the same actions irrespective of your personal benefit?”
Leah glared at Kate briefly, then said, “I believe so, Your Majesty.”
The Queen turned to look at Kate and said, “Thank you Lady Katherine for your timely education concerning the Captain.” Then turning to look at Leah she continued, “There is much we must consider from this evening, Captain Charlotte. We suggest both you and Lady Katherine forego the remainder of tonight’s entertainment in the interest of discretion. Tomorrow, or at your convenience, we would have you visit us at the Palace to discuss these issues further.”
Leah and Kate both stood, and after saying goodbye they were escorted by the captain to the driveway where he arranged a carriage to take them to the Herrington.
On the way, Kate said, “What happened to Thad?”
“I asked the guards to release him after I made sure to insult him as much as I could.”
“Why? The next time he sees you, it’s unlikely he’ll show any restraint after what Uncle Frank said to him.”
“That’s what I’m hoping. I want him off balance. I’m trying to create a situation of extreme cognitive dissonance that challenges all the directives he’s been given. Enough internal conflict and I hope they cancel each other out forcing Thad’s self-awareness to resurface.”
“How likely is that to happen?”
“Well, if everything goes as planned then I hope it happens tonight.”
“Tonight, what do you have planned for tonight? Are you going back to the manor?”
“Not exactly but here isn’t quite the place to discuss it. Would you like to come back to my world and I’ll tell you my plan?”
Kate agreed and after deciding on a time to meet they finished the rest of the trip in silence. Leah exited the carriage at the Herrington and Kate continued on to her own hotel. Leah headed to her suite and after making sure all the loot from the Emerson’s Manor was safely put away in her hotel room, she logged out.
THE STORK TOWER
When Leah arrived back in the Tower, Gèng said, “Ivan messaged and he confirmed he has the invitations for tonight. He wants to know what you are wearing. His wife told him he to ask so he wouldn’t embarrass you. Apparently, she thinks that you gate-crashing is the best idea of the year. I talked with Gashka and she said that there is never an ‘official’ theme but the important people always match. She has heard that this year’s unofficial theme is ‘black and light metallic’, so men will be in black and women in lighter shades with gold, silver, and platinum worked into the fabric somehow.”
“I don’t have any idea yet. I was probably just going to wear whatever you suggested.”
“Gashka really wants to talk to you. I think she wants some vicarious payback for years of subtle putdowns.”
“Well, Kate is coming over in half-an-hour real time. Let’s invite Gashka to discuss the matter with all three of us.”
“I’ll invite her. You also had a message from Red. He said that they’ve been warned to end their association with you or have their business destroyed. To prove it could be done, they were warned they wouldn’t have any business for a week. They’ve had no business for the last two days. Tungsten and the others you did the mission with have all been told the same thing. The girl who helped you in Epsilon Serpentus, 映月, has been killed every time she steps onto the public concourse. She has another avatar at Phoenix Major, and she’s had the same thing happen with it. Word is that Brett, the man from Berne, has been rewarded for betraying you and is back in business with larger premises.
I did some checking and the same story is true in Dunyanin. Jason and his friends have been accepted into Clan Y’Haul and are being power-levelled at the moment.”
“I’m writing a message as we speak to Red and asking what I can do to help him and the others. If you can, please find out how to contact 映月and I’ll see if we can help in any way.”
“There is no need to message Red just yet. He said that he hasn’t been told who he can and can’t be friends with since his mother told him he wasn’t allowed to talk with Robby Wilson in grade two. He wants to talk and so do Tungsten and the others. Tungsten is planning on declaring war on Mahigan the Black.”
“See if they can meet here later today or in the morning. If we can find 映月, then maybe we can ask Tungsten and company to be a protective detail or something.”
“I’ve done some detailed analysis of the connections, codes, and neural activity for the last day and a half and the only thing that registers is the unavoidable random noise from imperfections in the cables, thermal agitation, and some unavoidable EMI from the sheer number of connections and signals. It appears random and is so faint that there is no interruption, degradation, or alteration in any way to the signal. Would you like to look at the results?”
“Yes. Let me have a break, and then I’ll look at that while I meet with Kate and Gashka.”
Leah then had a break in her room for fifteen minutes where Mia rechecked her dressings while Leah took her supplements, antibiotics and pain relief.
Leah was a few minutes early for Kate and Gashka, so she started to look at the data Gèng had collected. Gèng had arranged for Gashka to arrive several minutes after Kate to give Leah time to fill Kate in on her plans. Gèng reminded Leah shortly before Kate was due to arrive and Leah walked down to the Podium.
