Diplomatic Resurgence (The Empress' Spy Book 3)

by S. E. Weir

  Phina’s eyes watered but she blinked the tears back. Finally, the woman stepped back with a watery smile and led her to the couch then grabbed a tissue.

  “I’m sorry for the waterworks.” She wiped the tears away and blew her nose as she walked to the kitchen.

  Phina glanced over to Will, who sat down next to her as she heard the sink run, but she wasn’t able to do more than open her mouth before his mom was back and settling into the chair across from them.

  “Sorry about that.” She gave Will a smile filled with love before turning to Phina. “So, you’re finally here with us.”

  Phina tried not to fidget as she looked at the woman, confused. “I’m sorry, Will didn’t tell me your name.”

  “Oh, my gracious. Will!” The woman shook her head at her sheepish son before responding. “I’m Fiona Jameson. I’m married to Paul Jameson. Will and Rayna are my recalcitrant children, and I knew your mother.”

  Phina straightened in shock. “You what?”

  Fiona sighed. “I should have handled that more delicately, sweetheart. I apologize. Yes. Your mother and I were friends and talked a lot when you both were younger. We met when she was pregnant with you and I was pregnant with Will. We kept in touch and found we had a lot in common.” She looked at Phina anxiously. “You’ve read your parents’ letter, right?”

  Phina glanced away. “Not yet. I just got it yesterday.”

  “Well, then I won’t go into that.” Fiona shook her head with a frown. “I don’t know what Greyson was thinking by waiting so long. Done is done, and we can’t change that. We can only move forward.”

  Phina saw Fiona’s kind smile, and a memory clicked. “You’re Mrs. Jameson. You taught English when I was nine.”

  Fiona smiled and leaned forward. “Yes, that’s right. English, History, and Art. I moved around different grades as needed, but I loved high school as we could talk literature and history a lot more, along with so many great art projects. Sadly, I wasn’t there when you were in high school.”

  Will rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. “Where do you think I got so many names from?”

  Fiona narrowed her eyes at her son though she also wore a small smile. “And aptly named you were for a historical freedom fighter, an expressive revolutionary painter, a brilliant, eccentric inventor, and an honorable federal judge.”

  Phina smiled as Will gave his mom a look of exaggerated long-suffering. “I know, Mom. I’ll do something brilliant at some point. Aside from Great Uncle Judge Jameson, those guys didn’t get acknowledged until they were dead, so I’ve got time.”

  His mom laughed and gave them both a grin that Phina returned with a smile. Fiona was easy to talk to and reminded her of her mom in a way.

  “Can I ask why we never met before now aside from English class if you knew my mom?”

  Fiona’s smile turned lopsided as she slowly shook her head. “It isn’t my story to tell, sweetheart. Read the letter first, then you are welcome to ask me any questions you like.”

  Phina couldn’t help using one of her new filters, the one that would allow her to sense the mood and intention of the people around her. Will was happy about her and his mom getting along yet anxious about the meeting later. And Fiona... Phina had a hard time not reacting. She had the intention of welcoming Phina and regretted not being able to share. But it was the depth of love the woman felt that caused Phina’s throat to tighten. She blinked back tears.

  She nodded as Fiona stood and flashed a smile at them both before she returned to the kitchen. “Would you like some fresh cookies? And Seraphina, please, won’t you stay for dinner?”

  Will called after her. “Only if we’re okay to eat early, Mom. We’ve got an important meeting to go to later.”

  “Come in here and tell me about it,” Fiona called.

  Will glanced at Phina, and when she shook her head, responded, “Sorry, Mom. It’s classified.” He stood and walked into the kitchen.

  Phina looked at the pictures of their family that were placed in open spaces on the walls and furniture as she followed Will. It was cozy and comfortable. A home more than a place to sleep. She glanced at a small desk over on the side and saw a picture collage, one of which showed a younger Fiona with Phina’s mom. They both looked young and happy, each smiling down at their own baby bundle.

  Phina swallowed and shut down her emotions to give herself a break. She joined Will in the kitchen as he continued, “This is the keep your mouth shut kind of meeting.”

  “Come talk to me about other things, then.” She handed them each a warm cookie with chocolate bits, then drew them to the table for a chat while she finished preparing dinner.

  Phina felt warm inside and realized that she had begun to add another part to her found family.

  Etheric Empire, QBBS Meredith Reynolds, Private Receiving Room

  “So, here we are at your request, Delegate Xoruk.” Link sat back with steepled fingers as he scanned the two Qendrok with a curious gaze. “Please expound on what you told Phina yesterday.”

  Although Link understood the reasons for the approach, he didn’t like it one bit that Xoruk had approached Phina when she was alone. After getting Phina’s message about the impromptu meeting and the topics of discussion, Link’s protective instincts were pinging.

  Xoruk blinked his black eyes and frowned. “Your pardon, but I am not understanding this word ‘expound.’”

  Phina leaned forward from her seat next to Link. “It means to expand on or explain further.”

  “I see.” Xoruk moved his arm positions, but while Link was sure it meant something, he didn’t have a damned clue what it meant and felt too irritated to try to figure it out. The delegate continued. “I can, as you say, expound. I assume Delegate Waters shared with you the contents of that meeting and that she is vadrakken?”

  Link shook his head and glanced at Phina, who also looked puzzled. “She relayed the conversation, but this word ‘vadrakken’ isn’t translating.”

  “Hmm.” Xoruk brought his fingers together much in the same way as Link’s were. “One who brings change to events around her by her presence.”

  Surprised, Link leaned forward. “A catalyst. That’s been suggested before.”

  Nodding, Xoruk continued. “Yes, and with the power she holds, the danger is very real. She is young, so the effect will grow stronger as time moves on and her strength of will increases. Some of those appearing in our history were assassinated before they could gain that strength. This is another reason why Qartan has targeted Delegate Waters.”

  Link glanced at Phina at the same time as Will, who also looked unhappy at the knowledge. Damn it. He knew there had to be a reason for his instincts to act up. Phina attempted to remain impassive but Link could see red creeping up her neck. So, she hadn’t shared everything about the conversation. He would address that later. Link eyed Phina briefly before he turned his gaze to the silent Jokin. “Do you agree?”

  The slighter Qendrok had been staring at Phina, which had made Link, and he was sure Phina, uncomfortable. He turned to Link at his question and gestured to Xoruk in small movements. “It is as Xoruk says. She is becoming a power, and that is a threat to Qartan and his faction. They hold their power tightly to themselves and are jealous of others who hold it. What they cannot possess, they do not allow to exist. It has become their way.”

  “I see. Are the assassins on the table?” Link had encountered them before and didn’t want one after Phina, let alone a whole contingent of them. His fear and anger rolled together inside.

  Xoruk moved his arm position again and bowed his head briefly. As he raised his head, his black eyes held regret. “I’m afraid that Qartan has put the process into motion. This will need to be stopped. This warning is part of why we requested to meet with you once we knew Delegate Waters existed, but we had already decided to seek a discourse before our arrival.”

  This sparked interest in Link. “Oh? For what reason?”

  Jokin answered with a tinge of r
ebuke that set Link’s teeth on edge, but his words pulled the wind out of his sails entirely. “When you disrupted Gazaq’s mission almost a solar year ago and rooted out his group, you set our faction back by ten years. This allowed Qartan to gain more power.”

  Link’s heart sank. That mission had been wearying and difficult, but he had persisted because he had thought he was taking out a terrorist cell. To hear it was the other way around cut into him. He shook his head regretfully. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I was acting on the information we had at the time, which was that a small group was using the station here to subvert their government.” Which was true, he realized. He hadn’t had the information to know they were justified in their rebellion. “The information came from a trusted source. It didn’t occur to me that it might not be accurate.”

  Which brought up a whole other set of issues he couldn’t think about yet.

  Xoruk changed his position and spoke soothingly. “We know. Qartan and his group made sure that you wouldn’t find out. However, we find ourselves without the resources to make the changes we need for our people.”

  Link met Phina’s gaze, which showed sorrow for the loss of their people and his part in it, as well as determination to help. He nodded and turned to see that same determination in Will. Straightening, he nodded at Xoruk and Jokin. “What do you need?”

  Xoruk’s and Jokin’s posture changed, but the intent was clear this time—supplication. Xoruk spoke quickly but clearly, his eyes beseeching. “We humbly and respectfully request the Empire’s aid in overthrowing the faction that has ruled over and oppressed our people. Over the last two decades, Qartan’s oversight has become untenable. We need change and cannot do it from within. The assassins follow the acknowledged leaders, and the rest of us cannot hope to defeat them. Once this is done, if you will have us, we will join your Empire. An agreement between us will not be reached with his faction in place. Their fear and hatred of Delegate Waters and your Empress will prevent it.”

  Link assessed them both for sincerity, then nodded. “We will take your request to the Empress.”

  Etheric Empire, QBBS Meredith Reynolds, Private Sparring Room

  Phina was slammed to the ground, her whole body shocked from the impact. She scrambled to collect her thoughts.

  After concluding their meeting with the Qendrok, Link had asked ADAM for the first available slot to speak with the Empress. The AI had responded that she was available now if they were willing to volunteer as sparring partners. Link had winced and appeared to shrink with dread but agreed.

  Phina hadn’t understood the response then, but she did now.

  Clearly and with up close and personal experience.

  As they’d entered the sparring room, Bethany Anne had pointed at Link and then at Phina. “You talk while we spar.”

  He had hesitated a glance of sympathy toward Phina. Will had been starstruck and hadn’t attempted to speak, only stared at the Empress as if not certain she were real.

  Phina had frowned in confusion at Link’s concern but had stepped forward as her Empress beckoned and settled herself into her ready stance. She had barely twitched when she had been hit by a speeding comet and slammed into the floor.

  Or that was how it felt. Todd’s fist to the stomach back when this began was nothing compared to this.

  Phina stuttered to catch her breath as she stared up at the ceiling, wondering what had just happened. Her body had already begun healing; her mind was taking longer to catch up.

  The beautiful black hair-framed face of her Empress leaned into view, shaking her head. “Now, that’s sad. I know you can do better.”

  Phina wheezed, “Yes, Empress.”

  “I thought I was clear about the ‘Empress’ shit?” Bethany Anne held out her hand to help Phina to her feet. “We are not in a formal setting, so you don’t need that stick in your ass. Call me by my name.”

  Phina nodded wordlessly. She pulled herself up and rubbed her chest, which was beginning to ease.

  Bethany Anne withdrew a few paces and faced Phina with an expectant look. “Continue, Link.”

  Link continued to explain the situation with a somewhat anxious look in his eye. Phina had a feeling the Empress already knew everything he was telling her.

  Shaking herself out, Phina’s thoughts raced. She hadn’t seen the Empress move and she hadn’t had any time to respond. Which meant that as much as she had held back for Maxim and Todd, she didn’t need to for the Empress.

  Phina realized she wouldn’t be able to match the Empress, but at least she didn’t need to worry about keeping herself in check. A smile grew on her face.

  Bethany Anne raised her eyebrow in interest. “Good. You’re getting it. Now stop thinking and let’s go .”

  Phina settled and indicated she was ready.

  Well, as ready as anyone could be when faced with Bethany Anne’s particular method of teaching.

  Phina let herself go. She got in a dodge and two strikes that were blocked before she was on the floor again. “Better,” she heard through the ringing in her ears. She shook her head and got up.

  The Empress paused the lesson to show her a different way to stand. “Here, brace yourself this way when you are fighting someone stronger or with more power. It’s all in the hips.”

  Phina made painful contact with the floor twelve more times, gaining a few seconds more between impacts before the Empress stopped Link mid-sentence, her eyes flashing with anger.

  “What’s the bottom line here? I’d rather not kill half their people if we can help it, but I can’t ignore oppression on their planet, and I sure as shit don’t appreciate being manipulated.” Bethany Anne bared her teeth and her eyes turned red. “That those fuck-knuckles used us to root out a justified rebellion has earned them an ass-kicking aside from the one I intend we give them for what they’ve done to their people.”

  “Well, I doubt it would take an entire half of their people to make your point,” Link ventured carefully. “We could give the faction an ultimatum and leave it up to them whether they wish to die or not.”

  Phina lay still, grateful for the distraction. She gathered the energy to stand, more filling her with every second that went by. She could feel the influx from the Etheric. However, since the connection went mainly to her mind instead of her body, the healing process was taking a few extra steps to facilitate.

  “That works,” Bethany Anne told Link. “Suggestions?”

  Groaning, Phina finally pushed herself up. “Accept revolution or death?”

  Bethany Anne grinned, her eyes fading to black as she let go of her rage. She shook her head ruefully. “I’m told I can’t always go to the extreme measure first. They haven’t acted against us yet, just used us for their ends, so we may need to moderate the verbiage.”

  The Empress paused, her eyes unfocusing. “The Qendrok are leaving right now. Either they caught the two you met with, or they realized they weren’t going to get anywhere with their bullying tactics.” She glanced at the three of them, her eyes flashing red again. “I fucking hate bullies. The faction will submit, or they will die. Their choice. I’m going to send a delegation to state our requirements for peace. You three will go to their planet and take a large contingent with you. You will need enough firepower to show we are serious. Dan Bosse will work with you to organize. This situation may take some time to work through.”

  Phina felt a pang of guilt. Bethany Anne flashed Phina a knowing smile. “After Maxim and Alina’s wedding next weekend should be soon enough and give you time to get things ready. We won’t mess with their wedding. They have delayed their plans enough. Funnel any further updates or requests over the next few weeks through ADAM and I’ll review them.”

  Link nodded with of hint of a bow. “Yes, Bethany Anne.”

  Will almost squeaked something but changed his mind when Link gave him a warning backhand to his chest. He nodded as Link did and gave her a shaky smile.

  The Empress nodded at them in acknowledgment t
hen waved her hand. “Now leave, please. Phina and I have things to discuss in private.”

  Will’s and Link’s gazes darted to Phina, whose eyes had widened, but she slowly nodded.

  “Thank you, Bethany Anne,” Link repeated, then turned to the door. Will copied the actions but mumbled the words “My Empress” with a wide-eyed glance at Phina.

  Holy Shit! Can you believe we have been in a meeting with the Empress? She authorized a huge delegation for us? And you’ve been sparring with her? I could barely see you guys moving! Holy shit!

  She caught the thoughts he practically yelled and smiled, raising an eyebrow. You don’t need to yell, and she can probably hear every word you are saying.

  Bethany Anne’s mouth quirked to the left in amusement. She nodded, confirming Phina’s supposition.

  Will’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Shit!” He paled and hurried out of the room as fast as he could move.

  Phina smiled as the Empress chuckled.

  “Let’s chat.” All traces of humor were gone from Bethany Anne’s demeanor.

  “All right,” Phina replied cautiously. She could only think of one topic the Empress might bring up, and she wasn’t in a hurry to discuss it.

  Bethany Anne looked at her seriously, knowing what Phina was thinking. “I have to do something about your aunt. I heard you’ve visited her and I know what she told you. I also scanned her when we first brought her here after you went into your coma. The only reason she isn’t dead is that her thoughts showed a desire to protect you. Her method was shabby, selfish, and ill-advised, but well-intentioned.” Her voice was steel, but she gave Phina a look of compassion. “You have to know that she isn’t well. She broke when the rest of your family died.”

  Phina felt her throat tighten, but she nodded, her movements stiff. “I know. I also know she loves me. I felt it when I read her mind, but I can’t help being angry with her because she showed it very badly.”