Divided Loyalties (Verity Chronicles Book 2): A Cadicle Space Opera Adventure

by T. S. Valmond

  Iza looked at Braedon and back to Trix again. She wasn’t sure how to proceed. If Trix’s own people couldn’t fix her, they were in trouble.

  Braedon sighed, sounding defeated. “We’re doing the best we can, Iz, but until the sphere is permanently off the ship, this virus is going to keep popping up. And, based on what we’ve seen, the longer it’s around, the worse the problems are going to get.” He kept typing as he spoke, working as fast as he could.

  Iza turned back to Trix. “Do you know about my mother?”

  Trix’s head tilted to one side. “I do not understand.”

  “My mother. She’s alive,” Iza said. “Karter found video of my mother. He believes—I think—that she might be alive. She was last seen on Tararia. Is that why you’re taking the ship there?”

  Trix seemed to be processing the information with a frown on her face. Then, she shook her head. “No, your mother is dead.”

  “That’s impossible. The woman in the video that Karter showed me is my mother. She looks just like her.”

  Trix again tilted her head to one side. “No, your mother is not alive. Your father, he is dangerous.”

  What is she talking about? Her father was dead. It was her mother who was alive. Maybe the virus was taking hold again. “Then why are we going to Tararia?” Iza pressed.

  “I will take you where you need to go. You can count on me.”

  Iza wished she could believe Trix, but she couldn’t tell if the virus was taking or her friend. She turned to Braedon again. “Is the ship’s memory compromised by the virus?”

  “Everything is compromised,” Viper replied without looking up.

  “What’s the current status of the ship? Do you have any control of the virus?”

  “We’re putting up temporary blocks around the core systems, and we’re almost finished,” Braedon said. “But, and I can’t emphasize this enough, it is temporary. By the time we reach Tararia, though, I hope to have an idea of how much time it takes for the virus to reenter the systems.”

  “How long until we arrive?” Iza asked.

  “Two hours, ten minutes, and four seconds,” Trix answered.

  At least Trix wasn’t so far gone that she’d activated the independent jump drive, which could have brought even more unwanted attention to their ship. Iza would take whatever small victories she could. “Thanks, Trix. We’re going to help you, don’t worry, my friend.”

  “Once we’ve got the virus contained, we’ll either need to get rid of the sphere or get to where we’re going fast,” Braedon as he switched places with Viper again. He rubbed his hands, and Iza realized they must hurt from all the work they were doing.

  “You two going to be okay with this?” Iza asked him.

  Braedon shrugged and smiled, “Sure, we’ve got this.” His voice lowered and he added, “The kid is amazing, but don’t tell her I said so.”

  Iza smiled. Viper was a welcome addition to the crew. Her skills, combined with Braedon’s, made them a notch above the rest. She was happy to see the two getting along. If only Viper’s sister would come around to accepting her.

  — — —

  >> Agent Anderson, why haven’t you broken cover and returned? If something has happened to you and the independent jump drive has fallen into criminal hands, we’ll be forced to take action. - Ian <<

  It was the fourth message Joe had received from Agent Mandren, and each time it came with the warning that if he did nothing they would take things into their own hands.

  One thing had become clear to Joe: he was more concerned with Iza than he was with his undercover mission for the TSS. He hadn’t known for sure until he’d handed the ancient artifact over to Iza. It was a direct violation of his orders, and it hadn’t phased him. He knew it would mean the end of his TSS career, but he didn’t care. As long as he had Iza, any future would be bright.

  The issue remained, she still didn’t know the truth about him. They couldn’t be open with each other until then. But the window had passed—saying the words now might just reinforcing her distrust of him instead of bringing them closer together.

  I can’t tell her. I need to show her. Actions would be the only way to assure her that it had been necessary to conceal his identity and that he would never betray her trust again. He wasn’t sure how to go about that, only that he must.

  I can’t lose her. I’ll do anything to keep her safe. He’d never expected to give up everything in his life for someone else. For Iza, though, he wouldn’t hesitate. He’d find a way for them to be together. As long as they had each other, nothing else would matter.

  — — —

  When they arrived at Tararia, Trix relinquished control of the ship at last, allowing Braedon to deal with the final threads of the virus.

  With the ship back under their command, they furnished their access to one of the planet’s many spaceports. It was of the few times having two dynastic heirs on board paid off, negotiating better berthing than Iza would ever have been able to secure on her own credit. Karter had established his value back on Hubyria, but each time he helped them, it gave Iza a chance to see him in a new light.

  “We should scout things out,” Braedon suggested. “Start out by going down and do a little shopping, bring back some food, in case the Enforcers are tracking our movements.”

  His uncharacteristic volunteering to get food stuffs allowed Iza to see right through his ruse. “No, it’s best that while the ship is malfunctioning, you remain on board. Especially since there may still be a warrant out for your arrest from Kinterin.”

  The day she’d met Braedon and she mistook him for a criminal holding up a tourist, they’d accused him of stealing nine thousand credits. They’d barely made it off the planet with the Enforcers out to arrest him. It had been about two months since then, but that was hardly long enough for it to be safe to let his guard down.

  “Jovani, Viper, and Raquel will also remain on board, so you won’t be alone,” Iza continued. “Besides don’t you have a project to finish?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light. The fewer people with her the better.

  Braedon squared his broadening shoulders and nodded.

  Iza smiled.

  “I should go with you,” Jovani said in protest.

  Iza figured he might want to meet her mother, but she didn’t have high hopes for their future with his lie still sitting between them. Besides, she didn’t want him there when things would inevitably go poorly. She shook her head. “No, I need you on the Verity in case Mr. Arvonen tracks us back here or the Enforcers come calling. I’d really appreciate it if someone would let the dog off the ship for a bit. He needs a good run.”

  “I’ll see to it,” Jovani agreed. The hurt was written on his face, but Iza appreciated that he didn’t push the issue.

  “Really, the only one who needs to come is Trix,” Iza stated.

  Karter had a smug smile plastered on his face. “I’m not giving up the chance to meet the mother of my fiancée. I led you here, I’d like to see it through. If this is some kind of ruse, you may need me,” he said.

  Now I remember why I don’t like him. Of course, she couldn’t deny their engagement in front of everyone, and that’s why he’d done it. Even so, she didn’t want him along.

  Iza placed her hands on her hips. “This isn’t going to be an engagement announcement. I have some things to say and she’s going to listen.”

  “Your presence at this time would be a hinderance,” Trix added.

  “I insist.” Karter gave Iza a warning look.

  He had the power to make her life miserable and they both knew it. Iza conceded with a nod of her head.

  She had enough to worry about, but if she ran into trouble, him being there might save her. On the flip side, the whole setup of her long-lost mother might be an elaborate trap, though Iza couldn’t imagine why anyone would go to so much trouble. Why would anyone want me? I’m no one.

  With the assignments made, Iza went to the cargo hold with Karter and Tr
ix.

  Cierra was waiting for them, wearing a sunny yellow shift with a sheer overlay. She had an empty satchel slung over one shoulder and her big hair was pulled back into a short, bushy ponytail. “You better give me ample time at the market. I need to replace all of the fresh goods after the malfunctioning refrigerator ruined so much of our stock.”

  “You should have plenty of time,” Iza assured her as she climbed aboard the shuttle. She wasn’t thrilled about Cierra coming along on such a personal excursion, but the shopping trip was a good cover for their visit—and Cierra wouldn’t attract attention in the way Braedon would.

  Trix piloted the shuttle to the surface. Tararia, the seat of the Taran government and home to the High Dynasties, had a beauty all its own. Unlike many of the heavily populated central worlds, the capital planet had intentionally limited development so there were still pristine natural areas outside the gleaming cities. The world illustrated a perfect balance between societal development and reverence for nature in a way few other places had been able to replicate. Much of that no doubt had to do with the immense wealth concentrated on the world; it was easy to make a planet into a paradise when one had the means to ship anything unseemly off-world and make it someone else’s problem.

  As soon as they passed through border patrol at the planetary shield, Trix directed the craft to Agnion, a town in the vicinity of Bael, capital of the less populated Sixth Region. The small continent in the southern hemisphere had large expanses of agricultural area, which furnished the fibers for the finest textiles produced by the ruling Baellas Dynasty’s corporation. Consequently, much of the industry in the Sixth Region was centered around fashion and home goods, with expansive markets selling those wares—and cheap off-world imitations.

  They set the shuttle down in the landing zone for the market where Iza’s mother had been spotted in the video. When Iza exited the shuttle, she could see the tops of the buildings in the town center. She’d been to Tararia on business dozens of times; it was surreal to think she’d potentially been so close to her mother.

  “Now what?” Iza asked Trix, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Follow me.” Trix exited the shuttle.

  Cierra ignored Trix, quick to make her own way to the market. Without a handheld, she’d learned to complete her business quickly in case they needed to leave in a hurry.

  Iza and Karter followed Trix from the outskirts of the town toward the market. Just like the video, the outdoor bazaar was full of life and offered an array of textiles, produce, and other goods for sale, with each stall tended by a shopkeeper determined to find the right price. The smells of baked goods wafted in the air where they stood, and Iza hoped rather than believed Cierra would procure some.

  “Doesn’t that smell amazing?” Karter asked with his nose in the air.

  Iza had her head down, as was her custom in large crowds, and caught sight of a young grifter making his way through the crowd.

  She didn’t say anything as the young boy made his approach but slapped at his hands when they went toward Karter’s pocket. It was only then Karter noticed the pickpocket. He started to say something, but Iza waved a finger in his face.

  “He’s harmless, let him go. He didn’t get anything,” she said.

  Karter didn’t like it, but the incident was quickly forgotten when something caught his attention.

  Iza followed his line of sight and recognized the young man from her dream. He’d dressed in dark green pants and a brown vest over a cream-colored T-shirt. His long, curly hair was pulled back in a band at the base of his neck and braided the rest of the way to the end. She was sure she’d never met him before, but when his eyes met hers a bolt of energy passed between them. His eyes widened in surprise before he disappeared into the crowd.

  “Do you know him?” Karter asked.

  “Yes and no. I think he’s following me. I’ve seen him before, but I’m not sure I believe it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She decided against telling him that she’d dreamed about the young man.

  “He was on Hubyria poking around before Yeaga grabbed me.”

  Karter stopped and stared at her. “Really?”

  “I doubt it’s a coincidence, but I don’t really have time to worry about him. Let’s find what we’re here for and go.”

  Trix stopped suddenly and Iza almost ran into her back. She was staring at a small house beyond the marketplace in a row of similar homes in varying colors of blue.

  “That’s the one,” Iza said. She’d reviewed the video at least a half a dozen times. The small house had two small green bushes out front that bore small white flowers, their fragrance not strong enough to overpower the market.

  The woman she’d seen in the video had been carrying a small shopping basket, which indicated she might pass this way regularly. Still, they could be waiting for quite some time.

  “Trix, what’s the plan here?” Iza asked.

  “She will be here soon. It is market day,” the android replied. “Then you will see.”

  Iza checked her handheld and saw that it was indeed the same time of day as when the video was taken. Perhaps Trix had surmised a pattern to her activities based on information Iza didn’t have.

  For ten minutes, Iza scanned the crowd. It brought her back to the old days when she used to wait around looking for marks, trying to act casual.

  Iza was just starting to get antsy when she spotted the woman the spitting image of her mother, with the same long, curly black hair. Almost every feature was just like Iza remembered; the biggest difference being the carefree smile on her face. Like in the video, the woman strolled through the market, waving and speaking to those she recognized as she passed.

  Her mother passed within a meter of Iza but didn’t take notice of her. How is that possible? Wouldn’t a woman know her own child no matter their age? Iza found herself tense and turned toward her mother like she was a beacon of light.

  Karter put a hand on Iza’s shoulder to edge her forward when her feet refused to move. She shrugged him off and fell into step behind Trix, who followed Iza’s mother without a word.

  Her mother didn’t seem to realize she was being trailed by Iza or her two companions as she strolled along the side streets. The small community that surrounded the marketplace was easily accessible. Each of the row-homes had a miniature garden of its own out front, enclosed by a small, gated fence.

  The older woman’s movements were relaxed and even as she entered into a small yard two blocks from the market, picked a flower from the garden, and walked inside. The home was modest and well-kept, with simple landscaping. Nothing about the place stood out to Iza.

  “Go, learn what you must, to protect yourself from what is coming,” Trix said, keeping her eyes on the door.

  Trix had said something similar when she was malfunctioning before. With her eyes clear now, it seemed more of a warning. Iza wanted to turn around and run, not because she was afraid of the ominous future of which Trix spoke but because she didn’t want to revisit the past. Suddenly knowing the truth seemed far worse than the lie. It was too late. She needed to know why her mother left her and came to Tararia to start a new life.

  Karter and Trix waited on the small walkway leading up to the house while Iza forced herself to approach the door. She knocked twice. No matter what happened next, it wouldn’t end well.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “Good afternoon, can I help you?” the woman asked when she opened the door, still carrying a shopping basket in her arms.

  The world around Iza faded to nothing. The sounds of the market and the birds in the nearby trees couldn’t get through the buzzing in her ears. Iza gaped at her mother, waiting for some sign of recognition. Whatever Trix wanted from this reunion, it seemed they’d have to start with introductions first of all.

  “My name is Iza Sundari.” she waited a moment for the woman to recognize the name. It was obvious she had.

  Her mouth dropped open, and sh
e stared. “Oh my, I never thought I’d see you.”

  “Well, I hate to surprise you, Mother, but here I am.”

  The woman’s face changed, her brow furrowing in confusion as she stared at her. “Mother? Oh.” It seemed the realization that her daughter was standing in front of her had dawned on her all at once.

  “Yes, it’s been twelve years, but I thought you might still recognize me. I haven’t changed all that much. You haven’t,” Iza said.

  “We have much to discuss. Please, come in. Your friends are welcome to step inside, as well,” she said with a nod over Iza’s shoulder to where Trix and Karter stood.

  “No, that won’t be necessary. They already know all they need to.”

  Iza followed her mother inside and noted the interior with some shock. There was nothing inside resembling the woman she had been. Her decorating style had changed from a hoarder of sentimental junk to an absolute minimalist. Iza had played as a child among tons of what her mother called ‘collectables’ that covered almost every surface of their home. It was akin to living in a small shop, where nothing was for sale. This home was different. It was obvious by the care she took to place each item that they had meaning, but none of it was connected to the life Iza had known as a child—no trace of herself or her father. It only drove home the point that her mother had moved on with her life and Iza needed to do the same.

  The older woman evaluated Iza. “I can understand your confusion. It’s been many years, but I should be clear with you now, I’m not who you think I am.”

  “You’re right,” Iza said. “Why don’t we start from twelve years ago when you walked out the door and end around the time you got here.” She kept the emotion off of her face but not out of her voice, which quivered with unshed tears. Iza clenched her teeth, adding as much bite as she could to the words as she spat them out.