There Before the Chaos

by K. B. Wagers

  “Her Majesty also pointed that out,” Caspel said with a smile. “What was not included in the briefing is that Ambassador Notaras spoke with the Pedalion and returned to the empress with a more honest reason for their request yesterday afternoon. They want to call on our alliance—and the assistance they are requiring to fulfill the terms of our alliance is for Her Majesty to provide her experience and knowledge to the Pedalion. They are willing to compensate Indrana for the empress’s absence.”

  I rested my elbow on the table and my chin in my hand as Caspel continued, watching the reactions around the room. There was a little shock, a matching amount of amusement, and frowns of concern from all of the military members present.

  “That is a lot of money,” Caterina said finally, her dark eyes flicking in my direction, trying to gauge my reaction. “Can they afford it?”

  Looks were exchanged around the table and it was Taz who leaned forward, his forearms resting on the edge. “There’s no reason they couldn’t. The Farians have their fingers in a lot of trading, not just here in our stock market but with the Solarians. They run one of the largest medical technology companies in the sector and we import about forty percent of our tech from them. Rumor has it that for some reason Indrana’s prices are far lower than those of any of the other human governments.”

  “We were the first to sign a treaty with them,” Alice said. “That’s always been the reason I heard.”

  “Assuming they can pay us, that much money always has strings attached, even if it’s promised as a fair exchange.” Masami Tobin was the eldest member of the council, her life spared from Wilson’s violent retribution on the matriarchs only because she’d gone to Red Cliff with me for negotiations with the Saxons.

  “I’d say. The Farians would own us,” General Aganey Triskan said, shaking his head.

  “We have been the Farians’ allies for centuries longer than any other humans; even the Solarians can’t claim that kind of longevity. We are technically in a position where we could honor the treaty with the terms they set forth. Princess Alice has been prepped to take over while the empress is on tour, and we all know it’s a tour that could be put aside for something more important like this.” This protest was from Inana, but it was halfhearted, and the frown on her face matched that of her comrade in charge of the army.

  “It feels like they just want you, Your Majesty, but you are Indrana. This makes me uneasy. They want to take you tens of thousands of light-years away from us on what? Just the promise they will bring you home? The fact that they weren’t up front about it in the first place gives me a bad feeling about the whole situation. Why the subterfuge?” Matriarch Vandi asked the question from the far side of the table.

  Sabeen Vandi had been the youngest member of the Matriarch Council before the tragedy, and she’d also been spared thanks to her presence with me for the negotiations with the Saxons. Her time out in the black had wiped some of the naïveté from her personality, and I kept my face carefully neutral when I wanted to grin at the matter-of-fact way she now spoke to me.

  “They think they know you because of the story the newslines all over the galaxy have been playing.” Few people in the room could have gotten away with saying what my heir just announced. Alice’s dark eyes sparkled with amusement as she waved her hands in the air. “‘Intrepid princess becomes famous gunrunner who is dragged home to take the throne’ gives people all sorts of misconceptions about who you really are. They were expecting you to jump at the chance to run again. I’m sure it was quite the shock to her that you said no.”

  I tilted my head in her direction and smiled. “Very much so.”

  “On that note, you’re being unusually quiet about this, Your Majesty.” My cousin Tej Naidu was seated on the left side of the table several people down from me. There wasn’t a single noble family untouched by Wilson’s madness, but Tej had seen her sister executed for betraying the empire and then her mother shot for staying loyal.

  I suspected, like me, she had buried her grief as deep as it would go so she could get up every morning.

  Hooking an arm over the back of my chair, I surveyed the room for several heartbeats before I spoke. “Something about the Shen terrifies the Farians, but there’s more to it than that. It’s not just a matter of the Shen hiring mercenaries. Military estimates from the Farians say they outnumber the Shen ten to one. Their tech is better and they’ve got trade agreements or alliances with other human governments, including the Solarian Conglomerate. Though as Inana pointed out, ours is the oldest.” I shook my head. “But the Solarians are in a far better position to fight a war with the Farians, and their alliance has the same defense clause in it. So why come to us?”

  “The Shen are a threat,” General Triskan said. “In number or a tech breakthrough. Javez seemed like an unimportant footnote in the military histories the Farians have given us access to. His children are already causing the Farians a great deal of trouble.”

  I smiled at the army general. Someone had done his research since getting the notice about the meeting last night. “The Shen are growing their numbers; Caspel has been able to confirm that much. Though we don’t have any firm totals yet. And mercenaries can be bought for the right price, but you don’t trust them to win a war for you.”

  “Why bring them in at all, then?” Inana asked.

  I glanced in Hao’s direction. I knew the answer to this question, but I was curious if my brother did. I knew Po-Sin had to be considering the Shen’s offer. It was foolish to think otherwise. The Cevallas weren’t amateurs and if the credits were enough Po-Sin would join them.

  Which would leave my brother and me on opposite sides of a war.

  “We all know the Farians don’t fly with criminals,” Hao said with a shrug that only I recognized as a shade too nonchalant. “The Shen have to know this. My guess is they’ve waited until now to take advantage of some of the better technology and the larger mercenary outfits. They’ve translated this weakness of the Farians’ into a fighting strategy their opponent won’t be able to defend against. Judging from the recent skirmishes, they were right to gamble. Not to be too blunt about it, but it’s fucking brilliant.”

  I bit my cheek to stop the smile, wondering if Hao was deliberately being more like a gunrunner than necessary just to see some of the people around the table wince. “Hao and I have discussed the possible factions who would be willing take on such a job.”

  Hao nodded. “To go up against the Farians, the Shen have to be paying them well. I’d be more curious where the Shen are getting that money.” He blew out a breath and shook his head. “That’s a lot of credits.”

  “I’m looking into it,” Caspel replied. “We know the Shen look enough like humans that they can blend in. I’d hazard a guess they’re using that to set up businesses—legal and illegal—to fund this war against the Farians. I’ve been compiling what information we’ve been able to gather, and I’ll send that out to all of you after the meeting. If you wouldn’t mind speaking with me after this, Captain Cheng? Perhaps if we pool our resources we will get further.”

  Hao’s smile was surprisingly hesitant as though he expected someone to object, but no one did.

  I waited a beat before speaking. “Indrana has valued our particular alliance with the Farians for a very long time, but they are asking for more than I’m willing to give. I am slated to leave Pashati soon, and Alice will have her hands full here.” I looked around the table, pausing a second longer at the seats Heela and Shivali occupied. “And I fully expect everyone to give her and Taz your full support.

  “As it was pointed out, that much money would save Indrana. That much money would put us forever in debt to the Farians. It’s a higher price than I’m willing to pay, and I suspect most, if not all, of you agree with me. I cannot leave the empire to play advisor in someone else’s war.” I wasn’t going to go into the fact that my gut was still screaming that it was a bad idea to get involved in this. There were a few people here who would under
stand, but the others needed more logical reasoning.

  “Unless Indrana is directly threatened, or attacked, I say we cannot authorize any involvement in this conflict,” Inana said, and heads nodded in agreement around the table.

  “Agreed,” Caterina said. “We could send an ambassador of our own to Faria, but not you, Majesty. No matter how much the Farians may dislike the suggestion.”

  “I will inform Ambassador Notaras of the council’s decision.” I tapped a hand on the table and stood.

  Everyone followed and as they filtered from the room, stopping to say their good-byes to me and Alice, I noticed that Inana and the rest of the Raksha had gathered in discussion on the far side of the room.

  I exchanged a look with Alice, and she intercepted Matriarch Tobin before Masami could reach me. A second look at Emmory had him taking up a stone-faced position no one would dare to cross.

  “How bad is it?” I kept my voice low, even though my BodyGuards and Alice’s were now quietly ushering the remaining people from the room.

  “If we get hit by either side?” Inana made a face. “It’s hard to say, Majesty. We don’t have hard data on the Shen or the Farians. Just a lot of hearsay and estimates. We wouldn’t know where they were attacking or how big a force they would bring. I doubt they could be so foolish as to make a play for Pashati, or even Canafey with the bulk of the Vajrayana ships back there.”

  “I am less concerned about the possibility of us getting involved on the military side of things, Majesty.” This came from Caspel. “We have a tenuous grip on peace here. The empire is on solid, if slightly shaky, ground. We could survive the loss of the Farian alliance, though it would hurt.” He exhaled and shook his head. “We are isolated here in this arm of the galaxy and it has been to our benefit.” He shook his head, the frown marring his hawklike face. “However, if something happens to unbalance peace in the Solarian sector? I don’t know what the result will be.”

  I tapped my fingers against my lips with a frown of my own. “If two alien races want to go to war, I’m not sure anything can stop them.”

  Caspel sent me a sympathetic smile. “My fear is that you’re right on both counts, Majesty.”

  I laid a hand on Inana’s arm before the admiral could follow the others as the meeting broke up. “Where’s Colonel Morri stationed?”

  “Dio?” Hassan’s eyes unfocused for a moment as she checked her smati. “She’s slated to be commander of the palace Marines. I recommended her myself. She’s assigned to General Carter at the Academy until the palace construction is completed.”

  The Royal Marine had been a member of Inana’s own ship when they’d fled Pashati during the coup, but her promotion after our victory meant she’d moved to a new posting.

  “Will you let General Carter know I’d like to see her and Dio at their earliest convenience? Have her get with Alba about my schedule.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “She was with Ambassador Notaras.” I shrugged one shoulder. “I’d like the chance to talk with her more about what’s going on.”

  “I’ll pass it along, ma’am. Am I correct in assuming you’d rather Colonel Morri not know you’re coming?”

  “That would be preferred.” I nodded. “Thanks, Inana, I appreciate it.”

  “You going to tell me what that thing with the prime minister was?” she asked with a smile.

  I glanced around, making sure we were alone in the room. “She said some concerning things about Taz and the Upjas the other day. Caterina is taking care of it, but I figured a little push from me couldn’t hurt.”

  “I’m glad to see you’ve learned how to delegate.”

  “You’re just saying that because I want to punch her in the nose.” I rubbed at my neck. “All joking aside, Inana, keep an eye on her and Heela. I don’t mind them objecting to the reforms, but I swear to the Dark Mother that if you so much as get a whiff of them planning a revolt while I’m gone, you put your boot on them and do it hard.”

  “With a great deal of pleasure, Your Majesty,” Inana replied.

  14

  No.”

  “I’m sure that we could—excuse me, Majesty?” Adora stammered, her gold eyes filled with stunned confusion.

  “I said we cannot help you, Ambassador. I’m very sorry, but the Matriarch Council has confirmed my original decision. This is not a good time for us to leave the empire. My heir has enough on her schedule and I have plans for necessary visits to various planets in my empire.”

  “Majesty—”

  “We value our relationship with Faria and trust that the Pedalion will understand Indrana’s needs. However, we are willing to provide whatever military assistance you may require within our means, and the offer to send an ambassador is still open—”

  “That’s not good enough!” Adora snapped.

  My BodyGuards stiffened. Emmory took a step around my chair so that he was between me and the Farian. I stopped him with a hand.

  “You forget yourself, Ambassador.” I stood slowly, letting my reputation carry the menace in my words through the air. Adora took a step back and I smiled.

  “The Farians have been our friends for a long time, but do not think for one second that I will put the well-being of my citizens, of my empire, to the side just to please the Pedalion. We are not your subjects, and if you wish for our alliance to continue you will remember that. I have no reason to travel across the galaxy, and you certainly have not given me anything worth making such a trip. I know the parameters of the treaty and will gladly follow it; however, Indrana is not beholden to you and I am not your servant to be ordered about. Are we quite understood?”

  “I see.” Adora’s bow was stiff, sharp as a knife’s edge. “Thank you for your time, Majesty. I hope you have a pleasant day.”

  She turned and left the room before I could reply, leaving me staring at the door.

  “Uff, that went well,” I muttered, rubbing a hand over the back of my neck.

  “The only answer she wanted was the one you couldn’t give her, Majesty,” Emmory said.

  “I know.” I sighed. “She’s not going to just let this go, I’d put a lot of credits down on that.”

  “You don’t think the Pedalion will understand Indrana’s need to look after their own affairs first before committing to something as serious as another conflict.”

  “I think they’re not used to anyone telling them no.” I couldn’t shake the unease in my gut even as I forced a smile in Emmory’s direction.

  “Majesty, what if something happens?”

  “Like the Farians or the Shen attacking?” I spread my hands wide and shook my head. “I don’t know. We’ll handle it. I trust you,” I said. “And the others. We’re enough if—Shiva forbid—things go sideways. We’ve all weathered that storm once before. I have faith we can do it again.”

  “I would rather keep you here where it’s easier and safer,” he replied.

  “If you wanted easier and safer you shouldn’t have dragged me home in the first place.”

  “Hush, Majesty.”

  Winking at him, I headed for the door. “We should get moving, I’m hungry.”

  “Majesty.”

  I glanced back, curious at the tone of voice. He’d started to follow me, but was stopped with a hand up and a frown on his face. “What is it?”

  “Message from Trackers Peche and Winston. Elsa Khatri has been apprehended on Solas.”

  “Solas?” I whistled. “That’s rough territory. We have an extradition treaty with them, though, don’t we?” I pulled up the planet on my map. “Huh, she got farther than I thought she would.” Exhaling, I started for the door again. “Tell them good job, Emmory, and to bring her home. She’s already been tried. She’ll be executed once her feet hit Pashati again.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Former matriarch Elsa Khatri had conspired with Wilson to murder my sisters, poison my mother, and put my cousin on the throne. When her daughter had discovered the treachery, she’
d reported it; and when Wilson’s attempt to kill me had failed, Elsa had fled the empire.

  She couldn’t run fast enough or far enough away to escape me.

  “I hate this part.” Cueing up my smati, I commed Zaran Khatri and put her call up on the wall. I spotted Alba slipping into the room and waved a hand at her even as Emmory bent to give her the news.

  “Good afternoon, Your Majesty,” Zaran said, smiling. “What can I do for you?”

  “They found your mother.” There wasn’t any easier way to say it, but I still hated the way the smile fell off Zaran’s face.

  “Good.” The blank expression was in place, hiding any pain the young matriarch might have been feeling. “I’m assuming they’ll bring her home?”

  “We will. I’ve already instructed the Trackers to head back.”

  “We’ll have nothing to say to her, Your Majesty. Nor will we attend her execution. I’ll send a maid to witness if I can find one willing.”

  “We’ll make sure the judge is notified,” I replied.

  “I appreciate it very much.”

  “Have a good day, Zaran.”

  “You, too, Your Majesty.” She nodded, and I disconnected the call, returning my attention fully to my surroundings.

  “I need a minute,” I whispered, heading for the balcony. The wind ripped the tears from my eyes before they could fall down my cheeks. “You vain, selfish woman.” I cursed Elsa’s name, the wind catching that also and sending it flying.

  Zaran had done a good job hiding the pain, but I could still see it. I always saw it in the eyes of the families of all the people I’d sent to die.

  All the traitors, my mother’s voice reminded me.

  “They’re still people and it still hurts.”

  Of course it does. That means you’re human. You don’t realize how often I cried on your father’s shoulder. But you’re the empress, Haili, it’s part of what you do.

  “This is a shit job,” I muttered, staring up at the sky as I suddenly, desperately missed my mother. “I know you’re gonna tell me to stop whining and get on with it. I won’t lie, I wish you were here to do that in person.”