Daughter Of Ethos: 0.5 - 1 - 2

by L M Lacee

  Heather asked. ‘What about Mia?’

  Peyton smiled as she said. ‘I contacted her grandmother and aunts. They refused my offer to leave with us. I gave them Adam’s contact details, and I have no doubt Mia will live to be an old lady. Her grandmother and aunts used to be troopers.’

  Heather grinned as she hugged Peyton. ‘I am sure she will, now stop feeling guilty. You have done what you can for Isobel’s daughter, let it go now.’

  ‘Yeah, okay.’

  One night, not long after Melody, Heather, and Darby had moved in and after too many drinks, Peyton told them about Isobel and Mia. The next morning Heather had insisted she call and find out if Mia was well. The last time she had been in contact with Mia’s grandmother had been just after Isobel’s death.

  So with a certain amount of trepidation, she had made the call and been very surprised that Mia remembered her and that Isobel’s mother and sisters were truly happy to talk with her. After that first contact they made regular calls to each other. Sadly Peyton had not been able to convince Mia’s family to leave with them. Mia’s grandmother believed her family’s fight was on Earth, where they would remain. She had smiled with a look of understanding in her eyes when Peyton had told her she was leaving. She had blown her a kiss and sworn they would keep on fighting for when Peyton and the others who left with her, wanted to come home.

  Peyton did not have the heart to tell her she would more than likely never return, instead she had nodded, blown Mia and her family a kiss and said goodbye.

  Melody looked at Peyton. ‘The soldiers need our help as well, what can we do for them?’

  Peyton asked Hawk. ‘Commander, what can we leave them?’

  He inclined his head. ‘I am sure we can find a few things to help your soldiers, General we will talk.’

  ‘Thank you Commander.’

  ‘You are welcome.’

  Peyton looked at Darby. ‘Darby, we will need that announcement to start running when we leave. Oh, and get your people out there, we need one more push to see if we can take any more women with us.’

  ‘Okay, no problem. If we go up to the Warship, what about you and Melody?’

  Peyton smiled. ‘We have guards and if all goes right, a great big shield to hide us. We need to be here for all the new women who are coming.’

  She then smiled at Heather with a wicked look in her eyes that made her nervous. ‘Heather, you can start on the hypo sprays for the Warriors.’

  THIRTY-FOUR:

  Hawk closed his eyes in relief and when he re-opened them, it was to see his squad's attention riveted on the healer. Swallowing his hesitation he asked. ‘Healer Heather, it is finished?’

  Heather nodded. ‘Yes, just last night. I have enough for all the Warriors here and the best thing is, we can make more as we need it.’

  Kerol looked at Hawk. ‘We can have our own young.’

  Lukkas gleefully said. ‘We can perform intercourse.’

  With a look of concern on his face, Willian asked. ‘Does anyone know how to do that?’

  Peyton tried to stifle the grin that wanted to crawl all over her face, just like the one Melody was wearing as she told a horrified Heather. ‘Good luck with that doctor. You of course will help our Warriors with that, right?’

  Hawk looked at a slightly shocked Heather and asked with hope shading his voice. ‘Healer Heather, you can teach my Warriors what to do?’

  Heather nodded her head and cried. ‘Oh, my Stars. I need vids and a stiff drink.’ Then she narrowed her eyes at Peyton, who had her head bowed as she tried to stop the laughter that finally escaped. It did not help.

  ‘Peyton, would you shut the hell up? Darby, your chortling over there is not helping and where the hell is Melody?’

  Willian told her. ‘She left.’

  ‘Coward.’ Heather mumbled.

  She apologized to the Warriors and explained it was just unexpected that she would have to give them a class on sex. And when they asked, she told them emphatically, there would be no demonstrations. This of course amused Peyton and Darby immensely. Heather moved the Warriors on to when and where the instructions could take place.

  Peyton left the house half-way through that discussion. Today her guard detail was made up of six female soldiers. Lately, her detail comprised both male and females. Commander Roeah sent her a message two days ago stating she would be assigned a permanent guard until they left Earth, which Melody would lead.

  Apparently, her wishes on the subject were not required and when she voiced the opinion, that as the Star Daughter, she could look after herself. She was politely told that was what guards were for and he and Melody would prefer she did as they asked.

  Of course Melody had put it more succinctly. ‘Just do it Star girl, or I will make you.’

  Peyton wished her guards good morning, and smiled at Janet Mason, who was her lead, when she asked where they were going.

  ‘We are going to Nina and Fern’s place.’

  The guards spread out as Janet walked next to her and they chatted about the weather and the town. Peyton told her they had moved the departure date, and she needed to see Melody after this was done.

  Peyton liked the tall African-American woman who was beautiful in an understated way. She had a no-nonsense attitude, which was in contrast with her long red and pink braids. Janet used to be in the army and Melody liked her a lot. She told Peyton she picked her to be a guard leader because she was reliable, honest and never gossiped. She knew right from wrong and did not tolerate idiots easily, which she had proved often over the last few weeks.

  Fifteen minutes later Peyton and her guards stood outside the home used by some of their scientists. Peyton looked at the large yellow colonial house with its pretty garden and sighed, then cursed under her breath. She turned to her guards and told them with a sad smile. ‘I am here because we have a traitor.’

  Several of them gasped as Peyton nodded. ‘I know we were shocked as well.’

  ‘You are sure Madam Peyton?’ Janet asked as a former trooper, she wanted to know there was proof.

  Peyton told her. ‘We have irrefutable proof, but we will ask to be positive.’

  Even though Jean had sent her all the evidence she had gathered, she still hoped there was a mistake. And that was why she would verify by asking the doctor directly.

  ‘Janet, if you will accompany me.’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  Peyton asked the other five soldiers. ‘If you would hold the street please and make sure no one comes in.’

  Janet nodded to a soldier who would take over for her and then stood next to Peyton, who smiled slightly and asked. ‘Ready?’

  ‘I don’t want to be, but yes.’

  ‘I know how you feel… I really do.’

  Together they walked to the white front door. Both of them hesitated before entering. Inside was a woman who may have betrayed them and placed them all in jeopardy. Peyton would never have thought it was possible for this woman to have done so. There had been no sign she was unhappy, or that she disagreed with what they were doing. Taking a deep breath, she nodded to Janet who pushed the door open, and they silently entered the small foyer.

  They could hear voices and laughter coming from behind the closed doors leading to the lounge. It appeared the women were in great spirits. Janet quietly pushed open one of the sliding doors to find the huge lounge had been converted into a dining room.

  Only the sisters, Nina and Fern Jones actually lived here. The house over the months had become the communal meeting place, most of the upstairs bedrooms had been turned into computer and study rooms. The other scientists lived in houses throughout the town, but it was no surprise to find thirty-five women here this morning.

  Some wore dressing gowns, others were only in pajamas and still more in street clothes. Today was the first morning in months they were able to relax and enjoy just sitting and talking. Knowing they had fulfilled their duties to help everyone leave with as much information and equipment as
possible.

  Darby had told Peyton that they had finished their assignments ahead of schedule and were all very excited about leaving. All except one, she lived a lie; she had betrayed the women she worked and lived with. The very same women she professed to admire, and called friends. She had betrayed Darby, who had vouched for her and had sworn she was trustworthy.

  When the women noticed Peyton and Janet, they stopped talking and their faces reflected the instant concern that rippled through them all.

  ‘Good morning, ladies. Lead Janet, hold your gun on Doctor Agnes Johnston please.’

  The talented physicist and mathematician felt her heart thump in her chest. She remained seated in her chair and placed her hands carefully on the table.

  Nina asked quietly. ‘Peyton, what is this?’

  Peyton ignored her question and took a vacant chair at the opposite end of the scarred wooden table and stared at Agnes. While Janet stood a little behind and to the side of her, with her gun pulled from its holster and trained on the doctor.

  ‘Now Agnes, if you are thinking Janet will not shoot you, think again. She is a very good shot and will aim to wound and you will still answer my questions. Are we clear?’

  The other women looked at Agnes as she slowly nodded, then they all returned their gazes to Peyton. This was not the affable, kind woman they were all used to, this woman was cold and carried death in her voice.

  No one moved, and no one got up to leave. They all sat where they were with the remnants of their breakfasts on the tables and knew they were witnessing a betrayal.

  Why? Because they were brilliant women.

  Peyton looked down at the table then back up at Agnes, sadness making her voice husky. ‘I really liked you, believed like Darby you would be a fabulous asset to our new life, and that you wanted to help us build a new world. I thought like us you wanted a world with values and integrity, where everyone could eventually trust again. Somewhere we could all have a voice and discover a whole new way of life, not just for us but for generations to come.’

  She sighed dispiritedly as she said, looking at all the women present. ‘We sat in this room and discussed all those ideals over alcohol and good wholesome food. We laughed and quarreled; cried a few tears and raged against the unfairness of everything we had gone through. Mourned those we have all lost and all those we will have to leave behind.’

  Several of the women smiled as they remembered the boisterous, fun filled evenings they had all indulged in. ‘I thought you, Agnes, were one of us. A decent human being.’

  Peyton let her eyes travel over the women in the room again. Seeing their expressions go from shock to disgust and then dawning outrage as she asked the expressionless woman. ‘How could you do it Agnes? How could you turn against us?’

  Nina asked. ‘What have you done Agnes?’

  Fern answered for her, contempt lacing her words.

  ‘She sold us out. Didn’t you?’

  Still the Doctor remained silent, a sneer sat on her lips as her eyes held to Peyton’s.

  Peyton mused. ‘I wonder what they could have possibly promised you.’

  Agnes went to answer and then snapped her mouth closed, making a tight line with her lips, almost like she wanted to make sure nothing spilled out.

  Peyton shrugged as she looked the doctor up and down. ‘No… not willing to tell. Well okay, let me guess then. I should imagine they promised you, your own lab maybe even your own country to rule over. I want to say babies but it is more than likely it was credits and power. The biggest promise I am sure was the right to stay on Earth.’ She demanded sharply. ‘Which was it?’

  Anger seemed to push the words from her mouth as Agnes spat. ‘All the above.’

  Peyton nodded. ‘I see, all very tempting offers, after all they are so trustworthy. You probably never bothered to get it in writing. Sad for you.’

  Agnes raised her eyebrows in the manner she used to indicate she was humoring the person she was talking to, as she said. ‘The offer was more than tempting.’

  She smirked at Peyton as she stated. ‘And I did get it in writing.’ Then she looked at the others who were silently watching and condemning her. ‘Don’t you see? If I stay, I can find a cure and can reverse what has happened. You could all come back… Come home.’

  ‘So passionate.’ Peyton raised her eyebrows. ‘Tell me, Agnes, were you this passionate when you told them I had subverted the Warriors?’

  Agnes grimaced as she sneered. ‘You do have them under your control. Everyone knows that. They are no better than animals and need to be controlled. To be monitored, they are nothing but created robots. Thanikis said…’

  SLAP!

  Nina held her back as an outraged Fern yelled at the woman she had just slapped. ‘How dare you? The most gentle man… men I have ever... we have ever met, and you talk about them like that. You know nothing about what they have endured, what they have fought against. What those assholes like your precious Thanikis have done to them. They are honorable men, unlike you. You traitorous bitch, you are nothing but scum on the bottom of their shoes. You whore.’

  Nina holding a visibly shaking Fern in her arms angrily told Peyton. ‘We knew nothing of this and feel as betrayed as you do.’

  ‘Probably more so, if Darby is any indication.’ Peyton returned as she made sure to meet each of the women’s eyes, letting them see the betrayal she felt in her own eyes.

  Nina looked once more at the disgraced doctor then quietly said. ‘Peyton, she has betrayed and placed us all in jeopardy.’ She looked at her sister and then the other women who stood with her, and at their nods, she said. ‘Whatever your judgment is for this crime, and it is a crime. Not just against us, her friends and colleagues, but the Warriors and everyone we are taking with us. Know we are behind you and support your decision, no matter what it is.’

  Peyton inclined her head toward the women, saying softly. ‘Thank you. I know you have finished your projects and your containers are packed and ready to load. We have moved the schedule up, so if you could collect everything you need and want to take with you. I would feel better if you were transported to a ship today.’

  Nina, without looking at Agnes, said. ‘We are mostly packed. We should be ready to go in an hour.’

  Then she and her sister Fern and the others all bowed, and silently left the room, closing the door behind them. Peyton shook her head. It looked like they had all been getting etiquette lessons from the Warrior. She had a feeling her status as Star Daughter was out of the bag, so to speak.

  THIRTY-FIVE:

  Agnes sat slumped in her chair. Janet moved to place her back against the wall, her gun still in her hand. Peyton helped herself to the coffee on the table, as she waited for the sound of the women leaving the house to fade away. She looked Agnes over and saw a woman with a trim figure who prided herself on having nice legs, which Peyton would admit she did. She also had thick red hair that had a tendency to curl if not straightened, and as opposed to most redheads Agnes had light blue eyes.

  Melody often referred to her as having a permanent snooty expression, because of her high cheek bones and a narrow nose and face. Peyton had never thought that until today, she did however see how Agnes would be Thanikis’s ideal bed partner.

  When she was sure the women were gone except for Fern and Nina, who were upstairs. Peyton placed her cup on the table and told the doctor who sat looking mulishly at her own cup.

  ‘I was arrested yesterday, due I am sure to you passing along information to your lover. Now sadly, for them and probably you, they did not actually find out anything. Also, they will be unable to come to Runnerdale again to search for the Warriors, which is good for us. Of course that leaves you in an untenable position, does it not?’

  ‘No, why would it?’

  ‘Ahh… yeah, it does. See, while I was being questioned, I found out some information from the Ambassadors. Well, actually I got it from their computers.’ Not waiting for her to reply, she mused out loud.
‘It was very enlightening, but that would be just my word on it. So I think you should look for yourself. Take your tablet out Doctor and give it to me.’

  Agnes reached over to her bag on the chair and pulled the tablet out and slid it across to Peyton, who flicked it open. ‘Password?’

  ‘Worldbuilder.’

  Peyton shook her head. ‘Sadly, not now.’

  Agnes’s eyes narrowed at Peyton’s words, she looked toward the impassive Janet and then let her eyes travel back over Peyton.

  She wondered how Peyton St. Hill, a woman with no real redeeming qualities, apart from people liked her, even she kind of admired her. How had she managed to be in this position of power? The woman didn’t have one degree behind her name. Even that socially awkward Darby, who was a hundred if not a thousand times smarter than this woman, deferred to her. Agnes did not understand why all these intelligent, capable women seemed so dedicated to her. There was nothing special about Peyton St. Hill, or at least nothing she had witnessed. It was a puzzle that kept her awake at night, and one of the reasons she had agreed to spy for Thanikis, well, that and her jealousy of Darby.

  Unaware of Agnes’s thoughts, Peyton tapped the password into the tablet, connecting to the mainframe on the Warship. She sought and found the information she was looking for and directed it to Agnes’s tablet.

  With her index finger, she opened the messages between the Ambassadors, then pushed the tablet closer to Agnes, saying. ‘Please read.’

  Agnes took the tablet back and read the conversations as Peyton sipped her coffee. They outlined the plan for Doctor Agnes Johnston to betray Peyton and the people of Runnerdale. Then it stated Agnes had identified the Warriors and suspected they were now living in the towns. She saw that Thanikis had documented everything she had passed along to him, and some things she had guessed at. He had listed every scientist she had told him was here and what their field of expertise was. She also read the information she had given him about raids on universities and laboratories.

  There were details of the information he wished for her to obtain. One of those items was about women arriving at Runnerdale. The transmission to Ian White from Thanikis outlined his plan to intercept women and implant some of them with suggestions.