Jean made a noise of agreement as she rummaged in the kitchen cupboards for plates and glasses. “Even better is that she’s realized it’s not a weakness to lean on us when she needs to.”
She fished around in the fridge and came out with a bottle of wine. She put it on the counter next to the plates and went back to the fridge for a stack of resealable containers, which she put into the closest thing in her kitchen that worked like an old microwave to heat things up. “John and I are just glad she agreed to move them both back in here until she’s gotten the business off the ground.”
“It makes sense when you think about it.” Tabitha collected the plates and glasses and took them to the living room, and she and Jean set everything out on the dining room table. “Plus, it’s better for Merry to know where she’s sleeping every night.”
Jean came in with the food and smirked as she opened the tubs. “That was what made Lillian decide to take us up on our offer in the end. Merry’s staying here a lot at the moment, so it just made sense. Lillian has kept her own place, but she’s letting it out for a little income boost while she’s here.”
The aromas coming from the Chinese food were maddening to Tabitha. She hovered over the table in hopes of an opportunity to grab a nibble before dinner, but Jean fended her off with her serving spoon while she scooped the contents of the tubs onto serving plates.
“One little bite isn’t going to hurt!” Tabitha complained, rubbing her knuckles where Jean had rapped them soundly when she tried to swipe a spring roll.
Jean chuckled evilly. “It’ll hurt you if you keep trying. Wait for Lillian; she’ll be done putting Merry to bed in a few minutes. I want her to have a nice family dinner for a change. She spends so many hours in that office of hers, it’s the least I can do when she emerges.”
Tabitha grabbed a breadstick and sat down to nibble that instead. “That’s nice of you.” She used the bread to point to a couple of dishes. “I did notice that we had a few of Lillian’s favorites on the table.”
Gabrielle uncorked the wine and poured them each a glass. “Family takes care of family; it’s what we do. Like everyone rallied around to help me with the boys that time Eric was away dealing with that situation on Sertjal.”
Lillian returned just as Gabrielle spoke. “I don’t think I know that story, Aunt Gabrielle.” She took in the spread laid out on the table with a bright smile and went over to wrap her arms around Jean. “Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”
Jean blushed a little and waved her off. “It’s only dinner. No effort at all.”
Lillian grabbed a plate and began loading it with a little from each dish. “You were going to tell me about Sertjal, Aunt Gabby?”
Tabitha frowned. “Wasn't that the place with the peace summit that turned out to be a big fat trap?”
Gabrielle pointed her fork at Tabitha. “That's the one. But if Lillian wants to know about that, she can find it in the history books.” Her face became serious. “I want to tell you about another war. The war of motherhood.”
Tabitha snorted, spraying herself with wine. “How is motherhood a war? Kids aren't terrorists.” She took the tissue Jean offered and wiped herself down.
”No,” Gabrielle told her solemnly, “they're worse! Terrorists sleep, Tabitha.”
Jean and Lillian cracked up at that.
“Damn straight,” Jean acknowledged, pulling herself together before she woke Merry. She waved an accusing finger at her daughter. “Our Merry sleeps like an angel once you persuade her that she's tired. You, on the other hand, did not sleep through the night until you were almost five years old. Your dad used to have to walk you around the nursery so you would settle, and the slightest noise woke you again.”
Gabrielle chuckled. “At least you only had Lillian to contend with. My boys were experts in parental torture from day one.”
“That's true. That phase the twins went through of only sleeping one at a time almost broke us all.” Jean's expression of horror made them burst out laughing again.
“That's the story I was getting around to telling.” Gabrielle took a sip of her wine and leaned in, dropping her voice to a slightly spooky timbre. “It was the Year of Many Ops, and Eric was away more than he'd been home. I was still adjusting to life as a stay-at-home mom, and I was epically exhausted.”
“Even with your nanos?” Lillian asked.
“Even with them. The boys were teething, and they hadn't done anything except cry for days. I hadn't slept or washed or even eaten anything nutritious enough to be called food for so long that I was almost functioning as a regular human.
Tabitha leaned over and gave Gabrielle a one-armed hug. “I remember when we came to visit you and the boys. You were pretty ripe, Gabby.”
Gabrielle touched her head to Tabitha’s. “That was the best bath and nap I ever had in my whole life. You all were my heroes that day.”
Jean snickered. “You had that big red mark on your face from where you'd fallen asleep at the kitchen table. I couldn’t believe you were wearing the same robe you’d had on the previous time I saw you.”
Lillian raised her eyebrows at her always-immaculately-dressed aunt. “That’s not like you.”
Gabrielle shrugged. “We can’t be strong all the time. Not without support. From my perspective, I had two teething infant sons and no husband around to give me a break so I could sleep. Until your Mom, Tabitha, and Bethany Anne stepped in to help out, I almost went quietly crazy.”
“Quietly?” Jean smirked. “I remember it a little differently, but that’s okay. I can admit that there were times I went through the same thing. Whenever your dad was away on an extended mission, Lilly, it was difficult to find the right balance between my work and being there for you.” Her eyes became distant as she fell into her memory. “You won’t remember this, but I used to cry when I got home from work and you were already asleep. It broke my heart to know I’d missed out on hearing about your day.”
“I always knew why you had to be at work, Mom. I never blamed you for any of it.” Lillian dropped onto a chair and accepted the glass from Gabrielle. “I worry that Merry might feel differently. I mean, I’m not saving the Empire like you were.” She sighed as she picked through the food on her plate, her normally cool and collected demeanor wavering for once. “I don’t feel like I have any balance at all right now, Mom. The business is taking all of my time, and I’m barely ever home for Merry.”
“Your business needs your attention,” Jean reminded her. “You’re putting the time in now to make that business a success. Once it’s established and you can provide for your daughter, your time will become more your own again.”
Lillian smiled thinly. “I hope so. Practically, though, there are always going to be times like this—especially when we’re approaching a product launch. Time goes out the window, and as far as I can tell? There’s nothing I can do about it.”
Gabrielle nodded. “There are times in life when we have to buckle down and work like hell itself is driving you. Those who truly love you will not only understand, they’ll be there to help and support you through it.”
Tabitha held a hand over her mouth while she spoke with it full. “What Gabrielle said. We’re all here for you, Lillian.”
Jean reached over and covered Lillian’s hand with her own. “You’re never alone. Just like we weren’t when each of us went through the same thing.”
Lillian frowned for a microsecond before her mask of impassivity dropped back into place. “Yeah, but there’s one difference between my situation and yours. Dad and Uncle Eric came back.”
Chapter Twelve
System of the Six, Planet Vietania, Plomerilia, Palace
There was a slight delay at the palace gates when the guards questioned the crew’s claim to an audience. They were suspicious that the appointment hadn’t been there until the day before, and had been waiting to see who was so important that they could circumvent protocol like that.
John, who was wearing his sword and
cape today, stepped in to diffuse the situation. His princely manner appeared to trigger obedience in the guards, since five minutes after he ushered them inside the gatehouse they were heading across the extensive palace grounds toward the castle.
They walked up the wide stone avenue that led from the gates directly to the palace steps. Nickie actually kind of liked the landscaping of the grounds. She’d expected it all to be perfectly manicured and micromanaged but instead, she spied trailing vines and stands of trees that hid summerhouses and pergolas along winding paths. The sound of running water gave away the water features as they passed along the tree-lined carriageway.
The first view of the palace drew a gasp from them all. It was grand—all columns, stained glass windows, and spires like something from a gothic fairy tale.
“It’s…” Adelaide’s voice trailed off, lost for words.
“It’s beautiful,” Grim managed.
Use your comm, Nickie reminded them. Mere, can you hack anything to give us an advantage?
Meredith sniffed her disapproval. I can hack anything on this planet with the potential to be hacked.
I hope you’re not tech-shaming them, Meredith? Nickie teased. We can’t all be shit-hot advanced EIs.
Meredith was mollified. I wasn’t kidding, Nickie. The palace is relatively low-tech. They haven’t got anything that can keep me out.
Nickie tilted her head to look at the palace from close up. Every stone looked to be hand-carved. The windows had the same hand-crafted look. Shit, this place must have cost a few fortunes to build. Do not break a thing.
Everyone murmured their agreement as they ascended the steps.
They went under the portcullis and into the grand atrium, where they were shown to an anteroom by an aide and told to wait to be called for their audience with the queen.
A short time later, a tall, thin man entered the anteroom from a door opposite the one they’d entered by. “Her Majesty will see you now. This way, if you will.” He held up a hand when they all rose to follow. “Just the captain and one other. The rest will have to wait here.”
Queen-in-waiting Cynthia McLeod was a vision in black lace. Her mourning garments were haute couture from the heart of the Federation. The queen did not acknowledge them at first. She lounged across her throne with her feet dangling over the wide armrest.
The young queen continued what she was doing on her datapad until Nickie coughed pointedly. Then she looked up, which the aide took as his cue to announce Nickie and John.
He waved Nickie forward. “Your Majesty, this is Captain Meredith Dakkar and Marius Regis from the Silver Line Trading Company.”
The queen was unimpressed. “What do they want?” she asked the aide. She glanced in Nickie’s direction. “They don’t look like they’re any fun. Can’t you take care of it?”
Meredith, I’ve changed my mind. We’ll take this one out instead.
Nickie…
Joking, Mere. I’m joking. Sort of.
The aide was clearly used to handling the petulant queen. “Unfortunately not, my queen. This matter requires your attention.”
Cynthia pouted. “What’s the point of you if I have to deal with boring stuff?” She reluctantly sat up and waved dismissively at Nickie and John. “Very well, get on with it then.”
Nickie didn’t get a chance to start. The door to the side of the throne opened and a woman breezed through, her attention on the datapad she was reading. Cynthia’s guards didn’t react to her presence.
That’s Jolie, John told her.
What is she doing here? Nickie frowned. And why aren’t the guards bothered? I thought they were rivals?
Things got even more surreal a moment later when Cynthia turned to see who had entered the throne room. “Jolie! Good! Now that you’re here, you can deal with these traders.”
She got up and hooked an arm through one of her guard’s. “Come on, boys. I’m done here. Jolie is much better at all this boring stuff, don’t you think?”
The guards covered their discomfort with her flirtation as she led them away.
Jolie gave the crew an apologetic smile. “My apologies for this. My sister will hear you in just a moment.” She ran after Cynthia to stop her from leaving the throne room.
They heard Jolie speak a moment later. “Cynthia, we talked about this.”
“But I don’t want to!” the queen whined. “I have a party to get ready for.”
Jolie put a hand on Cynthia’s shoulder and turned the younger woman back to face Nickie. “Just listen to what they have to say. I’ll be around if you need me, but you know I have no authority to approve any trade agreement.”
“Fiiiine.” Cynthia flounced back to the throne and sat down huffily.
Jolie nodded. “I’ll be in the blue room.”
Nickie didn’t trust herself to keep the dislike out of her tone, so she nudged John forward. You should take this. Be princely or some shit.
Aren’t you technically royalty as well? he complained.
Nickie raised an eyebrow at him. You’ve met my uncle, right? Do we act like fucking royalty? Get in there and do whatever you need to do to get her interested enough to keep us around. I want to talk to the sister.
John took a hesitant step toward the queen. You owe me one for this.
Nuh-uh, Nickie corrected. You insisted you could be useful, and this is you being useful. Suck it up, sweetheart.
John sighed and made his way to the throne. Cynthia was much happier to deal with a handsome man than she had been to listen to Nickie. She simpered while John laid the compliments on as thick as butter.
The aide sighed as Jolie swept past, a beacon of efficiency who was there one minute and gone through the door behind the throne the next.
Nickie leaned in to whisper to the aide, “Is this how things work around here?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” He looked down, red-faced. “I shouldn’t speak so freely.
Nickie patted the man’s bony shoulder. “Whatever. I’m not judging.”
The aide sighed as Cynthia let out a high-pitched giggle at something John said. “If you want to get anything done around here you have to go through Jolie. It’s going to be hell once the mourning period ends and she’s crowned. That’s as much as I’m willing to admit.”
“So they’re rivals in public, but in private Jolie runs everything.”
“Not just here. She’s responsible for the health care reforms, the education reforms, and the favorable trade deals we’re going into the Federation with. The people have filed a petition asking for Cynthia to abdicate in favor of Jolie, but Cynthia was raised by her mother to hold onto the crown by whatever means.” He sighed again. “It’s sad, really. She doesn’t enjoy the role.”
Nickie saw exactly what tactics Cynthia employed. She held court with John and her male guards, flirting at an expert level that had all of them hanging on her every word. John flicked a glance Nickie’s way, and she glared at him to remind him of the reason they were there.
He grimaced an apology and turned back to Cynthia. He said something and Cynthia looked at Nickie with barely concealed impatience.
She stood and waved at the door Jolie had disappeared through. “Let’s get this over with. Jolie should have the room ready by now.”
Jolie was just arranging a tray with drinks when they entered the meeting room.
Cynthia flounced in and dropped into the chair at the head of the table. She fluttered her eyelashes at John and patted the seat next to hers. “Marius, you can sit by me.”
Nickie snickered when John obeyed. She took the seat at the other end of the table so she could get a read on both sisters without being seen to stare.
Cynthia continued to flirt outrageously with John, who was doing an excellent job of looking like he was enjoying the attention.
Jolie gave them a glance and turned to Nickie. “You have some mining technology we might be interested in.”
Nickie was grateful for a reason to look away. She no
dded. “Post-Empire ore extractors.”
Jolie was interested. “Post-Empire? You mean Federation?”
“I said what I meant.” Nickie smirked at Jolie’s confused look. “This tech bolts onto the existing machinery you have and is guaranteed to improve efficiency by a minimum of thirty percent. A little more if the machine was Empire-made.”
Jolie’s eyebrows went up. “That’s a huge increase in yield. It could make a huge difference to our economy if what you say is true. Can you back these claims up?”
“Of course,” Nickie replied. She appreciated Jolie’s straightforward approach. “We can set up a demo at your convenience.”
“What about cost?” Jolie looked Nickie straight in the eye. “If it’s going to be prohibitive, save us both the time now.”
Nickie shrugged. “I have to make a living, but my price will be fair.”
Jolie gave Cynthia an impatient glance. “Cynthia, are you listening to this?”
Cynthia affected a yawn. “Yes, but I’m bored. Can we just buy the technology from them and go to dinner?” She laid a hand on John’s arm. “You’ll join me for dinner, won’t you, Marius?”
John turned bright red. “Oh, um…yeah. Sure.”
Jolie sighed. “We can’t just buy it without knowing if it works, Cynthia.”
Cynthia pouted. “So why do you need me to be here?” She stood and grabbed John by the hand. “Come with me, Marius. I’m going to show you how royalty lives.”
Nickie would have been annoyed about not being invited if she hadn’t wanted to speak to Jolie further. She snorted. “Yeah, Marius. Tell me how the other half lives when you get back.”
Jolie also stood to leave. “Captain Dakkar, would you like to make arrangements for your demonstration now? I can have someone bring us dinner.”
Nickie nodded. “That would be great, thanks, but my crew has been waiting a while.”
Jolie put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, I arranged for them to be given a tour of the city at night. They left just after Wilhelm collected you from the anteroom.”
Deuces Wild Boxed Set: Books 1-4: Beyond the Frontiers, Rampage, Labyrinth, Birthright Page 70