“I think I can live with that,” Ellie replied with a grimace. “In fact, I think we might have bigger problems,” she added almost to herself as Mikk was still watching the hopper’s progress. Once it was on its way to the repair hangar, the Fhasmyrric pilot rejoined them.
“Do we know anything about those who were aboard the warship?” Mikk asked as they walked to the nearby refuge headquarters.
“It was made to appear unmanned,” the pilot replied, “but there were several passengers in shielded stasis chambers.”
Ellie’s blood boiled. “So not only were they trying to get us to kill more of their prisoners, but they were to spend the last moments of their life in fear.”
The pilot regarded her with an odd look for a moment before nodding. “It is heartening to hear another dissenting voice in regards to the use of stasis.”
“I would think anyone who spent any time in one would agree they’re inhumane,” Ellie replied, just as shocked to hear someone speak out against the advanced technology of her supposedly benevolent race.
“You’ll find that much like certain parts of Earth, those who would speak out are often those with no voice,” Mikk added bitterly. Again, Ellie found herself wondering exactly what they were fighting to restore.
Once inside the refuge, the pilot left to make a report to her superior officer while Ellie and Mikk took the lift to Pendren’s office.
“The pilot. Is she Paisreatta?” Ellie asked as they rode the lift up through the treetops. She’d noticed a symbol, not unlike the one Mikk wore on her flight suit, tattooed on the woman’s neck.
“No, but I understand your question,” Mikk said with a smile. “The crest you noticed is the symbol of the Universal Protectorate, and organization of free Sintarian and Fhasmyrric refugees who recognize that all who remain captives of the Huptsovian Empire, regardless of their birth or station, are equal.”
The lift opened before Ellie could do more than nod, though she found the information interesting and even somewhat comforting. She made a mental note to learn more about the Universal Protectorate at a later time. Specifically, how they might be of help in her fight for a fair and equal system of government for all of Ghowrn.
“Ladies, I am quite relieved to see the both of you unscathed,” Pendren said, standing to greet them as they entered the office. As his eyes turned to Mikk, he lowered them. “I have requested a full inquiry of everyone who knew the prince had been moved. I would like to think that no one under my employ would be as reckless as to let slip the transfer, but I am not ruling out the possibility.”
“I appreciate your cooperation, refuge organizer,” Mikk said with a nod. “Were the refugees scanned for tracking implants?”
“All trackable implants were disabled and removed, though there is always the possibility the technology is beyond us. If I discover a breach of confidentiality, you have my word that it will be dealt with swiftly.”
“Gevandar knows who I am,” Mikk said, lowering her eyes. “It is just as likely that my own recklessness is to blame.”
“Surely that is unrelated to an imperial attack?” Pendren’s tone was uncertain as he looked between the two women. Ellie too turned to Mikk with a questioning look.
“Is it possible?” she asked, unwilling to voice her suspicions without more proof.
“I believe Gevandar is manipulating the situation in a way that works to his advantage,” Mikk replied. “But I do not think he has formed any kind of an alliance with the Huptsovians. If anything, I suspect he is having key information passed to them in an attempt to eliminate his political rivals so that when the Empire is ultimately defeated, he can step in and take over.”
Pendren stared at Mikk with wide eyes. “That sounds despicable even for the errant prince.”
“History would disagree, Refuge Organizer,” Mikk replied darkly.
“Okay, hang on then,” Ellie said, stepping in. “I’m not sure I truly understand what you two are talking about. From everything I’ve seen, this conflict has been pretty evenly matched ever since Sonna was returned to the Alliance. You both make it sound like we can easily defeat the Empire.”
“It is the thought of many that we may now be able to do exactly that,” Pendren explained. “Svoryk was a puppet. Everyone knew this even if we didn’t know to what extent he was under the control of a more calculating presence. Nyessovor is even weaker willed, but without Andressa, excuse me, Andryvessa pulling the strings, we must assume that someone else is.”
“And you believe this to be Gevandar?” Ellie asked. As angry as she was, Pendren’s words worried her more. The idea of another unknown pulling the strings was not so farfetched. Especially given that both she and Ka’griannas had felt something at the last meeting.
“I do believe that Gevandar is leaking information, however, I do not know how or to whom. That, I would like to find out,” Mikk replied.
“Nothing like the direct approach,” Ellie muttered and sent off a request for an emergency meeting of the assembly. She included Gevandar on the message, but said nothing regarding the nature of her request. Certainly, news of the attack would have already reached the capital, so her actions would be more than justified. “I don’t suppose I can hitch a ride back to Korghetia with anyone, can I?”
“I would be honored to personally escort you back,” Pendren said with a nod and turned to Mikk. “Lady Meioak?”
Mikk looked torn and Ellie understood. “You should go see your brother,” she said. “Besides, if Gevandar notices you, he may realize something is up.”
“No, it is best that I accompany you,” Mikk said, shaking her head. “Vonsse will escort me if needed, but as you were with me and ship logs may be requested, it is best that I am in a place where I can be called upon for testimony.”
“That’s smart,” Ellie agreed.
“Well then,” Pendren said, breaking the silence. “Shall we?” He gestured out to the small craft sitting on the landing pad outside the office. Within moments, they were in route back to the Korghetian transit terminal.
Ellie used the brief trip to try and assimilate all that she’d learned, but found her thoughts jumbled. Instead, she spent the time putting together the case she was bringing before leadership. If she played her hand right, it was possible she could get Gevandar to reveal his intentions publically.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take my own route to the capital,” Ellie said as Pendren brought the craft into a hangar inside the private terminal.
“I’d feel better if we were not separated,” he replied, opening the hatch for their exit.
“I know,” Ellie sighed. “I just wish to take the opportunity to clear my head before I am faced with the task of explaining my suspicions to the leaders.”
“Calling the shots now, Eidyn Master?”
Ellie whipped around, surprised and incredibly suspicious to see Prince Gevandar standing only a few feet away.
“Gevandar,” she said with the briefest of acknowledgment. “Were you waiting for my arrival?”
“I have questions.”
“As do I,” Ellie replied. “Most concerning to me is how you would know that I’d be arriving at this terminal.”
At that, Gevandar rolled his eyes. “Your meeting request was stamped with your location. It was not a leap in logic to assume you would be returning with the Refuge Organizer.”
“Was it not?” Ellie questioned, feeling her anger rise. “So somehow you knew that despite the fact that I took a commercial flight to Cald, I would be returning to Korghetia in the private transport of the Sonnan Refuge Organizer? Perhaps then you can also tell me about the imperial warship whose attack is the reason for my change of plans?”
“Enough!” Gevandar bellowed. “I’ll not have my motives questioned yet again by one who deals in secret with traitors to the Alliance.”
“And I’ll not have mine questioned by one so paranoid he would send innocents to their death to protect his precious position of power,�
�� Ellie returned, feeling her fury rise. Gevandar was up to something. That much was obvious, but his method was confusing.
“If you think you can come here and simply take over, think again, true master,” Gevandar sneered, adding derisive emphasis to the title used by the people of Eidyn. “You’re a coward. Worse than a coward. Your primitive ideals prevent you from doing that which is quite literally your only reason for existence.”
“I would argue that I am more than simply a vessel of destruction, but I’m afraid it would fall on deaf and dumb ears,” she shot back. Her face was aglow with anger and disgust, but she hardly gave a thought to controlling her expression. “I see no logic to your decision to start a very public fight, your majesty, but I’m putting an end to it now. If you would like to continue to berate me and my choices, I suggest you do so at the leadership meeting, where we may each air our grievances in an appropriate manner.”
“I don’t think so,” Gevandar said, taking another step towards her. “I’m done with meetings and councils. This ends now.”
As he spoke, Gevandar drew a weapon, aiming at Ellie’s heart. She heard a scream moments before she registered that he’d pulled the trigger. Time seemed to slow down. She didn’t recognize the weapon, but at that range, it didn’t matter. Her life was in danger and there was little chance for survival. Still, out of instinct, she ducked, hands coming up to protect her vital organs.
A dull thud followed and Ellie felt herself knocked to the ground. Seconds later, the world came again into focus and she was assaulted with shouting and screaming as she sat up in confusion, wondering how she was even still alive.
“Oh stars! Ellie! Are you okay?”
Suddenly Mikk was on her knees in front of her, eyes wide with concern, her hair loose and spilling wildly from her hood.
“I… I don’t know,” Ellie replied, blinking as she sat up. “What just happened?”
“Gevandar shot you. He meant to kill, Ellie. He used a very dangerous weapon. One that is overpowered, especially at point blank, but you… Well…”
At a loss for words, Mikk gestured at Ellie, who looked down at her arm in awe. The dull blue was already fading, but there was no questioning what she had seen. In fact, she had seen the same protective armor before. It was the same shielding that had encapsulated Julian to protect his body after he’d been caught outside the airlock on her ship.
“Where’s Gevandar?”
“He fled, the gresch!” Mikk spat. “As soon as he realized what happened he ran like the coward he is. Pendren followed, as did security. I hope they find him.”
But Ellie was barely listening. She flexed her arm, acting on a once dormant instinct, and the shielding reappeared. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and called forward the command from deep within her psyche. With a faint click that sounded much like shuffling of playing cards, the armor sprang forth, covering her body, clothing and all, in an impenetrable, yet flexible, blueish shell. Just as instantly, she pushed back and it retracted.
“Um,” she said, turning a sheepish look to the befuddled Mikk. “I think we should probably get to the meeting now.”
“Yeah, for sure,” Mikk said, rummaging around in the pack at her hip. “But I think you might want to see this first,” she added, handing Ellie a small round object.
At first, she didn’t understand, but as she noticed the clasp, Ellie realized the item was a mirrored makeup compact, not unlike those sold on Earth. She flipped it open, held the small disc to her face, and nearly dropped it when an unrecognizable, yet too familiar pair of eyes peered back at her.
Chapter 17
In the early evening hours, the capital city bustled with activity. Julian took a moment to shift his features before entering the main avenue near the palace, opting for slight anonymity. Of course, he’d have to shift back if he needed to enter the castle, but for the time being, he decided to see what he could learn on the streets.
Magorium, an always open dining establishment near the palace, was a good place to start. The café was large, always busy, and generally frequented by members of the Leadership council, their employees, and those who followed the political landscape of the Alliance. If there was news, gossip, or speculation of any kind, Magorium was the place to find it.
Julian made his purchase and scanned the long row of tables that lined the avenue. Already there was enough of a crowd that he could keep an ear on conversations as he passed while appearing to be looking for an open table.
His eyes fell on a large group of news reporters who seemed to be in something of a lively discussion. But as he made his way closer, it was obvious Julian wasn’t the only one curious about their discussion. All of the nearby tables were filled. He recognized a few nearby faces as being employees from the offices of some Alliance leaders, meaning he definitely wanted to know what was being said, but it was highly unlikely he would have the chance to get close.
Though just as he was about to move on to the next prospect, Julian spied a lone figure sipping a cup of agila while watching the latest news report on a personal screen.
“Excuse me. Is this chair in use?”
Richard looked up from the news report in his hand and narrowed his eyes. “Disguises in the capital? Is everything okay, Julian?”
“That’s what I’m here to find out,” he replied as he sat. “Also, I thought this was a rather generic face. What gave me away?”
“I’m a director. If I can’t pinpoint which of my actors is which, despite heavy makeup, I wouldn’t be very good. Besides, your voice, even under modulation, is distinct.”
“That is good information to know.” He took a long draw from his beverage, using the moment to observe their surroundings. The nearby group of reporters, who were using a sound shield, much to his dismay, had for the most part paid them no mind. Clearly, their own conversation became heated enough to be mindful of eavesdroppers, but one pair of eyes met his before returning to the table. An Eidyssic and an Earthling would certainly draw attention, but Julian hoped the man’s curiosity was simply that. Nevertheless, he slipped a small disc from his pocket and activated a sound shield of his own. Richard glanced at the disc and back up at Julian, his expression suddenly nervous.
“Is Ellie safe?”
“She is,” Julian assured. “Though it seems you also feel there are those who do not have her best interest at heart?”
Richard’s expression became even more nervous. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure what I believe,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I’m worried, Julian.”
“You are not the only one. El’iadrylline too fears something is amiss. She still clings to the earthly concept of a gut instinct, but I’m afraid her worry is something far more tangible.”
“The Kyroibi?”
Julian nodded and Richard frowned.
“Forgive what is likely blasphemy, but it seems this so-called tool of peace has caused more strife than it’s helped.”
“I can’t fault your observation. The ancients were genocidal elitists who came close to killing off all life in our galaxy. That the tool created to prevent that from once again happening has caused a war among the largest of the remaining systems is troubling, to say the least. And you are by far not the only one to feel as you do.” He looked up again, noting that several nearby patrons glanced nervously in their direction. “Their respect is grudging,” he added. “But even within the Alliance, we are outsiders.”
“I will admit, my own prejudice against you was primarily fear based,” Richard said with a frown as he too noticed the attention they received.
“Understandable, considering all that you knew of me was that I had killed your wife’s first husband at the command of the Emperor.”
“Well, yes, I suppose I was justified if you want to look at it like that,” Richard replied with a nervous chuckle. “But it was more than that. It was the same fear of that which is different that I faced growing up and because of that, I should have known better. I should ha
ve been objective, but I wasn’t. I was prejudiced. I treated you with the same groundless animosity that I purported to stand against. And I didn’t even try to justify or rationalize it, Julian. In my mind, you were different. Too different. It was wrong, and I’m sorry.”
“Your apology is unnecessary, but accepted,” Julian said with a nod of respect for the Earthling. “Recognizing one’s own flawed ideals is difficult enough. Admitting them is admirable.”
“Don’t paint me a saint just yet,” Richard went on, narrowing his eyes in thought. “Just as I was willing to believe you to be the villain, I must confess to turning a blind eye as well.”
“You’re speaking of Isaverlline’s actions?”
Richard nodded. “We have laws on Earth, international treaties and accords, all put in place to ensure that prisoners of war, no matter their accused crimes, are treated humanely. And yet, I accepted my wife’s cruelty toward you as necessary, simply because you were different.”
“Again, you cannot be blamed,” Julian dismissed, carefully considering his next words. “Nor could she, for that matter. The draw of such power is all but impossible for even the most selfless among us to resist. Even now, there are many who would have the Kyroibi employed as a means to an end.”
“Like Prince Gevandar?”
“The Sintarian prince is admittedly shortsighted in his ambitions.”
Richard became uncomfortable.
“Isa is… unhappy with the recent turn of events. She thinks Ellie purposefully set Prince Gevandar up to lose his leadership position in an effort to avoid the marital arrangement.”
“Do you think Isaverlline’s feelings on the matter are influenced by her exposure to the Kyroibi?”
“I wish I could give you a confident yes,” Richard answered honestly. “I’m not happy with her beliefs, but then, I wasn’t keen on the idea of an arrangement in the first place. However, I understand that it is not my place to comment.”
The Princess Rebellion (The Kyroibi Trilogy Book 2) Page 15