Daughter Of Ethos: Deadly Betrayal Book 5

by L M Lacee

  ‘Wonderful, Peneria, can you arrange a time for us to meet along with anyone else that needs a crash course on the Capital?’

  ‘Done.’

  She then turned her attention to Ipeara. ‘Ipeara, will you come?’

  Astounded at the request, Ipeara nodded. ‘Of course Madam, I am your pilot.’

  Peyton smiled. ‘You are, but even for you, this mission is voluntary.’

  ‘I did not know that. However, I will still come.’

  ‘Good, you will be my only pilot. We will bring others for the rest. Oh Rose, I forgot.’

  ‘On it, we will have a fleet of vehicles.’

  Netta asked. ‘Does the Capital have shuttles?’

  ‘Sort of like flying cars.’ Peneria answered. ‘You will see.’

  ‘Cars?’ Darby asked her, a little amused at the Terran term and especially with Peneria using it.

  ‘I read.’ She looked at Darby, who nodded, not at all intimidated by the tone.

  ‘Of course you do.’

  ‘Ipeara, can you pilot them?’ Peyton asked while Darby and Peneria stared at each other.

  ‘Yes, Madam.’

  Peyton said. ‘So as it stands Ipeara, only I and Commander Hawk and Commander Netta can change that order. Do you understand?’

  Hesitantly, Ipeara nodded her understanding.

  Peyton explained. ‘If someone demands, you are to be relieved of piloting my craft, you check with me or the Commanders. If someone comes to you and says they need you to pilot another vehicle for any reason, you check first. I do not care if they have a bleeding wrapped child in their arms and are screaming at you that the child is dying. Check with one of us. In fact, think of any scenario that would demand you are not to pilot for me or are needed to pilot someone else and then remember you are to check first.’

  Ipeara nodded and Peyton said softly. ‘That includes Peneria or anyone you deem in authority like Darby, Melody, Carrick or Esther.’

  Ipeara stared at her for one full min and then she said. ‘Only you and Commander’s Hawk and Netta can change the standing order, which is. I am your Pilot and I am the only one to pilot your craft, no one else.’

  ‘Thank you Ipeara, wear a weapon at all times.’ She looked at the people in the room watching her and said. ‘That goes for everyone, you are to be armed at all times. Those that do not have weapons, you need to see Commander Reeve.’

  Peyton took a deep breath and looked at Netta who gave her a small smile and then Hawk who nodded. She closed her eyes for a min, then said. ‘As you know, I hate to issue orders. Unfortunately, I find myself having to do just that. I am issuing a kill order for the duration of our stay at the Capital. So it goes like this, shoot first, ask questions later. Do not hesitate to protect yourselves, family, or anyone in your care. You will need to explain my order to the Warriors and people you decide to take with us. Make them understand they may have to take a life and the weapons they will be issued are not there to look at. They will need to sharpen their skills or become comfortable with the weapon Commander Reeve issues them with. If they refuse to carry a weapon which is their right, make them aware we will not allow them to walk around without an armed guard.’

  Brenda, Esther, and Helen looked relieved at this statement. Somberly, Peyton told everyone.

  ‘Let’s not fool ourselves, we are not liked, and in some cases we are targets for kidnapping or even death. So strike first if you need too, and we will sort it out later. I alone will be answerable to anything that arises, so do not allow yourselves to be arrested or detained, although if you are we will come for you. If you have to take a life, you will return to where we are staying and give a detailed report to our investigative team. They in turn will then investigate and report to Commander Netta, who will then forward it to me. This will work and we will survive our first visit to the Capital because…’ Her voice became cold and deadly. ‘If I lose any of our people, I will go to war the likes of which this Universe has never seen, so let us try to prevent that.’

  The Star Child chilled the room with their words as they said. We can remove every world in this Universe and rebuild others, what we cannot do is save our Daughter from heartache if you are taken from her. So please take every precaution necessary to see that does not occur.

  ‘So that was scary.’ Penny whispered to Netta, who agreed. ‘Yep.’

  Darby whispered. ‘Told you they liked us.’

  ‘I think they went past like to love.’ Melody said as she eyed a pale, anguished Peyton.

  ‘Am I going?’

  Startled from her thoughts, Peyton asked. ‘What... Why do you ask me these things, are they to test me? You think because you are the Tivna now, you don’t need to come with us. If you think that, think again.’

  Esther said to Hawk. ‘That is a lot of thinking.’

  ‘If only they would.’ Marlo grumbled.

  Esther, Helen and Brenda laughed as Hawk and Karen grinned. Peyton, now with color in her cheeks and her normal sparkle of humor in her eyes, grinned at the equally grinning Melody.

  Darby asked Melody. ‘What about your eggs and your egg pregnancy brain?’

  Heather asked with a decided snap to her voice. ‘Her what now?’

  Penny told her. ‘I am surprised you do not know Heather, apparently it is a thing you get when you are pregnant.’

  Trina asked wide-eyed. ‘Is it, Heather do I have it?’

  ‘Really!’ Patty eyed a blushing Melody.

  Melody squirmed in her seat and with a pleading look toward her begged Peyton for help. Peyton relented and helped her sister out as she told Heather. ‘Heather, we will need to take the Chanderoh with us. I am thinking we will return it to its people.’

  Heather nodded in relief. ‘Thank the stars. Seriously, it creeps me out and I know that is not very scientific.’

  Which caused everyone to laugh, Peyton then said. ‘Hawk, Reeve, Dinas, as you may know your brothers are there or I think they are.’

  ‘Where have they been?’ Dinas asked as Peyton sighed. ‘From what I can gather, they were all captured. How I do not know, some kind of trap, I think.’

  Hawk frowned. ‘It must have been a very good trap.’

  ‘It would appear so.’

  Reeve asked. ‘How did they escape from stasis?’

  ‘Apparently someone released them, they do not know who. One min they were asleep, the next awake and able to climb from their tubes.’

  Frowning with concern, Heather asked. ‘Are they healthy?’

  ‘It seems they are as healthy as the day they were caught.’

  Marlo grunted, then said. ‘Another miracle.’

  ‘So it would seem.’ Peyton agreed, but everyone could tell she did not believe it to be one.

  Darby asked. ‘What is your guess?’

  She shrugged. ‘I think the Star Child helped but I have no proof and they are not saying and truthfully it matters not. The worry is the brothers have not contacted us directly and I am thinking we may have to set up an operation to engage them and find out why.’

  Melody surmised. ‘It could be as simple as they are confused like Reeve was.’

  Hawk said. ‘I think you may be surprised, my brother has made his intentions clear. He will contact us.’

  Peyton shrugged. ‘If you say so, we will leave it with you.’

  Reeve looked around at his family and friends and said. ‘My advice, if you meet either of our brothers, tread warily. I tell you now if you are taken by either of the Elites or even someone else. Stay calm, do as you are ordered, and tell them what you think they want to hear, even if it is against what you believe. We will find you and we will rescue you, but nothing of what you say and do is more important than staying alive. You prove nothing to us or to our Madam by dying.’ He glared at them all as he said. ‘This applies to any situation you find yourselves in. I know none of you like what we as Warriors do, and like you, we would prefer not to go to war. In saying that, we are exceptional at what we do. We
live, train and survive because we do train and we are very good at fighting. So do not go out without us, do not believe any other than your own people. If you are taken we will always come for you. Because you are our family, and no one takes our family from us.’ He looked around at all those that had touched his life in some way and told them. ‘Know this, like our Star Daughter and Star Child. Every Warrior will go to war for every life that is taken from us.’

  Peyton said. ‘Now we know where we stand, there is one more thing. It probably does not need to be said, but I am going to say it, anyway. Terrans, we need to be extra careful when we meet any new Warriors and of course the Coalition soldiers. They will not understand you like our Warriors do. So ladies remember take care how you talk with them. They may not have come in contact with any Terrans, and if they have, none will be like us. But other than that, you have free license on the rest of the world. Do not allow them to look down on you or to treat you as though you are of no consequence. Just remember there is no one there we need to impress. Although first impressions do count, but that runs both ways. Also, if we meet Terran females, I ask you to find out if they are safe and happy and living the life they want. If they are, that is great, if not please find out what you can and we will figure out how to help them. Other than that, have fun, be aware and shop till you drop.’

  They all laughed, more so when they heard the males groan. Peyton stood and said. ‘So that is it, that’s the mission, get out of here, go have a meal and decide what you wish to do.’

  Everyone got up and stretched and talked together as they left. Peyton said to Hawk. ‘Can you talk to the Commanders and all the pilots of Prowler I? Ensure they know we will more than likely be attacked as we get closer to the Capital.’

  ‘You know this?’

  ‘No, like you, I have an expectation. Also Prince Huju of the Raparthen, comm’d with information that our ships may become targets.’

  ‘How is he? I have not spoken with him for a while.’

  ‘I did not talk with him directly, Darby did, and you know how he and Darby get on?’

  ‘This is true.’ Hawk said absently.

  Hearing what Hawk said, Reeve stalled as he made to pass him. He folded his arms across his expanse of chest and his deep voice rumbled out.

  ‘I do not know how he and my Darby get on.’

  Peyton told him as she looked up at him innocently, ‘Oh, I thought she would have mentioned it. They met a long time ago and converse regularly.’

  His eyes narrowed a little, then opened wide when Hawk said. ‘Well they would, they are friends. I mean, he was fascinated with her, especially her hair for some reason.’

  Reeve stormed away as Peyton called after him. ‘Was it something we said?’

  His only response was a muted roar of outrage. Grinning like children, Hawk and Peyton high-fived each other as they watched Reeve stomp from the room.

  Cemeru asked. ‘Why do you torture them both?’

  Hawk said. ‘Probably because we can.’

  ‘They are family.’ Peyton explained. ‘It is what we do.’ She then said as though the incident had not happened. ‘So the Emperor of Patamoglian confirmed that the Capital Governors have arranged a Grand Meeting to discuss the arrival of the Star Daughter in their Universe. He said there is a rumor I am preparing to visit the Capital, then I am apparently going to visit Jenersar.’

  ‘Are we not?’ Hawk asked with raised eyebrows.

  ‘I had not thought to go there in the immediate future, but of course plans change all the time. So Lord Cemeru your brother has been found, are you going to come to the Capital with us?’

  ‘Yes, Kenera likes to shop, also we have been there many times.’

  ‘That is good, with everyone who has been there advising us, we should not be totally ignorant.’

  Hawk asked Peyton. ‘What of Yanarah?’

  ‘Still ongoing.’

  Cemeru said. ‘I thought the Elders were all gone?’

  Peyton replied. ‘We can only hope, but we think there are at least six hiding around the Universe.’

  Cemeru asked. ‘Harmara’s team have gone to Yanarah?’

  ‘Yes, they are making sure any remaining Masters do not think to get it into their heads to take over from the Elders. Or prevent the people from leaving, so far, so good.’

  They watched Jarrod make his way toward them with his arm around Trina, Peyton said to Cemeru. ‘I believe there are some people who have their eyes set on Jarrod and his family to take over Yanarah. They think I will rescind my orders if he does.’

  Cemeru tensed and said. ‘And will you? They will know of his ascension. It was felt when he used his new abilities.’

  Peyton nodded as the couple came to a stop in front of the three of them. ‘Thought as much, Jarrod, I release you and your family to return to Yanarah, if this is something you wish to do. It would make sense.’

  Jarrod looked down at Trina, who was staring hard at Peyton, and softly asked. ‘You think I should return?’

  ‘Hayda no, Maikonia would miss you, we would miss you. My heart would break if you left, but I want you to be happy. I do not want you to stay with us because you feel beholden to me.’ She looked at Trina and Cemeru. ‘Because you must have the freedom to choose your own way in life.’

  Jarrod inclined his head as he squeezed Trina’s waist when he felt her tense. ‘I and my family, all my family choose to stay. Our place of birth holds no appeal for me as it does not for them. My home…’ He looked at his mate and father. ‘Our home is here, so sister of my heart, let us not have this discussion again. My one, I am hungry.’

  He smiled and swept Trina from the room before she could voice her own thoughts, which were plenty and mainly what the hayda was going on.

  Peyton asked Hawk and Cemeru as she stared after the couple. ‘Did I just get told off and put in my place?’

  Cemeru agreed she had. ‘Yes, but very politely.’

  ‘Oh well, if it was polite.’ She grinned, then slipped her arm through his. ‘Second-meal, we should go and see what delights the ladies have waiting for us.’

  Hawk said. ‘I will pass, I have things to see to.’

  She hooked her other arm through his. ‘Not until after you have eaten. There will be time after our meal to start our preparations.’

  Karen smiled as she joined them. ‘I was going to say that.’ She hooked her arm through Hawk’s free arm as they left the conference room.

  Everyone could read the signs of the storm coming their way.

  FIFTY-NINE:

  Peyton sighed, she was a little bored. It was four days since the meeting, and they were still discussing the Capital. Today’s meeting was about how the Capital’s society was structured.

  This world they were going to was solidly set in a class or social system. From what Peyton knew so far, it seemed very reminiscent of old Earth in the times of Kings and Queens.

  The world sheltered the upper society of the Universe, the rich and powerful, Emperors and Empresses. The rulers of worlds and law-makers. Within the houses of the Capital, deals were brokered and wars averted or started. Worlds were overthrown or recolonized. Politicians and Ambassadors worked overtime negotiating for rights to harvest or mine planets for their home worlds. In some instances, Kenera stated they did not care what riches the planet had or if the world was inhabited. Everything and anything was up for grabs.

  Peneria relayed that the world was very different to Prime, there were no Hexes. People either owned apartments in high-rises or stayed in luxury Hutell suites or entire floors of Hutells. When pressed for details she admitted the world consisted of only high-rise buildings. Each level of either the apartment building or Hutell was a symbol of status, telling others what position or rank you were. It told of your family’s wealth and status and how powerful and how much influence your world held.

  What high-rise you shopped at, or were seen to shop at, was reported to the Capital’s first lady and mates of rulers or the r
ulers themselves. If you were seen to be worthy or to have potential, you may be cultivated and allowed to enter their world of influence.

  In the high-rises farther from the center it was the floor you shopped on, which denoted your status. If you were of importance and were seen to frequent an establishment, your patronage could make or break a business. As with everything else in the Capital, a business was only as good as what level they were on and who visited the establishment. It was the same for restaurants and believe it or not food markets, they too, had their own society within their own class system.

  Fascinated, the Terrans were told that there was a very good chance there would be a high-rise devoted to anything they could think of. It was said there was a fifty floor high-rise devoted entirely to spices and another to fabric, and so it went on. Peyton and the others were entranced with the notion of high-rise living.

  While Peneria detailed the vehicles, they would find there. Kenera chewed over a topic that so far had not been raised in this the last meeting before they left in three days.

  Netta never one to let someone stew for long said when Peneria finished describing a one person transport vehicle. ‘Why don’t you tell us what you are thinking about over there, Lady Kenera?’

  She laughed. ‘I am caught and please it is Kenera.’

  Netta grinned as she rubbed Knife’s stomach. ‘As you will Kenera, so you are caught. Now what can we help you with?’

  ‘I will just say it. Sometimes it is the businesses on the lower levels that are the better traders. They may have better quality products. But they have to work harder, strive more and usually for not much more than the exorbitant rent of the floor they are on, to stay in business.’

  Rose agreed. ‘It is a common theme that runs through the Capital. When we establish our business we will have to be prepared to start at the lowest level and work up the high-rise if we can.’

  Peyton looked out the window and then nodded as though she had come to a decision. ‘I see, what if we buy a high-rise, where will we stand then?’