Nickie lifted a shoulder. “It’s just a name. Don’t Guardians usually come in threes?”
“Not this time.” She held out the device. “Place your right thumb here, please, Captain. As soon as we confirm your identity, we’ll be on our way.”
Nickie snickered. “Yeah, I don’t think so.” She held up the Ranger badge she’d snagged from her quarters. “This is all the ID I need.”
Guardian Lakshmi’s eyes bulged. “Where did you get that badge? You do know it’s an offense to pose as a Ranger?”
Nickie tucked the badge away. “Who says I’m posing as anything? It’s my badge, and it proves my identity.”
The Guardian gave Nickie a hard stare. “I know Tabitha, and you are not her.” She held out a hand. “Give me the badge.”
Nickie made a show of checking her own ass out as she replaced the badge in her pocket. “Yeah, you’ve got me there. Was it my ass that gave it away? I am a little lacking in the badonkadonk department compared to my aunt.”
“Your aunt, sure.” The Guardian’s frown deepened. “The badge, Captain.”
Nickie shook her head. “Not happening.”
Guardian Lakshmi turned to the other three Guardians and pointed at Nickie. “Arrest her.”
The ship speaker system crackled. “Nickie, just identify yourself. This woman is only doing her job.”
The Guardians halted in their tracks at Meredith’s interjection.
“Meredith?” one of the men asked in confusion. He looked at Nickie. “Who are you?”
Nickie sighed and grabbed the woman’s device. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. Here.” She jammed her thumb onto the device’s pad and waited for the burn. Once it had taken a DNA sample from her, she tossed it back to the Guardian and crossed her arms. “You go away for a few years, and all of a sudden nobody knows who you are when you turn up without telling anyone and try to bypass security.”
The device beeped.
“Oh,” was all the Guardian managed when she looked at the screen.
Nickie’s smirk returned. “Oh? Is that all? Not ‘Sorry, Nickie?’ ‘Welcome back, Nickie?’”
One of the other Guardians blurted in a near-whisper, “Oh, shit! I know who she is! She’s John’s granddaughter. The one the Queen exiled.”
Nickie thought about objecting that she hadn’t been exiled, but it wasn’t any of their business, so fuck them. “Are you satisfied?” she asked Guardian Lakshmi.
Lakshmi nodded. “Yes. You’re cleared to go down to the planet, Captain Grimes.” She tapped her wrist holo a couple of times. “I’ve sent Meredith coordinates for landing. How is she here? So far from the Meredith Reynolds?”
Nickie tapped the side of her nose. “That would be telling.”
The Guardians all nodded as though Nickie’s answer was to be expected. “It was good to hear her voice. You can keep the badge,” she added.
Nickie broke into a full laugh. “I fucking know I can. The only way anyone gets this badge from me is to pry it from my cold, dead fingers.”
The man who’d recognized her snickered. “Better you than us when you have to answer for using it, Grimes or not.”
Nickie gestured toward the airlock. “If we’re all done? I have places to be. Say bye to the nice Guardians, Meredith.”
Meredith opened the airlock. “I wish you all a pleasant journey.”
The woman looked back. “Funny, I don’t remember Meredith being so snarky.”
“And I don’t remember Guardians being so stuffy,” Meredith replied airily.
Nickie snorted. The woman was a bit stuffy. It didn’t mean she forgave Meredith, though.
The Guardians left, and Nickie made her way back to the bridge. The others were all elsewhere for the moment, which meant that Nickie was left alone with her thoughts whether she wanted to be or not.
She slouched in her chair and sighed. She wasn’t ready for this, not yet. She had about a year to go before she was expected to appear before her aunt. She still hadn’t decided if she would go back or if she would just keep moving forever.
What’s the matter, Nickie?
Nickie tsked. Why do you want to know? So you can trick me again?
I didn’t trick you, Nickie. Meredith feigned sounding hurt. I just know better than to argue with you when you’re focused like that. Would you have given up if I’d told you?
Nickie huffed. No.
There you go, then. Besides, we’re here now.
Because you lied to me, Nickie pointed out.
I didn’t lie, Meredith corrected. I can’t lie.
That was a fucking lie right there, Nickie told her. Where exactly is ‘here?’ I’ve never heard of High Tortuga, but I can tell before we even go planetside that this place is important to Aunt Bethany Anne. The security here is fucking ridiculous.
I don’t know a lot about the planet yet, Meredith informed her. Just what I’ve gotten from the public information systems. I was a little reluctant to connect with the planet’s EIs since you were already upset about being here, and revealing my presence would reveal yours.
Nickie snickered. Yeah, well, it’s probably for the best. You never know what nasty virus you’ll catch from hooking up to a strange network. What do you have?
Where would you like to begin?
Nickie hesitated when Meredith brought up the aforementioned system menus in her HUD. She scrolled past the first sections of video feeds, which were labeled “Justice System” and “Libraries.” High Tortuga looked to be a hub for…what, she wasn’t sure. It was only just outside the Federation, or at least a good percentage of the available maps agreed that it was.
Meredith, these maps have been tampered with.
Ah, yes. The location of High Tortuga is need-to-know. Your Aunt Bethany Anne commandeered the planet during her Baba Yaga phase.
Nickie frowned. You know about this place?
I know a little, Meredith confirmed. Baba Yaga locked this planet down a short time before the end of the Empire. It was to be her safe haven after the Federation was formed.
Nickie laughed. You mean after the rest of the galaxy’d had enough of being terrorized by her and demanded she step down?
Meredith’s tone became a little cooler. My Queen stepped down because she wanted to. Visiting High Tortuga was impossible last I knew. Consequently, I am rather surprised that Prince John was aware the planet existed. Even more so that he knew the route to get here. Things have changed.
Nickie’s heart flipped in her chest. Maybe Tabitha was here. And there was me thinking you were on my side. Is Aunt Bethany Anne here now?
I do not believe so, Meredith told her. Or at least I have not been contacted by ADAM, which is as good as the same thing. You know that I am on your side, Nickie, but you cannot expect me to badmouth my mother. You should be glad you have me and not a copy of ADAM. He would have given you a little zap for speaking about Bethany Anne that way and called it a kindness.
Nickie snorted. Fuck that—although it’s not as bad as you threatening to wear me like a meatsack. So, if Bethany Anne isn’t here, what about Aunt Tabitha? She almost didn’t want the answer. Actually, don’t tell me. No, tell me.
I can’t tell you anything except that we’re almost at the coordinates Guardian Lakshmi provided.
Who? Oh, the stuffy woman. Sure. She sat in silence for a few moments. Mere?
Yes?
What if Tabitha is here? What if she doesn’t want to see me?
Why would she not want to see you?
Nickie shrugged. I dunno.
Tabitha loves you, Nickie. All of your family love you.
Nickie snorted. They have a funny fucking way of showing it. I feel so damn loved out here on my own, just like I felt fucking swamped in that shit after they all fucked off and left my mom and me behind.
Meredith’s tone was hopeful. Are you ready to talk about that?
She shrugged again. No. But I suppose it would make me feel better or some stupid shit like that, so go ah
ead.
They do love you, Nickie, but you can’t see that, can you?
Nickie bit back a laugh. No, Mere, I can’t. All I can see is that everyone I love leaves me—or makes me leave because they can’t handle me.
You are rather intense, but that’s standard for your genetic line.
Thanks. Nice to know the rejection is because of something I didn’t choose.
It isn’t why people move on, Nickie. Life happens, and they move with it or get sucked under.
Nickie frowned and squirmed to adjust her position in her chair. What do you know about it?
I’ve had two hundred or so years between iterations to observe humans and learn how they work. You wouldn’t have entertained this conversation just a few months ago, and now look at you. You should feel good about the progress you’ve made.
Nickie’s first reaction was to tell Meredith that nothing had changed, but it had—and she did feel good about where she was now. It sure as fuck beat the anger and hurt she’d lived with for the majority of her sabbatical.
Meredith continued, Do you still want to push everyone away? How about the crew?
Well…no. I do kind of like having them around. Grim is good. He gets me. Durq is Durq, and I have to work not to scare him, but he’s not too jumpy these days. I’m kind of getting used to having Adelaide and Keen around. I like Addie. She reminds me a little of my Grandma Jean.
Their heuristics are markedly similar in areas. Have you noticed a difference in the way the crew reacts to you compared to others?
I…um.
They appreciate that you care about them, and they show it in return.
Nickie found that a stretch. I wouldn’t go that far. They like that I provided a way off the colony.
I hope you realize that isn’t true. What about Grim? He could have gone anywhere, but he chose to stay with you.
Nickie smiled. Grim is…my friend. But don’t tell him I said that.
Why not?
She didn’t answer.
You believe he will leave if you show your affection for him?
Everyone leaves, Meredith. Everyone. Nickie sighed.
You left, Meredith reminded her gently.
Yeah, because my aunt made me. It wasn’t like I had a choice.
I meant before that. You left the Meredith Reynolds. Your mother.
She didn’t want me around! What was I supposed to do, hang around and wait for her to drop me a few crumbs whenever she pulled herself from her work? She banged her hand on the armrest of her chair. All I wanted was to be a Ranger like my Aunt Tabitha, and even she didn’t want me enough to fight for me when it came down to it.
Meredith chuckled softly. You think Tabitha didn’t want you? I thought you blamed your grandfather for her absence.
Yeah, well. I’ve had a few experiences lately that made me see he might not be completely to blame for Tabitha leaving.
So you have shifted your hard feelings to your aunt?
No! I’d never blame her. She’s a Ranger, and she had a duty to uphold. She had to do what she had to do, regardless of how I felt about it. I suppose my grandfather had to make the same kind of hard decisions when the Empire broke up, but my mom…well. She could have come here with everyone else and started a new life on High Tortuga. She chose to separate us from the rest of our family.
Meredith was quiet for a moment. I think you are getting closer to the truth.
What more truth do I need? I could have grown up here with my aunt and been a Ranger, but instead, I spent a miserable childhood alone on the Meredith Reynolds while my mom buried herself in work. Then, when I had issues, she was more than happy to wash her hands of me.
You weren’t an easy teenager to raise, Meredith pointed out. It couldn’t have been easy for her when you started abusing every substance known to man, woman, and alien.
It wasn’t easy for me, either! Nickie didn’t want to cry. She’d cried enough as a kid to make her want to hit things instead of feeling—things like bars, clubs, and anywhere else the music was loud enough that she didn’t have to think. Why do you think I did all the drugs in the first place? What, does everyone think that teenage me just decided one day to get high for the fun of it? They fucked me up, Mere. She scrubbed her sleeve across her eyes to stop the stinging. Fuck, I should blame my mom for all of this! I’m fucking glad I left!
Meredith made a soothing sound as Nickie’s tears flowed. It’s okay, Nickie. I know. And you are past that now, because you are stronger than any pain or any drug. You have me, and I will never leave.
I know, Mere, she sobbed. I know.
Chapter Two
High Tortuga, Northern Continent, Space Fleet Base, Hangar 126
John was slightly unnerved by the single robed figure waiting for him when he disembarked from the Briar Rose.
There was nobody else there. No welcoming parade, no banners. It was a touch disconcerting since his father had told him to prepare for both. However, he was pleased to avoid the usual rigmarole associated with a royal visit. Maybe he could get his father to drop some of the traditions once he got back home.
He ducked back inside the ship to dump his regalia, squared his shoulders, and paced down the ramp toward the solitary figure with what he thought was a princely enough smile.
John held out a hand. “You must be Barnabas.”
Barnabas shook the offered hand. “And you are John of Reinek. Follow me, please.” He led John to a buggy and drove them off the base. “Your father just called a short time ago to ask if you had made the journey safely.”
John chuckled uneasily. “I almost didn’t.”
Barnabas gave him a questioning look. “Do tell.”
John shrugged, a little embarrassed. “Devon. It’s a little crazy there. I ran into a little trouble in the bazaar during the stopover. I was lucky there were some friendly humans nearby.”
Barnabas’ mouth twitched. “Rather. Well, you are here now, and in one piece, as it were. I was delighted to hear your father is recovering from his sickness. It cannot have been easy for your mother to believe he was going to die.”
“How did you know about that?” Only John’s immediate family had known how close his father had come to death.
Barnabas inclined his head to hide his smile as he made a turn. “It is my job to know these things.”
John had to school his face as the city opened up before them. He’d seen the city from orbit, but it was a different beast entirely now he was on the ground. High Tortuga was a far cry from Zuifra. In fact, it outclassed most other places he’d visited outside the heart of the Federation. He leaned his head against the frame of the buggy and soaked it all in while Barnabas drove in silence.
Tall, dark buildings made of glass hemmed them in on all sides, making John feel like he was traveling a mirrored walkway rather than the wide, perfectly maintained road they were on.
John saw that the packed sidewalks were split into lanes. The people on the outside were mostly just everyday citizens going about their day, but the inner lane drew his eye. He wondered why the glazed-eyed people walking there didn’t cause accidents since they were all immersed in their holos.
A closer look when a gap formed showed him that they followed guidelines painted on the ground. He supposed that allowed everyone to go about their day in studied ignorance of everyone else around them.
John had a sudden surge of homesickness. He wanted to be back by the river on Zuifra, having a picnic with the sun on his skin. Maybe after he picked this device up, he could go back to Themis and invite Nickie to come with him. He looked at Barnabas as the older man made a turn. “Where are we going?”
Barnabas didn’t take his eyes from the road. “To the biosphere research center.”
John nodded, a little put out by his guide’s short replies.
Barnabas smiled. “There will be plenty of time to talk once we are in a secure location. Patience is a virtue, young man.”
John did a double-take and twi
sted in his seat to face Barnabas. “Did you just read my mind?”
Barnabas sniffed. “It hardly counts as an intrusion when you broadcast your thoughts so loudly.” He reaffirmed his grip on the buggy’s steering and continued to stare nonchalantly at the road ahead.
John leaned against the frame of the buggy again and went back to watching the city. He tried to keep his thoughts to himself as they traveled, however someone was supposed to do that. High Tortuga didn’t quite feel like a Federation planet, although John’s experience so far had taught him that outside of the official boundaries things tended to run a little differently.
Devon had been a prime example of that. He was glad to have moved on from that wild place. In contrast, so far High Tortuga was like an ultra-organized ants’ nest compared to the spread-out frontier he’d had to pass through to get here.
Barnabas stopped the buggy at an intersection while a long maglev train thundered by. The block they’d stopped at was given over to rolling grass and trees, all a little purpler than John was used to. His planet’s ecology was closer to Earth’s. John’s gaze lingered on the extensive landscaping, the sculptures that dotted the open park, and the well-dressed families taking time together within.
This place had wealth. Lots of wealth.
John was in awe of the casual use of advanced technology wherever he looked. Even the smallest personal transports zipping along the shipping lanes in the upper stratosphere put his ship to shame, and the people clearly had the means to pursue fashion and art. Some of the children in the park had toys that John as a grown man would love to play with.
In fact, if he had been brought here on the royal transport as his father had almost forced him to instead of flying himself, he would have been hard-pressed to believe he was anywhere other than the center of the old Empire. John didn’t actually care. He was here to pick up the device for his father, and then he was heading straight back to Zuifra before the disease the device would prevent hit his planet.
“You’re impressed?” Barnabas asked.
Birthright Page 2