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  “Even if your claims are true, even if I was willing to entertain this suggestion as more than a baseless accusation, why come to me?”

  “We might need someone in Parliament,” Alexis answered. “I should be blatantly honest here. We don’t have a real strategy yet. We’re winging most of this and desperately trying to stay one step ahead. But we don’t know who can be trusted. If someone in Parliament is orchestrating the war, we can’t bring this information to anyone else. You’re the only politician I know we can rely on.”

  “And what do you expect me to do?”

  “If we find proof, definitive evidence Elatha and Delbaeth were pushed to war by an outside force, we might need someone who’s able to bring this into Parliament. If we file a motion through the Citizens’ Concern branch, our plea could be silenced by whoever’s involved. Or it might take months to be addressed. But an elected Member of Parliament from the governing party can bring forward a resolution during any session.”

  “You want me to stand before my peers and accuse them of a conspiracy to commit war in the Tuatha system?”

  “Maybe. But we wouldn’t ask you to do that without names and how each person is involved, which we’re hoping to find in Karnak.”

  “That’s why you asked for landing clearance,” he said, “in order to translate the data. It doesn’t matter what my response is, because I’m already complicit in a scheme to undermine Parliament. You’ve involved me in this nonsense against my will, and now want me to delve deeper.”

  “Dad, it isn’t like that.”

  “Of course it is. You aren’t interested in my advice; you want to abuse my position for your own ends.”

  “That’s not true.” Alexis felt her tone grow defensive, though did not want him believing her aims were selfish. “We’re coming to you because you’re honest and see your profession as a public service. I can’t stand the thought of knowing someone in government is playing with innocent lives and sacrificing people to further their own agenda. And I know you can’t bear to let that happen either. I came to you because you’re actually willing to use your role to help others, no matter what it does to your reputation or future career prospects. Dad, if we’re right about this, if one of your colleagues is profiting from inciting a war, and you do nothing…could you live with yourself? If you’re still the same person you were when I was a child, I know that regret would eat at you. You can’t ignore this any more than I can.”

  Her father pinched the bridge of his nose. “Damn it, Alexis. You haven’t given me much choice, that’s for sure. You truly believe proof exists?”

  “Let’s say we’re optimistically hopeful. Because if we have nothing, this entire trip was worthless and we can’t end the war.”

  “If, and I want to stress if, you can give me undeniable proof, then I’ll consider acting on this. I don’t mean circumstantial evidence or hints or anything that cannot be corroborated. I need testimony that is strong enough to withstand scrutiny in a court of law. Give me that and I’ll testify in Parliament. Otherwise nothing I present to the House of Commons will be worth a damn.”

  Alexis looked at Rinko, who shrugged while wearing a faint smirk. Though the expression might appear indifferent to an observer, Alexis knew her well enough to see earnest concern beneath the veneer of apathy.

  “Sounds reasonable,” Rinko asserted. “Nothing can be achieved anyway if our evidence isn’t solid.”

  Alexis smiled, thankful to have her father’s support once again. “Thanks, Dad. I promise we’re making a difference. I’ll be in touch.”

  “Then I should head back to my office,” he announced. “No matter what else is happening, I have other duties that can’t be ignored.”

  “You aren’t going to eat your lunch?”

  “I’m afraid I’ve lost my appetite.” He finished his tea and stood, smoothing his shirt with one hand. “Will you be heading back to your freighter now?”

  “I think we might stay here a little longer and enjoy the view,” Alexis said.

  “Food, too,” added Rinko. “Takes a lot to make us lose our appetites.”

  “Yeah, we don’t get the chance to do this often.”

  “I’ve taken care of the bill in advance,” her father declared. “Treat yourself to a nice dessert and remain as long as you wish. You can wrap up the food I ordered and eat it for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Mr. Tomlinson,” Rinko remarked. “Richard. Thanks for being understanding and listening to us. I know you didn’t want this life for your daughter, but she’s with people who love her.”

  “What matters is seeing my daughter happy. Happier than she’s been in a long while. That’s your influence. While I might not agree with her livelihood, I’m pleased she’s found someone like you. And Alexis, regardless of the circumstances, it was lovely seeing you again.”

  Her father smiled goodbye and departed through the restaurant, leaving Alexis and Rinko alone at the table and beyond earshot from other diners.

  “Strange how you never told me your dad was a Member of Parliament.”

  “Guess I never found the right moment.”

  “I think it’s adorable how the little criminal is ashamed of her legitimate, law-abiding dad.”

  Alexis sighed and watched birds fly over the lake, something she once did with her father as a little girl. “That’s not the reason at all.”

  “Oh?”

  “I didn’t want something like this to happen. My dad loves his career. I never wanted us to use him and his influence in a way that might jeopardize everything he’s worked toward. I didn’t want to be forced into choosing between my crew and my family. Because you’d tip the scales unfairly.”

  “So what changed?” Rinko asked. “Since you still could’ve kept him a secret if you wanted.”

  “This isn’t some scheme we’re running. This is about the lives in an entire star system. Innocent families and people who just want to live in peace. I can’t ignore that, even if helping them leads to uncomfortable moments.”

  “I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you.”

  “I thought you were using me for my towering intellect.”

  “I can love more than one trait about you. There’s plenty to choose from.”

  “I suppose we should consider heading back soon. The captain will worry about us, and Harun is probably climbing the walls and itching to investigate the library.”

  “Screw that,” Rinko replied, accessing the dessert menu with her fingertip. “We’re each going to order a different cake and then split them. I want the raspberry and chocolate cheesecake. You?”

  Alexis smiled and moved her chair closer to Rinko. “What do they have?”

  Chapter 17

  “Distress call, Captain.”

  Captain Letourneau glanced away from her terminal and approached the communication consoles. “Origin?”

  “Creidhne,” answered one technician, “largest moon orbiting the gas giant Aenach Tailteann.”

  Genevieve’s task force was currently positioned near Ollathair, sixth planet of the Tuatha system. Aenach Tailteann was the seventh planet, twice as massive and considerably more volatile. “Delbaeth maintains military installations on several moons, yes?”

  “Beryllium and iridium mining stations, ma’am,” responded the Intelligence Analyst.

  “Navigation, what’s the proximity of Aenach Tailteann relative to us?” Genevieve inquired.

  “Nearly as close as the two worlds ever are. A distance of only ninety-one million kilometers.”

  She returned her attention to communications. “Give me the contents of this distress beacon.”

  “Elathan starships have bombarded one facility and ground troops have landed on another.” A holographic map depicting the terrain of Creidhne materialized above one screen, marking known mining operations. “The Delbaethi personnel are requesting fleet assistance.”

  “Shame we don’t have the jurisdiction to intervene. Can other warships of the Delb
aethi Navy receive the message?”

  “Yes, ma’am. The broadcast is being transmitted on a continuous loop at full strength without distortion. Any vessels receiving on a Delbaethi frequency will hear.”

  “Then they can tend to their own.” Genevieve crossed her arms and strolled to the viewport, eyeing distant stars and trying to discern familiar clusters and constellations. This starfield was drastically different from the one she enjoyed studying as a child on Inari Okami, when she would climb out from her bedroom window and spend entire evenings lying on the roof, much to the chagrin of her safety-conscious parents. Considering she now commanded naval vessels in a warzone, scaling the family home as a youngster seemed trivial by comparison. “We have the authority to rescue extravehicular survivors or assist stranded vessels, but not to interfere in acts against legitimate targets. The mining installations are operated by the military, and can therefore be lawfully targeted. Log the distress beacon in our archives and ignore it.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  Lieutenant Yacoby stopped at her side and stared wistfully into space. “I long for the days when we fought a clear enemy with defined rules of engagement.”

  Genevieve grinned and cocked her head. “You mean a month ago?”

  “Pirates and traffickers were delightfully uncomplicated.”

  “Keep your fingers crossed and we’ll likely be reassigned to similar duty after our mission here.”

  “One can only hope the—”

  “Contact, ma’am,” declared a sensor officer. “Multiple unknowns have reverted to realspace beyond Ollathair.”

  “Show me,” Genevieve commanded. “Tactical, bring defensive protocols and kinetic buffers online. Sensor Chief, determine class, designation and composition.”

  “Two frigates at a range of one hundred thousand kilometers and closing on our trajectory. I count no less than twelve additional starships of fighter size.”

  “An aggressive force to send if diplomacy is their mandate,” noted Lieutenant Yacoby.

  Genevieve stared at holographic representations of the encroaching force displayed above the sensor station and nodded. “I agree. They might be hoping to present a show of force before negotiating from a position of strength. Or to drive us from the system entirely if they believe we aren’t willing to commence hostilities. Sensors, I need more information.”

  “The assault frigates are Sickle-class with active transponders listing them as Warspite and Saber, accompanied by one squadron comprising Pulsar fighter-bombers. No squadron designation is being broadcast.”

  “All Delbaethi,” said Noam.

  “They and Elatha aren’t exactly a unified front these days,” Genevieve replied. “Lieutenant, sound general quarters.”

  “Sounding general quarters. All hands to your battle stations.”

  “We’re receiving a communication,” announced one technician over the din of a shipwide klaxon.

  “Put it through,” Genevieve ordered.

  A husky voice reverberated through their bridge, the tone lacking any trace of warmth or tact. “This is Captain Ramirez of the Delbaethi Admiralty contacting Nova-class frigate Constellation and Lunar-class corvettes Ardent and Nightwatch.”

  “Transmit my response,” instructed Genevieve. She waited for a signal from the Communications Technician before proceeding. “This is Captain Letourneau commanding the Confederacy Starfleet Vessel Constellation. Power down all engines and state your intentions.”

  “My intentions? No Captain, I’m not the one who needs to justify my actions.”

  “We’ve come on behalf of the Authority of Confederate Systems with authorization to conduct preliminary, low-level ceasefire negotiations to end hostilities in the Tuatha system.”

  “You’ve come on a mission of poorly veiled aggression and expansionism. Our conflict with Elatha is beyond your concern and remains an independent matter. Withdraw from our system now.”

  Genevieve muted the communication and glanced at Lieutenant Yacoby. “Why are they here delivering an ultimatum to us?”

  “You mean instead of traveling to Aenach Tailteann?”

  “One of their own installations is under assault. If we received the distress, their captain has as well. Even if they’re desperate to threaten and evict us, surely dealing with us can wait until after the Creidhne facilities are safe.”

  “I don’t have an answer for you, ma’am,” Noam admitted.

  “Neither do I.” She continued the broadcast and returned her attention to the Delbaethi flotilla. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Captain Ramirez. My orders are to remain here until I’ve received formal messages from both the Delbaethi and Elathan governments declining mediation.”

  “I’m conveying that refusal to you now.”

  Their Sensor Chief looked over her shoulder at Genevieve with an expression of fraught nerves. “All armaments and weapons systems on the frigates and starfighters are online. Distance to our position is sixty thousand kilometers.”

  “I’ll need verification that you’re permitted to speak on behalf of the Delbaethi Commonwealth,” Genevieve continued. “Otherwise your request is not valid in these circumstances. You also don’t speak for the Elathan government.”

  “Pompous Confederacy meddlers,” Ramirez uttered. “Your presence here is unwarranted and unwelcome. This will be your final warning. Withdraw from Delbaethi sovereign territory or face destruction.”

  “Fifty thousand kilometers,” said the Sensor Chief. “Extreme torpedo firing range reached.”

  Genevieve felt her shoulders tighten, though mustered the resolve to keep her voice steady. “Firing on vessels of the Confederacy Ascendant Starfleet will constitute an act of war. I doubt your government fully appreciates the danger such a decision entails. We command the resources of thirty-seven member planets and their colonies, all of whom are bound by treaty to unite against a common enemy. I’m giving you a warning of my own before committing to this foolhardy course. Deactivate all weapons systems and desist hostilities. War with the Confederacy will bring ruin to your economy, populace and way of life.”

  She waited for several interminably long seconds without hearing a response and glanced sidelong at the communication terminals. “Are we still receiving transmissions?”

  “The channel is live, ma’am.”

  “Then why aren’t—”

  “Torpedo launch!” shouted the Sensor Chief. “I say again, incoming torpedoes.”

  Genevieve spun away from the communications console and barked commands to her crew. “Gunnery, deploy anti-missile countermeasures. All cannons target and destroy approaching torpedoes. Authorize Nightwatch and Ardent to open fire and remain in a flanking position relative to us. All engines full ahead on a vector twenty degrees to starboard. Flight Control, make ready our starfighters to launch on a screening sortie, but wait for my command.”

  Bow-mounted batteries reoriented toward the white-hot flashes of incoming torpedoes and unleashed a withering barrage. Pinpricks flared with brilliant eruptions and dissipated into glittering dust as warheads detonated under their guns, leaving azure efflux trails to disperse into blackness.

  “Communications, establish a link with the nearest comm relay and issue a distress to Starfleet.”

  “I can’t connect, Captain. Our transceiver is barred from accessing all relays in the Tuatha system. Any message we sent would travel at relativistic velocities and not reach Authority territory for years.”

  “Then find a way to untangle our system or circumvent however they’re blocking us,” Genevieve instructed. “We need to make contact with the navy now.”

  “Working on it, ma’am.”

  Pulsar starfighters hurtled closer like a swarm of hornets, braving the firestorm of anti-starfighter turrets. Lunar-class corvettes were designed to hunt starfighters during space combat between adversarial fleets while capital ships concentrated on one another, and the two in her task force embraced their role with zeal. The Constellation’s own
weapons targeted the two Delbaethi assault frigates, splashing their hulls with a broadside of plasma.

  “Ma’am! New hostile contacts reverting from faster-than-light velocity on our stern. I read one additional Sickle-class assault frigate and three Trident-class corvettes, all targeting our position.”

  Genevieve faced the Sensor Chief. “Stand down starfighter pilots, close all hangars and prepare to conduct a fighting withdrawal. Our position here is no longer tenable. Helm, bring us to a seventy-five degree starboard heading and make ready for faster-than-light travel beyond this system. Gunnery, choose your targets and fire at will. Destroy all starships impeding our course.”

  The churning, volatile atmospheric winds of Ollathair shifted through their viewport while the Constellation changed course and hurtled toward deep space. Distant plasma blasts ripped across the Confederacy corvettes in explosive blazes and pounded against her warship’s hull. Turrets responded in a pulsating display of blinding light, striking the opposing assault frigates as the Warspite and Saber reduced the distance separating each force. Delbaethi fighter-bombers swept closer to deliver their devastating payloads, only to pay dearly for the attempt. Pulsars exploded into spinning shrapnel and tiny clouds of molten debris.

  “Trident-class corvettes are within effective weapons range,” announced a sensor crewperson. “Forward batteries are targeting our stern.”

  A communications staffer partially turned in her chair. “Captain, the Ardent reports heavy bombardment on starboard side engine mounts. Kinetic buffers have been penetrated and hull integrity is weakening.”

  “Tell her captain to increase acceleration and divert ten degrees further,” Genevieve ordered. “Engineering, reduce our velocity to four-fifths and allow the Ardent to overtake us. We’ll shield her damaged hull.”

  “Aye, aye, ma’am.”

  Frantic reports filled the bridge, each speaker straining to keep apprehension at bay.

  “Our number four portside cannon emplacement has been destroyed.”