Cassandra's Challenge Read online

  “Why would you reach such a conclusion?” Terwilliger demands. If what she is saying is true the implications would be far reaching, and would go a long way to explaining not only the need for secrecy but the Admiral’s actions.

  “From transmissions intercepted by the Retribution after the destruction of Earth.” Cassandra replies calmly.

  “You have these transmissions?” Terwilliger demands of the Admiral.

  “The transmissions are not the concern of this gathering.”

  “We have the right to know what is in these transmissions Admiral.”

  “Military transmissions do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Assembly. This gathering is for you to meet the Challenger.” The Admiral’s voice carries the authority of his rank.

  “There is enough information in the transmissions to convince the Admiral there is a viable threat against me as Challenger. If that doesn’t satisfy you, you’ll have to contact High Admiral Valerian.” Cassandra takes back control of the conversation.

  “The High Admiral is in agreement of this?”

  “He wouldn’t have replaced the Retribution in the middle of a tour, had he not. Your laws are very clear, ‘If there is a viable threat directed at a Royal, in a combat situation, in an effort to change succession, that Royal must be removed from harm’s way in a manner that will guarantee the Royal’s safety.’” Cassandra eyes move across the group as she quotes Carinian Law word for word, her voice carrying the authority of a Queen.

  Silence greets her statement. Many of the Assemblymen are completely unaware of the law she’s just quoted. They look to a frowning Terwilliger for confirmation.

  “You are correct your ladyship.” Terwilliger nods to her.

  “Thank you Assemblyman Terwilliger. Now if we can get back to the matter at hand, where there more questions regarding my Challenge?”

  As the gathering proceeds Cassandra is able to answer the questions knowledgably and concisely, making contact with each Assemblyman and spouse. All feel they’ve received her attention and consideration, a remarkable feat.

  At Marat’s signal, the Admiral puts a hand on Cassandra’s shoulder, drawing her attention. “Five minutes.” He announces. Nodding she turns her attention back to the gathering.

  “One last question,” Assemblyman Umbarger speaks. “Who are you claiming to descend from?”

  Cassandra isn’t surprised by the question only that it had taken someone this long to ask it.

  “My father was Jacob Chamberlain, my mother was Cassidy Qwes Chamberlain. My mother’s parents were James Golliday and Lysandra Qwes Golliday.” Cassandra waits, knowing this isn’t the information Umbarger is asking for but wants him to pointedly ask the question.

  “Who do you claim to descend from, from Carina?” Umbarger demands.

  “I don’t ‘claim’ anything. I am the direct female descendant of the first Queen of Sumeria. You know her as Sabah.”

  “That’s not possible.” Umbarger whispers.

  “This gathering is at an end.” The Admiral steps up next to Cassandra as she stands.

  “I look forward to seeing you again at the King’s dinner tonight.” Cassandra’s look encompasses all those in the room before she and the Admiral turn to leave the room.

  The Admiral and Cassandra do not speak on their return to the Royal Wing. “Chief, have your men get a meal then be back here by 1415.”

  “Yes sir.”

  The Admiral puts a hand on Cassandra’s back to lead her to the stairs. “Go on up, I need to check in with Quinn.”

  “Then you’ll be up?” He lifts a hand to gently caress her cheek. The shuttered look in her eyes finally falling away, letting him see the woman he loves.

  “Yes, I won’t be long.” Nodding she heads up the stairs. He watches her enter their suite before turning to the ready room.

  “Quinn, report.”

  “There have been no changes to the second gathering list. The King’s meal is still at 1900. The Juruas’ arrived at 1130 with…multiple packages. All were scanned and cleared. Javiera and the girls helped put them away.”

  “They were in our private quarters?”

  “No sir. Javiera hung Cassandra’s bags in your closet, the rest she left for Cassandra.”

  “Thank you Quinn. Did you get a meal?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, I’ll be in our suite if you need me.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Entering their private quarters William find Cassandra sitting in front of the comm, eating from a small plate of mixed berries that Hutu has come to know she likes.

  “You need more than that.” She looks up from the screen.

  “I’m fine I’ve never eaten much before an interview.”

  Walking over to see what she’s studying he shakes his head. “You know this.” Pulling her out of the chair he picks up her plate, leads her to a couch then sits down with her.

  “You were amazing at the gathering.” Feeding her a thimbleberry his finger caresses her bottom lip. “You never let Umbarger fluster you and he tried.”

  “None of the questions were unexpected.” She swallows the berry.

  “But some of yours answers were.”

  “Really? Like what?”

  “Like, telling the Assemblymen they don’t choose the Challenger only the Queen.”

  “It’s the truth.”

  “I know it is, but you putting them in their place was surprising, for them.” He selects another berry.

  “They need to know I’m not going to let them push me around, politely of course.”

  “Of course.” William smiles.

  “So what other answer surprised you?” Cassandra feeds him a thimbleberry.

  “Your knowledge of a little known Carinian law, one that justifies the return of the Retribution.” He tips her face up to his. “How did you know that law?”

  “I’m good student.”

  “Cassandra, you can’t be worrying about my career while you’re involved in this Challenge.” William’s eyes bore into hers.

  “Yes I can, and don’t try that ‘Admiral’ look on me.” Cassandra points a finger in his face. “It’s a Carinian law, and while it wasn’t the reason for bringing the Retribution back, it doesn’t make it any less true. As for your career you’ve already sacrificed that for me. You will not sacrifice your reputation, not for doing the right thing and not when I can prevent it.”

  William pulls her back into his lap as she surges off the couch. “Protecting me again?”

  “It’s my right!”

  “It is.” Cassandra relaxes in William’s arms at his agreement. “I guess I’ll have to get used to it.”

  “Yes you will.” She allows herself a few moments to enjoy the feel of his arms around her. Home. That’s what her heart told her. Here is home.

  The second gathering was similar to the first only with less powerful Assemblymen. There were no new questions asked, which surprised Cassandra, she’d have thought Terwilliger would have sent instructions for information he wanted.

  “You need to go up and rest.” William tells her as they approach the staircase. Frowning he looks at the open doors of the garden and the guard standing there. “Kocourek report!”

  “Sir, Lieutenant Zafar, Chief Michelakakis, his wife, and the girls are in the garden.”

  “What are you doing?” The Admiral asks as Cassandra heads to the open doors.

  “I going to go see everyone and get outside for a little while.” She tells him over her shoulder nodding at Kocourek as she passes.

  Several steps into the garden Cassandra stops letting her senses take in the sights and smells. It’d been over fifty days since she’d actually just stood outside, breathing fresh air. Lifting her face she closes her eyes letting the warmth of the Carinian suns warm her skin.

  Watching, William comes to realize this is one of the small she’s been missing, like her eadia. To be outside feeling the sun on her face, such a small thing. Stepping close he g
ently wraps his arms around her, supporting her as she relaxes against him.

  “I’d forgotten how good the warmth of the sun could feel.”

  “I should have realized….” His arms tighten around her.

  “Stop.”

  “You and Victoria aren’t used to being shut up in a Battle Star, traveling in space for months at a time.”

  “It’s not like you had a choice in the matter William. We’re fine, and we’re outside now.”

  “Admiral.” Marat stands in the doorway. Gently touching his hand she eases out of his arms. Turning to face Marat he’s back in Admiral mode.

  “Colonel Tar would like to see you when it’s convenient. Sir.”

  “Tell him I’ll be right there.”

  “Yes sir.” Marat retreats.

  “You need to rest before tonight.” William rubs her cheek.

  “I will, but I want to touch base with everyone first.” Nodding, he gives her a soft kiss then leaves.

  Following the girls’ laughter Cassandra finds them all in an open area in the center of the garden.

  “Aunt Cassie!” Victoria runs over hugging her around her waist.

  “Hi kiddo.” She smiles hugging her back.

  “Doesn’t the sun feel good!”

  “It sure does, have you been outside long?” She asks as they walk back towards the others.

  “A little while.”

  “Hi.” Javiera slides over giving Cassandra room to sit on the bench. “How’d the second gathering go?”

  “Fine. Thank you for hanging up my gowns.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “These gardens are beautiful.” Cassandra looks at all the unusual plants. She’ll have to study up on what they all are.

  “Queen Lata had a great love for flowers. It was her personal mission to make sure the gardens were always in bloom. King Jotham continues it in her memory.”

  “He does a wonderful job.”

  “Mom can we go find Hutu and get a snack?” Amina asks.

  “No, but I can take you.” Standing Javiera turns to Cassandra. “Do you want me to have him bring you something?”

  “No I’m good, thanks.”

  As the men start to follow Cassandra stands. “Lucas, could I have a few minutes?”

  “I’ll stick with them.” Leander tells Lucas following the ladies.

  Waiting for the group to get out of earshot Cassandra leans over to smell a flower, its scent was similar to roses on Earth. Watching her, Lucas wonders what’s on her mind.

  Rising she turns to him. “What happened this morning?”

  “What do you mean?” Lucas hopes he’s wrong.

  “Don’t play dumb with me Lucas!” Cassandra hadn’t realized she was mad. “Kyle.”

  “Cassie, that is between dad and Kyle, if you want to know about it you need to ask one of them.”

  “Oh really, so the information Dadrian has been feeding him has nothing to do with me!”

  “Dad told you.”

  “That Kyle was here, that he was upset that he wasn’t informed you were on planet.” Lucas says nothing. “I know there’s more. I know it concerns me, it wouldn’t have upset him so if it didn’t.”

  “Cassie….”

  “You already told me Kyle was going to have a problem with me no matter what. So I’m the one he should be talking too. Not your father.”

  “It’s more than that. You know what’s being said about dad, about your relationship with him.”

  “About ‘why’ I have a relationship with him.” Cassandra corrects Lucas.

  “Yeah.”

  “What did Kyle say?”

  “That he had the right to tell our father when his being used, especially by someone who couldn’t possibly be the lost queen.”

  “I bet that went over well, what else.”

  “That he is ruining his career because of you.” Her eyes bore into his.

  “I’m sure that’s not how he worded it.”

  “He never got to finish it.”

  “It didn’t come to blows!”

  “No, but almost, dad told him not to come back.” Lucas runs a frustrated hand threw his hair. “Look, Cassie, dad and Kyle have always had a difficult relationship. Kyle was always closer to mom and when she died…I don’t even know how to explain it. Kyle isn’t ‘military’, he’s a thinker, a learner.”

  “More like me.” She interjects.

  “Yeah I guess. He tries….”

  “He knows you and your father have a lot in common, you’ve chosen the same careers, both excel at them, are recognized for them. And there he is the second son, trying to fit in, to gain his father’s attention and approval. Knowing he can never really compete with you, the first son.”

  “That’s not fair. Dad’s never played us against one another.”

  “Of course he didn’t, that’s not the kind of man he is. But Lucas, this isn’t about being ‘fair’ it’s about the truth. You and your father have a special bond that Kyle isn’t a part of, he knows that. My guess is he had that bond with your mother, her death left a hole.”

  Lucas just stares at Cassandra stunned. “How can you possibly know he and mom had such a special bond?”

  Cassandra gives him a sad look. “Because my mom and I did, I’m a second child too, and while part of it was mother/daughter it was also because we were so alike. When she died,” Cassandra has to swallow hard to continue. “I tried to find that same connection with my father, it wasn’t there. It wasn’t his fault and it didn’t mean he loved Peter more, he just loved me differently. It took me a long time to figure out that that was okay. It doesn’t sound like Kyle’s figured it out yet, and my coming into the picture, taking his ‘mother’s’ place with your father, causing people to question him, isn’t helping matters.”

  “He doesn’t know what’s going on.”

  “And whose fault is that? Not Kyle’s, we should have told him, not Dadrian. Trusted and included him, he’s family Lucas.”

  “I’m not sure dad sees it that way anymore.”

  “He does. Lucas, he’s his son, he’ll always love him. So they had a fight, big deal, families fight. They make up, they stick together. Peter and I used to fight all the time, didn’t mean I didn’t love the big jerk.”

  “Kyle may not see it that way, may never see you as part of his ‘family’.” He feels he needs to warn her.

  “Maybe not but he will be a member of our family, a part of this House we’re building. If it takes me not being there when he’s with you and your father then so be it. William isn’t going to be made to choose between Kyle and me, it’ll break his heart, and that I won’t allow. He mine to protect Lucas, no one hurts him.” Lucas has to grin picturing 6’ 1” Cassandra protecting his 7’1” father.

  “Does he know this?” Lucas chuckles.

  “Yes and stop laughing at me you big jerk. I took down Falco didn’t I?”

  “Yes… Yes you did.” But he’s still grinning.

  “Family Lucas, there’s the one you’re born with, and the one you make, filled with the people you love. You protect it, because in the end, when everything else explodes around you it’s all that matters.”

  The humor leaves Lucas’ eyes at Cassandra’s words. He knows she’s talking about the meadow, how her and Victoria’s world exploded around them, leaving them only each other.

  “We need to get him back here. Tell him what’s really going on. Let him choose what he believes.”

  “Dad will never go for that, it puts you at risk.”

  “How could he put me at risk? He won’t know about the traitor until we tell him, doesn’t know who he is. The only thing at risk is Kyle’s relationship with his father.”

  “I’ll talk to Kyle, see what I can do. But dad’s up to you.”

  “That’s all I ask.” As they walk back to the wing Cassandra stops. Turning Lucas is shocked to see the honest worry in her eyes.

  “How bad is it?” Her eyes lock with his. “Honestl
y. How big of hits is William taking because of me.” Lucas wants to reassure her, but can’t lie.

  “Pretty big, rumors are running rampant, and Valerian isn’t doing anything to stop them. If anything he’s feeding them.”

  “To make your father look weak so the traitor will strike at me.”

  “That would be my take, yes.”

  “What is it Quinn.” The Admiral enters the ready room.

  “There have been several additions to the King’s dinner.” Quinn watches his friend’s eyes harden as he reads the two additional names.

  “What do you want me to do Will. It’s within your rights to challenge these additions.”

  “Challenge the addition of the High Admiral and my son. That only makes us look like we have something to hide. Why would Jotham do this?”

  “My guess?” The Admiral nods. “The High Admiral requested to be included Jotham couldn’t refuse without making it look like he was keeping him from the Assemblymen. Kyle is just to keep the numbers even, a friendly face for you. Jotham does know about this morning’s incident.”

  “Incident?” The Admiral’s voice fridge.

  “Fuck Will I’ve known you close to thirty cycles. You love that boy.”

  “Leave it alone Quinn. Is there anything else?”

  “No Admiral.”

  “I’ll be in my suite.”

  Silence greets William as he enters the suite. An empty silence, telling him Victoria and Cassandra weren’t there. Walking through the suite William stops to look in Victoria’s room. The bed is made, somewhat haphazardly but made, obviously done by Victoria herself. A pair of shoes, one tipped on its side beside a chair with a towel thrown over its back. Picking up the towel, he takes it into the bathroom hanging it up where it belongs.

  He is fifty cycles, has his sons, he never considered having more children. But that was before Cassandra. She wants a child, his child. The thought fills him with longing and terror. She is such a little thing, she doesn’t think so but she is. For her to bear his child, would she survive it? She matters to him more than any child yet to be conceived. But if she chooses to become Queen she’ll have to have a daughter.