Chapter 8
“Approaching Jeffro,” Nathaniel said, several hours later when Desmond came to sit beside him in co-pilot seat. True to his word, he had let Nathaniel pilot the Portland Wing, which was proving difficult. Nathaniel was keeping a steady grip on it, but he looked tired. He was clearly focused on his goal, which was getting them to Jeffro to see Eliza. Sienna had been sitting in the co-pilot seat, mostly silently, fascinated by the dashboard. She moved when Desmond got there, scrambling up.
“Make sure everything is packed,” Desmond said, turning toward Sienna and speaking slowly. He mimed, and she nodded, scampering to the back. He watched her go with smile. “It's like she's never seen a ship being piloted before.”
Nathaniel flipped a few switches as he began to activate the landing procedures. He was still waiting for clearance from Jeffro, but he didn't want to wait until the last moment.
“By that age, she should have already taken a test flight. Her education is clearly lacking. She's not going to do well in the classes back home, Desmond. I think she's a few years behind.”
“Well, then she will catch up,” Desmond said with a shrug. “And we will teach her.”
Nathaniel sighed.
“That's not the point of a Tiro,” he replied.
“Teaching?” Desmond asked. “Teaching is not the point of a Tiro?”
Nathaniel said nothing as he flipped a few more switches.
“You know enough Jeffroian to communicate better than I,” Desmond told him, and Nathaniel shook his head.
“I don't. The only words I know are when Eliza calls me names, which is not helpful. Standby,” he turned on the monitor as they approached. “Portland Wing 343 requesting permission to land.”
“Portland Wing 343, you are not cleared to land,” came the crackle back. Nathaniel froze.
“Sorry?” he replied. “We are requested directly by the Queen Eliza.”
“Repeat, Portland Wing 343, you are not cleared to land.”
Nathaniel glanced to Desmond, who raised an eyebrow.
“Can I ask why?” Nathaniel said, after a moment.
“Portland Wing 343, you are not on the list.”
“But I am on the list, I made sure that…” Nathaniel looked down at the monitor, and then swallowed hard. And, to Desmond's amusement, he repeated the call-sign in Jeffroian.
There was silence through the landing system, and then a crackle came back, also in Jeffroian. From Nathaniel's expression, Desmond saw that they were clear.
“You don't have enough Jeffroian vocabulary, hmm?”
Nathaniel growled at that, bringing the ship down.
“You're not going to help me at all, are you?” he asked his former Maestro, who sat back.
“Oh no,” Desmond replied. “This is on you.”
“Maestro,” Sienna appeared again in the doorway. Landings in the Portland Wing were shaky, and Desmond pointed to the jump seat.
“Sit,” he said, making it clear she needed to put on her seat belt.
“Hungry,” she said, and he realized they hadn't been on meal duty today.
“There are some…” He reached to the side, looking for the small storage cupboard. “Ah, dried apple slices. Typical space fair.”
“Don't give her those!” Nathaniel blurted out so suddenly that even Desmond was startled. He froze, the pack in hand.
“What?” Desmond asked, confused.
Nathaniel glanced over. “Just put the packet in her hands, and watch what happens.”
“And don't let her eat them?” Desmond raised an eyebrow.
“Just do it,” Nathaniel replied, as he held the wheel tight. Desmond did as he was told, holding the top so that Sienna knew not to open it. She watched him, confused, but Desmond saw exactly what Nathaniel was talking about. The second her hand came on top the apple slices, her magic began to seep out, covering the package. “You see?”
“Huh,” Desmond replied.
“Every time she reaches for something natural – apples, a flower, a plant – that happens,” Nathaniel replied. “There's not enough research on the acridid gene to tell me why that's happening, but I've noticed it.”
“It's attacking anything natural,” Desmond replied. “That's what's happening inside her body. So, it would make sense it attacked slightly outside.”
“Watch out, plant-based aliens,” Nathaniel answered as they came into the landing bay.
“I'm sorry, Sienna,” he pulled them away. “We'll get some rations once we land and get settled.”
“Looks like we are expected,” Nathaniel said, as he watched the royal procession enter the hanger. “There's Eliza. And she does not look impressed.”
“Probably because you brought a battle ship onto a planet that asked for peace talks,” Desmond pointed out as Nathaniel powered down. “Come on. We wouldn't want to keep the queen waiting.”
Witches were so highly regarded in the galaxy that they were almost always met by the royals, the leaders, and the cream of the crop. It was expected that they were met with the utmost ceremony and respect.
Nathaniel knew he should be paying attention to what Desmond and Sienna were doing, but the second he stepped down to the platform, his eyes were fixed on Eliza.
She looked absolutely stunning, in a sweeping green dress, her piercing eyes looking right into him, even from so far away. She was surrounded by guards who were armed to the teeth as they marched forward. She had a crown woven into her golden hair, and her fingers and neck were dripping with jewels.
Sienna gasped beside him, recognizing right away that this was the queen she had grown up hearing about. She dropped to her knees right away, and Eliza smiled as she got closer. Nathaniel had told her that Sienna was of Jeffroian origin. She had also been told how fragile the girl was, but she was shocked at her appearance. Still, through the illness, she could feel the Jeffroian features in her, buried deep under the all-consuming magic.
“Hello,” Eliza said in her native tongue. “You must be Sienna.”
The girl's eyes shot up. “Yes,” she spoke back, language flowing for the first time. “I am so honored to meet you.”
“And how was your flight?” Eliza asked. “This is your first quest, yes?”
“Yes,” Sienna replied. “I don't like space.”
“Oh,” Eliza gave a little chuckle. “Well, you are here for a while. I am glad your Maestro has brought you.”
“You know my Maestro quite well?” Sienna pressed. “Don't you? Nathaniel?”
“I do,” Eliza answered. “Did he tell you that? That we are friends?”
“Yes,” Sienna replied. “He said he has known you since he was a few years older than me.”
“Yes,” Eliza replied. “That is true.” She turned to Nathaniel then, switching back into Basic. “She's smart, this one.”
“Your highness,” he gave her a cheeky smile, “I'm glad you approve.”
“Someone had to make you take responsibility sometime,” Eliza replied. Desmond cleared his throat. The two of them openly flirted this way, teasing each other and pretending not to get along, and most of them time, it was completely transparent.
“Your highness,” Desmond said, “if you don't mind, we've had quite a long flight, and we are eager to get to work to assist you.”
“Desmond, of course. Always one to get down to business.” Eliza turned to him with a smile. “I have scheduled a briefing for you as soon as you are settled. Your rooms will be in the palace so that you are close to the threats that have been placed on my life.”
“You've been under threat?” This piqued Nathaniel's attention.
“Of course,” Eliza answered, as if it were nothing. “That comes with the territory. Now, come with me.”
The guards snapped to attention, clearing a path so that the three witches could walk within the protection of the guards. They didn't need it, but they would not turn down what was offered. Because witches were often so calm and collected, people often forgot that they could be a superpower in the world when they needed to be.
“The situation has gotten worse since I contacted you,” Eliza replied. “I now have two minor planets in total rebellion. One I could handle, but two is a bit out of my control. They are fighting for what they claim are rights, but are actually complete and total control of the system. Their peace talks so far have involved coming to Jeffro and killing my civilians. I had one terrorist attack that killed seventy-six, and another that set a hospital on fire.”
Nathaniel exchanged a glance with Desmond. That was often one of their key clues. Rebels fighting their leader could go either way, but setting fire to essential services such as hospitals meant that one side was out of control and not interested in keeping the peace.
“They have agreed to meet me at the palace tomorrow,” Eliza said. “But I have a feeling if I don't agree to their terms, it will end in more death.”
“And your police forces?” Nathaniel asked.
“Are doing all that they can,” Eliza answered. “They claim that those attacks are extremists and not linked to their cause, but I highly doubt it. I need to negotiate with the certainty that no one else will die. Your presence will assure them that the Nations are on my side.”
“My lady,” Desmond said as they walked, “we are happy to assist you. But as witches, we are a neutral force; in support of no one side. You know that.”
“Of course,” Eliza answered, although she glanced to Nathaniel. “Still, your presence will be helpful here.”
The hangar was connected to the palace, and Eliza led them into the hallway where the royal chambers were.
“Each of you can be assigned here,” she said, pointing out two rooms. “Desmond, Sienna, your rooms are here. And Nathaniel,” she said, “you can take up guard duty in my outer chambers. I shall sleep better knowing magic is not far away.”
“Of course,” Nathaniel bowed his head, avoiding Desmond's gaze. Desmond knew exactly what he was doing, and he rolled his eyes. These two were so obvious, it was ridiculous.
“I'll leave you to get settled,” Eliza said as her guards snapped to attention. “Your briefing will be ready when you are.”
“Your highness.” Nathaniel ducked his head as she went off, holding his gaze a moment too long. Desmond cleared his throat.
“It's quite late already,” Desmond replied. “I'm surprised she wants to work tonight.”
“You know Eliza,” Nathaniel answered. “She's ruthless. All night, if she has to.”
“That is true,” Desmond answered. “A seven p.m. briefing will be fine. I'll wash up and meet you two in the briefing room.”
“Desmond,” Nathaniel called after him as Sienna stood confused, “are you forgetting something? She needs to be shown the layout.”
“Of course, she does,” Desmond replied. “May I also point out that it's nearly 6:30? You are on a shift for teaching layouts and anything else that may occur throughout the night.”
“Wait…” Nathaniel suddenly put the pieces together. “You can't be serious.”
“Why?” Desmond asked. “Did you have other plans tonight?”
“I have to guard Eliza's chambers.”
“I heard that,” Desmond replied. “A duty your Tiro should learn how to do, as she stays glued to your side. Isn't that how you learned from me?”
“Desmond, not tonight,” Nathaniel cried desperately, but his former Maestro was not interested in negotiation. He vanished into his rooms, leaving Nathaniel and Sienna standing in the hallway. Nathaniel turned to her with a frustrated sigh.
“Come with me,” he grumbled, moving so fast she had to run to catch up. This was not turning out the way he wanted at all.