War of the Rosette Read online

  SERENITY

  WAR OF THE ROSETTE

  A. K. DUBOFF & M. D. COOPER

  SPECIAL THANKS

  Just in Time (JIT) & Beta Reads

  Scott Reid

  Gene Bryan

  Gareth Banks

  Chad Burroughs

  Copyright © 2020 A.K. DuBoff & M. D. Cooper

  Cover Art by A.K. DuBoff

  Editing by Jen McDonnell, Bird’s Eye Books

  Aeon 14 & M. D. Cooper are registered trademarks of Malorie Cooper

  All rights reserved

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  FOREWORD

  PREVIOUSLY…

  PEOPLE & HOUSES

  A MESSAGE IN QUEUE

  A POLITICAL PROPOSAL

  STRATEGY

  THE RIGHT WORDS

  PERMISSION, NOT FORGIVENESS

  LIGHTING THE SPARK

  MORE FUEL FOR THE FIRE

  DIFFERENT TACTICS

  FAMILY DRAMA

  LET’S TRY THIS AGAIN

  SO IT BEGINS

  PREPARATIONS

  BUILDING MOMENTUM

  CAN’T STOP NOW

  SPY OR ALLY?

  REVOLUTION

  LOSING CONTROL

  GET OUT

  ONLY ONE PLACE TO RUN

  POWER PLAY

  SECRETS REVEALED

  WAITING GAME

  A CRUX REVEALED

  A CALL FOR HELP

  STANDING DOWN

  RAPID RESPONSE

  PERSPECTIVE

  LAST DITCH

  ALLIES AND ARMISTICES

  OFF WITH THEIR HEADS

  A NEW PLAN

  UNITED

  ADVENTURE AWAITS

  MORE BY A.K. DUBOFF

  THE BOOKS OF AEON 14

  OTHER BOOKS BY M. D. COOPER

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  FOREWORD

  Back when Mal and I met in fall of 2016, I was just a newbie author, and the Aeon 14 Universe only had three or four books. We hit it off from the start, I think partially because of our shared love of big-scope, character-centric sci-fi.

  What I’ve always loved about Aeon 14 books is how they explore the human condition, and especially how the interplay between technology and politics impacts everyday life experience. Though many characters in Aeon 14 are at the center of big, interstellar conflicts, there’s always been an eye toward “the little guy” (or girl :-) ), and what can happen when power structures run amok.

  I was incredibly honored to learn that Mal had carved out a little corner of the Aeon 14 Universe just for me, setting up all of the things I love to play with in my own sci-fi—political intrigue, family drama, and awesome tech. It doesn’t get much cooler than that!

  I had intended to write these books about two years ago, but I think it worked out for the better that they were delayed. A hallmark of science fiction is its reflection of the current environment, and a number of events in my own life and the surrounding world resulted in the right inspiration for delving deeper into the Serenity Ordus. The first book in the duology sets the stage for political unrest, and I hope this book provides a satisfying conclusion and hopeful vision for a more sustainable path ahead.

  On a personal note, it’s been a privilege to watch Mal’s development as both a writer and a woman coming into her own during the course of our friendship and collaboration. I’m thrilled to be a part of helping fulfill Mal’s vision of creating the largest internally consistent book universe ever written.

  Here’s to a bright future!

  Amy DuBoff

  Locked Down in California, April 2020

  PREVIOUSLY…

  When last we saw Terry and Cyrus, they were aboard the Perseus, the ancient ship that had terraformed the worlds of the Serenity System. There, they had made a truce with Antaris, one of the scions of House Laurentia.

  Outside the ship, the Acadian Guard and the Celestiana defeated House Nebracken’s forces, keeping them from accessing the ancient ship. In doing so, the new allies forestalled the inevitable conflict between the five houses of the High Table.

  On the moon of Gallas, Pharis, daughter of Justina, is struggling to hold her place in the family, while her sister Jeslan works her own alliance with Nebracken, further pushing Serenity toward war.

  Though Terry and Cyrus know they must encourage the people to rise up, they’re uncertain of how to do so peacefully. An armed rebellion would be met with force, and that would bring about just the sort of conflict they’re hoping to avoid.

  There are no easy paths forward, as the scions of the great houses jockey for both peace and power in a star system destabilized by the death of the woman who had kept it in order for many millennia.

  PEOPLE & HOUSES

  Terry – Former mechanic on Gallas who left the Serenity System aboard Sabrina with Jessica and her crew.

  Crew of the Celestiana

  Mai – Owner and captain

  Cyrus – First Mate

  Bryn – Pilot

  Ren – Master of Arms

  Vic – Cargomaster

  Great Houses of the Serenity Ordus

  The Moon of Acadia

  House: Laurentia (Head of the High Table)

  Leader: Kristina

  Scion: Antaris

  Former house leader: Samantha Annias

  The Moon of Mesophis

  House: Nebracken

  Leader: Lena

  Heir: Lorana

  Scion: Silvan

  The Moon of Gallas

  House: Charlemis

  Leader: Justina

  Heir: Pharis

  Scion: Jeslan

  The Moon of Yucana

  House: Mepholec

  The Moon of Teros

  House: Paladis

  A MESSAGE IN QUEUE

  STELLAR DATE: 12.15.8938 (Adjusted Years)

  LOCATION: Perseus, Serenity System

  REGION: Orion Freedom Alliance, Perseus Arm

  Dana watched through optics and a host of other sensors as the three ships left her bays, sailing out to their disparate destinations, none of them—so far as she was concerned—possessing a clue as to what they should do.

  The urge to simply take the reins and bring the system into line was strong, but even though the Perseus possessed many capabilities, it was in great disrepair. Centuries of inactivity had caused all but the most critical systems to fail, and it was a bit of a miracle that the craft was still in a stable orbit.

  Bit by bit, she was bringing repair systems online, working to stabilize station-keeping and basic defense first, before moving on to the next phases, such as activating the ramscoop to draw in hydrogen off Serenity to replenish reserves before test firing the engines.

  It was a process that would take some weeks, because while the repairs were necessary, revealing to the populace that the Perseus was not an unassailable stronghold would be the very definition of ‘unwise’.

  As such, the decision to step back and let the people of Serenity determine their own fate was one of self-preservation as much as anything else. But at the same time, she didn’t wish to see what she’d helped to build fall into ruin, as those who remained squabbled over the scraps that were their slowly decaying civilization.

  One of her first actions upon regaining partial control weeks prior was to send a single probe to Star City, where those who had left Serenity undertook their next great work. It was unknown to her whether or not help—or even a response—would come. Those who’d left were wanderers at heart, content to settle down for a century or two, but ultimately, they always departed, seeking new horizons in the deep.

  And so, it was to her great surprise that, as the humans were leaving the Perseus, a tightbeam splashed against her comm ar
rays, a message coming from the coreward edge of the system.

  It was encrypted, but Dana knew the key to unlock the information, and applied it, unfurling the details in her mind.

  There was a host of data about the status of Star City, and a comprehensive overview of the last few thousand years of history outside of the Serenity System.

  But most interestingly, there was a message from someone she’d never heard of before, a person named Tanis.

  [Hello, Dana. We’ve never met, but I’ve learned much about you from the records kept of the Perseus’s journey. We were curious about your status after learning from recent travelers that the Perseus was still present in Serenity, though your hand was not visible in events there.

  That you were imprisoned for so long is unconscionable, but we are glad that you have been released.

  As for who I am, I am the daughter of three of the people who were recently in Serenity and brought about the downfall of Samantha Annias. When they reached Star City, there was but one Bastion protecting it and the Dreamers who remained. My siblings and I were born and raised with the purpose of defending the city until all the Dreamers move on, and that is our purpose now.

  I suspect you know not about the Dream, so I have supplied additional data regarding it.

  I also know that you are aware of who Kirkland is, and have likely learned something of the Orion Freedom Alliance by now. Know that Kirkland has no love of AIs, and seeks to build a human empire without us. Both of our systems are within Orion’s borders, but they have been content to leave Serenity alone after Samantha made a deal with him to remove all advanced technology from her system.

  Star City, on the other hand, has weathered wave after wave of attacks from Orion. While we don’t see any reason that the Orion Guard would pay Serenity a visit, you should be aware that your reactivation may cause them to take notice and get involved.

  More information awaits within the data we have provided. Let us know if you would like assistance.]

  Dana pored over the additional information the AI named Tanis had sent, realizing that things were worse than she’d feared and any overt action by her could very easily make things worse.

  After careful consideration, she sent a short reply.

  [If you can send a repair ship without the humans learning of it, I would greatly appreciate that. Otherwise, we had best wait until the right time.]

  She didn’t yet know what the right time was, though one thing she was certain of was that the humans must shape their own future. Doing it for them would not provide the experience necessary to weather what was coming.

  A POLITICAL PROPOSAL

  STELLAR DATE: 12.20.8938 (Adjusted Years)

  LOCATION: Laurentia Estate, Acadia, Serenity System

  REGION: Orion Freedom Alliance, Perseus Arm

  Terry tugged at the knee-length hem of her black sheath dress, trying to hide more of her legs as she sat on the couch. The fashion on Acadia was an awkward contrast to the full-body, skin-tight suits on her home moon of Gallas, and she wasn’t accustomed to showing so much flesh. More than that, though, sitting in the Laurentia manor to meet with the current head of the High Table had her palms sweating and head spinning.

  “Relax,” Cyrus soothed next to her on the couch.

  “Easy for you to say,” she whispered. “These are your people.”

  Even as she said it, she regretted making the comparison. In many ways, Cyrus was more similar to her than the other highborn in the Serenity Ordus, since he’d resigned his post in the Gallas Guard and taken to a life of cargo hauling and completing other odd jobs in the adjacent systems. Only in the last few weeks had he returned to Serenity to aid his family. He was, perhaps, the bridge between outsider and highborn that was needed to unite the system, and move the people forward to a new era.

  His sharp look back to her said everything she’d been thinking, and she bowed her head in silent apology.

  He placed a reassuring hand on her knee. “Remember, the highborn are people like anyone else. Kristina just wears more bangles.”

  A slight smile broke through on Terry’s face. “I guess I’ll need to put my share of the proceeds from the black market pulse rifles to good use.”

  The door to the reception room swung open and Kristina Laurentia strode in across the white marble floor. Her red hair was styled into two crests sweeping over the top of her head and flowing down her back. Her black dress hugged her body, only falling to mid-thigh—the quintessential Acadian fashion—while gold bangles adorned her wrists and upper arms. The most striking part of her outfit, however, was a massive ruby necklace that perfectly draped across her collarbone and chest. It sparkled in the blue light cast from the gas fireplace near the couch as she approached.

  Cyrus rose to address her, and Terry followed his lead.

  “Pleasant greetings, my lady,” he said, bowing at the waist. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.”

  Terry dropped into a low curtsy next to him—no small feat in the tight dress and heels.

  Kristina cast Cyrus an evaluative look and then held out her right hand, which was covered in several ornate rings. Cyrus kissed the signet ring, and Kristina’s lips twisted into a pleased smirk.

  “You come from a rival house, and yet you bow to me,” she stated.

  Cyrus straightened slowly and then sank back to the couch, keeping his gazed locked on her. “A demonstration of respect to honor our prospective alliance.”

  Kristina gave a slight nod and took a seat across from him on the facing couch. She crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. “Say what you came here to say.”

  Terry wet her lips. “First, my lady, may I say you have a beautiful home.”

  The leader of Laurentia arched an eyebrow. “I had no part in its design, but thank you.”

  Not the warmest response, but it could have gone worse. Terry pressed on. “I know it is unusual that someone of my station has come to your residence to address you directly, but it is because I was nominated as a representative by Dana, the Perseus’s AI.”

  Kristina nodded. “So Antaris informed me. Your lack of material and financial holdings means you do not have the same political motivation as the others who are aware of Dana’s existence.”

  “Yeah. Er, yes, my lady,” Terry replied. “I believe Dana has an affinity for me, since I figured out how to free her.” She intentionally left out mention of Kristina’s ancestor being the one who locked the AI in her prison in the first place.

  “The strongest alliances are forged by genuine trust rather than arrangements of pure convenience,” Kristina said. “You have won Dana’s favor through heroic actions, but House Laurentia and House Charlemis have no such bond.” She returned her attention to Cyrus. “What do you hope to accomplish from this meeting?”

  “A demonstration that our intentions are genuine,” Cyrus told her, “and to make the case for uniting against a common threat.”

  “Ah, yes, my advisors warned me that you would skip the foreplay and jump right to the main event.” Kristina leaned back to rest her shoulder on the rear couch cushion.

  “You’ve spoken with Antaris, so you knew our intentions when you agreed to the meeting.” Cyrus’s tone was more confident now, addressing her as a true equal.

  While that balance of power wasn’t strictly true, it reflected that House Laurentia was presently in a more precarious predicament—and House Charlemis offered a potential solution.

  Kristina remained calm. “Nebracken has become an immediate concern for both of our houses, I agree.”

  “To deal with that threat, we would have more leverage as a united front.”

  She looked him over again. “Yes. I suppose you’ll do.”

  Cyrus tilted his head. “Pardon?”

  “That is why you came here, isn’t it? To propose a marriage alliance between us?”

  Cyrus looked taken aback, to Terry’s relief, but she felt her own mouth drop open all the same.

&nbs
p; “Um, that’s not exactly what I had in mind,” Cyrus managed at last.

  “It would solve many problems, though, would it not?” Kristina said.

  “I suppose it would.”

  Terry’s stomach flopped. She didn’t know where her relationship with Cyrus might lead, but she certainly hadn’t considered the possibility of him being married off to someone else as a grand political maneuver. She suddenly felt even more exposed, sitting on the couch in her short dress, out of her element and operating far above her rightful place in society. It was foolish for her to think that Cyrus wouldn’t consider a marriage proposal to the leader of a house.

  “Would Dana support such a union?” Kristina asked.

  It took Terry a moment to realize the question had been directed toward her. Her head swam. “I don’t see why she would object, so long as the goal was to return balance to the Ordus.” To her surprise, her voice didn’t shake. Is Cyrus really going along with this? Is that it? Are we over?

  “Regardless of how we ultimately proceed,” Kristina continued, “we need to make sure Dana supports the course. She is too powerful an ally to have turn against us.” She crossed her arms. “Or to have go rogue.”

  “Freeing her was the right thing to do,” Terry stated.

  She didn’t like the look in the other woman’s eyes—a longing for that power to be under her control.

  Is this entire family genetically programmed to be power-hungry?

  “Sentient life is life, even if its form is different than those we’re used to in our community,” Cyrus said to back her up. “Our goal is to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Ordus.”

  “Yes, tell me of your proposed approach to unseat Nebracken,” Kristina leaned forward again with renewed interest.

  “We intend to draw on the example of cultures throughout human history,” Cyrus explained. “Right now, the Ordus is ruled by fear—elite in control of all aspects of their subjects’ lives, where no one has a chance to deviate from their assigned role without fear of losing everything. What we want to do is spark a revolution.”