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Beyond Hope
- Chapter 32 - Dragging them along kicking and screaming[]
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"...the Terran Conference of 3059 was an historical moment, a reaching for the stability and safety of a bygone age…"
-Liao, Sun-Tzu, "Focht, Cameron, and the promise of rebirth"
Sian Press Interstellar
Birth of Children[]
Kowloon System, Federation Commonwealth (Lyran State)
August 11th, 3059
Elizabeth's screams were groans, not howls. Her pain threshold was still that much higher than it should be.
The surprise came after the first child came out, because she kept pushing.
Their daughter was born with a caul, underweight. The son was healthy enough.
The delivery was hard on her. Elizabeth's heart nearly stopped three times.
Elizabeth Ngo would spend the first week of her children's life in intensive care.
"Simon……and Hannah." Liz said. "One for the last real First Lord of the Star League, and one for my grandmother on my father's side."
“Perfect.” Arthur was still showing some signs of his own stress and anxiety of the last week.
Hannah would have to stay at the hospital for longer, getting medical intervention for her underdeveloped lungs and heart.
Evelynn punched Arthur in the arm.
“What was that for?”
“For giving a small woman like Liz twins!” Evelynn teased. “And you, I’m not sure what I’m going to do to you later for holding out on me that you were having twins.”
"Wasn't…sure they'd both make it." Liz confessed, "Doctors gave Hannah…sixty percent chance of making it to term. Did a lot of damage, don't you know?" she was woozy from her own brain chemicals.
“All the more reason you should have said something. But it looks like you need a nap.”
“Yeah. I really do.”
Painful Visit[]
Ruins of Unity City
Terra, ComStar Space
August, 3059
Helena Cameron drew in a slow deep breath.
She was about to do the hardest thing she’d ever done.
The doors on the old throne room opened.
Of course it had been arranged for her to come to Unity City and the palace. There was only one other place she dreaded more.
Helena walked up to where the throne had been.
“We still are tracking down which Precentor decided they wanted that as a collectible.” Focht’s voice came from behind her.
“The carpet’s been replaced.” Helena remarked. “I still want to run away and never come back, or if I do come back it will be with lots of inferno gel.”
“So why don’t you?” Focht asked. It’s really her. She’s right and this place has been sealed to outsiders. Only a handful of people would know that the throne used to be right there and the carpeting has been changed and we know who those are.
“Because as much as I fear this place, was tortured here, and raped here I can’t do that. Because it’s also my sister’s grave. My brother’s. My niece’s. Uncles. Aunts. Cousins. Despite everything I’m not afraid.” Helena began to cry.
“I’ll give you some time.” Focht bowed and left.
Helena went to her knees and began crying like a little girl right where the throne had been.
By the time she stopped the sun had gone down but she stood up finally.
Despite how weak and infirm she had been that day long ago she knew exactly which passages to take to go to that room. The one that she nearly met her fate in.
She felt the dread fill her as she reached for the door.
Despite this she opened it. It was empty now. That was no surprise.
“I swore I’d never come back here, but here I am. A shame that the room is empty.” Helena felt her heart slow.
Closing the door, Helena started walking. She kept walking until she found the marker for where Kerensky supposedly killed Amaris.
Helena looked around to make sure she was alone.
“Part of me wants to desecrate your grave. Hell I’m still not sure I won’t undo my belt and pull down my pants and do something very unladylike. No, that’s not right. You’re dead. You won’t care and knowing you, that might actually excite you if you actually did care.” Helena kneeled down. “No, there’s only one thing I can do that will actually spite you and I think I’m ready to do it finally. I’m going to live my life. Worse than that, I’m going to make sure the Cameron line endures.”
Helena stood and looked around again.
It’s true. They’re all dead. If I really want to stop being a victim, that’s what I really have to do. I have to live my life. Mine, not the one others expect of me.
Helena started walking. Slowly at first. Then when she neared a wall panel she reached out and touched it and slid into one of the secret passages burned into her mind.
“I’m sorry everyone, but I need to be a little selfish right now.” Helena said quietly
Return of the wandering Nobility[]
Moshe was disappointed in himself. He hadn’t managed to keep up with Helena and she’d gotten away from him.
She was now loose somewhere in Unity City.
This had caused something of a panic.
It took several hours before technicians managed to find her scouring through camera feeds, information nets, and witness reports.
He opened the dive hotel room door.
“Hey, Moshe.” Helena said weakly. “I’m okay, just exhausted. Liz is right. Sex can be fantastic.”
“Helena…”
“Don’t be too angry please. I just needed something for me.” Helena explained.
“As long as that is all it was.”
“I feel so free right nowm Moshe. I actually feel like for the first time since I was a little girl that I actually want to fall in love. And yes. I want a family now. Not just adopt. But children of my own. But now I have to go back. Be responsible Helena.” Helena said sadly from the bed.
“Yes, let’s go back.” Moshe nodded.
“Shower first. I need to clean up.”
“Okay.” Moshe nodded.
Helena stood up completely naked and walked to the shower.
We pushed her too far too fast and she broke. Moshe shook his head. There’s only one way this could get worse.
It would not be realized by anyone else for about a week yet and no one would even suspect it until it was too late. Moshe had just invoked Murphy’s law and thus despite the presence of a contraceptive implant Helena would miss her next nine periods.
Dress Down from a Night on the Town[]
Royal Suite - Unity City
Terra, ComStar Space
Late 3059
Helena prepared herself for a dressing down from Victor Steiner-Davion now that the conference was finally set to get underway.
“I’m sorry. We put you in this position and it broke you. Not permanently though it seems. So I hope you can forgive us.”
“I should be the one apologizing. I caused so much fuss.”
“Tell me, how was it, not the sex but being free like that. No bodyguards, no expectations, no worries about assassins or kidnappers.” Victor asked.
“Best six hours of my life. He had stamina. The other two hours weren’t bad either.” Helena teased. “I honestly thought I’d never enjoy that ever in my life.”
“Be honest with me, Helena. There are concerns but I’m prepared to set those aside on your word. For the sake of us doing the nearly impossible. If we’re going to have any chance of it being more than an alliance of convenience I’m going to need you to play a central part in this new Star League.”
“I’m better now. Not completely over everything. But I’m done running. I still think I wouldn’t make a particularly good First Lord but I’d be an idiot to not think I wouldn’t be at least nominated.”
Daphne Rowe looked up from the briefing materials she was preparing for the Archon-Prince, and asked, blandly, "Did you at least have fun?"
“Daphne, I’m not crying in a corner. Curled up in a ball, or in a shower. Yeah I somehow managed to enjoy myself.” Helena nodded.
"Wanna see some baby pictures? Lizzie was pushing them out while we were looking for you."
“Yes please!” Helena smiled. “They’re so cute. Liz looks exhausted but happy. And look at Arthur. Awwwwww…..”
“I think this is my cue to step out. You two have fun.” Victor said.
"Victor, just because you and Omi haven't done it yet…"
“Just want to let you two gossip. Besides who says I’m not going to go see if Omi isn’t free while I let you two gush. Just be careful with the baby fever.” Victor waved.
“Okay I’ll believe you this time.” Daphne said accusingly.
“I’ll be fine Victor. You don’t have to worry about me. I was drafted too which means implant.” Helena smiled. “I’m not going to do anything crazy again so soon.”
“We’ll send for you Helena when we need you. Take a few minutes with your friend.” Victor stepped out of the room.
"You know what's funny?" Daphne teased, "Sithers was on her BEST behavior-she didn't hit the Port Boys the whole trip out, and you go and find some zipless sex while she's fretting about batteries and vegetables."
“I’m never going to hear the end of it am I?” Helena shook her head.
"I imagine the end of it will come…Lizzie named the boy 'Simon' after your Father. Her daughter's been saddled with 'Hannah Helena Amanda Ngo Steiner Davion'. Poor thing."
“She didn’t have to do that…” Helena frowned.
"Yes, naming a girl that is really too cruel."
“Not just that, I know what sort of gesture she’s trying to make. I just might cry again, but this time for a different reason.”
"Standard issue tissue, Helena?" Daphne offered, "We'd have gotten the monogrammed ones, but the store was out."
“When it’s your time, don’t you go and do something silly like naming your kids after me.”
"Mine, will be Numbered." Daphne teased, "The spelling will, as a result, be super-simple and I can continue the fine tradition of forgetting my kids names except when they've gotten into trouble, just like my Parents, only without the additional hassle of having a name to forget." Daphne's tone was teasing, but there was a certain acidic truth in her tone. "I don't intend to have kids, Helena."
“Well you have good friends around you that will help you be a better parent than yours was.” Helena smiled.
"But i Don't WANT to, Helena! I want to be the cool auntie with a motorcycle and a thousand cats and tie-died jackets with those little round spectacles that don't actually do anything!"
“Okay Daphne. You can be the cool aunt. I guess that means I’ll have to be the responsible aunt then. Can’t have two cool aunts after all.”
"Sure you can. We can collaborate on which noisy toys to bring to birthdays, and what sorts of trouble we can encourage the kids to get into!" Daphne's eyes glittered, "like a team. After all, Lizzie was in rehab by age eleven, so…"
“Heh. We’ll turn them into the right kind of precocious trouble makers.”
"There you go, being the angel so I can be the devil. They'll either end up titanic culture-history figures or juvenile delinquents!"
“I can hardly wait. We’ll miss so much. Working like we’re going to work. But eventually we’ll have some leave to go and spoil them like crazy.”
“Helena, that’s the job, but you’re right. We’ll spoil Liz’s kids rotten next time we have leave.”
"Jane's probably already pulled ahead that way, Daffy." Helena said, "She is, after all, actually there to do the spoiling."
“How’s her adoption paperwork going?”
"FIVE." Helena said, "She's on her fifth one. How she finds the sanity to deal with five special-needs kids with three of them special-needs due to delinquency and two with long-term medical issues blows my mind."
“She’s got the advantage of not needing to sleep. Just has to recharge her remotes now and again and she can have multiple ones running at once or rotate them as needed.”
“Yeah. I know. Still each time it seems like someone has to challenge the idea of a CASPAR adopting. But she keeps proving able so I’ll keep going to bat for her.” Helena nodded.
"Arthur's published another monograph on the physics of HPG interactions with KF drives and the spectra of potential hyperspace dimensions. I'm not sure who's going to understand it, besides maybe Lizzie."
“He’s a busy man. He needs to slow down to be a Dad.”
Daphne paged down,then stopped. "Huh."
“What’s up?”
"They're building a lab in the Kowloon system to carry out a single experiment. This one's been flagged by my boss at LIC. Seems agents picked up chatter about it from one of the Comstar factions."
“Oh boy. That sounds like a combination for a mountain of antacids, migraine medicine, and repetitive stress injury paperwork.”
"It's got pictures of the site, the flag says you might recognize it." Daphne turned the terminal so Helena could look at the display.
"Eros Project." Helea identified it immediately, "Aunty Jocasta's era, and the reason there's no longer a moon-sized object named Eros in the Sol system."
“Geez.”
“Yeah. Crazy stuff. Liz is going to have a lot of paper pushers, intelligence agents, and oversight people up her ass.” Helena nodded. “But I think she and Arthur can do it. Those two are an unstoppable and adorkable team.”
"But…what is it?"
"The largest particle accelerator in human history, Eros was trying to find a means to create exotic state matter for advanced Hyperspace research…and then, according to my late uncle, someone in the Hegemony government ordered it de-funded and shut down, the shutting down was done poorly and bang. No more project, and no more Eros."
“Exotic state matter…”
“Antimatter for one. There are a couple other types, but that’s the big one. The one that went bang.” Helena nodded.
“You seem calm about this.” Daphne said.
"It's going to take them several years to finish it." Helena predicted, "something that big takes time to build. And I have faith in my friends that they’ll succeed.”
“Now I know you had a mental break and are crazy. But I think it’s a good kind of crazy.” Daphne said.
“Possibly. When Lizzie and I talked about possible projects, it was either replicating Eros, or working on a super-jump technology. She picked Eros, which doesn't risk nearly as much or as many lives if it goes wrong."
“Well now I’m really going to have to keep an eye on you two.” Daphne shook her head.
"I have gifted friends, I like to encourage them." Helena said simply. “And you’re a friend too Daphne so I’m going to encourage and support you too.”
“What?”
“A special billet for you. You’ve earned it.” Helena smiled as she dug out a portable noteputer.
“Special Diplomatic Attache.” Daphne raised her eyebrow.
“You’re good with people Daphne. And I know I don’t have to worry about you creating a diplomatic incident.”
“You’re teasing me.”
“Maybe a little. I know you’re already part of the mission, so really this is just making what you’re already doing official.”
“A quick bite to eat while we have time?”
“Yeah. That would be good.”
===Administration Difference between Services
===
Royal Suite - Unity City
Terra, ComStar Space
Late 3059
"...necessary for longer term operations, the force structure for the SLDF proper can't rely on any one single state of this new Star League, but it must remain neutral." Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao insisted, "We've seen what happened when the bulk of advanced forces belonged to former Terran Hegemony units-the Hegemony collapsed, and those units, along with others from the member states, left the Star League in collapse."
“I agree in principle. The detail is how to balance so no one state has undue influence.” Captain-General Thomas Marik said.
"Burden is a bigger problem. I know the Federated Commonwealth has massive numbers of military personnel to draw from, and a huge financial budget, for a minor member, or smaller state, matching that can be…excessive. Crippling even, especially without concessions-"
Helena cleared her throat. "Chancellor Liao, if I may?"
“Go ahead.”
"How much would you guess the current and planned naval expansions in the Federated Commonwealth is costing? Percent of GDP-wise?"
“That is an interesting question. Our projections are for twenty percent.” Sun-Tzu answered.
“Would you believe the number is lower? it’s actually only between seven and nine percent when you take into account new production and existing outlays."
“How…”
“Simplifying production for commonality of parts, removing corruption, and sharing the production more evenly so more people can profit without obstructionism or graft.” Helena stated. “In the interest of the spirit of cooperation I’m willing to share the prospectus so everyone can keep up.”
"How? Even in the Star League-"
"The SLDF had some good ideas that were badly implemented." Helena began, "The privileges of the SLDF as a service, are well documented and somewhat legendary, and were intended to create and maintain a separate, distinct military culture. Unfortunately, they did this by making soldiers into virtual 'lords', with pay high enough to have servants, so that, instead of being the servants of the state, the state ended up in part being the servants to a military establishment." Helena was cribbing hard from Elizabeth's writings-writings based on the archives and her own experiences growing up. "When I worked to reform the FedCom Navy, under Archon Melissa, and again under Victor-" she nodded to the Archon-Prince "-I used what I had observed growing up as a guide in what not to do, permit, or ignore. We created a distinct organizational culture in the Federated Commonwealth Navy that would be unattractive to those whom are easily enticed or corrupted."
“And you’re sharing all that with us?” Sun-Tzu asked.
“I am. Katherine Morgan pointed out, we want to get home alive after winning, not fail to come home because we're dead. But more than that, one of the great mistakes of the original Star League Was hoarding instead of sharing. My friend, Elizabeth Ngo-Steiner-Davion pointed out to me in an argument one night, that it isn't knowledge that kills. It's ignorance. She laid out example after example, from the mundane to the exotic, where ignorance was the cause of everything from failures, to Genocides. Maybe it’ll cause problems but progress always comes with growing pains."
Victor looked approvingly, "The problems caused by knowledge are usually solved by having more, is that her position, and yours?" He asked it as a leading question.
"Information…is ammunition. Information is resources, information is the gap between a catastrophe and a victory."
“Our old enemies have come to our aid. They did not have to. The Combine is willing to listen to more.” Theodore nodded.
"Perfect Victory." Sun-Tzu noted, "Are you familiar with the philosophical concept of it?"
"To most completely destroy an enemy, make him your friend." Victor quoted, "usually that's a saw on operations in the dark, I take it you are using a different meaning?"
"Destroy the enmity, and you no longer have an enemy." the Chancellor said, "That was the original meaning in the original text in Mandarin. The phrase has, over time, had the meaning mutilated and mutated by the mendacious. Lady Helena, are you proposing we seek a perfect victory here at home, to defeat this foreign enemy?"
“I do dream of a lasting peace, a lasting Star League for all of us.”
A throat cleared from the rear of the chamber, and Mitchell Avellar raised his hand hesitantly. "As an observer invited by Comstar, I'm going to have to point something out, because this is sounding a bit too much like the stories of the First Star League, which cemented itself into being on the bodies of my people in the 'Reunification Wars'."
“That is not a legacy I wish to continue. Indeed I’m not naive enough to think all conflict will stop forever. But if we can establish something that serves the members, a place where when conflict does break out we have a body in place that can mediate and help rebuild without bias.”
"Everyone has a bias." Mitchell said mildly, "it's what kind of bias that matters. I have a bias-so does mister Shraplen from the Concordat, Lady Centralla of the Magistracy, and others. I like the idea of a military establishment that is..unattractive…to the cruel, the corrupt, the vain, and the vicious. I wonder how well it can be kept."
“Fair points. As for how long. That, like all things worthwhile, will take continued commitment and effort. Variables and desires will inevitably change. But it is my hope that we can create a foundation that can withstand that and will be seen as worthwhile for generations to come. But be able to change and evolve. I have seen that dream become corrupted. I have seen it fail. None of us know the future for sure. But we all know if we want it to be truly better it takes hard work and commitment. I also know what my name means to us all here. For some of you my close association with the Steiner-Davions is as troubling as the name Cameron itself is for others. I was the youngest. So I was never given serious education or grooming to become First Lord. On top of that it’s no secret by now to those of you who believe I am really Helena Cameron that I was a victim of terrible things. I also swore an oath to follow the lawful orders of the Archon. For those reasons I do not seek becoming First Lord. But I will promise I will do my utmost to help whoever you elect to be First Lord.”
Helena tried to stand to help make her point but wobbled, only catching herself on the table instead of fall.
“Are you alright, Lady Cameron?” Victor asked.
“Just a little light headed there. Would it be inappropriate to ask for a recess?” Helena steadied herself.
“A pause seems appropriate.” Sun-Tzu offered.
Under The Weather[]
Royal Suite - Unity City
Terra, ComStar Space
Late 3059
“No wonder. Your blood pressure is elevated, even for you.” Majery said as she examined Helena in a small private chamber.
“What’s odd is I didn’t feel my usual anxiety in there. I still took a full dose to be safe but despite it being a room full of strangers I didn’t feel the panic, nausea, or need to run away I usually do.”
“Could she be sick? She was out unsupervised for a while.”
“I better run a blood screen to check.” Majery said as she pulled out the necessary equipment.
“I don’t feel sick.” Helena commented.
“I know you don’t like having your blood drawn.” Majery said as she filled two vials.
“How long will it take?” Victor asked.
“Anything contagious in the timeframe of Helena’s little vacation will jump out right away but if she’s just sick without being contagious that will take a few hours at least.” Majery turned to Victor, “I’d like to give her a day of rest to be sure.”
“Then you’ve done enough Helena. We can take it from here.” Victor declared.
“I need to at least be in the room. Or else people will start to doubt.” Helena countered.
“I hate that you’re right. Things are too delicate right now, but I’m still going to make it clear to the others you should be allowed to just observe.” Victor sighed.
Unexpected News[]
Royal Suite - Unity City
Terra, ComStar Space
Late 3059
Victor was true to his word, and the others accepted it. For about a week.
Helena sat there as the details were being hashed out, argued over, and negotiated.
She was miserable the whole time. Majery’s blood screens revealed no disease. But Helena’s blood pressure issues continued, to the point she was now having headaches that she initially dismissed due to the rigors of the meetings.
“...perhaps we should ask Lady Cameron’s opinion?” Thomas Marik’s voice rang louder than the others.
Helena checked her watch before answering, “Apologies, Captain-General. It is time for my daily check up.”
It was a half truth. Helena was being screened daily now but there was no set schedule.
Still no one objected as she exited the conference room.
In the small office that was now Majery’s examination room was also Daphne.
“Something’s wrong with her.” Daphne said. “Must be serious too.”
“I’m worried too.” Majery drew another vial of blood from Helena and placed it into the computer.
After a few moments an unexpected result came up.
“That can’t be right…” Majery said.
“Does that mean what I think it means?” Daphne asked.
“What is it Doc?” Helena asked a heartbeat later.
“According to this you’re pregnant.”
“Nonononononono….I mean I wanted to have some fun and live a little, but not go that far. It’s got to be a mistake right?” Helena went pale.
Majery pulled out another device and ran it over Helena’s abdomen. Majery’s expression confirmed it.
“The implant is reporting a fault. Damn it. I’m sorry Helena. It must have failed sometime between your pre-trip physical and now.”
“Your meds…” Daphne said first.
“The symptoms lineup. Helena. I know you’re in a state of shock right now but you have to decide very quickly if you want to keep this baby or not. The side effects with your current medicines can have rather negative consequences for your child.”
Helena put both her hands on her now exposed lower abdomen.
“I’m going to keep it. I have to.” Helena answered after the brief pause.
“There’s still a strong possibility of birth defects as we switch up your meds to a cocktail that will help combat your remaining issues so you need to be really sure about this.” Majery prompted.
“Timing is less than ideal but I’m not aborting.” Helena declared.
“You know who’s really going to give you a hard time for this now right?” Daphne said.
“Liz.” Helena nodded.
"I was going to say Sithers, but Liz is a good second choice." Daphne stated, then imitated the spacer-born Kowloonese specialist. "It's always the ones who're painfully straight who ****** it up for the fun ones!' she'll say, then she'll go on a rant about unprotected sex and not keeping up with your contraceptives because you forgot what those systems are supposed to do. You know that's what she'll do, right before she goes out and finds this guy and drags him back for interrogation and she won't hold back on the electric current and needles because she's going to assume he drugged you and it's rape."
“I really messed up. Because that’s the worst part. I got my implant checked before coming to Terra.”
Daphne scowled, "Messing up is only part of it, Ma'am. The part you're going to have to worry about, is whether they find your casual fling and he's so sorry, or they find him after Linda catches him because you didn't make her stop and now they're finding him in hundred gram baggies in dumpsters all over town. You have a Special Crimes Investigator on your staff whose body of work includes some of the sickest psychos in the Lyran Commonwealth. You NEED to talk to her before she flies off the handle."
“Yeah. I’m going to have to explain this to her. Then I’m going to have to explain this to Liz somehow.”
“I’ll do you the solid of running interference with the House Lords while you do that.” Daphne nodded.