{"id":1237,"date":"2016-01-14T07:37:17","date_gmt":"2016-01-14T13:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1237"},"modified":"2016-01-16T07:43:48","modified_gmt":"2016-01-16T13:43:48","slug":"the-cimalian-princess-clone-part-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1237","title":{"rendered":"The Cimalian Princess: Clone – Part 18"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Clone<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 18<\/span><\/p>\n

Randy looked across the shuttle at the other passengers on their way up to the Akagi. He felt the bump as the shuttle flew through another storm in the atmosphere of Pacifica while on course to land.\u00a0 The extreme activity of the planet made it harder on the pilots of the shuttles, but from what Randy heard many enjoyed it.\u00a0 Randy noticed Yvette\u2019s knuckles were white as she showed stress from the descent.\u00a0 Looking over at Meia he noticed she had a similar expression for some reason.\u00a0 He thought it was a bit odd but with everything else going on it almost seemed normal.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that sir,\u201d the pilot said after the shuttle shook a bit more violently than normal. \u201cThe weather\u2019s a bit more severe than usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Randy yelled back. He had no doubts about the pilot\u2019s ability to get them down before looking over at John, who seemed almost relaxed.\u00a0 Randy rarely saw his friend with a tense face which is what made him such a good leader of the squadron.<\/p>\n

Another slight bump and the engines powered down indicating the shuttle had landed. Yvette appeared relieved and almost jumped out when the doors opened.\u00a0 He walked outside into the storm they flew through where several people were waiting outside with umbrellas for everyone.\u00a0 He wondered why they didn\u2019t make a covered area close by the pads but continued on over to where Chad waited for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral,\u201d Chad said as Randy approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cChad, how are you?\u201d Randy asked getting under the umbrella before getting too soak.<\/p>\n

\u201cAside from the thunderstorms, fine,\u201d Chad replied as they started towards the nearby building. \u201cWeather should clear up by the time you\u2019re ready to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome good news, I thought I heard Meia state she had something she wanted to do in town,\u201d Randy said, and with no rain it would be easier for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShopping sir?\u201d Chad asked a bit surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cPossible, I\u2019ve given up trying to figure her out,\u201d Randy replied, not saying anything about recent events with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen,\u201d Chad said with a slight chuckle at the age old joke.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially this one,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they are all waiting for you in conference room one, we have the link set up to the President already along with a few other members of Congress,\u201d Chad said to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d Randy replied even though he knew his dad would be doing most of the talking he still had little trust of the government. He hoped the new people were better than the group in office eight months ago.<\/p>\n

He followed Chad towards the command center before breaking off down a hallway towards the conference room. He would rather be heading to the command center but he had a job to do no matter how much he wanted to protest it.<\/p>\n

Walking into the room he spotted most of the group already waiting for them. His father, Jack White was already seated and Yvette had beat him to the room, not a real surprise.\u00a0 He sat down along with Meia, Kim and Neil and noticed the link which Chad mentioned already operating with several people on the screens along with the seals of their office in the background.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, I\u2019m glad we could all make it to this meeting,\u201d Jack said standing up and addressing the group. \u201cThere is some new information we received concerning the Cimalian Empire.\u00a0 As many of you are aware not long ago we lost the scout ship Endurance and as a result it was decided to send a small group of ships to investigate.\u00a0 It included the battle-cruiser Akagi, cruiser Eagle and destroyers Valiant and Sunray.\u00a0 They managed to send two scouts down to the surface, Meia, who many of you already know, and Lieutenant Victor Greos.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see Meia, but where is this lieutenant?\u201d one of the senators asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately Lieutenant Geros didn\u2019t survive the mission,\u201d Randy said speaking up to answer the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, so the Cimalian Empire knows more than we do,\u201d President able replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHighly doubtful sir,\u201d Randy said. \u201cEarly in the mission we uncovered something else which might be part of the Cimalian plan.\u00a0 The destroyer Sunray started having engine problems after a few jumps.\u00a0 I ordered the captain back to Alliance space and warned HQ of possible saboteurs in our repair facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a serious acquisition admiral,\u201d Able replied as a few other senators murmured about the comment. \u201cI hope you can back that up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo solid proof sir, but the Sunray recently finished a refit, before that her engines were working fine. The overheat did not start until after the engines were overhauled,\u201d Randy stated.\u00a0 \u201cIt might not be anything, but I\u2019d rather take some precaution than have a problem in the middle of a battle costing lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish this had been brought to our attention before you started a panic admiral,\u201d one senator said. Randy didn\u2019t recognize him but noticed he was from Praxis, a system unaffected from the invasion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI side with the admiral on this issue,\u201d a female voice said. Randy glanced over recognizing Amy Barnes as she continued.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a fight where we must remain diligent against this enemy.\u00a0 We already know they controlled a political party so tt\u2019s not a stretch they might have some spied in a repair facility.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randy was relieved he had at least one political ally in this group. He glanced around for her father but did not see him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take it under advisement admiral,\u201d President Able finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, we haven\u2019t figured out exactly what happened, but the Sunray was destroy on the way back,\u201d Jack stated. \u201cAfter the fleet returned and the Sunray failed to show we sent a scout ship to investigate.\u00a0 Its wreck was found not far from Alliance territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Able stated. \u201cIt might have been caught by the Cimalian fleet, but I assume you\u2019re investigating?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Jack said turning to Randy to begin his portion of the meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter arriving at the target we send Meia and Victor down to the surface and to return within a twenty-four hour period. I felt if we stayed any longer the Cimalian government would notice us.\u00a0 We were forced to retreat by a Cimalian fleet,\u201d Randy stated.\u00a0 \u201cWhen the twenty-four hours had elapsed we returned to try and pick up Meia and Victor. \u00a0We were fortunate that Meia was able to return at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to hear from Meia about what happened,\u201d the President stated.<\/p>\n

Randy stepped down and allowed Meia to explain what happened down on the planet. Randy heard it all before and listened as the senators asked a few additional questions before the president spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeia, what is your evaluation of the overall situation on the planet?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor having been uprooted and moved they are quite organized,\u201d Meia replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much of a threat do you think they currently pose to the Alliance,\u201d another senator said and Meia took a second to think it over.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey still pose a great a threat as they did earlier, their still have several warships, don\u2019t let our guard down,\u201d Meia finally replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we open up a dialog with the Cimalian Empire?\u201d Able asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do, don\u2019t be fooled by anything they say, the leadership is processed with taking over the Alliance,\u201d Meia replied back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate the advice, but if I didn\u2019t try then I\u2019m failing in my job as President,\u201d Able said.<\/p>\n

Randy watched the political bickering go on glad he only had to worry about the military aspect of it all. If he had to be part of it he felt he would go crazy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe might open a dialog, but a cautious one,\u201d Meia told them. \u201cIt might help out, perhaps gain some trust with some who are knowledgeable of who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI also want to avoid a civil war if possible, but an understanding between the two groups, maybe a show a force?\u201d Able suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps the Warspite, Akagi, and Hood along with several cruisers, destroyers and supporting ships might be enough to make them listen,\u201d Admiral Hayes said speaking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if they destroy the fleet what will we have left to defend ourselves?\u201d Able asked in reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery planet is able to deploy at least a squadron of the new Wolf II fihters,\u201d Jack stated.<\/p>\n

The group paused in silence thinking about the proposal.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake the preparations,\u201d Able said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Jack replied.<\/p>\n

Randy watched the screens go blank knowing if the Akagi was going then he would probably be chosen to lead the fleet.<\/p>\n

\u201cRandy, can you stay a bit,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Randy replied looking at the others. \u201cI\u2019ll see you all at the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched them all file out before turning his attention back to his father, wondering if his hunch was right.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ann made her way out of the stuffy meeting pleased at how well everything seemed to have gone. If everything went her way she could return to Cimalius as Emperor and Conqueror.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, I\u2019ll see you back on the ship, there\u2019s some shopping I want to do,\u201d Ann said to the captain of the Akagi, Kim.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Randy mentioned something of that on the way down,\u201d Kim replied looking up at the weather. \u201cIn fact, I might slip over as well with this weather.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I might see you there,\u201d Ann stated as they split up.<\/p>\n

Ann quickly headed away from the base and towards the meeting place where she\u2019d swap with her replacement. Once they had swapped she\u2019d be able to work with the spy group within the Alliance to build a new powerbase to take over from her \u2018uncle\u2019.\u00a0 The thought brought a smile to her face as she continued to plan.<\/p>\n

A quick glance around indicated she was alone and headed into the restroom. Once inside she only had to wait a few seconds before hearing a sound outside and watched as her replacement approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it everything\u2019s ready?\u201d Ann asked sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d the other woman replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, let\u2019s get this over with, I can\u2019t stand these Alliance airbags,\u201d Ann said turning towards the mirror to straighten out her hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you insist,\u201d the other woman replied.<\/p>\n

Ann already dismissed the woman expecting her to walk out of the bathroom and towards the military base. Looking into the mirror she felt a bit shocked to see the other woman standing so close to her before spotting the glint of reflected light off something metal.<\/p>\n

Hot white pain seared her throat area forcing Ann to her knees, mouth open trying to say something, trying to understand what happened. Ann looked up at the woman who calmly looked back at her before the darkness overwhelmed her, her head hitting the tile and then nothing.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Mia glanced down at the dead body of Ann, her sister-clone and smiled. Wiping the blade on a towel one of the other men gave her she handed both items back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of this mess, I don\u2019t want to hear anything about this on the news, otherwise the Emperor will hear of this as well,\u201d Mia said to them. She could care less about the men but she had a duty to do to the Empire and they would help her with that mission for now.<\/p>\n

She almost laughed at how easy the mission had been for her. All she had to now was take Ann\u2019s place and say she was Meia, and easy enough task for her.\u00a0 Meia had not been that social, the only thing she had to concern herself with was anything Ann had done.\u00a0 However even such actions which might cause suspicion she could deal with using the shock of the recent mission to Cimalius.<\/p>\n

She watched as two men covered the body and began the disposal before turning towards the mirror and making sure her own clothes looked fine and no blood had gotten on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI leave the rest to you,\u201d she replied to the nearest man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d several replied not stopping their duties.<\/p>\n

Mia gave a slight nod before heading out and towards the town to do some quick shopping, buy some3thing easy before heading up to the base and back to the ship. She already had some ideas on how to destroy the military from the inside.<\/p>\n

End part 18<\/p>\n

Continued in part 19<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Clone by AJ Marks Part 18 Randy looked across the shuttle at the other passengers on their way up to the Akagi. He felt the bump as the shuttle flew through another storm in the atmosphere of Pacifica while on course to land.\u00a0 The extreme activity of the planet made it harder […]
Continue reading…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[3,25,28,27,5,12],"class_list":["post-1237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-original","tag-aj-marks","tag-cimalian","tag-original","tag-princess","tag-sci-fi","tag-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1237"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1244,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1237\/revisions\/1244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}