{"id":1958,"date":"2017-04-29T07:15:52","date_gmt":"2017-04-29T12:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1958"},"modified":"2017-05-03T07:36:16","modified_gmt":"2017-05-03T12:36:16","slug":"the-cimalian-princess-rebellion-part-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1958","title":{"rendered":"The Cimalian Princess: Rebellion – Part 21"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Rebellion<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

by\u00a0 AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 21<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ewa watched in shock as Carl slumped forward, a red stain spreading out from his chest before looking over at Anthony. The man stood there with an equal shock as a red stain spread out covering his chest, looking down before slumping down as well.<\/p>\n

In the silence Ewa tried to figure out what happened. Her husband had been shot, but so had three others including Anthony.\u00a0 She also realized that about a half dozen or so people held crude PRGs in their hands and had fired.<\/p>\n

She ran to Carl, turning him over, his eyes wide but unseeing. She felt tears trickle down her cheek at the realization her husband had been killed by people she had once considered friends and allies.\u00a0 Standing up in the silent room she allowed her rage to take over, glaring at Frank who held a PRG in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, this is what you want?\u201d she yelled at the group. \u201cWe\u2019re killing each other instead of working together for a better future.\u00a0 Meia was right, you are all weak fools controlled by the Emperor.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took several steps towards the remaining two leaders, both of whom pointed their PRGs at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Now I\u2019m somehow a threat to you?\u00a0 One small, unarmed, grieving woman is such a threat to you that you\u2019ll kill me,\u201d Ewa screamed at them.\u00a0 The fact they both took a step backwards made her feel slightly better, more empowered.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, kill me as well.\u00a0 I\u2019m such a threat to you have to kill anyone.\u00a0 Sounds more like how the Emperor works than people fighting for freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ewa stared at the two men who were part of the proclaimed leadership of the resistance waiting for something. Anthony lay on the ground not far away, dead, and the remaining two appeared to have little control of the situation.\u00a0 She realized Carl had been right, as had Meia about the leadership.\u00a0 They were controlled by the Emperor.<\/p>\n

\u201cEwa, there are better ways than the way you are thinking of, we don\u2019t want bloodshed,\u201d one of the two finally said to her, speaking up for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t want bloodshed?\u201d Ewa said, glaring at the man who dared make the comment. He cowered slightly under her stare and she advanced on him a bit.\u00a0 \u201cNo bloodshed you say, you sure have a strange way of showing that.\u00a0 What were you going to do, blame me, or perhaps kill me as well and place our bodies as if we killed each other?\u00a0 Perhaps you would even blame the Alliance for this as well.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you get it, you killed him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are going to unnecessarily expose us to the Emperor,\u201d the first one said sounding a bit nervous.<\/p>\n

\u201cExpose you, how can I do that when you\u2019re already reporting back to him. He\u2019ll probably give you a raise with this, after all you got rid of two people who don\u2019t believe the official story of what went on.\u00a0 Well I don\u2019t, I saw Brad, talked to him, and he has since joined up with the Alliance, and Meia,\u201d Ewa said to him and the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s impossible, if he had come back he\u2019d talk to us, meet with us,\u201d Frank replied back to her. She turned and looked at him than the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he thought the resistance leaders reported to the Emperor, would he come back?\u201d Ewa said pointing at the leaders.\u00a0 She partly wondered why the leaders hadn\u2019t just killed her yet but she continued on.\u00a0 \u201cHe would go to someone who might actually help.\u00a0 You do realize you are not the only resistance group on the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d the first leader asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimple, the Emperor isn\u2019t as all-knowing as he claims to be,\u201d Ewa said. \u201cAlready events are in motion regardless of what we do here.\u00a0 Change is coming whether we do anything or not.\u00a0 Are you going to be part of it, or against it?\u201d<\/p>\n

There is was, the gauntlet had been tossed down, and she saw it in their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot all change is for the best,\u201d the leader said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, look at what change cost me here,\u201d Ewa said, pointing sadly to Carl\u2019s body. \u201cI thought you were friends, allies, but I know more now, change happened, and I should have known better.\u00a0 We should have resisted before leaving the apartment.\u201d\u00a0 Here she glanced over at Frank, who had the decency to flinch at her glare.\u00a0 \u201cI think you had better make up your minds quickly about what side you\u2019re going to be on.\u00a0 Continue to be the Emperor\u2019s puppets and dream about change, or do something to make your life, or the life of your children better.\u00a0 I won\u2019t let Carl\u2019s death be in vain.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Meia replied to the knock at her office door looking up to see someone who probably needed some sleep, Randy. He made his way into the office and sat down wearily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look tired,\u201d she said before he could say anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, not getting enough sleep at the moment,\u201d Randy replied back to her. \u201cSeems like every time I head to my quarters something comes up, like for now.\u00a0 I was headed to get a nap when Hans tells me we got a communications from Greg.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Meia said perking up wondering what happened now. \u201cWhat does he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s made contact with a couple of groups, but from what he\u2019s said everything is loosely organized at best, and some don\u2019t even talk to each other,\u201d Randy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so, it might be a bit of a problem,\u201d Meia replied running a hand though her hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but I might also force everyone to start working together instead of that class system,\u201d Randy said. \u201cIn the long run such cooperation is good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they work together,\u201d Meia replied back to him knowing how the classes could be with each other. \u201cIt depends on how much my uncle knows and who is under his control.\u00a0 If too many are under his control this entire thing could stall and we could walk into a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that won\u2019t matter too much, we\u2019ll be ready for anything, and your uncle doesn\u2019t know what forces you have at your disposal,\u201d Randy said back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t risk the lives of the fleet needlessly,\u201d Meia replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you won\u2019t have to, this will work,\u201d Randy replied with confidence. \u201cI\u2019m sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meia didn\u2019t reply back and instead found herself looking into Randy\u2019s eyes. Somewhere a memory came to her, those same eyes and a sudden impulse which she felt she had acted on.\u00a0 Running her hands though her hair she suddenly looked away feeling awkward.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn old Earth saying, but penny for your thoughts?\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPenny?\u201d Meia asked unsure what that was.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd old currency from Earth, not sure from what, but basically a polite way to ask what you are thinking,\u201d Randy replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, um, I\u2019m not sure you really want to know,\u201d Meia finally said, feeling her cheeks heat up a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, with a blush like that I really do want to know,\u201d Randy replied back, leaning back in the seat and looking at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, nope, sorry, nothing else comes to mind except bugging a lovely young lady down the hall from my office,\u201d Randy replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen go bug her,\u201d Meia bantered back.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, oh, what do you know, I\u2019m in her office already,\u201d Randy stated looking at the four walls in the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa-ha, very funny,\u201d Meia replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was, but I think I can guess of something which might make you blush, if you actually remembered it,\u201d Randy said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm,\u201d Meia said, rubbing her face slightly before sneaking a peak back at Randy. He appeared quite at ease with what happened when she was drunk, of course she didn\u2019t remember it.\u00a0 Then again, she didn\u2019t remember much of that night, but there was a feeling that she seemed to have.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I don\u2019t really recall, at least not any actions.\u00a0 I\u2019ve learned a few things that day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne important one, never trust John to give you a drink,\u201d Randy replied with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s that, but I\u2019ve also learned a bit more about your drinks,\u201d Meia replied. \u201cI\u2019m never having vodka again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randy laughed. \u201cI guess its an acquired taste then.\u00a0 Of course its also better to drink on a full stomach, it slows the absorption of alcohol into your system, or something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so, but I think I\u2019ll go with the not trusting John with my drinks,\u201d Meia replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could do that, but drinking can also do come other things,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

Yeah, it causes you to make a fool of yourself,\u201d Meia replied back unable to believe she actually did some of the things she heard. \u201cI can\u2019t believe some of the stuff I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecond thoughts?\u201d Randy asked, causing Meia to look up at him.<\/p>\n

She wondered if she did have second thoughts, and if the feelings she was having for him. She had resisted him for a while and the thought of even taking their relationship to the next level frightened her.\u00a0 She wondered if she would ever have the courage to make a move.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess with everything going on, a relationship, especially with an Alliance admiral, might only make things look bad,\u201d Meia said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but I have a great shoulder to lean on if needed,\u201d Randy said, standing and stretching and heading to the door. \u201cRemember, I\u2019ll still be here when this is over, then we can really talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meia watched as he left leaving her slightly confused by it all. She had been raised to only think about fighters, piloting them, and tactics in them.\u00a0 Now she was slowly trying to come to grips with being a leader as well.\u00a0 She felt unsure about even starting a relationship with anyone.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t fair to Randy she knew, he was someone who she found herself attracted to before recalling something.<\/p>\n

She had kiss him, or tried it seems. She had the intent of kissing him but couldn\u2019t recall much after that impulse action and felt slightly mortified by the action.\u00a0 Then went over Randy\u2019s words and realized something, he didn\u2019t seem upset or anything by it.\u00a0 She groaned realizing she had given herself one more thing to worry about.<\/p>\n

Perhaps Randy was right about this, there would be time when everything was over. But did she have that time?\u00a0 She would either be dead, or Empress of the Empire and would she have time then?<\/p>\n

She suddenly wished for simpler times when she only had to worry about jumping into the fighter and the enemy in front of her. Now her actions affected not only herself, but perhaps millions of people.\u00a0 She only hoped she was ready for what was to come.<\/p>\n

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

JEzic turned to the screen waiting for the update to the situation. Admiral Wambu who was now commander of the 2nd<\/sup> CF appeared.\u00a0 The 2nd<\/sup> CF had responsibility for the defense of Cimalius II and everything had been quiet since that last attempt to pilot shuttled down and they were picked up.\u00a0 Jezic looked over the placement of the warships around the planet and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good admiral,\u201d Jezic said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you sir,\u201d Wambu replied back. \u201cTheir last tactic was different, they are learning from us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we have to assume we\u2019re constantly scanned by their patrol ships, however it seems we\u2019re pushing them back,\u201d Jezic replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cEver since the 2nd<\/sup> CF started patrols the Alliance hasn\u2019t been able to get close,\u201d Wambu replied.<\/p>\n

Jezic noticed a bit of pride in the man\u2019s voice before asking his next question. \u201cAnd the shuttles which landed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2nd<\/sup> CF was not in position yet to defend the planet.\u00a0 That situation has been taken care of,\u201d Wambu replied back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should hope so,\u201d Jezic said, turning his attention to an urgent communications. \u201cWe\u2019ll continue this later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without waiting for an answer he switched the screen to see the enforcer\u2019s commander looking back at him. Jezic could not remember the man\u2019s name but waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, I was told to report to you any sightings of Meia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jezic said, wondering what happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy enforcers saw someone fitting her description in the Epsilon zone, but we lost sight of her upon entering a building, like she just disappeared,\u201d the commander said.<\/p>\n

Jezic nodded knowing the details of her training. He know how slippery Meia could be.\u00a0 Her elite training to escape Alliance capture could also be used against them as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, I\u2019ll notify the Emperor, continue to keep a close watch out for her. She might also change her hair color to avoid standing out,\u201d Jezic said.\u00a0 \u201cYou have the picture of her as a blonde?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I\u2019ll be sure to get it to all commands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that, I\u2019ll wait for any new news,\u201d Jezic replied wondering how the Emperor would take such news.<\/p>\n

Ending the conversation he now had to inform the Emperor. He was unsure how he would react as he had become erratic when it came to Meia.\u00a0 For some reason he still wanted her captured instead of killed on sight as Jezic would have ordered.\u00a0 For now he would obey the Emperor.<\/p>\n

End part 21<\/p>\n

Continued in part 22<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Rebellion by\u00a0 AJ Marks Part 21 Ewa watched in shock as Carl slumped forward, a red stain spreading out from his chest before looking over at Anthony. The man stood there with an equal shock as a red stain spread out covering his chest, looking down before slumping down as well. In […]
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