SEPTEMBER 2012

September 4

Mom, Dad, Quinn,

My trial begins today. I'm scared. I know the odds are against me, and I may not live to see the end of the year. But, I'm more frightened of the alternative. I wonder how Helen of Troy must have actually felt. "The face that launched a thousand ships" doesn't sound that romantic when you really think about it.

My children have been wonderful in helping and supporting me. Because of their personal involvement in my case and their position, their presence would be considered an improper attempt to influence the verdict, so they cannot be there.

I need to get going.

Love,

Daria


Two large crowds were gathered outside the Judicial Hall as the flyer carrying Daria and Peacetree approached. Daria had the clear dome covered so the crowds wouldn't see her as they glided to the landing area and the two security escorts hovered nearby. Both were greeted by guards and escorted inside the building.

Daria entered the room with Peacetree at her side and sat at a low table. In front of her were six judges seated in a semicircle with a table and console before each, three in judicial and three in ecclesiastical garments. The High Cleric, Warmhearth, was seated at a table next to Daria. A small audience of expected witnesses, a few selected observers, and the press were behind them.

One of the judges in clerical vestments nodded to Daria and Warmhearth. "(I have been appointed Lead Judge for this case. We will hear the case of the Traditionalist Clergy accusing Lady Daria of Heresy. By negotiated agreement, three judges of the High Court and three judges from the Ecclesiastical Court will hear this case under Ecclesiastical Law. Accuser, please state your charges.)"

Warmhearth stood and stiffly read from a prepared statement. "(The Lady Daria has committed the heresy of providing an unclean substitute for a host for the metamorphosis of Queen Truemind, Princess Autumnblossom, and Princess Eveningsky. She had accepted full responsibility for their care as nymphs upon the death of their appointed Guardian, Swiftsong. The accused willfully and knowingly committed this act.)" Completed, he returned to his seat.

The judge looked toward Peacetree. "(Advocate, please state your rebuttal.)"

Peacetree rose and held her hands together in front. "(We make no denial of the acts committed. We deny wrongdoing on several accounts. First, the accused was intentionally denied full information on what was required to raise the nymphs, specifically; that a host was needed, and if a cattle host was not provided, the metamorphosis pheromones would trigger the host reaction in her. Second, religious scholars do not universally accept this as a heretical act. Third, the accused is not one of the Folk and not an observer of the religion. Fourth, this event occurred outside of Folk jurisdiction on a border planet declared neutral by the Folk-Seeker Peace Treaty. Finally, her choices prevented the deaths of the Queen and Princesses as a result of the actions of others.)"

"(Our thanks to each counsel for their statements. The accused is ordered to remain confined to her residence except for attending these proceedings or travel required to prepare for, or in conjunction with, these proceedings. The Accuser may begin to present evidence.)"


Jane briefly gazed at the guards outside Daria's door before she entered. "Are those guys really necessary?"

"While they're technically here to keep me confined, Autumnblossom choose them more to protect me, just in case."

"I've seen the news; those crowds outside the Justice Hall have been big over the last week."

"And sometimes violent. I'm beginning to wonder if this was a good idea. Instead of helping to defuse the problem, it's starting to look like it could be the trigger."

"How goes things inside?"

Daria sat on a cushion and motioned Jane to sit, too. "The panel of judges is kind of unnerving. The Folk have a strong concept of judicial independence and anonymity. We won't know the names of any judges. They're to be considered completely as impersonal arbiters. Only the lead judge speaks to the Accuser or Advocate. The others only quietly talk among themselves, and never loud enough for anyone else to hear. They're also well practiced in keeping their emotions to themselves. It's hard to read them."

Jane sat with her legs outstretched and crossed at the ankles. "I still have a hard time reading any of them. But, what about the case itself?"

"The clerics are still making their case against me. As you can expect, they're saying that being tricked is not a defense because I did discover the truth in time to develop an artificial diet. As the older denomination, they claim to have a better understanding of the teachings than the Modernists. It turns out the royal family under Truelimb was Traditionalist, so the database computer only showed their teachings. The idea of alternate or artificial hosts is a controversial subject, but not as widely rejected as I had been led to believe by the computer entries."

"But, they still want you to die. Do they call for all supporters to die?"

Daria slowly shook her head. "I went beyond theory and into practice. To continue, they claim that my not being one of the Folk is irrelevant because the Creator made all intelligent life. Finally, since the royals are considered the embodiment of the state, and anyplace they reside as Folk territory, my acts did occur under their jurisdiction."

"Ouch."

"They're good. I hope we're better."

Jane looked expectantly at her friend. "How are you holding up?"

Her shoulders sagged and Daria let out a soft sigh. "Barely. In so many ways, they're right. I knew it was a violation of their faith, but did it anyway."

"So you wouldn't have to die."

"I wonder if it would have been better. They would be safe, would still have all I taught them, and their reforms wouldn't be threatened."

Jane crawled over and held Daria's shoulders. "Daria, listen to yourself. You know you did the right thing."

She looked at Jane. "To my ideals, yes."

"Give yourself a chance."

"I keep reminding myself of that."

"And I'll do the same to you."

Daria gave her a thin smile. "So, how're you holding up as Ambassador?"

Jane moved back to her seat. "The Seeker guy has been a trip. They have the sickest sense of humor; you'd love it. The reason they made contact with O'Neal's agency was to help track down joy-riders, after one triggered a missile defense alert in the U.S."

"Douglas Adams would be happy about his prescience."

"Because of the treaty between the Folk and the Seekers, they couldn't make official contact, and the agency preferred to keep things quiet, so it worked for a while."

"And I heard from Eveningsky that was the reason the one previous attempt the agency made to contact the Folk failed, the operative tried to avoid contact because of the treaty."

"This sure gets complicated."

"Tell me about it. How about the others?"

Jane brought up one knee and hooked her arm around it. "It's kind of creepy with the Companion Ambassador. Her assistants move around and do things without her saying anything, but clearly under her control. Otherwise, she's been polite. Because of their location, they don't have a lot of interest in us."

Daria was visibly becoming more comfortable as the conversation stayed away from the trial. "Six hundred plus light years would tend to dampen interest. What about the Wavekeeper representative?"

"The boys who like big bass tones in their music would go nuts for the stuff they play. They also don't have a lot of interest in us, once they learned about the quality of water in our oceans."

"We don't look that enlightened next to everybody, do we?"

"Not often, but in other ways, I do feel good. The other three species have been happy with the changes your kids have brought, and credit you for it. They say any species that produced what you taught them can't be all bad." The last comment included a finger pointed at Daria.

"At least we've been good for something."

Jane sat back against the wall. "More than you realize. There'd been increasing concern about the last Queen's belligerence. Everyone had been on increased alert for the last part of her reign. There probably would have been war somewhere by now. She sounds like a real piece of work."

Daria pushed her glasses back against her face. "Jane, I was with my kids for only a year, and they're more loyal to me than her. That should tell you something."

"Ooh, yeah. Sometimes I forget that they were only marooned, not orphaned."

"Sometimes, I wonder why they were sent out toward the border."


September 12

Dear Mom, Dad, Quinn,

Hearing of Daria Jane's birth couldn't have arrived at a better time. The joy I felt has given me the strength to continue. Jane sends her best wishes and abject surprise that you used her name, too. I'm still so relieved that Quinn didn't accumulate the dose of uranium I did. I guess drinking all that diet soda instead of water as a kid paid off.

The trial continues. We have started presenting my defense. I hope it will be enough.

Love,

Daria


Jake opened the door of the house and said, "O'Neal, my man. What brings you here?"

Tim held a folded sheet of paper in his hand. "Crystalheart and I received the first communiqué from Nest about your daughter. May we come in?"

Jake looked down in surprise. "Hey there, little fella. Sure, come in."

Helen looked over from the living room. "Agent O'Neal, what a surprise."

Tim nervously said, "You daughter is okay, but there was another attempt on her life soon after arriving on Nest. A guard was critically injured in the attack, and the assailant is in custody."

Helen paled and sat back down. "Oh my. I thought she would be safer."

Jake clenched both fists. "Let me get my hands on those little bastards, I'll…"

Tim set a hand on Jake's shoulder. "Mr. Morgendorffer. The authorities there will handle it, or are handling, or have handled it. Damn communication lag." He shifted to address both. "We came by to tell you in person before the news broke. We'll stay to answer questions if you want."

Helen nodded. "Thanks."

Jake sat next to Helen. "Will she be safe?"

"Probably still safer than she would be here."

Helen carefully watched Tim. "I'm curious as to why, when there are so few of the Folk on Earth. Unless there's something else going on that puts her at risk, here."

Tim said, "I can't discuss it."

Helen understood the tone. "Oh."

Sensing the tension, Crystalheart said, "The Lady Daria pulled the wounded guard to safety and stayed with her until she was awake. The Lady Jane helped to tend the soldier, and stayed with her, also. Except for the Traditionalists, they have been very popular with everyone."

Helen smiled. I remember a much younger Daria who would have been horrified to hear that. "That's nice."

Tim handed Helen a sheet of paper. "She wrote this to all of you that first night."

Helen read the message. "She wants her diary entries about the year in Montana published. Helen looked stunned. "Her diaries? She's always been protective of them."

"I think she's afraid and wants the truth to be known. As the field agent assigned, I watched her and know how much she loves her daughters. I'm certain she wishes the world to see this side of the Folk, not just those that want her harmed."

"Those photos show how much she cared. I will be happy to. She also gives me permission to read all of them, but to please remember how frustrated a teenage girl can be at her parents." Helen smiled. "I must have infuriated her at times. I think I know why she gave me permission to read the rest. But, I'll let her know that I won't accept the offer. I'll only read the entries for her stay. She still deserves her privacy."

"She also wants the royalties set up in trust for her niece."

Jake put his arm around Helen and pulled her close. "I guess we did something right raising her."


Autumnblossom yelled across the room, "(Eveningsky, we may have the break you were after!)"

Her sister raced over. "(What do you have?)"

"(A message from Crystalheart and Agent O'Neal. They have good evidence that someone on Nest sent a message to the collaborators there two months before the Traditionalists were informed.)"

"(Two months? May I?)" Eveningsky accepted the message and read it. "(That means somebody has had a year of planning without us being aware.)"

"(Whoever they are, they seem to be relying on the Traditionalists to do the dirty work. At least they haven't made any other moves.)"

"(That has me concerned.)"

"(Now, where to begin?)"

Eveningsky briefly checked a console display. "(The information about what happened came to Traditionalists from one of the royal physicians, Skyfollower.)"

"(She was confirmed to be a follower of the Traditionalists.)"

"(But, she had been on staff before we left for the trip to the border colonies to meet with the Seeker students, when we were stranded with Mother. If Skyfollower had remained loyal to the Queen Mother, that might mean she is involved.)"

Autumnblossom shook her head. "(I would not be surprised. She was bitter about us forcing her abdication.)"

"(It was the only way to get the resistance to negotiate and to prevent another war with the Seekers. Don't forget, she had claimed they worked with the resistance to destroy our ship.)"

"(That, and our clear loyalty to Mother over her, makes her plotting against us plausible.)"

"(She must have seen this as an opportunity to restore herself to the throne and to strike back at Mother. We need to reinterview Skyfollower. She may not have been acting on the motives we assumed.)"

"(Telling the clergy out of faith is one thing. Actively spying for the Queen Mother is another.)"

"(If the Queen Mother is actively trying to remove us, that would make the physician's acts also treasonous.)"

"(This may provide good leverage to get information.)"


Daria sat in the infirmary with annoyance. "Why are we here?"

Peacetree placed a report in front of Daria. "(I remembered something you told me when we first met that may be important. This will be brief.)"

The doctor said, "(With your soft skin, taking this biopsy will be much easier. You will feel a small pain and then pressure in your abdomen. After a few moments, it will be gone.)"

Daria nodded. "Go ahead."

The doctor placed the injector against her lower abdomen and pressed a control. Daria sucked in her breath at the pain, but remained still. The pain and pressure soon eased. The doctor placed the injector tip into a console and operated controls on each. "(Peacetree was correct. You would not have been a suitable host.)"

"But, I thought we were biologically compatible."

"(Your species, yes. But, we are very sensitive to any amount of uranium. If you had been a host to the royal family, they would have died from the small residue that remains in you.)"

"So, I was damned either way." Daria sat down, shaken. "I had the diet worked out and managed to get Jane to the cabin, just in time." She stared across the room. "If I hadn't made it, we all would have died."

"(This will help us.)"

"How?"

"(Because we are using Ecclesiastical law, this after the fact knowledge can be included as a sign that you were guided into your actions to accomplish a greater good. In this case, to save your children from the death that would have occurred if you had been host. The case is strengthened when coupled with you involving Lady Jane, who prevented Agent O'Neal from investigating and also stopped Streamrider from killing all of you.)"

"The ends justify the means. Are you sure these Folk never read Machiavelli?"

"(I do not recognize the author.)"

"Never mind. I hope it's enough."

"(It helps.)"


Tim glared at the bank officer with disgust. He displayed a holograph-enhanced ID card. "To the contrary, I'm working under a United Nations mandate and have been granted Interpol credentials for this case, the same with my partner. Therefore, you are in my jurisdiction." He nodded to Crystalheart and waved his hand around the dingy room. "You have a rather modest office for somebody who manages such large sums of money."

Crystalheart looked directly at the back wall of the office. "It is not common knowledge, but my species' vision extends into other wavelengths. You seem to have an interesting configuration to your building. Very interesting indeed."

The banker looked at Crystalheart and back at the wall. Crystalheart drummed his fingers on the banker's desk and seemed to peer at something intriguing. The banker sighed and entered information on his computer keyboard. After a page was printed, he handed it to Tim, along with a computer memory stick containing the data. "These are the numbered accounts involved. Because of the nature of those accounts, we have no other information. I swear."

Tim smiled and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your cooperation. It has been most appreciated." He turned to leave and held the door for Crystalheart. "We'll see ourselves out."

The rented, electrical powered car was parked in the bright sunlight to allow the solar panels to recharge to the batteries. Once inside the car, Tim looked at Crystalheart. "Just how far into other wavelengths do you see?"

He buckled the modified seat belts and made fine adjustments. "(Part of what you call ultraviolet. I let his assumptions do the rest.)"

Tim grinned as he closed his belt. "Good one. Finally, we have a new break."

"(That is only a numbered account; how can we trace it?)"

"Electronic transfers were used. We have a few hackers at our disposal that should be able to track down the sources, and then we can get a name."

"(You are right. I am feeling better, too.)"

Tim looked at the tall palm trees swaying in the breeze. "Too bad we can't stay on a little extra; I've always wanted a Caribbean vacation." The checked behind him and merged into the slow traffic.


Physician Skyfollower looked at Autumnblossom and Eveningsky in confusion. "(Why am I here? I told the authorities already how I exercised my freedom of religion to inform my faith of what had happened.)"

Autumnblossom leaned forward. "(We have reason to believe that wasn't your sole motivation.)"

Eveningsky looked up from her console. "(With your background in pediatric and developmental medicine, I am rather intrigued it took you two months to determine the cause of our condition.)"

Skyfollower was unmoved. "(Because I did not think that was possible, I looked for other causes first.)"

Dropping financial records on the table in front of Skyfollower, Autumnblossom said, "(It is very interesting that you received a considerable financial windfall almost two months before you claim to have discovered the cause.)"

"(Those were some good investments that paid dividends.)"

Eveningsky set down another set of financial records. "(That you did not report for taxation.)"

She looked a little concerned. "(Somehow, I don't think you are interested in my tax status.)"

Autumnblossom moved the pages aside. "(We think the information went to somebody interested in harming or removing our Queen from the throne. That is treason. So is any assistance.)"

Eveningsky neatly collected the second stack of records. "(Such things can be overlooked in those that assisted out of misguided loyalty, if they choose to clarify what they had done.)"

"(Otherwise, things could become very difficult,)" Autumnblossom quietly said.

Skyfollower's hands tapped the table. "(How difficult?)"

Autumnblossom moved right into her face. "(As difficult as what Lady Daria is facing.)"

After more tapping, Skyfollower said, "(I will tell you what happened.)"


September 21

Dear Mom, Dad, Quinn

We plan to finish presenting my defense tomorrow. Eveningsky said I will have unexpected news. They've been gems through all this. I wonder what they're up to.

Jane has been the best friend she always was. I would not have made it this far without her. There really is no way to fully repay all she has done, but there is one thing I know I can do.

Love,

Daria


September 21

Mack,

I'm approaching the end of my trial, and the verdict is in doubt. Jane has been my lifeline here, and I want to ask you to do one thing for her.

MARRY HER, DAMMIT!

Don't let what happened to me, or almost happened to you, foil your happiness. I know you want to. I know she does.

Daria


The pair of guards shifted anxiously as Princess Autumnblossom and a dozen police approached. The princess produced a document. "(Please summon the Queen Mother.)"

One guard hesitated, and then said, "(She left a directive not to be disturbed.)"

"(This is a summons from Queen Truemind. Have her brought here at once.)"

"(But, her directive…)"

"(I would prefer if we did not have to retrieve her ourselves.)"

The guard looked at his silent companion, and at the twelve police with hands on weapons. "(I will bring her.)"

Autumnblossom waited patiently for several minutes until Truelimb arrived at the compound gate. Truelimb carried herself with the dignity and poise of the absolute monarch she once was. She icily said, "(One of my insolent daughters deigns to visit. How surprising. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing the one you abandoned me for will soon die.)"

Autumnblossom ignored the comment and read from the document. "By order of Queen Truemind and based on evidence filed with the High Court, Queen Mother Truelimb is placed under arrest.)"

"(You arrogant little parasites. You will pay for this.)"

"(You stand accused on three counts for the attempted murder of the Ambassador, Lady Daria. Two counts of the attempted murder of the Deputy Ambassador, Lady Jane. One count for the attempted murder of Nestheart Guard, Sweetwind. Fifty-five counts of wrongful death for the passengers and crew of the transport vessel, Homebeacon. Six counts of wrongful death for the People of the Soil who defended the Lady Daria. Finally, you are charged with one count of treason, for plotting the overthrow of Queen Truemind and dismantling of the Constitution."

"(You children didn't learn any of the lessons I tried to teach you.)"

Autumnblossom said over her shoulder to the police, "(Secure the residence and hold all staff for questioning. Bring the accused to the Justice Hall.)"

Truelimb growled. "(You are outrageous. It is customary for royals to be granted house arrest.)"

"(You will be returned to house arrest, after the charges have been formally read in court, you have been questioned, and your residence searched, as per the arrest warrant.)"

Truelimb shook with anger.

Autumnblossom motioned for Truelimb to be secured. "(You are correct: we did not learn from you. We learned from someone better.)"


Warmhearth's bad mood radiated from him like a cloud as the messenger left. Peacetree said to Daria, "(I think that was bad news for him. If it is what I hope, it will weaken his resolve to fight my final statements.)"

"Does this have something to do with what my children are up to?"

Another messenger entered and gave a message to Peacetree. She read the note and handed it to Daria. "(He just found out he was being used by the Queen Mother as a proxy in her attempt to regain the throne. She has been arrested for treason and the wrongful death of many of his followers.)"

"Do the judges know?"

"(No. It is not relevant to the facts of this case. Remember, they have been sequestered from all outside information that may influence their decision. We still need to win on the merit of our case, but he won't fight back as hard, now.)" She stood and addressed the panel. "(I am ready to begin.)"

The lead judge said, "(Please supply your final discussion.)"

"(Thank you. The most important point is, the Accused acted on the incomplete information she had available, to do what was best for the nymphs entrusted to her care. We have shown that her choice was the only one that allowed the survival of the transforming nymphs. Her contamination with uranium would have poisoned them. Even if she were not afflicted and had chosen to be a host, the result would have been death for the nymphs. Lady Jane would have intervened, if present. Agent O'Neal would have investigated and intervened when he arrived during the metamorphosis. Finally, Streamrider would have killed all four when she arrived. By Ecclesiastical Law, the Accused's intent and the overall good of the results of her actions should also be considered, as a sign that events happened for reasons beyond mortal understanding.)"

Daria's attention faded as Peacetree continued to recap the defense. Daria thought of a soft wind through the trees as she tended the garden with her children. To be back home.

Her attention returned later when she heard Warmhearth say, "(No objection.)"

The head judge said, "(Testimony and evidence admission is now closed. You will be summoned when a decision has been reached.)"

Leaving the room, Peacetree said, "(He was upset; he made no counter at all to my final statement.)"


"Thank you very much for calling. Transmit copies as soon as possible. Bye." Tim closed his cell phone and looked at Crystalheart. "We've had a break in Arizona."

He looked up from the financial records he was scrutinizing. "(Somebody went to the laboratory with Streamrider's lifeboat?)"

"Yes, and she's in custody."

"(Has she talked?)"

"Once she was picked up, and of protective custody, she apparently couldn't talk fast enough. She's been running scared of her employer for months."

"(We know who her employer is?)"

"Yes we do. One who potentially has a motive for Ms. Morgendorffer's death. Now, we finish the paper trail and get out the nailgun to stick his butt to the wall."


Daria stood in the courtroom before the six anonymous judges. Peacetree grasped her trembling hand and whispered, "(I have a good feeling today.)"

"I hope you're right."

"(We made a strong case.)"

Warmhearth waited at his desk. Otherwise, the room was empty. He nervously shuffled forms during the wait.

Daria whispered, "Feels odd to have the room empty, but I also feel less stress than if we had an audience."

The lead judge rose and straightened his ecclesiastical vestments. "(Is the Accuser prepared to hear and accept our judgment?)"

"(I am prepared.)"

"(Is the Accused prepared to hear and accept our judgment?)"

Daria closed her eyes. "I am prepared."

The first secular judge rose and said, "(Not culpable.)"

The first ecclesiastical judge rose and said, "(Culpable.)"

The next secular said, "(Not culpable.)"

Ecclesiastical. "(Not culpable.)"

Secular. "(Not culpable.)"

The lead judge said, "(Not culpable.)"

He looked down the row at the others. "(Five to one, we concur that the Accused acted in the best possible faith to preserve the lives of Queen Truemind, Princess Autumnblossom, and Princess Eveningsky, who had been left in her care. Considering the highly unusual circumstances and events, we rule that no wrongdoing was committed. The Accused is free to go.)"

Daria felt her knees weaken and she sank to the cushion.

Warmhearth bowed his head. "(We accept the decision of this court that Lady Daria has committed no wrong and will rescind the ecclesiastical sentence of death. In light of this finding, we reinstate the Queen and Princesses to the faith and remove our support for their replacement.)" He turned to face Daria. "(It would appear the Creator guides your hand and protects your spirit.)" He bowed and crossed his arms in a blessing.


"Surprise!"
"(Surprise!)"
"(Surprise!)"
"(Surprise!)"

Jane, Autumnblossom, Eveningsky, and Truemind swarmed over Daria the instant she came in the door.

"Gahh! It's not my birthday." Daria was very pleased to see everyone.

Jane disentangled from the multiple limbs and went to a small table, returning with a platter with what looked like a cake, and five bottles. "No guarantees as to how it will taste. They didn't know what a cake was and don't have anything close to flour."

Daria eyed it with suspicion. "Then, what is it?"

"I described the concept to the royal chefs and this is what they came up with."

"Have you tried it?"

"You're the girl of the hour."

Daria cleared herself from the sisters and knelt on a cushion in front of the 'cake'. "Thanks everyone. I wouldn't have made it without you." Amid friendly agreements, Daria cut a small piece and tasted it. After thoughtfully chewing for several moments, she said, "I think this will be best left so we can read the loving inscription on it."

Jane looked dubious. "That bad?"

"I wouldn't say bad, but…something like Dad would bake."

"Funky. I get it." Jane shrugged and sat at the table while the others joined. Jane picked up a bottle of crowntree sap. "Is twenty-two, thirty-seven a good year?" She took a drink and asked, "How does it feel to be free, again?"

"Very good. I was so nervous before the decision, I was shaking. I had to sit down after."

"You're off the hook and the whole diet stuff is cleared up?"

"I'm personally off the hook, and so are they. But, the question of whether artificial diets are a heresy is not settled."

Eveningsky said, "(It will be the source of much emotional debate for years to come.)"

Truemind continued with, "(But, will not be the flashpoint for violence it was about to be.)"

Autumnblossom finished, "(And the Queen Mother was prepared to step in to 'save the Folk from the folly of her wayward children.')"

Daria settled down to a seated position. "I know you had to keep me out of the loop on this, but what was up with her?"

Truemind looked down sadly for minute before answering. "(Do you remember when I said I felt more like a replacement than a daughter?)"

Daria nodded.

"(It turns out, I wasn't even that. When Autumnblossom searched the Queen Mother's residence…)"

Autumnblossom visibly tensed.

Truemind quietly said, "(…She found the leak to the resistance about our trip to the border. We were to meet with a group of high-ranking Seeker students for a good will visit. Truelimb secretly got the information to a known resistance spy. She planned to have us killed and use that as an excuse to go to war with the Seekers.)"

Daria stared in shock.

Autumnblossom said, "(A war to regain territory lost over a century ago. It would have weakened the resistance, and she planned to use more brutal tactics against them while most were distracted by the war. All three of us were disposable tools to her. She planned to bear another brood to replace us, afterward.)"

Eveningsky slowly shook her head. "(She was furious at our survival. Her plans were disrupted, and we returned with all these new ideas.)"

Truemind resumed, "(Unknowing, we tried to work with her. However, she became increasingly unstable. We finally forced her to abdicate. When a physician that had remained loyal to her told her about what you had done, she saw the opportunity to get rid of you, and us."

Autumnblossom said, "(She anticipated rising tensions between us and the Traditionalists to break into violence. Once things reached a fever pitch, she would present herself as a rational alternative to chaos.)"

Eveningsky patted Daria's hand. "(She was completely unprepared when you asked for a trial and High Cleric Warmhearth agreed. She was furious at him. To sabotage the effort and rouse emotions, she plotted to have High Cleric Warmhearth killed outside the courthouse after the trial.)"

Jane put her hand on Daria's. "And we thought our mothers were screwed up when we were teenagers."

Daria looked at her daughters. "I am so sorry."

Truemind hugged Daria. "(Do not be.)"

Daria returned the hug. "During the closing, I thought about our garden and how much the cabin felt like home. I missed it."

Truemind looked at Daria. "(The Interstellar Legislature in back on track to start. Once it is in place, a state visit to your home planet might be in order)"

Eveningsky said, "(For all three of us. I heard you made an offer to Autumnblossom about the cabin.)"

Autumnblossom raised one hand. "(You did make the offer.)"

Daria looked at all three. "My first act back on duty as ambassador will be to transmit the request, and make sure the cabin is ready."


OCTOBER 2012

Tim O'Neal was not in a good mood. The day's communiqué from Nest had reported Daria's arrest two months earlier and the possibility of a death sentence. Being unable to tell the Morgendorffers in person because of the appointment he faced added to his frustration. He stood in front of the Director and tapped a thick dossier. "I know it isn't pretty, but there's the evidence we've collected over the last six months. Assistant Director Chambers was the highest-ranking collaborator within the agency. He hid his operation well by strictly using outside funds." Tim placed a sheet of paper on top of the stack. "Between the laboratory witness and the electronic funds transfer trail, we've identified the funding source. This is the latest of the funds transfers to Chambers from the numbered accounts from Grace, Sloane and Page, and signed by Angier Sloane, who was an old college buddy of Chamber's father."

Crystalheart added, "The information has also been transmitted to Princess Autumnblossom. Angier Sloane became involved with funding the treatment of Streamrider's injuries and the examination of her lifeboat. He had maintained a communicator in hopes of new contact with the resistance. When he learned of the plan to kill Lady Daria, he readily agreed to help, believing it would give him an untraceable means to kill her. For reasons we don't fully understand, he blamed her for his son not having a legal heir. He paid Chambers to suppress the detection of the first assassin's ship. When that failed, Chambers was dispatched to Montana to make sure Lady Daria was present when the lifeboat arrived with the second assassin to kill her. We're not certain of why he was the first killed, accident or suppression of witnesses. Because all of the clerical Folk and crew were killed in the fighting, we have no way of knowing."

The Director scanned the papers closely before signing one and handing it to Tim. "It's going to hit the fan when you arrest him. He has a lot of connections."

Tim accepted the paper and placed it in a folder. "He tried to kill the woman we just found out is standing trial for her life in an alien court, because she saved her children. His political connections are going to vanish and public opinion will smack him in the face."

"He's got the money to make this a hard fight."

"Mr. Grace and Mr. Page were quite cooperative. Sloane will only be able to use his own money and not the partnership's. From what I've learned of Katherine Sloane, I wouldn't bet on him having unfettered access to that, either."


Helen and Jake sat in their living room, each holding an untouched martini. Quinn was on another sofa, gently rocking her infant daughter. On the coffee table in front of them was a single framed picture of Daria and her children. The day was spent in thoughtful silence. The courier that O'Neal had sent over remained at the front of the house, to make sure none but a select few approached the residence. He also handed out a simple statement.

We have confidence our daughter and sister did the right thing before, and is doing the correct thing now. We thank all for their good wishes and have no further comment.


The two memorials were simple and the grounds well maintained. Daria stood nearby with Eveningsky and read from the first, "Leafweaver." She touched the face and said, "I wish you could have seen what you helped to bring about, because you chose to trust me." She turned to touch the second. "Swiftsong. I am still your friend. I know you did what you believed best, and how it must have tormented you. You would be happy and proud of the lives your charges have led."

Both stood silent for a few more moments before Daria asked, "Is it possible for me to visit any of their families?"

"(Leafweaver was from one of the colony worlds. I believe her mother and sisters are still there. Swiftsong has no living relatives. Her mother and sisters were killed in a transport accident.)"

"No children?"

"(Swiftsong was unable to have children. That is why she became a Guardian.)"


A week after Angier Sloane's arrest, two bailiffs escorted him from the courthouse to a waiting car. The judge had ordered him held without bail, as a flight risk. A crowd of press and public waited for their approach, including Lydia Phelps with her crew.

She noticed a drawn face, topped with a shock of red hair, moving along the front of the crowd. "I wonder why he's here." She nudged her camera operator to shift over to the old subject of the news show. She held up her microphone and said, "I've just noticed an interesting person from Ms. Morgendorffer and Ms. Lane's past among the crowd. Perhaps he will have some interesting comments about today's events." She and her crew moved close to him. "Artie Simmons, care to share your opinions with Sick, Sad World?"

The tormented man in his early thirties looked at the camera with glazed eyes. "Finally, the government has started to do something with these traitors to mankind! The reason aliens have been able to land and experiment on us has been the influence and power of people like him!" He shook his left fist at the approaching prisoner. Angier Sloane looked at him indifferently. Artie ranted, "My life has been made a living hell because of the experiments he helped the aliens run!" Eyes blazing with anger, he shouted. "No more!"

Sloane and his guards were mere feet away when Artie raised his right hand to show a rod-like device that had been secreted up his sleeve. "They don't know I stole this!" The ballistic vest Sloane wore exploded in a white flash and his body was thrown backward into the steps with great force.

The bailiffs rushed forward as Ms. Phelps swung her microphone to strike Artie on the back of the head. He collapsed forward into the bailiffs' arms, who wrestled him to the ground.

Artie whimpered as he was handcuffed. "Please, no more experiments."


NOVEMBER 2012

Almost a month later, Tim stood before the Director. His head throbbed in pain from celebrating word of Daria's acquittal. Jake made a potent martini. Crystalheart swore he would go through all the necessary quarantines to bring back a lime tree. It had felt good to bring that house good news for a change.

He forced himself to focus and said, "We did not expect such a risk. The ballistic vest was a standard precaution we thought was sufficient. We had no reason to expect an alien weapon to be used because the Folk and Seeker citizens on Earth were accounted for and also wanted to learn more of Sloane's activities."

"Mr. Simmons said he stole the weapon. Perhaps whoever he got the weapon from didn't want to be embarrassed by the loss."

He slide a report in front of the Director. "We don't know where it came from; it doesn't match the technology of any of the four species."

"Isn't he talking?"

"He's talking, but it is confusing. He claims there is another species present on Earth doing the experiments. I believe him."

"Why?"

He added a second report. "Besides the weapon, his skin had been replaced by a synthetic, like he'd claimed. The underlying scars are estimated at fifteen years old."

"Meaning, our agency is still in business."

Slightly frustrated, Tim said, "I assume I'll be assigned to the case. I was hoping to take a sabbatical."

"You can take your sabbatical now. You're unassigned until you can accompany Crystalheart back to Nest to deliver testimony about what you found here. The UN has accepted an offer for a state visit from the royal family. They're expected to depart in late January and arrive in late April. You will travel with them and the Ambassador back to Nest."

"Sir?"

"You've become too recognized and can no longer work as a covert operative. After you've completed your testimony, you will work with their intelligence personnel to investigate this new situation. Oh, and have a happy Thanksgiving. Grab a turkey on your way out."


Months passed pleasantly for Daria and Jane before their return to Earth. After the excitement of their arrival and the trial, things had settled considerably. Being the only humans present, they found that they had few official duties after reading and sending the weekly communiqués.

Jane could be found painting and drawing, wherever her muse took her that day. Not only the foliage, but the architecture and wildlife. From the small, winged nectar feeders that often hovered around the flowers like a cross between a hummingbird and bee, to the scaled, six-limbed animals that scurried along the trees like squirrels. For one week, she accepted Autumnblossom's offer to spend time at an orbital observatory.

Daria spent time quietly writing, or with her children as their schedules permitted. Often, she would leave the palace grounds to meet and talk with anyone willing. Like her old habit on Earth, she became a frequent visitor of the libraries, where she became an avid student of Folk culture and literature.

Truemind convened the opening session of the legislature. Fulfilling all expectations, the political brawls began almost immediately. They would remain busy for a long time.

Eveningsky continued to investigate the Queen Mother and her activities. She was disturbed to find oblique evidence for an outside influence, but no details.

Autumnblossom worked with the Seeker Ambassador to develop a new border treaty to present to their respective governments. The regular updates from Crystalheart made her think of the young officer warmly.


APRIL 2013

The journey back to Earth was uneventful for Nebulachaser. They were greeted on Earth with a grand reception at the United Nations. After the opening greetings, the scene devolved into gratuitous attempts at photo ops and general schmoozing with the royal family. After a couple hours, direct interest in the human guests dropped enough for them to get away from the larger crowd.

Jane tapped Tim's shoulder. "Yo, how're you doing?"

He turned and grinned. "Jane, Mack. It's good to see both of you."

Mack extended his hand. "Good to see you, also."

Jane put a hand on Tim's shoulder. "I have a proposition for you."

He raised an eyebrow and Mack snickered.

"How would you like to be Deputy Ambassador?"

"Sorry, no can do."

"Come on. It will give you the perfect excuse to be with Daria."

"And she would be my boss. Nope, can't take the offer."

"Look, she's going back. This is your best chance."

Tim grinned. "I'm going there myself, to testify on what we discovered here. Therefore, I'll be there and free of any outside complications."

Jane's eyes brightened in surprise. "Then what are you waiting for?" She held up a hand festooned with a ring. "I owe her a big one. By the way, you're invited." Jane gently kicked Tim in the rear. "Get going, she's right over there, you big oaf."


Tim approached Daria slowly. "Hi."

Daria smiled at him. "So that's what you really look like."

"Guilty. I hope I'm not scaring you too much."

"You have a tolerable face."

"Uh…can I ask you something?"

"Would this 'something' be related to that note you slipped into my pocket?"

Sheepishly, he said, "Yes."

"Would coffee after this is done be a good time to ask?"

"Oh, yeah, sure. What?"

"You can ask me out over coffee."

"Oh, okay."

Daria noticed Crystalheart talking with Autumnblossom. "Say, isn't that the young officer you were working with?"

"It is."

"I wonder what he's talking to her about."

"The same thing I just tried to talk with you about."

"What? That's my daughter over there."

"He rather likes her."

"You knew about this? What are his intentions?"

"Yes, I knew. It's a conspiracy; we talked each other into saying something tonight."

Daria began a fast walk in their direction. Tim placed a hand on her shoulder and slowed her. "He's a good kid."

"She's so…old enough to make her own decisions." Daria stopped and watched the two talking. She softly sighed, looped her arm around Tim's and began to move away. "Tell me about him."


Daria adjusted the not-quite fitting white dress. "How did we get talked into this?"

Tim squirmed in his tuxedo. "You were kind of obvious; I'm really surprised Mack wanted me."

"At least you get a preview of your quarters for three months."

"You're not jealous Jane is going to skip out on the state visit tour?"

"A little, but she's put up with me for the last year. She deserves a break."

"Why isn't there any family here?"

"Tracking down the Lanes would have taken a month or more. So, they decided to do this and tell everyone after the fact. Equal opportunity surprise."

"First humans married by a starship captain. Jane does know how to make a statement."

Escorted by Mack in a tuxedo, Jane appeared in a bright red dress and said, "Okay, let's get this show on the road."

Daria smiled. "With style."


The camera followed Jane and Mack entering a room and closing the door. Painted on it was "Just Married."

"Forget about the mile-high club. Zero-gravity honeymoons in orbit! Next, on Sick, Sad World."


MAY 2013

After two weeks of formality, a whirlwind tour of Earth and its various governments, the official part of the visit was over. Soon, Lawndale was a media circus as Daria and her children arrived at the Morgendorffer residence.

Jake opened the door with a wide smile. "Come on in; everyone is waiting."

Daria, followed by her children, entered her old home. Helen, Quinn, and her husband rose to greet them.

Daria stood to one side. "I'm sorry it took so long for this introduction. Mom, Dad, Quinn, Bill. These are my daughters, Truemind, Eveningsky, and Autumnblossom. These are my parents, Jake and Helen, my sister, Quinn, her husband, Bill." Daria slowly approached a crib near the sofas. "This must be my niece, Daria Jane." She looked in to see a ten-month old baby in pink dress and topped with golden hair. "Looks like she got her hair from her father."

She turned back to see everyone still looking at her. She said, "Please, everyone. Say hi to each other."

That broke the spell. Jake squatted down and said, "My granddaughters."

Helen briskly walked over. "Sweeties."

With a pinch of uncertainty, they exchanged hugs with their grandchildren, growing more comfortable quickly. Soon, both were sitting on the floor and talking with great animation to all three.

Quinn went to Daria and embraced her. "We were so worried. I would never have forgiven you if you hadn't stayed alive to see your niece."

"Your concern is touching. The chance to see her was one of the things that kept me going."

Bill was a solidly built man with blue eyes. He came over and sat against the back of a sofa. "Hi, Daria. I'm sorry I was out to sea when you left."

Daria gave him a brief hug. "At least you got back in time for your daughter's birth."

Quinn gave him a narrow glare. "He wouldn't have dared miss that."

He grinned back at his wife. "Being catapulted off a carrier doesn't bother me, but she can scare me as much as a night landing in a storm."

"I wish I could have had some of your courage; there were times I was very scared this last year."

Bill looked her in the eyes. "Only a fool isn't scared. We all think you were brave."

"It sure didn't feel that way."

"Bravery doesn't exist without fear. You were brave because you made it past it."

Helen rushed by them and pulled a photo album from a shelf of the entertainment center. "I have a lot more photos of her as a child."

Daria covered her face. "Oh, no."

Quinn laughed. "Daria, you weren't that bad."

She looked up. "Quinn, remember that when Mom grabs that album to show your daughter."

Quinn recoiled in shock. "She wouldn't."

Daria tilted her head toward Helen. "Want to bet on that?"


With everyone settled, Daria made her way out to the park and the bench she liked to think at as a teen. She'd been there only a short time when she heard the ever-present guard say, "Sir, no closer."

Thomas Sloane said, "May I have a minute?"

The guard looked to Daria for direction.

Daria closed her eyes and bit her lip. She hadn't seen Tom since leaving the courtroom after their divorce was finalized. She opened her eyes and said, "Go ahead."

Tom stiffly approached her and stopped several feet away. "I apologize for how you were treated by my family and for how I capitulated to my father to divorce you."

"That seems so long ago."

"I also apologize for my father's attempts to kill you. I expect no forgiveness, but you deserve no less."

She moved one hand palm upward. "Why he would hold such a grudge? I was gone with a settlement that was a comparative bargain. I posed no threat."

"He blamed you for the fact he would never have an heir."

She shook her head. "That's stupid. Granted, any possible child from Elsie and Alice would only have come from artificial insemination from an anonymous donor. I was gone and nothing would have prevented you from fathering a precious heir for him."

Tom inhaled deeply before he said, "When you needed me the most after losing our child, I cut you off and discarded you because I was too afraid to stand up to him. I've never forgiven myself for that. I had to make absolute sure that he never got what he was after. With the proper application of money, you can have a vasectomy done that's irreversible."

Daria looked at him with wide eyes. "You didn't."

"I made sure he would never have his legitimate heir. That act of rebellion on my part is what drove him to cooperate with these aliens to kill you."

"You couldn't know he would go that far."

"I wouldn't have thought. But, that is the result."

She looked at her stricken ex-husband with sorrow. "Your apology is accepted."

"You're too kind."

"What now?"

"The Sloane fortune ends with my generation. The estate was divided between mother, Elsie and me after his death. Mother has taken her maiden name and will probably disperse most of the holdings. Elsie and I have already directed our personal fortunes be divided for charity on our deaths."

"I don't know what to say. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to say anything, or apologize. You now have an incredible life because you lived by your standard of right and wrong. I have my life because I didn't." He held up his hand at Daria's attempt to speak. "I've had more than a minute. Goodbye." He turned and quickly walked away.

"Goodbye."


At the end of the weekend, Quinn looked out of the window at the departing vehicles. "Goodbye, Sis. Two weeks alone at the cabin with your kids sounds wonderful. Enjoy yourself."

Bill wrapped his arms around Quinn. "I'm glad you decided to name our daughter after her."

Quinn turned and kissed him. "Even when we fought like cats and dogs in high school, I always respected her integrity."

A gurgle diverted their attention to Daria Jane. Bill looked oddly at the knitted blanket on the child and asked, "Where did that come from?"

Quinn picked it up and remembered. "Daria made this when she was pregnant." She went back to the window and looked down the now empty street. "Thanks, that means a lot. I'll make sure she knows where it came from."


Daria, Autumnblossom, Eveningsky and Truemind sat on a large blanket spread next to the pond. A picnic basket was set between them and all enjoyed the cool May breeze as they ate lunch. Next to the basket were a dozen roses, and a small banner saying, "Happy Mother's Day."

Daria looked at them and once again saw the three small, frightened nymphs hiding in a raft, working in the garden, wrestling and fighting, reading around the coffee table, and preparing to leave the first time. Her precious children.

It feels good to be home.


Thanks to Kristen Bealer, Lawndale Stalker, Mr. Orange, and James Anatidae for beta reading.

December 2004