Miss Tara Maclay, Citizen of the Terran Empire

[jixer]

One moment in time has eluded historians dealing with the end of the First Empire, that moment the first attack was made on the Empire. Dozens of dates have been suggested, most of them around the First Battle of Capitol. Other sources site incidents up to a decade before that most useless battle.



From the Introduction to The Coming Twilight-Understanding The Fall of the First Empire

Tabitha Summers-McHeath













PREVIOUSLY







“There will be good news this early morning,” Huntington said quietly. “But I don’t trust our Aquitaine friends. Be ready to leave when I come by, say about five o’clock. I’ll arrange coffee for your guards.”





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Then Willow reached out with her free hand and found Tara’s again without looking. Now Willow knew Tara was worried for the others but mostly for Willow. The redhead could feel Tara’s heartbeat in her hand as the world became two orbs of blue that shone impossibly bright in the moonlight.





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Alex looked at Willow and Tara now holding hands in the moonlight next to the sisters. He reached for Anya’s hand. The construct looked surprised at the contact. Then she smiled and felt the first hint of a blush in the night. Alex smiled at her and let her hand go. As he mounted his horse Anya looked down at her hand.



“Fascinating.”





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Etienne could just make out the lid of the box, or what he desperately hoped was a box, above him. He could barely hear any sounds. He pounded on the lid. The sound was muffled. It did not interfere with a conversation being held several feet away.





“Aye, she’ll make the shelf before light,” the smuggler said with a nod. “Fastest thing on these docks.”



“Can you drop this off there?” the cloaked figure asked.





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Captain Huntington opened the door to the Countess’s drawing room. The figures around the table were sprawled, their cards still in their hands. The candle on the table was low and guttering. Near one still hand a coffee cup was spilled. The officer smiled and nodded to the men following him. He stepped into the room.





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Miss Tara Maclay, Citizen of the Terran Empire

Chapter 17











“What do we do?” Dawn asked in a soft voice as she looked at her sister.



Buffy looked past her at Willow. The redhead nodded very slightly and smiled at her. Come on, Buffy, you can do this. She thought along with her confident gestures.



“We have to split up,” the small blonde said evenly. “Alex, you know the way. Cordelia, you know the railroad procedures in case it gets that far.”



“I’ll go with Alex,” Anya interjected.



“Good,” Buffy replied.



“I should go as well,” Liam added.



“What are we doing?” Cordelia asked.



“Stopping the group that left from coming back and raising an alarm,” Buffy explained.



“And the rest of us?” William asked.



“We’re going into the manor,” Buffy said firmly.



“The secret passages?” Willow asked. “Cause I know the one from my usual room to the library.”



“And the kitchens,” Buffy grinned.





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In the manor the Countess Summers looked at the men in dark cloaks Captain Harrington had brought with him. She looked at the dashing officer with concern in her eyes.



“Who are these men?” she asked softly.



“They’re to make sure we get to the stables,” Harrington explained with a smile as two men flanked the woman.



Joyce didn’t yell when the sickly sweet rag was placed over her mouth. She pushed it away long enough to ask “Why?”



“I couldn’t trust a woman who poisoned her guards, now could I?” Harrington shrugged. “One who is about to rush off, poison her own heir and attempt ride off in an escape with her bastard daughter.”



Joyce slumped in her attacker’s arms. The man behind her frowned.



“That was too fast-” the dark cloaked man started to say. The iron shod rifle butt that slammed into his face prevented his finishing the sentence.



Harrington was drawing his sword by reflex when strong hands pulled his ankles out from under him. As he hit the floor two Aquitaine privates and a Pomeranian lance corporal slammed into him and pinned him to the ground. Huntington fought for breath as the cloaked men were subdued with quick, savage blows from the ‘dead’ guards.



“Does he live, milady?” the Aquitaine sergeant asked casually.



“We need his clothing unspoiled, Sergeant,” Joyce replied. “Are your men alright? Is anyone hurt?”



“All present and accounted for,” he replied. The other NCOs confirmed a lack of casualties.



“Get the cloaks and Captain Huntington’s uniform,” Joyce said quickly. “Then wake up Ensigns Carter, Cogny, and Stoltz.”



“We will lead them to the stables, Lady Summers,” the Aquitaine Sergeant assured her. Then he turned to the captive officer. “I don’t like playing dead at my age. It’s the sciatica, don’t you know? So I’m looking forward to you resisting us getting your uniform off, understand?”





===========================================================





Tara felt tension in the night around her companions. They were just a dozen yards away from the blank-looking wall towards which Buffy was leading them. There were the mixed scents that meant horses nearby. Willow leaned closely.



“Stables,” the redhead whispered.



Tara nodded and looked back at Dawn. The girl was just behind Willow and Tara. Bringing up the rear were Riley and William. Buffy stopped at a corner in the outside wall behind a squat evergreen. The small young woman touched the wall in a complex pattern while reciting a poem under her breath. Tara felt her and her companions become even tenser so when the click came it sounded like a pistol shot to the group. They stayed locked in position as the stillness of the fading night returned. Then Buffy pushed the door open and listened. Finally she reached back for Willow’s hand.



Willow followed her friend as she reached back for Tara. The tightness in her chest as she entered the inky rectangle faded with the touch of Tara’s hand. She felt more than heard Dawn followed by Riley and William. There was a discreet click as the door shut and the tiny light from the stars was shut away. A moment later two squeezes were passed down the line of hands. Buffy reached for the recessed shelf and found the beeswax candle and matches. The flare from the match was bright in the gloom. Buffy listened for a few moments.



Tara thought she could just hear steps somewhere near. Buffy pulled a small panel from the wall and peered out through what looked like painted glass. Then the small blonde replaced the glass quickly. She turned around, her face grim in the candlelight.



“Mom-my mother is being taken to the stables,” Buffy whispered.



“Right,” growled Willow. “Probably to meet you when you’re dragged back here.”



“What do we do?” Dawn asked softly.



“We rescue her,” William said steadily.



“And after that we make it up as we go,” Riley added.





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Prince Etienne felt the roll of the boat and felt panic raising. He slammed into the padded lid as hard as he could to no avail.



I’m going to be taken out and dropped into the deep! he thought on the edge of hysteria.



As if from far away he heard the sounds of an argument. Then there was a sharp blow on the outside of his wooden prison. A moment later the lid was pulled away. Blessed air filled his lungs as he tried to spring out of the box. Hours of confinement made him clumsy. A strong hand steadied him.



“Whoa, chief,” a female voice said. “So you’re why he screwed me over.”



“Who?” Etienne asked his rescuer.



“Him,” the slim brunette said jerking her thumb at the crumpled figure wearing a seaman’s cap. “I paid for a quick passage to San Sebastian, he wanted to take a side trip and more.”



The nobleman noted the small footprint on the unmoving man’s fly and the odd angle of the arm. Etienne resolved to be on his best behavior.



“Thank you, Miss…” he said.



“McHeath,” she replied. “Faith McHeath. I’m in kind of a hurry. Can you drive or sail or whatever you do with boats? I’d kind of like not to call the authorities for help.”



“I will do my best,” Etienne nodded. “It’s the least I can do for the beautiful woman who saved me from a watery grave.”



“Oh, I think they wanted somebody to find you,” Faith said as she flipped the lid upright.



Etienne looked at the orange paint and the tall flag of a most visible and ugly yellow. The crate rocked when the slim young woman touched it. He frowned as he looked more closely at his erstwhile prison. He pulled at the padded bottom of the compartment he’d been confined in. It came up with a stout tug. Underneath was a packet of papers, a rifle from Wessex, and a grubby red sash. Etienne looked at the papers and started to place them carefully on the deck. Maps of Morlaix and West Sussex with hand drawn lines and symbols, railway schedules, and letters with the crest of Oldenberg told him a chilling tale.



“Miss McHeath, I must get back to Aquitaine,” he said distantly.



“And I’ve got to get to the Imperial starport,” Faith said flatly. “And since only one of us grew up on a high gravity hellhole I think I’d win-oh shit!”



Etienne looked where she was facing and saw the lean greyhound shape of a torpedo boat. He smiled when he turned back to Faith.



“That’s a St. George class Aquitaine torpedo boat,” Etienne said with a smirk. “I will see you get a first class ticket to the Starport ferry on one condition.”



“What’s that?” Faith said suspiciously.



“Don’t tell me why you don’t want to meet the authorities.”





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Tara followed Willow closely. The narrow walls of the passage felt like they were closing in on her. After a bewildering series of small stairs and turns she could just catch the scent of horses. Buffy stopped and looked back at her small group. She met Willow’s eyes and then Tara’s.



“Dawn, you stay with Willow and Tara until I call you,” Buffy said in a firm whisper. “If anything happens you go with them and do exactly what they say, understood?”



Tara wasn’t surprised when Dawn simply nodded. She could feel Willow’s relief with the girl’s agreement. Then Buffy gave Dawn a quick hug. She looked back at William and Riley.



“We get into position and make our move before they realize what’s happening,” Buffy said coldly.



“Then we rouse the house and make this public,” William suggested.



Buffy nodded. Then she turned back to the end of the secret passage. She reached up and took a small tube of something and applied it to the hinges of the door. Then she opened it carefully and slipped out into the stable. William and Riley followed her. Willow closed the door for a moment and turned to Tara. Dawn looked away as nonchalantly as she could. The redhead leaned forward and kissed Tara.



“Now we stay back, out of the way,” Willow said firmly to Dawn.



Willow opened the small door and slipped into the stable. Tara and Dawn followed her. They were behind a wall of bagged oats and grains. Willow eased to the edge and froze. She saw Joyce enter the stable escorted by a man in a Wessex officer’s uniform with the hat pulled down. He moved uncomfortably. Several men in cloaks followed them. From where she was she could see Buffy and the other two briefly. They had gone up into the hayloft above. When she looked down to Joyce Willow caught sight of a pair of soldiers in one kind of uniform following the silent orders of a corporal in a different uniform. Then she saw Joyce interlock her fingers in the way she always did when she was worried. One of the cloaked men stepped near her but did not see her. She looked at him and saw serviceable rough boots.



A motion caught her eye as a trio of soldiers headed for the ladder to the hayloft. Willow could feel Buffy’s almost predatory tension as she readied herself. Willow concentrated on Joyce and the officer next to her. Their tension was similar, with Joyce’s the stronger. Suddenly the soldiers started their climb on the hayloft ladder and Willow felt Buffy’s tension spike. Willow stood up.



“Hi, Mrs. Summers,” she said pleasantly.



“Willow?” Joyce said surprised. “What are you doing here?”



“Realizing Summers women are really tricky,” Willow replied. “Could everybody just stay still for a second? It’s kind of important.”





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Buffy’s hand closed on the borrowed automatic pistol in her hand as the ladder shuddered slightly with the weight of climbing men. She let the front sight fill the notch of the rear sight as the top of the ladder became her complete focus. The distant sound of Willow’s voice broke her concentration.



“You idiot!” she hissed under her breath.





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Tara’s hand tightened on her small revolver. Dawn touched her other hand and the blonde realized she was squeezing the girl’s arm rather tightly.



Please be right, Tara thought urgently.





===========================================================





“What’s going on?” Joyce asked firmly as Willow moved slowly into the light.



“Well, I’d say that the big silver bracelets on your wrists were there to make it look like something else,” Willow explained. “Say something a bit confining. That and the fact that the uniform your escort is wearing is tailored, but not for him. Cordy would have a fit if she saw that. Then there’s the boots. They’re not cheap but he’s walking like somebody else was measured for them. Not to mention you’ve got cloaks of silk and lambswool covering guys with soldiers boots.”



“Spending time with Cordelia has rubbed off on you,” Joyce noted with a dry smile.



“Then there’s the soldiers following orders from other armies’ guys with stripes,” Willow went on. “That and you’re here in the stables with a lot of armed guys, some of which are protecting you but trying not to look like it.”



Several of the cloaked men looked down sheepishly.



“Keep watch, sergeant,” Joyce said in a no-nonsense tone. “Do you know what’s happening, Willow?”



“You’re waiting for somebody to deliver what they think they had in their control,” Willow said with a smile. “But they didn’t know just how tricky Summers women are.”



“We really are,” Buffy said standing up at the edge of the hayloft. She grabbed a rope and slid to the floor. Joyce let out a cry as her daughter rushed to her. As they embraced the man in the borrowed uniform pushed back his hat and smiled.



“We’ll find Dawn, Milady,” a voice without a trace of Wessex accent said hopefully.



Willow felt the happy relief fill the room. She turned to Tara and Dawn. The blonde nodded with a smile and let go of Dawn’s arm. The girl scampered forward. Joyce and Buffy both reached for her and all three started to cry.



“Well that wasn’t how it was supposed to happen,” a gangly Mercian soldier said as he shrugged out of the cloak he was wearing.



“Thank God,” a lance corporal from Anjou replied as he did the same.



“Riders!” a soldier at the stable door called out.



“Easy, trooper,” William said as he stood up. “But be ready.”



A moment later eight horses appeared. Alex was in the lead with Anya behind him. Following him were Cordelia and Liam leading the other five horses with bound men draped over the saddles. Alex dismounted and bowed to Joyce.



“Anya said it sounded like things were resolved, Lady Summers,” he said politely. “We have men who should be placed under arrest.”



“Not very bright ones,” Anya said climbing down with a deliberate care. “I mean wouldn’t a naked woman in a box car make you just a bit suspicious?”



“Don’t ask,” Cordelia said quickly. “Just don’t.”



“Would someone tell us what the Hell is going on?” a new voice said.



Willow looked over at three rumpled-looking young officers, unshaven and confused looking. She smiled and shrugged.



“This could take a while.”





===========================================================





Faith grumbled almost silently as the captain of the torpedo boat handed a message to the Prince. Etienne frowned.



“Request clarification?” he snapped.



“My apologies,” Your Highness,” the commanding officer, a Lt. Commander, replied quickly.



“No need, Captain,” Etienne sighed. “It is a fantastic tale, and one full of treachery. I have no doubt I will be telling it for weeks as we get to the bottom of this.”



Faith sighed and looked out the porthole. A sailor tossed off a raft and leapt after it.



“Are we sinking?” she asked suddenly.



“Of course not-” the officer started to reply.



“Bomb!” Faith yelled as she grabbed the Prince. “Come on, meal ticket!”



With that she tossed him to the door. The Prince was shocked at her strength. He tried to stop her but she carried him to the railing and leapt overboard. He struggled to the surface as she sank under the water.



“What the HELL-” he yelled before a malignant rose of fire blossomed from the torpedo boat. The prince looked on in horror as the burning ship wallowed to a stop. He jerked as pistol shot snapped out and a plume of water fell apart near him. Etienne whirled to see a sailor in a raft trying to level a revolver at him in the swells.



“A pity,” the sailor called out. “She was pretty and your brother would pay handsomely for you, but I doubt you would be good passengers.”



Etienne dove just as the handgun barked. He stayed below until his lungs burned. He broke the surface and looked for the raft.



“Over here,” Faith called out.



Etienne looked at the soaking girl as she rolled the limp form of the sailor out of the raft. He swam to the raft. She pulled him up just as something brushed past him. Etienne scrambled into the boat. Faith shuddered and handed him an oar.



“I hope you know how these work,” she said flatly.



Etienne looked at her. She was shivering, and not from the cold.



“He would have killed you, or worse,” Etienne said gently.



“Let’s get to land,” Faith said softly. “I’m starting to hate boats.”





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The drawing room was full but completely silent as Willow sat down. Then the questions erupted. William stood up and held out his hands.



“One at a time, please,” he said and began to point to people in the room.



Willow let him take the attention gratefully. Tara slipped her hand into Willow’s and the redhead felt stronger. She saw a messenger arrive and give Joyce a small envelope. She read it and handed it to Buffy. The girl read it and stood up.



“Last night several assassins attempted to kill the kings of Mercia and Oldenberg along with other dignitaries,” Buffy read. “None were successful.”



“Gentlemen,” Joyce said as she stood up. “We will provide you with any information we receive. The lines to Aquitaine seem to be working but no signals are being received. In accordance with standing treaties all citizens of Aquitaine are welcome to stay until the situation can be clarified. Now, I must insist my daughters get some rest. I will be with you shortly.”



With that Joyce nodded to Buffy and Dawn. Then she turned to Willow.



“All of my daughters,” Joyce said firmly as she turned to leave the room. “Even the one who’s older than I remembered. You’re going to bed, Willow.”



Willow smiled and followed the sisters. She looked for Tara but saw Joyce was speaking with her.





===========================================================





“I can never thank you enough for what you’ve done, Miss Maclay,” Joyce said politely.



“But if I break Willow’s heart you’ll horsewhip me yourself,” Tara said steadily.



“I’m glad we understand each other,” Joyce said evenly.



“How long have you known?” Tara asked.



“The moment I saw her look at you,” Joyce replied.



“Then know this,” Tara said carefully. “I would never hurt Willow. I-I can’t. It’s like s-s-she’s part of me.”



“Something you never knew you were missing but can’t live without now?” Joyce asked gently.



Tara just stared at the older woman and nodded, her words stolen by the insight. Joyce smiled sadly. She turned away and motioned for a nearby servant.



“Take Miss Maclay to the Southeast room,” Joyce said, then she turned back to Tara. “Get some rest.”



Tara followed the serving girl up the stairs and down the hall to a room in the corner. Willow looked out the door next to hers. The redhead smiled and shut the door. Tara barely followed the servant’s words about the room. Finally the girl laid out a nightgown and robe and left. As Tara looked around the sun filled room she heard a click. On the wall her room shared with Willow’s a mirror swung out and a vision stepped into her room.



“My room is really on the next floor up,” Willow said with an almost embarrassed smile. “I was wondering what Joyce meant when she said I was older than she remembered.”



“What is this?” Tara asked softly.



“It’s a trysting suite,” Willow explained. “I never thought I’d ever be here. I mean, who’d want to tryst with me?”



“I don’t,” Tara said gently. “I want to love you, be with you, live with you. But I have to know you’re ready, Willow.”



“I…” Willow started but nerves and exhaustion and days on the edge overcame her. Suddenly Tara’s arms were around her as the shakes passed.



“Help me get clean,” Tara said gently. “Then we’ll see.”





===========================================================





“Alexander,” Joyce said carefully.



“Yes, ma’am!” Alex replied hurriedly. He looked at her with surprise. He still reeked of horse and sweat. The questions had been more frightening then the night ride in the airship.



“Alexander, just be sure,” Joyce said with a wistful smile. “And be sure to listen.”



“Yes ma’am,” he replied with no idea what she was speaking about. He watched her leave the servants’ area and opened his door. The shade on the window was drawn. He reached for it, but a soft hand stopped him. He looked at Anya in the filtered light.



“You don’t have to do this,” he said softly.



“I know,” she said with a smile. Her hand caressed his face. “I’ve never been allowed to ask for this before. Alexander, will you make love with me?”



“I-I’ve never…” he said in a whisper.



“I’ve never made love before either.”





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Shouldn’t I be nervous? Willow asked herself. Touching her just makes me feel calmer, like its something I should be doing. Shouldn’t bathing with her, being in bed with her, holding her make me shiver with excitement? Shouldn’t we be naked?



Willow looked into Tara’s soft blue eyes, trying to form her question about how to proceed when wearing sensible nightgowns when a yawn` snuck up on the redhead. When she stopped yawning she saw the blonde smile.



“Later,” Tara said carefully. “When you’re awake and I can take all the time you deserve.”



“Promise?” Willow asked in a small voice.



“Yes,” Tara said with all her heart.



“I’ve never…” Willow started. Tara wrapped her up in her arms so that the redhead was supported and relaxed. Then Tara kissed her softly.



“There are many ways to make love,” Tara said with a sleepy smile. “Let’s start with this one, my love.”





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Etienne and Faith landed on a rocky coast at dusk. Faith dragged the raft onto the beach and then collapsed next to the Prince. Finally he looked up at the headlands and tried to figure out where fate had brought him. A moment later a blue lamp appeared in the distance. Faith made a shushing motion and slipped into the rocks as the light drew closer.



“Gaston?” a voice called out.



“No,” the Prince answered.



“My apologies,” the voice replied. “Clear seas.”



The lamplight faded away down the beach. Faith came to him as the stars took over the sky from the last of the sun’s rays.



“What was that about?” she asked.



“Smugglers,” he sighed. “That phrase, ‘clear seas’, is their greeting. We’re in Breton.”



“Damn it!” growled Faith. “I’ve got to get through!”



“I’m sorry,” Etienne sighed. “I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m sure the worst is happening at home.”





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Prince Louis strode into the throne room of the Kings of Aquitaine. He looked at the courtiers and saw fear in their faces. He drew himself up to his full height.



“My father is more sick than formerly thought,” Louis said clearly. “He has taken a turn for the worse with the news of the death of my brother aboard the Navy vessel. It is with a heavy heart I assume the throne as regent until he recovers. Our first decree to place Aquitaine on alert until the attack on our ship has been investigated. I will expect a report from all ministries, especially the Minister for War, by eight tomorrow morning.”



Louis stood up and returned the bows of his court with a short nod. He let his escort fall in around him for the short walk to what was now his study. When the doors had closed behind him with the guard outside he smiled broadly.



“I have the throne,” he said gleefully.



“Things have not gone as planned,” Travers said evenly. “Now you have to keep it.”



“Oh, that should be easy,” Tyrrell said with a smile. “The King has resources no one else can match.”





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A city was in chaos. Fires and bodies were both scattered about. Anya was screaming, and Cordelia echoed her pain. A horseman filled the street ahead of her as darkness filled her…



“Willow, honey, it’s just a dream,” Tara said soothingly.



Willow looked out the window at the last rays of the day. She had slept the afternoon away in Tara’s arms. She shuddered in the safety of those arms.



“It’s okay, love,” Tara said gently. “I’m here. I’ll always be here.”



“Always?” Willow asked weakly.



“Always.”





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NEXT- The Epilogue

[Arwen276]

Interesting turn of events!! I love that they're gaining on their enemies! There's still the Aquitaine throne to deal with!

The Willow and Tara moment is so sweet!

It's sad to know that the story comes to an end, yet I'm very excited to see what's going to happen in the end!!



Great work!

~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[justin]

Wow, that was a great part



Things just seemed to be working out for the good guys when Travers managed to secure the throne. So is Willow's dream at all prophetic? The introductions seem to suggest that the conspirators will ultimately be successfull.



I'm looking forwar to the next part, though not to the story ending.

I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had. - mad world

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



I have learned three things. Willow and Tara make stories easy to imagine-that's a problem because there's so many I want to write! Next time finish at least half the story before posting the first chapter (too long between updates is cruelty to Kittens). Last and most important-None of this is possible without the wonderful Kittne feedback. Kittens are inspiration and tonic for any writer.





Arwen 276- Willow and Tara kind of bring about the unexpected. It's been hard, but I had to break the stories up. So there must be an ending even as much as I wish that RL would let me sit down and write of this at once. Thank you for sticking with this story.



justin- Thank you. Louis is in power, Travers sitting behind him, and that part of the great game seems to be over. As for Willow's dream, consider it one of my more evil moments



Willow and Tara's story on Europa will continue, but I'm still working on the title for the next one. I'll have it in time for the Epilogue (I hope).



Thank you Kittens,



Jixer

[jixer]

I must admit that I have an affinity for this part of the story of the First Empire. For me it’s more family history than anything else. Of course, most of the tales from my great-grandmother required a grain of salt.



Tabitha Summers-McHeath, from an Interview in Imperial History Quarterly Volume 14, Issue 6









PREVIOUSLY







A city was in chaos. Fires and bodies were both scattered about. Anya was screaming, and Cordelia echoed her pain. A horseman filled the street ahead of her as darkness filled her…



“Willow, honey, it’s just a dream,” Tara said soothingly.



Willow looked out the window at the last rays of the day. She had slept the afternoon away in Tara’s arms. She shuddered in the safety of those arms.



“It’s okay, love,” Tara said gently. “I’m here. I’ll always be here.”



“Always?” Willow asked weakly.



“Always.”





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Miss Tara Maclay, Citizen of the Terran Empire

Epilogue







Always, Tara thought as Willow slept in her arms. I’ve thought that before, but never said it.



Tara looked at the redhead in her arms. Willow’s dream had awakened the blonde. Tara had known it was a dream, even in her own sleep. Tara looked at the way Willow had unconsciously adopted a position that left them both comfortable. Tara reached out to brush a lock of hair away from Willow’s sleeping eyes. Tara saw the innocent smile Willow gave just before her hand touched sleeping girl’s hair.



I thought I was in love before, Tara thought with a smile. But it was a candle compared the noonday sun. Does she feel the same?



For a second Tara felt a wave of fear. What if she wasn’t right for Willow? What could she offer? What if…



Willow’s hand draped itself over Tara’s tummy and Willow gave her a hug without waking.



Tara let her fear go without another thought. Then she yawned and nestled against Willow. In seconds she joined her love in slumber.





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Giles looked through the cable from Oldenberg again. It gave a list of countries now investigating the offshore nature of various newspapers. From a conversation with a wealthy Pomeranian metal trader Giles had learned the newspaper controlled from Zenda printed in the Grand Duchy of Pomerania had had it’s building torched by the same people who had read it religiously.



Promising, he thought. But the larger conflagration could still catch with a spark.



His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden burst of frantic activity outside. Giles opened the window and caught the newsboy’s call below.



“Louis takes the throne in Aquitaine!” the boy piped. “Wire service disrupted! Read all about it!”





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William was shaken awake, Lady Beth Summers and the ball slipping away quickly, as the best dreams do, to be replaced by a tired looking Riley Finn. The Prince sighed.



“Now what?” he asked, knowing he did not want the news.





===========================================================





Liam looked at Cordelia as she stared out a window with a borrowed robe around her shoulders. The overlarge garment and the air of worry that wrapped about her that was almost palpable made her seem small and distant. He froze for an instant, afraid if he stepped too close she might disappear altogether.



“What’s wrong?” he asked softly.



“Father’s in Aquitaine,” Cordelia replied without turning around.



“He’ll be all right,” Liam said earnestly. “We’ll find him.”



Cordelia turned to face him, her tears untouched. Liam took a step closer. He held out his hand. She hesitated, then stepped forward and let him slip his arms around her.



“We’ll find him,” Liam said again softly.





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Alex awoke swiftly. He looked to his side and saw Anya there looking at him with half closed eyes. He lifted the bedclothes to cover her shoulders. Before he could speak Anya placed a finger on his lips. Alex stilled his unspoken question as she laid her head on the thick of his arm and slipped an arm across his chest. He closed his free hand on hers gently as he marveled at how right her warmth felt against him.





===========================================================





Prince Etienne had always taken the stories about the stamina and strength of a heavy worlder with a grain of salt. Now as he panted behind the slim whirlwind of a girl he found the tales much more credible.



“We’re almost there, Stevie,” Faith said without showing the strain. “It’s the back way into Sussex, like I promised. I’d better get that airship ride.”



“Why-are-you-in-such-a-hurry?” Etienne gasped.



Faith’s face looked impassive for a second.



----------------------------





Why? Faith thought to herself. A warm meal, a bed that was my own and never shared by a drunk, someone who sang to me while I was sick, who wouldn’t let me run free until I’d actually studied, a new mother handing me their child without a second thought…A wise fool who doesn’t even know I’m alive.





---------------------------





Then Etienne saw the mask fall into place again and an urchin grin spread over the lithe brunette’s face.



“Family business,” she quipped. “Next stop Sussex.”





===========================================================





The Countess of Sussex looked at her youngest daughter as she slept. A soft knock came and then Von Pritwitz stuck his grizzled head in and nodded. Joyce sighed and pulled a blanket over Dawn, then she joined the old knight of Saxony.





“My lady,” Von Pritwitz said with a restrained energy. “There is a development.”



“What kind of development?” Joyce asked hopefully.



“One that will shake that little weasel off the throne,” Lady Dunbar said as she stood up from the chair by the fireplace.



Joyce let her politician side take over as she tried not to notice the grace and slim figure of Lady Dunbar, a woman twenty years older as she listened to the news from Sussex’s southern border.





===========================================================





Buffy walked through the streets of Hastings. It was important to let her people see her. Her worries were unfounded, at least here. No one gave credence to the rumors of the tabloid press.



No one here in Sussex, she corrected herself.



She turned to go into the telegraph office. There was one more dispatch she owed the Times. As she handed over the message she caught a glimpse of herself in the glass. Her hair was pulled back, and while she had worn her best riding skirt somehow she’d taken the beaten up old jacket she’d been living in for most of the last week.



Lady Beth can’t wear this, she thought sadly.



Then her eye caught a folded newspaper in the kindling bin of the office. It was a Bugle from Mercia with her picture and Banner headline RIGHTFUL HEIR? Buffy scowled as she left the office and pulled on her battered hat. She jammed her hands into the jacket pockets and felt Willow’s borrowed notebook. Buffy pulled it out and looked the book title she’s seen in Willow’s neat script.



“You deserve a present, Will,” Buffy said softly. “ ‘Tribadism and Other Practices.’ I hope she likes it.”





===========================================================





“I fear for the Summers line,” the old bookstore clerk sighed as Lady Beth left his shop. “Brazen about it, didn’t blink an eye. Maybe it’s just a phase.”



“What are you going on about?” his apprentice asked as she came in with an armload of Clare Durano novels for the window display.



“Nothing.”



The apprentice shook her head. Old people were strange sometimes.





===========================================================





Willow looked down at her notes. Etienne was the rightful heir, but Louis was on the throne. For the moment the jingoistic papers of a dozen nations were cut off from their secret source of funding. It was looking less like a planet wide war and more like one of the many internal fights for succession that dotted Europa’s past.



“The Bishop of Morlaix was able to convince about half the boys to go home,” Jonathon reported.



“Which leaves a thousand coming south,” William added.



“And several parties in the United Kingdoms talking about their own expeditionary force,” Jonathon replied. “Not wise, but understandable.”



Willow looked at the short young man. It was hard to believe the arm in a sling had come from fighting off two assassins defending his king. William seemed to be treating him with more respect.



Lots of things have changed, Willow thought looking at Buffy. Beth would have blushed for a week when she gave me that book. Buffy just laughed and said it would make a good excuse to go to a lot of dances with handsome young men.



“Any suggestions?” William asked.



“Speed of action,” Willow said without thinking.



“Explain,” Lady Dunbar said as she gave Willow her full attention.



Willow felt the eyes of every person there on her. Officers, nobles and diplomats from a dozen countries filled the Countess’ drawing room. Tara was there too, behind her and quiet, but Willow knew exactly where she was, her anchor in an ever-changing sea. Willow looked out confidently at the notable assembly.



“If the matter of the question of the Aquitaine Succession is settled before the various forces could arrive, the danger passes,” Willow explained. “It would be volatile, but a strictly internal matter at best, a matter for the French League’s High Court at worst.”



“If Etienne can be returned to Aquitaine, with a credible force, and without too much input from any one power block,” Joyce pointed out.



“Do you have a plan?” Jonathon asked.



“Sometimes a small move can unbalance the most intricate chess defense,” Willow said confidently. “I do have a couple of thoughts on the matter.”





===========================================================





It wasn’t until Willow had closed the trysting door behind her that she let go of the tension that had been building since the meeting. Tara felt Willow’s fear and nerves almost swamp the slim redhead. The dark blonde girl took Willow in her arms and smiled as she felt Willow’s resolve return for the most part. Tara looked into Willow’s eyes and knew there was still something worrying the redhead.



“What is it?” Tara asked gently.



“I’m sorry, it’s just…we have to move and there’s not going to be time and, and I know you’ll always be there for me but what if always gets cut short, I mean after everything I’ve been through now I know how, how much can happen and if it happens to always I’d, I’d…” Willow looked at Tara with frightened eyes. “I’ve got to go Tara.”



“We’ve got to go,” Tara corrected her.



“I knew you’d say that and not stay safe,” Willow whispered. “Hold me, Tara.”



“Always,” Tara replied gently as she took Willow into her arms.



“Tighter, please,” Willow said urgently. “I need to feel you.”



Tara looked into Willow’s green eyes and knew there would be no turning back, and she knew didn’t want to turn back from Willow ever again.



“Always,” Tara said with a longing note in her voice that thrilled Willow.



But not as much as the kiss, and more, that followed.





The End





Coming in Spring 2004- Miss Tara Maclay and the Aquitaine Question

[sizzlersister]

Thanks for a great story! I'm doing the dance of joy that there's going to be a sequel.

[emyhope127127]

Yeah the sequel~~~



Oops, sorry here I am sooo rude to never leave any feedback to this story.... But I have to add I always follow this story with the great thrill. Now I just cant stop the happy dance for this story to continue.

Yeah thank You so much, jixer.







Emy

[justin]

Well talk about leaving things open for the sequel. Also do you really mean spring? I mean that's months away



Anyways that was a great story, very intricate with all the twists and the turns. You've managed to create a very realistic and interesting world.



Looking forward to the sequel

Postel's Prescription: Be generous in what you accept, rigorous in what you emit.

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



It's almost too much with the goodness to see feedback already. But I'll be brave and try to suffer through it!



sizzlersister-My thanks for this dance. The sequel is even now nibbling at my fingertips.



emyhope127127-Thank you for your time with the story. Don't worry, I'll take any feedback I can get!



justin-I'm sorry! It's just that I feel I made people wait too long between updates. I don't even want to think about the Lost Pages delays (later this week, I swear!). My new strategy is to have at least half the piece done before I post the opening. Since it is intricate (or maybe just tied up in knots ) I'm saying at least March to get half of it finished.



My thanks for sticking with the story!





That's all for now, dear Kittens. Thank you all.



Jixer

[xita]

I had to catch up with the last couple of updates. It's finished but you have a sequel planned! You had some lines there that had me,

Quote:

---

“It’s a trysting suite,” Willow explained. “I never thought I’d ever be here. I mean, who’d want to tryst with me?”



“I don’t,” Tara said gently. “I want to love you, be with you, live with you. But I have to know you’re ready, Willow.”

---

that's a great exchange.. A

- - - - - - - - - - -
"Hard work often pays off after time but laziness always pays off now!"

[Artemis]

A sequel! Best news I've heard since they cast Catherine Zeta-Jones in Chicago I loved this story from beginning to end - it has everything, epic scope, political intrigue masterfully handled, adventure in the exciting edge-of-your-seat saturday afternoon serial style, really sweet romance, and each and every character rang true and got their moment to shine. Oh, and seeing as I don't think I've mentioned it before, I adore the quick cuts from scene to scene, it gives an incredible sense of pace and momentum to the story.



Well, I'm eagerly looking forward to the Aquitaine Question, and finding out how Willow and Tara answer it.

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



Kittens make the electronic world a much better place.



I can't tell you how much fun it was to write this story. The only thing that has made the experience better has been the wonderful feedback I've gotten through the process. Thank you everyone!





xita- Thank you! I'm glad I caught the concern W/T have for each other with my words. To me it may be one of the most important parts of their love. Okay, that and the cute hotness



Artemis- I'm so happy this story reminded you of the old serials! That's the real kernel I started out with. The SciFi and the politics followed because it gave so much to the story and I love those classic SF books that had a deep back story and setting. All of it seemed perfect to showcase Willow and Tara.



Speaking of showcases, Chicago made me think of The Kitten, The Witches and The Bad Wardrobe-the Musical!





Again thank you all. Miss Tara Maclay will be back!





Jixer

[maudmac]

New to the archive. You can leave feedback!

---

I have no professional training. I already gave my best. I have no regrets at all.