The Howling Jade

By D.L. Miles

A tsunami can be created from a single drop.
Word has spread throughout the universe of a small planet free of Monarchy control. While Ren sits in negotiations with Commander Weild, fighting for Novae’s freedom, the planet is becoming overrun with visitors wanting their own glimpse of the supposedly lawless land. Ren and the people of Novae allow the tourists a bit of time on their planet, but soon Ren learns that not all of them have arrived through proper channels. One of the visitors is giving away a new drug on behalf of the Calero family, a notorious drug cartel from another galaxy. The drug proves to be more than it seems, and is capable of killing even when taking the proper dosage. As Ren investigates she learns that the drug is capable of much worse than killing, and that Novae’s history is much darker than anyone knows.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.L. Miles
• Release date: Sep 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310819339

D.L. Miles

Miles is a Sun Scorpio with the heart of a Moon Pisces. She began her publishing journey in 2012, admittedly maybe a little too soon. Her eclectic taste comes through in each book she writes, ranging from soft fantasy romances to dark brooding poetry to serial killers that hold a grudge.For special offers and updates check out her Patreon! www.patreon.com/dlmilesbooks

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The Howling Jade

D.L. Miles

Copyright 2015 by D.L. Miles

All rights reserved

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover design by yocladesigns.com

The Howling Jade

A tsunami can be created from a single drop.

Word has spread throughout the universe of a small planet free of Monarchy control. While Ren sits in negotiations with Commander Weild, fighting for Novae’s freedom, the planet is becoming overrun with visitors wanting their own glimpse of the supposedly lawless land. Ren and the people of Novae allow the tourists a bit of time on their planet, but soon Ren learns that not all of them have arrived through proper channels. One of the visitors is giving away a new drug on behalf of the Calero family, a notorious drug cartel from another galaxy. The drug proves to be more than it seems, and is capable of killing even when taking the proper dosage. As Ren investigates she learns that the drug is capable of much worse than killing, and that Novae’s history is much darker than anyone knows.

More by D.L. Miles

The Monarchy

The Argent Star

The Howling Jade

The Ethereal Crossings

Shadeland

Fenridge

Northcliffe

Glenbrook

Goderich Girl

Violet 24

Rouge 52

The Dark Origins

Shimmering

Igniting

Phasing

Love Notes to Nightmares

With Cross & Charm

Astral Bodies

The Gifts of Hannah Best

Threads of Chaos

Prologue

Transmission status…ON.

Facial recognition…Admiral Maksin Argent.

Accessing…

Accessing…

Date… September 2453.

Transmission status…RECORDING.

You’re the only one I can send this to; the Monarchy is no longer safe. Coordinates follow.

Transmission status…PAUSED.

Transmission status…RECORDING.

Look after them for me, Reeve.

Transmission status…RECORDED.

Transmission sent.

Chapter 1

Narrow eyes stared Ren down, a scowl placed firmly on the Commander’s tight lips. She slouched in her chair, arms crossed as her scowl began to turn into a pout. It couldn’t be any more obvious that Commander Weild didn’t want to be there. If not by her permanent glare for the past four weeks, then by the numerous times she’d stated how pointless this was.

I’m not a negotiator, she said.

Nor am I, replied Ren. All it did was earn her another soundless snarl from the Commander. I just mean, we don’t have a choice. If we work together we can—

This will accomplish nothing! Commander Weild slammed her hands on the table, leaning over the piles of papers between them.

Calm down, Naomi ordered. Though it wasn’t technically a command, since Weild was above her, she gave it like one. Weild eyed her, as if debating on punishing her for insubordination, but deciding against it. Her lips turned out in a full pout; not very authoritative, Ren thought. Naomi sighed and rubbed her hands over her face. Why don’t we take a break? We could all use a… She looked to Ren and Sheridan. Coffee. Ren thought Naomi wanted something a little stronger and pursed her lips. They were always taking breaks and it only prolonged the already lengthy process.

But she held up her hands and nodded. Agreed, she said through her teeth. Rather than following Naomi and Weild to the living room, Ren took a hard left and headed out front. The manor was as empty as always, the only people inside were Novaeans hired to help with maintenance. It was hard to believe so many of them still considered her royalty.

No matter how hard Ren had tried to convince them she wasn’t a Princess and Elian wasn’t their King, many of the Novaeans still treated them as such. She tried to chalk it up to them being grateful for her fighting to keep Novae out of Monarchy control, but whenever they bowed to her she knew otherwise. They somehow accepted her as a leader. Most of them, anyway.

Ren’s eyes scanned the nearby trees as she took a breath. Two and a half months ago an arrow had flown at her head from an insurgent hiding behind the leaves. She’d be dead now if it weren’t for her own clumsiness, as well as Sheridan’s expertise. Ren turned to see Sheridan beside her, as always. The kamas on her back were also there, giving Ren a little comfort in such hostile territory.

She’s stalling, Sheridan stated, referring to Weild.

I know, Ren replied. Although I’m sure she hates it just as much as we do.

Sheridan arched an eyebrow, considering that. She seemed to tower over Ren now, even though she was only a few inches taller. Ren’s shoulders were slumped, the weight of Novae bearing down on her harder with each passing day. If she couldn’t convince Weild to allow Novae to become a sovereign nation, then the planet would most likely be taken care of by the Monarchy. Even a peace treaty didn’t feel like it would protect the planet now.

There had already been too many deaths on both sides. She felt the lump form in her throat at the thought of her father and the years she’d spent angry at him. What she wouldn’t give to have those back, to say she was sorry, to just…call him Dad one more time. Ren squeezed her eyes shut and sucked in a breath. This couldn’t keep happening. She couldn’t allow herself to feel all the pain and regret she’d buried so deep, not yet. She had work to do.

Ren! Elian called behind her. She whirled, gulping down the last of her feelings and hoping it didn’t show on her face. Elian grinned wide but when his smile faltered she knew she hadn’t done a good enough job. Elian had been back to his old self these past weeks, which meant he was back to knowing exactly how she felt about everything. It would be annoying if she wasn’t so grateful for it.

What’s up? she questioned before he could.

Oh, uh, just wanted to say hello, he replied. Behind him Abetha and Enn came around the corner, talking quietly to each other and ignoring their King. Enn actually smiled and it was nice for Ren to see; Enn hadn’t done much smiling since Keturah was put in jail and she’d moved into the manor.

Hey, Sheridan said to Elian.

Elian gave a nod to Sheridan. How are things going in there? Any better? His tone told Ren he already knew the answer. Everyone knew the answer; the Monarchy was trying to hold out and make Novae give up so they didn’t look like the bad guys.

We’re wearing her down, Ren stated. It was partly true; Commander Weild didn’t seem like she was going to last much longer away from the battle field. It was hard for Maks to leave combat merely to visit Earth, Ren knew it was the same for Weild. We just need to find a way to really show the Monarchy we aren’t going to start a widespread succession.

Elian nodded eagerly. Ren asked, How are things on your front?

Elian was still acting as King of Novae, and the people loved him. Even Abetha, a former rebel and member of the Sisterhood of Jade Daggers, was surprised at how well the planet took to Elian. He wasn’t by any shape or form a leader, but he made rational decisions, and Ren knew it helped that he visited the people on the planet whenever possible. There were only a few villages outside of the capital, so it wasn’t too hard to get around, but it was something Novae’s previous leaders had never done. And they had to be voted in. Ren thought that taking Abetha and Enn on as his Advisors had helped.

Of all things, Elian sighed. Sheridan cocked her head to the side. Not enjoying your time in office?

No, no! Elian shook his head. I just…I haven’t had much time to do anything else. My poor Monica is gathering dust. He pouted, referring to the cloaking device he’d spent countless hours on when they’d first arrived. She was still stashed away in his closet, another piece of information Ren thought best kept away from the Monarchy.

Everyone’s making sacrifices, Enn growled. Her own little projects Ren was certain she had had to be put aside in order to advise Elian how to rule the planet. Ren had to hand it to her, she could have been hiding in the forest doing whatever she pleased if she really wanted to, but instead she chose to help. In fact, everyone chose to help out instead of hide, anyone Ren had had contact with at least.

Sheridan, Abetha, Elian, Enn, and Naomi were all adamant about staying in the loop no matter how many times Ren tried to do things on her own. She turned to Sheridan, a small smile growing on her lips. The loyal Sotarian didn’t seem to pay her much attention, her focus was on Enn and Elian as they began to argue. Ren whispered, Thanks.

With a turn of her head, Sheridan’s long hair fell over half of her face. She hadn’t been wearing it up lately, maybe because she didn’t see an attack in the immediate future. Ren thought it was strange but never said anything. Sheridan asked, What for?

Ren shrugged. She couldn’t put into words how happy she was that Sheridan had stuck around. It wasn’t like they met and became best friends—Sheridan had been ordered to protect Ren. And even after Maks was killed, and after the Monarchy’s plans began to fall apart, and Novae was declared at war…Sheridan stuck around. Ren doubted many people would do that.

We shouldn’t stay too far away, Abetha warned. Her eyes scanned the trees casually, but Ren knew there was more to it than that. Abetha, of all people, was aware of what hid out in the forest. There are still technically rebels, ones much better with a bow and arrow. Her hands trembled slightly at the thought of the first rebel, the one that had tried to kill Ren. He was her brother-in-law, the one that the Monarchy claimed had killed Ren’s father. Ren’s own hands quivered before she could steel herself.

Oh, come on, Elian whined, waving Abetha away. It wasn’t long ago he was swooning over her just as much as she was him. Although, she was most likely acting then. Almost all the rebels are back in the cities.

But not all, warned Sheridan. An excellent point that made Ren pull at the collar of her shirt. There are also many…foreigners arriving daily.

Ren rolled her eyes. Ever since word got out that Novae was working on peace negotiations, people from all over the Universe had been arriving. Some of them seemed to feel that they could escape Monarchy control, while others just wanted to check out the legendary lost planet. All of them were interrogated by the Monarchy before setting foot on Novae, so it did leave Ren with questions. It wouldn’t be hard for them to sneak someone in to sabotage the treaty.

Elian squinted at something over Ren’s shoulder. She turned to see Abetha’s brother, Ross, heading up the courtyard. What’s he doing here? Shouldn’t he be in training? He’d only just joined the Guardship a month ago.

Abetha studied him as he moved. He has bad news.

How can you tell? Ren asked. She didn’t take her eyes off the stoic man, but as she looked closer she could see his lips were tilted down. Not unusual for him, but something about the way he walked was different. Ren hoped it was only because of his rigorous training. She knew they would never be so lucky.

What is it? Abetha asked sharply. She wasn’t wasting any time in receiving the bad news and still Ren didn’t have a clue what it could be. Ross didn’t let much emotion show on his face.

He gave a nod to Elian, his former boss. Ross had been sent as a representative with Abetha to guide Ren and Elian when they first arrived on Novae. Before Ren could give him a nod back he replied, There’s been a death in Mahendra.

Abetha squinted. And?

Ross squinted back at her, and it was then that Ren could really tell they were siblings. Why hadn’t she noticed their similar behaviour before? Even the way they stood was the same; feet clasped close together, back straight, head held high. She realized it was because they had both kept their heads down before to feign innocence, when they were both working with the rebels. Ren questioned, Was it a rebel?

No, Ross answered. He faced her instead, realizing Abetha was going to have no sympathy for her own people. It was…unusual.

Unusual how? Sheridan asked. Ren was grateful she’d finally starting taking part in conversations. As much as she loved the silent comfort Sheridan always carried, it was nice to hear her voice. She’d finally started talking, asking questions, being human.

Ross never met Sheridan’s eyes, always staring at her nose or another part of her face, at least when Ren had seen them together. Ren thought he didn’t want to challenge her, but it was still strange to see. Now he looked down at his feet, unable to explain.

What’s going on? Naomi asked. She appeared from inside the manor, the sun reflecting against the white pillars and casting light into her eyes. She never narrowed her eyes, instead keeping them trained on Ross. Ren knew there was still part of her that blamed the rebels for Maks’s death, even those that had been proven innocent, like Ross and Abetha. Ren wasn’t sure that feeling would ever leave for Naomi; she was Maks’s second-in-command and that was not a bond that could ever break. He was her mentor and, in a way, her friend. Ren had always wondered if there was more between them but she never dared to ask.

There’s been a death in Mahendra, Ren said when Ross wouldn’t answer. An unusual one.

I believe it would be best for a member of the royal family to look into it, Ross finally said. There are people that are…worried.

Elian didn’t jump at the chance to get away from the manor, maybe because he was always out of it. Ren, however, did. I can go. I took a criminology elective second year, I could—

You’re needed here, Sheridan stated.

Ren gave her a dirty look. I know, but—

You can go, Naomi said, surprisingly. Everybody looked at her, and for a moment Ren almost thought she flinched under the sudden pressure of everyone’s gaze, but she had merely started to turn back inside. She grinned at everyone’s shocked expressions. What? You think Weild is going to be heartbroken you didn’t come back? You haven’t exactly made a good impression.

Ren dropped her eyes, wondering exactly what that meant.

Naomi went on, She says you have too much spunk. Ren knew that Commander Weild would have used a very different term to describe her. She wasn’t going to argue though and she certainly wasn’t going to deny a trip away from the manor without anyone from the Monarchy.

Just as she opened her mouth to confirm her decision the nasally, commanding voice of Weild struck through the silence. And where do you think you’re going? Her voice was enough to make Ross flinch.

There’s a matter I need to attend to in Mahendra, Ren answered as cryptically as she could. I’ll be back soon. Hopefully not too soon, she thought.

Weild arched a pale brow. What matter?

It’s nothing the Monarchy needs to concern itself with, Naomi interjected. She tried to turn the tiny Commander around but it didn’t work. Weild stood her ground. Her own officer, Lt. Patton, came around the corner as well. It was getting crowded on the stoop.

There’s just been a death, Abetha said with a shrug, like it was nothing. Ren caught Ross send her a glare. Nothing to be concerned over, like the Lieutenant said.

What kind of death?

An odd one, Ren stated. And it was then that Ren realized Weild was also looking for a way to get out of negotiations. Her eyebrows raised as Weild smiled.

I guess I’ll take a look then, too, she said proudly, since Novae is still technically working with the Monarchy. You could use our help.

Ren tried to come up with an excuse to get rid of Weild but Naomi gave a slight shake of her head. Snapping her mouth shut Ren forced a smile onto her face. Of course, Commander. We would love your help.

Weild nodded down the courtyard. "Lead the way, Princess."

The word had never sounded so mocking coming from a member of the Monarchy.

Chapter 2

Ren was glad Abetha had stayed with Elian. Her attitude towards the death had irked everyone, even Weild, who seemed to be exuberant to find a way out of the office. Abetha was just so blatantly disrespectful that Ren thought there was more to it. There was always more to what Abetha did.

So Ren, Sheridan, Ross, Weild and her officer, Lt. Patton, made their way to Mahendra on their own, taking a single small scow left over from before the coup. They packed themselves in, and seeing Weild wedged between Lt. Patton and Ross was rather entertaining. She had another scowl on, completely aware of how small she was in comparison to the men on either side. Still, Ren knew Weild was not to be underestimated in a fight; she was a Commander after all, and nobody, man or woman, got to that rank by doing paperwork all day long.

The ride was quiet, all of them waiting to see the body themselves to figure out what Ross meant by unusual. Ren’s thoughts immediately went to murder, but she told herself she had to be objective. If she wasn’t then she would see evidence that wasn’t real, and the consequences could be dire. Still, she knew something had to be serious. Unusual was not a descriptor one would use for a natural death. Not here or anywhere in the galaxy.

When the scow finally stopped Lt. Patton was first to get out, followed quickly by Commander Weild. The rest then climbed onto the cobble walkway, and Ren requested the driver go visit his family for a while—they didn’t know how long they were going to be. He happily walked off, being one of the few people that treated Ren and Elian like bosses rather than royalty.

So where is it? Weild demanded.

Inside, Ross replied, pointing to the house they stopped in front of. It was quaint, like all the other houses in Mahendra. A few plants out front with wide petalled blooming flowers Ren still couldn’t name, as well as bright blue shutters over the windows. Every house on Novae was a home. It was comforting to Ren to see the people getting on with their lives so well despite the upheaval.

Ross moved inside without knocking. Ren looked to Sheridan to silently question if that was normal, and Sheridan only walked in after him. Weild was quickly on her heels, while Lt. Patton allowed Ren go ahead.

The house was packed wall to wall with items. Papers and books and little knick-knacks coated the house. Piles of things towered over them, and Ren recognized some items while others she could only describe as garbage. Everyone stood in shock at the state of the house. It certainly didn’t give away its contents from the outside.

What is the meaning of this? Weild asked. She tried to put her hands on her hips but there wasn’t enough space to do so.

Archer? Ross called. I’ve brought help, where are you?

In here, a voice answered. It was small, weak. Muffled amongst the hordes of junk and treasures. Ross began to make his way through what appeared to be a small pathway, items stacked haphazardly as walls. Sheridan followed fast, as did Weild. With only enough room for one person to travel at a time, Ren trailed behind, analyzing her surroundings.

Hoarder, Lt. Patton murmured. It seemed he hadn’t intended Ren to hear and she whirled on him, making him take a step back. He bumped into a large pile of books, almost forcing them over if it wasn’t for the second pile behind them keeping everything upright.

Ren stated, "It’s most likely obsessive compulsive disorder. A hoarder is a derogatory term. Please do not use it again, Lieutenant." She hated that word; hoarder. It made her cringe, her skin crawl. It was a joke to most people that didn’t understand it, and as she stared into Lt. Patton’s wide green eyes she knew he was simply misinformed. Everyone was misinformed, it felt. She sucked in a breath, letting things get a little too personal.

Lt. Patton looked her up and down. My apologies, Princess.

She gave him one last glare for calling her that before spinning on her heel and continuing into the house.

As she entered another room she found it filled with all sorts of light sources. It was mainly lanterns, the same ones that had dotted the sky during the festival a few weeks ago; the one to celebrate their arrival on the planet. A few candles, lit with a bright orange fire, sat on a nearly cleared off table between two chairs—one filled with lanterns, the other holding a person. Ross and Sheridan had shoved their way to the other side of the room with Weild.

Princess, Ross said, keeping up heirs for Weild, this is Archer Roven.

By the sound of the voice she’d heard she’d expected Archer to be no more than ten, but seeing his broad shoulders she realized that he was closer to sixteen. He sat slumped in the wooden chair, surrounded by broken lights and stray pieces of paper and what looked to be shoes. He lifted his eyes to look at Ren, and she saw him give her the tiniest of nods.

Hello Archer, Ren said, her anxiety flaring slightly. Since she’d become so comfortable on Novae her palms had only sweat when working with Weild, but now she could feel them begin to moisten along with her increased heart rate. Thankfully she was not expected to shake hands; no touching for the royals. She patted her palms on her pants, a movement she knew everyone saw.

Hi, he replied. His eyes fell to the table, where Ren saw he was looking at an empty photograph frame. Did they have photographs here on Novae? She couldn’t remember seeing anything other than paintings or drawings.

Ren didn’t know how to carry on after that. So she looked to Ross. He nodded, understanding. His father is upstairs, perhaps it would be best I stay here.

Weild looked warily at the towering piles, all three times her height but agreed. You stay here too, Lieutenant.

Yes, sir.

The stairs are behind you, Ross said, pointing behind Ren. Lt. Patton was still behind her, so she had to squeeze past him just to get through; he wasn’t exactly a large man, but he still took up most of the space. Weild and Sheridan did the same, and by the time Sheridan caught up Ren was already moving up the semi-cleared pathway on the stairs. Paper crinkled beneath her feet, torn pages with illegible words scribbled