Allies and Enemies: Empire (Series Book 5)

By Amy J. Murphy

Something as trivial as overthrowing a government won’t stop her.

Sela Tyron’s discovery of a secret Ironvale Guild weapon project masterminded by the power-hungry Chancellor Okane also exposes harsh truths: The Poisoncry acolyte, Fisk, is still alive and her partner, Jon Veradin, is the reason why.

Where Sela sees an opportunity for revenge, Jon has different plans. Tapped as the successor to the Ironvale Guild Master, he needs Sela’s help to thwart Okane from assuming control. If they don’t stop Okane, the Reaches will suffer. But can Sela forgive Jon and set aside her quest for revenge?

Meanwhile, the sentient Resurrection ship, Vo, has transformed the paradise of Narasmina into a hellish landscape. Desperate to rescue her daughter, Erelah Veradin and the officious Ironvale diplomat, Saito Koide, struggle to cross a ruined city filled with strange biomechanoid creations. Just as things seem their darkest, old allies, Rachel Northway and Maeve arrive to lend a hand. Together, will they be enough to defeat Vo and rescue Erelah’s family?

Allies and Enemies: Empire, the fifth book in the series, picks up right after the events of Allies and Enemies: Legacy in this space opera adventure with a heavy military sci-fi influence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy J. Murphy
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463262856

Amy J. Murphy

Amy J. Murphy is not a Jedi. (Although she’s married to this Scottish guy that claims to be one.) But, she is a fantastic liar.She discovered this power at an early age and chose to wield it for good instead of evil. (The evil part remains highly tempting.) With this power, Amy writes space opera books with kickass heroines. These books are sometimes confused for military science fiction which is an easy mistake to make. She’s ok with this as her debut novel, Allies and Enemies: Fallen, was a finalist for the 2016 Dragon Award for Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel. It so happened that her third book, Allies and Enemies: Exiles, was named a 2017 Dragon Award finalist in the same category. At some point, she infiltrated the ranks of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).When not geeking out at science fiction conventions, she lives in Vermont with the aforementioned Scotsman/Jedi and two canine overlords. Most recently she’s been named a 2017 Kindle Book Award Finalist and her work appeared in the Amazon best-selling space opera anthology, Orphans in the Black.

Book preview

PART ONE

CHAPTER 1

T his was a mistake, Liam said under his breath as he held Dai upright on the bench.

The plan to sneak into Veradin’s suite using the servant’s passage had been her idea. It’d required a great deal of walking and she’d been so weak of late. Despite his arguments to the contrary, she’d reasoned it was the easiest means to avoid surveillance or any of Okane’s spies in the household staff for that matter. But Dai had won him over— something that would have happened, he knew, even if she were not Guild Master.

I’m fine, Liam. Just need to catch my breath. Dai said, wheezing. She settled a hand on his shoulder, squeezed.

It was a lie. Dai was not fine. She was exhausted. Sweat glistened on her forehead as she suppressed a wince of pain. What if she’d had another attack and her lungs seized? Liam had only the few medicines he could conceal without raising suspicions. What it weren’t enough? If he needed to send for help to attend Dai in Veradin’s private quarters, it would definitely get back to Okane.

I am compelled to disagree. He replied archly. Madam.

Here. Veradin thrust an armful of pillows at him from the nearby bed. Liam took them and set to work positioning them at Dai’s back and sides.

Liam’s worry over her was constant since she’d taken ill. His throat grew tight. There was too much of a soldier left in him not to surrender in the growing sense of helplessness in seeing her like this. There had to be something he could do. Perhaps Veradin had an idea or knew of someone…

You’re doing it again. Worrying. Dai said, softly. She smiled. It never failed to dazzle him, even now. I need you here. Stop going off in your head. We’ve got a mission to finish.

It’s my place to worry about you, ma’am.

Dai’s hand settled into his, squeezed. There was no comfort in the gesture. He felt the bones too easily. Her skin was like ice. She nodded to the nearby bed, silently beckoning for him to sit. It was not protocol to be seated in the presence of the Ironvale Guild Master, especially with another party in the room. There’d been a time once when such a thing would have never been an issue. Liam would pay anything now to return to that. But his sense of duty and propriety won out. He was a guildsworn after all.

I should check that we were not followed, make sure the privacy screen is active. He withdrew, straightening. Then, nodded at Veradin who watched them still with an expression of surprise and confusion. Tetrarch, this was a risk, coming to you like this. Time is short.

Of… of course, Veradin said, looking between them. He sank to a knee to Dai’s left. His speech sounded more like the way you’d talk to a younger sibling. Tell me what’s going on, Dai.

Liam ached to snap at him. How dare he speak to her in such a familiar way? She was Guild Master of the Ironvale.

Jon. I am truly sorry. Dai said. I wish this were under better circumstances. But as you’ve probably realized by now, very little remains in my power.

Half-listening, Liam took a position to one side of the bed. With his back to the wall, he could watch Dai and Veradin. He drew the modified handheld from the inside pocket of his tunic and activated the security scrambler. It would deter any listening devices. The suite was free of surveillance equipment, but Liam knew it paid to be cautious when Okane was concerned. He then activated the subroutine in his cognitive implant set to monitor communications traffic among Okane’s personal security team.

"You remember when we met on the Golden Crane, en route to Hadelia? You’d wondered why I was even there, in infantry, and only a gunny when my grandfather was Ironvale Guild Master."

Yes, Veradin said, voice softening. He wore a wry smile. You told me that you’d never hope to fail that high.

I joined infantry to spite Ironvale, the Guild, the whole system, I’m ashamed to say. Dai admitted. I wanted nothing to do with my grandfather’s court, or the duties of my house. But then grandfather died. Dai’s gaze softened as she looked past the cramped room into memory. "My father was next in line. But he died. So then if fell to my uncle. Then he died." She sighed as if weary of the whole story.

A shuttle accident, if memory serves, Veradin finished, settling back. Forgive me, but it sounds like…

Sabotage? Conspiracy? Dai finished with a lift of an eyebrow. Seems obvious now, but at the time, I was overwhelmed. Overnight, I went from a soldier to… She made a sweeping gesture to the walls, the world beyond.

"There’s a saying on Nirro. ‘The average citizen doesn’t tolerate corruption. She expects it.’ Liam offered, looking away from the hallway monitor. It was rarity that Master Dai’s grandfather died a natural death."

Veradin looked at him wordlessly, then back to Dai.

I inherited the role of Guild Master and with it, many enemies. Nothing unusual for any Guild Master, she said with a verbal shrug. But defeat of the Poisoncry and the formation of the Consolidated Guilds changed things for the wealthier, more powerful houses on Nirro. Their interests had been tied to the Poisoncry Guild’s control of the still functional flex points.

Erelah’s j-drive threatened that, said Veradin almost apologetically.

It did, she said, looking down as she folded her hands in her lap. They felt threatened. The Council of Houses petitioned wanted to exploit the j-drive the same way. Some of the consuls even wanted it made into a weapon to intimidate Splitdawn. Grandfather refused. It would make us no better than the Poisoncry. He was dedicated to the unity of the new treaty between us and Splitdawn— as were my father and my uncle.

So with you as Guild Master, they thought you’d be easier to manipulate. Veradin guessed.

She drew her chin up, her eyes bright with pride. I would not betray my grandfather’s legacy.

And this… Minister Okane? Veradin ventured. He’s not on your side, I take it?

I didn’t suspect him at first, Dai added with a shake of her head. He’d been a friend of my father. He’d had proven himself indispensable in those early days to me. I was, as I said, overwhelmed. My mistake was to trust him, to think he acted with honor. As my illness grew, I could do less and less. Okane assumed more and more. I could no longer hear petitions. The greater portion of court was been dismissed. That left fewer witnesses to my deterioration.

Bit by bit, he’s replaced all the staff with his own spies, even the chambermaids and cooks. He’s surrounded himself with only those he’s appointed. Whomever it is in the Council of Houses that funds him, have enough influence to control the media of Nirro for him. Liam explained, drawing away from his spot near the wall. There’s little he doesn’t control now— security, finance, communications.

But your invitation to me, he challenged. How did I get that if he’s controlling it all?

I wasn’t always a steward, remember? As I mentioned before, I was a coms tech specialist. Liam explained. He tapped the spot on his scalp just over his right ear where the cognitive implant resided. Never had my coms pack removed when I became guildsworn. Used that to forge the invite. Tricky part was getting out without Okane noticed. Had only one shot at it.

Certainly there must be members of the Council still loyal to you? Veradin countered, looking back to day. Have you tried to get their help?

Only to have them meet with unfortunate accidents or other strange misfortunes, said Dai. It did not take long for Okane and his supporters to intimidate nearly everyone.

Even if we could be certain what Houses were still loyal, it’s impossible to keep it from Okane. Every missive, every communication to or from Dai goes through him. Liam added. He would see it, stop it. And even if something did slip past him, he’s managed to persuade the Council to trust him above all else.

Even now the Council of Houses pressures me to name a chancellor to during my ‘unfortunate ill health.’ Dai said with bitter mockery. They expect it to be Okane. It’s likely what he wanted all along. The moment he’s named chancellor, all is lost. There’s no reason to keep me alive.

Your…. illness. Veradin said as if trying to choose his words. That’s no coincidence then. Okane and his conspirators somehow did this?

"No one can be this lucky. Somehow they infected me with a pathogen keyed specifically to my genetics. I suppose I should be flattered anyone would go to such lengths. Dai said with a sardonic smile. It made the small hairs on the back of Liam’s neck stand on end. There’s no cure, only treatments to help with the symptoms. I have weeks at most. And then…"

She trailed off. Finally, it was Veradin broke the thick silence. His tone as brusque, angry. "Certainly, there’s something you can do?"

I have. Dai leaned forward and settled a hand on his arm. "That’s why you’re here."

An edge of suspicion to the word. Me?

You are an honorable man, Jon. That is a rare thing, Dai said, keeping her voice even and firm.

Veradin inhaled, as if prepared to refute it. She held hand up, forestalling him. He settled.

Dai drew herself up. Her voice was steady and strong, the way a Guild Master was meant to sound. "Jonvenlish Veradin. I wish to name you my chancellor. With it you are charged with the safe keeping of the people of Nirro, and all territories under the protection of the Ironvale Guild. And, when the time comes you’ll succeed me as Guild Master to Ironvale."

You what?! Veradin shot to his feet. His tone rode the edge between outrage and surprise. You can’t be serious!

Liam scowled. Master Dai is extending you a great honor. You’re insulting⁠—

He’s surprised, Liam. Dai interrupted, gaze never looking away from Veradin. It’s understandable.

Dai… Master Dai, Veradin said, haltingly. His voice evened out. I’m flattered… honored… you think so highly of me. I cannot accept this.

Liam muttered. Lesser men would throw themselves at this opportunity.

"Why not you then? Veradin said. He turned to Dai. Clearly you trust him. He’s a Ironvale guildsworn."

Leave it to this outsider to make such insult. Liam instantly felt the blood build in his face. He looked down, unwilling meet Dai’s gaze. It would be agony enough hear Dai say it aloud. Liam answered for her: I am not suitable. I’m from a Low House. It would be dishonorable for me to accept something above my station.

Honor. Really? Veradin scoffed. He sank to the edge of the mattress and scrubbed his hands against his face. Liam drew in breath, ready to chastise the breach in protocol. But Dai caught this, shook her head. She twisted in her seat to face Veradin.

The bones of Nirro are made of honor. Without honor, we crumble. Dai said. Honor is everything the Ironvale. Honor above all else.

Veradin dropped his hands, rested his arms on his knees. "A lovely sentiment, Dai. But I’m not even from Nirro… or the Reaches for that matter. I’m not part of Ironvale."

But you are, she corrected. By courtesy of your sister’s tenure of Defensor in my grandfather’s service. Your Kindred name is part on Ironvale now.

She leaned forward, placing a hand on his arm. "I know I ask a great deal of you, Jon. But if Okane replaces me, as I suspect they want, then it’s over. Then, abolishing Poisoncry and forming the Consolidated Guild means nothing. Then, my father, my uncle… will have died for nothing. I will have died for nothing. Don’t let that happen."

That’s not fair. What you’re asking. Or how you’re asking it. With red-rimmed eyes, he looked at Dai. His voice rough, thick. You know I can’t walk away when you put it like that, Dai.

She withdrew her hand. Hardness entered her voice. Nothing about this is fair. And I’m sorry to ask this of you.

He shifted on the bed, straightened. For a long moment he was quiet, eyes pondering beyond the tapestry on the wall in front of him. Then, nodded to himself in silent agreement. He exhaled. So. For the sake of argument. Let’s say I agree to this. What do you need from me?

Liam could see the relief flood Dai, although not much about her expression changed. Her shoulders dipped just that much. She opened the throat of her high collar and pulled her necklace into plain view. A heavy ring of engraved silver with a silken cord threaded through it. It was unremarkable and as far as precious metals went, hardly valuable. But its meaning to the Ironvale was priceless. As her illness progress, Dai could no longer keep the ring on her finger; she’d lost too much mass.

As my High Chancellor, I give this to you, Jonvenlish Veradin, for safe keeping. This ring belonged to the first Ironvale Guild Master. Since then, its been passed along with the succession. Dai coiled the thread against the ring and pressed it into his hand. I will announce you as chancellor to the Council of Houses. But only once I’m sure you’re safely off Nirro and out of Okane’s reach.

Then what? Veradin looked down at the ring in his hands as if she’d handed something poisonous.

You’ll need to go to Sengo, a small moon in our system. There’s a temple dedicated to the Emanations of the Three. For centuries, its monks have presided over the ascension ceremony and guarded the Guild Master’s vault. The ring is encoded with my orders to name you as my successor. Only their Most Divine can unlock and read the file. Dai swallowed. He’ll be… obligated to declare you Guild Master of Ironvale. After that, no one can contest it.

Oh. That’s all? He asked with a weak laugh. No trial by combat? Or arm-wrestling an ogre?

A sharp pinging from Liam’s handheld made them all startle. He checked the screen, cursed.

What? Dai asked.

There’s a problem. Liam looked from her to Veradin… his new Guild Master, he amended mentally. Okane’s men have taken Sela Tyron into custody.

CHAPTER 2

W ho sent you? Minister Okane bellowed at Sela, smacking the surface of the rickey table between them. Any intimidation this move was meant to carry was cancelled out by the uneven wobble of the table. So far his so called security center was unimpressive. No holding cells. No additional personnel. Just two bland little rooms with cast off furniture. The only elements of interest was a bank of data-slates and their accompanying processing decks, she’d glimpsed on the way in.

Sela almost felt sorry for Okane. After all, he was likely trying his best. But, he was out of his depth. He knew she was a Volunteer. Yet, amazingly, he’d left his guards posted outside this room. She’d allowed his men to apprehended her. This had very given him a false sense of confidence. In truth, subduing or evading the inexperienced civilian guards would have been easy for Sela. They’d only been armed with stun batons. Their most taxing duties until now probably involved corralling the occasional drunken party-goer. Okane had to think he had her physically subdued. He was the only chance for her to learn the location of the black site housing Fisk. So far, other than questions and empty threats, he’d not divulged much more than she already knew.

This was tedious. She sighed, slouching further into the chair, bound wrists in her lap.

His faded grey eyes narrowed. The skin above the banded collar of his tunic flushed bright pink. He was used to people cowering, jumping at his orders. Her reaction— or lack there of— was insulting to him.

Is it Splitdawn? You’ve acted as their agent in the past. Under the employ of Tove Agrippa.

That? Sela lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. I just helped redesign one of her ships.

It was not far from the truth. She’d shredded the vessel’s hull with a high yield explosive. But, in fairness, someone in power armor had been trying to kill her at the time.

Do not play games, breeder. You face serious charges. Okane’s nostrils flared. His jaw thrust forward. Espionage. Sabotage. You infiltrated a restricted area and destroyed valuable equipment. Clearly you never left the employ of the Splitdawn and are acting as their agent.

If that’s the case, they owe me a lot of back pay. Sela frowned.

Enough! Okane thrust up. His chair fell back with a clatter. She tensed, ready to respond.

A guard burst in, stun baton in hand: Minister Okane?

The older man seemed to him collect himself. He unhooked his fists and smoothed the front of his tunic. He exhaled and answered without looking at the over-zealous guard. Leave us.

Baton shifted his weight. Minister, I should⁠—

"Are you stupid? Out!" Okane snarled.

The guard bowed and backed out of the room. The door shut. Okane righted the chair and sat back down. For a lingering silence, he locked eyes with Sela across the table. It was quiet enough to hear the hiss of the enviro systems.

You think to frustrate me, Okane said. His tone polished. "I can see getting answers from you will take time. But, perhaps, your partner, Veradin, will be more cooperative."

Sela went very still, fury surging. This change in tactic was predictable. Nevertheless, a threat leveled against Jon corroded