Something We Miss

Chapter 11

Artemisia was silently reprimanding James for crossing out one of her paragraphs when an announcement came over their shared communicator. The screen lit up, the text in all caps signaling it was urgent. James raised an eyebrow as she grabbed it and read.

MCCOURT AND ATLANTIC REQUESTED IN COUNCIL MEETING ROOM

"They want us in the meeting room," she said.

"For what?" he asked.

"Doesn't say."

"I bet Terra and Ian are going to board." He handed her back her article.

She folded it in half to ignore the red marks he'd made and headed for the door. The library was small and dark, probably because the part of the ship with the central library was closed off, unused. "I'm sure it's just an update on plans," she said.

"You're sure?"

She had thought he was alright at first, but she really didn't like him.

The meeting room was about a five minute walk, and took them through a maze of hallways. They rarely saw anybody else. When they got to the door, Artemisia took a deep breath as James knocked.

"Enter." Professor Greenhue's voice was solid.

She took her seat next to Senator Tornad, a woman from Saturn who retired some years ago. Artemisia often couldn't believe she was sitting next to these people. People who had achieved her wildest dreams. James sat on her other side, legs stretched out.

"Welcome McCourt, Atlantic," said Captain Seele. "We've just received a bit of startling news from Captain Khione. He and Professor Solum have been on Mars, attending a state dinner."

"We were unaware Princess Edelweiss is also there, and has been for a couple days," said Senator Tornad. "She's been in meetings with Matthew Solum."

James sat up straighter, bringing his elbows onto the table. Artemisia frowned. "Daisy Edelweiss?"

"Yes, it's been confirmed by Captain Khione," said Captain Seele. "Our sources have since found Martian military forces preparing for a flight attack, long-range fuel tanks attached."

"Neptune?" said James. "Why would he do that?"

"We think he got word the Edelweiss's have been planning to join us for some time," he said. "The second they do, he can take Neptune. If Daisy's there, he'll have a Neptunian heir royal in his possession and the UA will have zero way of knowing if she's sanctioned his endeavor or not."

Senator Tornad ran a hand through her hair. "Captain Khione proposed a solution, but it's dangerous."

"Not battle?" said Artemisia.

"No, not yet," said Captain Seele. "Captain Khione and Professor Solum have proposed marriage- which leaves Professor Solum legal queen of Mars."

"Professor Solum doesn't want to be queen," said James.

Professor Greenhue chuckled. "We're getting to that, James."

"After Professor Solum is married, she can annul Matthew's claim to the throne," said Senator Tornad. "Then, she can board our ship with her husband. We'll get Princess Edelweiss as well."

"That's where you, James, come in," said Professor Greenhue. "As royalty, you'll have an automatic invitation to the wedding. The press doesn't know you're associated with us, you can say you've been home on Jupiter...doesn't matter."

"My parents don't know I'm missing, if that helps," said James. He caught Artemisia's brief expression of shock. "Closed media on Jupiter. I'm sure their advisors know."