In Service Of The Queen Ch 23

In Service of the Queen

by Davina Lee

An alternative future of women and their adventures

*

Author's Note

In the previous installment, Friend Adelaide has joined up with Group Captain Thorne and Gisela, hoping to advance the goals of La Resistance. But as a cover story, she joins in the charade of being another in a long string of Thorne's office pool girl of the month club. And even as she pens heartfelt letters to Tiara, Friend Vivienne, not knowing the whole story, suspects Adelaide of infidelity.

But I'm telling you friends, none of that matters. Because we've reached the moment La Resistance has been waiting for. Using the intelligence they've gathered from their unnamed source working on the beam weapon, and Friend Adelaide's connections with Thorne's realignment group, they're about to throw a dirigible-sized wrench in the queen's plans for world domination.

* * *

Chapter 23: Detonation

Friend Beatrice's Girl's Cave

A dozen women, all tight-lipped and dressed in dark clothing, crammed into the tiny space that served as Beatrice's living room. Half were shoehorned onto the cushions of Beatrice's twin sofas, while the rest were either leaning against the sofa backs or standing and pacing a path across the single area rug in front.

Group Captain Thorne and Vivienne were among those pacing, though they were careful to maintain their distance from each other.

Beatrice stepped between them, holding a plate of cut up carrots. She held the plate up to Vivienne, raising an eyebrow as she did.

Vivienne shook her head.

Beatrice turned to hold the plate out to Thorne. Thorne plucked up a carrot stick and chomped at the end.

While Thorne was chewing, Vivienne spoke up. "Remind me again why we're blowing up the dam?"

"Because that's the main source of electricity," said Thorne. "I thought we covered that. The beam weapon needs a massive amount of power to function." Thorne held out her hand and extended a single finger in turn as she made her points. "Take out the dam. Take out the power. Take out the beam weapon. Pretty simple."

Thorne then brought the carrot stick to her mouth and chomped at it as if illustrating her displeasure at being questioned.

"I'm not asking why the dam needs to be blown up," said Vivienne, "I'm asking why

we

are the ones blowing it up." She turned her hand inward and touched her fingers to her chest before motioning to a few of the women seated on the sofas.

"I'm sorry," said Thorne, "I thought this was La Resistance. Sounds like I stumbled into a meeting of La Pathétique." Thorne chomped noisily at her carrot stick. "Who else is going to do it, friend?"

"I don't know," snapped Vivienne, "the military? You like blowing things up. Isn't that why you joined?"

"Viv, please," said Adelaide.

"No, no. It's fine," said Thorne. "Let me put the cookies on the bottom shelf for you Friend Vivienne. Let's say you're a regular, law-abiding citizen of Empyrea. You're suspicious of the queen's actions and her motives, but you're not quite convinced you're ready to take a stand against her."

"What's that got to do with anything," said Vivienne.

"Patience, I'm getting there." Thorne popped the last of the carrot stick into her mouth and talked around it as she chewed. "You're a regular citizen, biding your time, waiting for someone to take the first step, make the first move. Who are you more likely to fall in line behind? A military coup or a popular uprising?"

Vivienne stared at Thorne and held her lip in her teeth as she took her words into consideration.

"Making sense yet?" asked Thorne, who then turned to scan the room. After settling her eyes on Beatrice and plucking another carrot stick from her plate, Thorne returned her gaze to Vivienne.

"So La Resistance has to blow up the dam," said Vivienne, with a slump of her shoulders.

"Everybody loves a rag-tag band of underdogs," said Thorne, raising her freshly acquired carrot high into the air like a saber. "Viva La Resistance." Thorne looked at Vivienne and grinned.

"You're an arrogant pain in the ass," said Vivienne. "So it kills me to say you're probably right."

"Probably?" Thorne brought the end of the carrot stick to her mouth.

"Okay, you're right," said Vivienne.

Thorne chomped down on the carrot and smirked.

"Alright, we're in agreement." Rebecca Brandt stood up from the sofa. "We'll take care of the demolition."

"And you're up to the task?" asked Thorne, with seriousness this time.

"Oui," said Cosette, rising to stand beside Rebecca and Vivienne. "La Resistance will handle the operation, provided the military can supply the materiel."

"Friend Vivienne was correct in her assessment," said Thorne. "We have the means."

"But the hydroelectric generators at the damn," said Adelaide. "They power the trains."

"And the weapon is rail-mounted. You're the one who uncovered that tidbit," said Thorne.

"Are you thinking now you were mistaken?" asked Rebecca.

"No. No," said Adelaide. "I saw the plans. In the queen's office. When I was onboard Elysium. I saw the blueprints. It was definitely a train car. Unless dirigible gondolas have wheels. Which they don't."

"A dirigible could never carry enough batteries to power the weapon," said Gisela. "It would never get off the ground."

Adelaide nodded and then cast her gaze to her feet.

Thorne turned her head to look at Adelaide. "You still have doubts?"

Still staring at the floor, Adelaide shook her head. "I'm just worried. Destroying the dam is going to leave Empyrea in the dark."

"An inconvenience," said Rebecca. "Weigh that against the destruction--"

"I know," said Adelaide. "But it's not just the trains. It's people's homes. Schools. Hospitals."

"I'd rather live by candlelight than know my inaction caused--"

"I know," said Adelaide. "I know."

"It's settled then?" asked Cosette.

Adelaide nodded once.

* * *

Along the banks of the Danube river, three days later

Adelaide watched from the shore as five women, all dressed in black just as she was, scaled the walls of the dam, closest to the spillways. Each of the women carried a pack tight against her back.

The roar of rushing water covered any sound as the women returned, their packs empty. Further communication was carried out with hand signs, with Cosette giving the final thumbs-up.

The rumble of the explosion was the only thing loud enough to be heard over the splashing water.

The women in black slipped into the shadows.

* * *

The next morning

Adelaide stood at the edge of a tight knot of office pool girls, as the tender dirigible drifted toward its mooring. Rather than watching the airship coming in, Adelaide stood staring at her shoes, her hands in her pockets, and her arms pressed tight against her body. She shuddered briefly.

"Sucks, doesn't it?" commented one of the girls next to her on the tarmac.

"Huh?" muttered Adelaide, not looking up.

"Fumbling around in the dark trying to take a shower," continued the girl. "I had to leave the door wide open just to see what I was doing. And of course, there's no hot water."

Adelaide offered a weak nod in response.

"I mean, I'm used to the trolleys not running, because... well... I guess the walking doesn't bother me. But cold showers...?" The girl took a step closer. "Mind if I huddle up next to you? That suit coat looks a lot warmer than what I'm wearing."

Adelaide raised her eyes to scan the girl in her short, skimpy dress. She was wearing a cardigan over it, but still she shivered. Adelaide nodded and pulled her right hand from her pocket to encourage the girl to come closer.

"Thanks," said the girl. "Who would do such a thing? Blow up the hydro plant?"

Adelaide shrugged.

"Terrorists, that's what I heard," continued the girl.

"I don't know," mumbled Adelaide, returning to staring at her shoes. "I hadn't heard that."

"It's all over the news bulletins at the train station. I'm surprised you missed it."

"I always walk. Trolleys on my line are never running."

"Yeah, me too," said the girl. "But the station's on the way, so, you know, I check anyway. My sister's deployed with the Defense Force. I like to keep up with what's going on. You?"

Adelaide shook her head. "I never served."

"No, I meant any relatives."

"Oh. Oh, that. My sister flies airships. She might be piloting this one. Sometimes she does."

"I hope she is," said the girl. "Piloting the tender. She'll stay safe that way."

Adelaide nodded weakly.

"I hope the queen finds them. The terrorists. I just want this to be over."

"Me too," said Adelaide.

With the tender dirigible now secured to its mooring, the mass of office pool girls began shuffling forward.

* * *

Onboard Ellysium

"Oh, Adelaide," said the queen, wringing her hands as she strode forward from the depths of her office. "I'm so happy you're safe and able to join us today. With all the recent events, I was worried."

"Yes, ma'am." Adelaide didn't manage to raise her gaze past the toes of the queen's boots.

The queen continued forward, pausing a few centimeters in front of where Adelaide stood, slouched and studying the deck under her feet. The queen reached out to tuck her finger under Adelaide's chin. "Dear Adelaide. I would certainly miss seeing your lovely face. If anything were to happen to you... Oh, let's not think about that, shall we?"

Adelaide cleared her throat. Before she could manage a response, the queen stepped around her.

"Claire?" said the queen. "Claire, what's on the docket for today?

Adelaide turned her eyes to the writing desk where Claire was rising to her feet. Claire leaned forward to shuffle some of the papers strewn over the top of the desk, her low-cut top gapping as she did.

Adelaide averted her gaze.

"Here it is," said Claire, plucking up one of the larger documents. She unfolded it twice, making it even bigger, and spread it over the top of the desk, smoothing it with her hands.

"Very good, Claire," said the queen. "Would you mind terribly loosening another button on your top? I know it's a busy work day, but I do enjoy the shape of you."

Claire blushed. "Yes, your majesty," she whispered, as she slipped not one, but two of the buttons on her top.

The queen stepped forward to touch her index finger to Claire's throat, just above her collarbone. "Two, buttons? It must be my lucky day."

"Yes, your majesty," repeated Claire, continuing with the remaining buttons until she exposed in a hand-sized width of bare skin extending to the waistband of her skirt.

"Very lovely, indeed," said the queen, dragging her finger downward through the center of Claire's chest, stopping only to hook her finger under Claire's skirt. The queen pulled Claire forward by her waistband and planted a kiss on the tip of Claire's nose.

While this was happening, Adelaide stood fidgeting, casting her eyes to the top of the desk and the paper unfolded there. Adelaide stared at the blueprints, the mechanical specifications for a large, tube-shaped weapon, covered in pipes and wires.

"Oh, Adelaide, don't just stand there," said the queen. "Come on over. And leave your jacket on the arm of the chaise, won't you? I know we've got a heap of work to attend to today, but perhaps a little fun first? What do you say?"

The queen turned to lock eyes on Adelaide without letting go of Claire.

"Your majesty?" said Adelaide.

"Oh, Adelaide. That was a hesitation. I know my request may have sounded like a suggestion, but it really wasn't." The queen narrowed her eyes. "I want you out of that suit coat and over here. Now."

"Yes..." Adelaide cleared her throat. "Yes, ma'am."

Hunching forward, Adelaide pulled one arm out of her jacket. Still holding the garment close to her body, she slipped her other arm from the other sleeve.

"That's it. Just throw it over the chaise. You won't be needing it."

"Yes, ma'am."

Adelaide gripped her jacket by the shoulders using both hands. She folded it over once, down the center line, and laid it over the arm of the chaise lounge.

"On second thought," said the queen. "Why don't you put it over the back of the side chair. We might want to have the chaise available later. For relaxation. I'm imagining it could be a stressful day."

"Yes, ma'am." Adelaide swallowed hard and kept one arm wrapped around her own waist, hugging herself as she picked up her suit coat in her other hand to move it.

"Dear Adelaide," said the queen, shaking her head. "I was rather hoping to see more of you. After last time you were here... Well, let's just say you seem out of sorts."

"Yes, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am." Adelaide dropped her hands to her sides, but continued to stand staring at the deck.

"Chin up, dear," clucked the queen. "We mustn't let these miscreants and their terrorist acts trample our spirits."

"No, ma'am" Adelaide croaked.

"Believe me, I have a plan to deal with them."

Adelaide said nothing.

"Come closer, sweet Adelaide. I want you to see this."

"Yes, ma'am." Adelaide shuffled forward toward where the queen stood beside Claire and the writing desk. On the top of the desk, open and lying flat, were blueprints for the beam weapon.

Adelaide began to sway and her knees buckled. She dashed out with her hands toward the desk to catch her balance, but stumbled and went down on her knees.

* * *

A few seconds later

"Are you quite alright, Adelaide?" asked the queen. "You look as though you've seen a ghost."

"I... I'm..." Adelaide bent one leg and dusted off the knee of her trousers. Her eyes never wavered from the blueprints of the beam weapon laid out on the desk. Biting her lip in her teeth, she began hoisting herself back to standing.

Standing behind Adelaide, the queen stopped her with a hand on Adelaide's shoulder. "Don't bother, dear. I do rather enjoy you on your knees. Wouldn't you agree, Claire?"

"Delicious," said Claire, as she pushed her own hand into the gap of her unbuttoned top and circled her left nipple with a fingertip under the fabric.

"Do you ever wonder, dear Adelaide, how it is so many of Empyrea's citizens were left in the dark this morning and yet here in Ellysium we continue as we always have, unaffected?"

Adelaide said nothing.

"Solar power, lithium batteries, and the ability to rise above the clouds. That's what makes Elysium able to withstand the little inconveniences like sabotaged hydro electric generating stations."

Adelaide swallowed hard.

"But, as always, I have a plan." The queen slipped her hand from Adelaide's shoulder and began to pace the area in front of the writing desk, but behind where Adelaide remained on her knees. "I'll let you in on it, if you like."

The queen stopped again, directly behind Adelaide. "Adelaide?" she said. "Would you like to know what I have planned?"

"I... uh..."

"A simple, yes ma'am will do."

"I..." Adelaide began to shiver. "Yes, uh, ma'am."

"That's better," said the queen, who began pacing again.

Adelaide held her lip in her teeth as her chest shook.

"Why don't you stand up and have a closer look. Claire, do be a dear and help poor Adelaide. She looks frightfully unstable this morning."

"Of course, your majesty." Claire smirked as she pushed her hand out toward Adelaide.

With Adelaide remaining rigid, Claire stepped closer and latched on under Adelaide's elbow to coax her to standing. Adelaide stumbled, reaching out for the desk to steady herself. Her eyes remained fixed on the blueprint drawings.

"It's a lovely arrangement here in Elysium," said the queen, as she stepped around behind Adelaide. "Solar power and lithium batteries. But it takes so long to get to a full charge. And this device that will make our enemies think twice about sabotaging us again, it takes such a great deal of power."

Adelaide began to sway a bit and widened her stance to maintain her balance.

The queen leaned in close, placing her lips just centimeters from Adelaide's right ear. "About as much power as it takes to push a train," whispered the queen.

With the queen's comment, Adelaide's knees gave way, and as she was reaching out for the desk to steady herself, Claire swooped in and wrapped Adelaide up in her arms.

The queen took a step back to assess the situation. "I'm surprised your nipples aren't hard, sweet Adelaide. In the arms of a beautiful woman like Claire, I would expect at least a hint of excitement. No?"

"Your majesty, I..." started Adelaide.

"Save your breath," said the queen. "You've already played your part. All those invoices you processed while working for me. Trading Empyrean grain for foreign lithium ore. I have more than enough to outfit every tender dirigible in the fleet with triple the normal battery capacity."

The queen touched her fingertip to Adelaide's shoulder and dragged it across the width of her as Adelaide shuddered, still wrapped in Claire's arms.

"Granted they don't have the lifting power for this wonderful device. That task will fall to Elysium alone. But with the tenders cabled up and supplying the extra reserve power..." the queen began to pace as she spoke. "I would think we might get two full power shots off before recharging. Maybe three, if we're lucky. It's actually never been tested."

Adelaide fell limp in Claire's arms, leaning her head against Claire's shoulder.

"So, dear Adelaide." The queen clapped her hands together as she said this, causing Adelaide to stiffen and shake. "You needn't come into work tomorrow. You've played your part brilliantly, dear. Convincing your friends to take out the hydro generator, particularly that pesky little Parisian. What's her name? Collette? Cosette? Yes, that's the icing on the cake."

Adelaide shuddered.

"It was Paris all along," mused the queen, as she began pacing again. "The citizens of Paris, jealous of our successes under my leadership here in Empyrea. They seek to harm us with these cowardly acts of sabotage. But fear not, citizens. With our advanced... no...! Superior. With our superior scientific knowledge, we have created a weapon that will make them think twice about attacking us again."

"Um, your majesty?" said Claire.

The queen stopped in her tracks. "What is it?"

Adelaide looked up, her eyes puffy and red-rimmed, as she slouched against Claire.

"She's getting kind of heavy," said Claire.

"Toss her over there on the chaise," said the queen. "We're done with her."

"Yes, ma'am."

* * *

Vivienne and Adelaide's apartment, three days later

The roar of Elysium's propellers overhead was enough to rattle the window panes. Vivienne jumped up from the sofa and pulled the curtain back to look out. Adelaide shuffled down the hall to join her.

"They're doing it," said Vivienne.

Adelaide hitched a breath and sniffled. Vivienne reached out to put her arm over Adelaide's shoulder. "Not your fault, Addie," she said, as she squeezed. "Not your fault."

Outside the window, eight tender dirigibles flew in tight formation, surrounding Elysium in two rings, fore and aft. From one of the tenders at the front, a lone woman with wings strapped to her back leapt from the gondola, holding the end of a long electrical cable in her hands. A similar scene played out from a second tender toward the back.

Adelaide began to sob.

Two more women flew from two more tenders, attaching their cables to Elysium in the center of the formation, and then pushing off to float gracefully toward the ground.

When the woman in the fifth dirigible leapt from the gondola, she did not have a cable in her hands. As Adelaide and Vivienne watched the scene, the woman fluttered toward the ground without much grace and the door on the fifth dirigible's gondola was slammed shut behind her.