Chapter IX – Blueprints and Battleplans

“Alright,” said Ostara, “Launch we will. Nova, you get to finding those schematics Kal wants. Kal, I’ll leave the operational planning to you. Until Nova gets those schematics for you, why don’t you do a bit of an inventory. Make sure we’ve got all the equipment we might need. Once you’ve got a bit of an idea of what’s going to be necessary to crack this nut, we can reconvene here and work out what everyone’s individual roles will be. Until then, everyone should relax, rest up, do what you need to be ready. This isn’t going to be easy.”

“I’m on it, boss,” said Nova and half speed walked, half skipped out of the room. Kal just nodded and strode out behind her.

Mu was turning to head out as well when she heard Ostara calling her name. She turned and walked back. Apollo had already left, so Ostara was alone now, sitting in the armchair, the very picture of serene elegance with one leg folder over the other and her hands resting on her knee.

“Yes?” said Mu. For all of Ostara’s warmth and kindness, she still didn’t feel like she had a good handle on the woman. There were depths there – depths she didn’t yet fathom.

“I just wanted to tell you that I think what you’re doing is very brave,” said Ostara.

“Everyone else is going in with me, I’m hardly alone or unique,” said Mu.

“But despite everything – despite the pressure I know you’re under, you still argued to do this at great personal risk. You didn’t have to do that, but you did. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of your character. And I know Apollo, and I am sure he saw that in you from the very beginning, that’s why he set everything in motion to bring you aboard,” said Ostara.

Mu shook her head slowly. “Everyone has done so much—”

“No, you don’t need to feel guilty. Apollo brought you here because he wants you here. He brought you here because at some point he will need you. You don’t need to feel guilty. And you’ve just shown that you’re no self-interested freeloader.”

“But I’ve now gone and put everyone on the ship at even greater risk,” said Mu.

“No. You can’t think like that. No one on the Amrita does anything by compulsion. Everyone is free here. They are helping because they want to, because they saw from your passion that it was the right thing to do. Now, come with me,” said Ostara, rising to her feet.

“Oh… sure,” said Mu. She followed Ostara as she strode from the common room towards the aft-facing door. Beyond they ascended a stairway Mu had not yet been up. At the top was a small room with a door flanked by two pot plants. Ostara opened the door and ushered Mu inside.

Mu was immediately astounded. A great domed expanse of glass covered the immense room beyond. Outside, a glittering profusion of stars shone brightly in the depths of space. And all around them were lush plants: fruit trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, flowers in every shape and colour. There was a fountain, featuring a woman carved of white marble, draped in robes, pouring an amphora of water. Along each side of the room were cloisters lined with ornate marble columns, each one wrapped in vines. Amongst the overflowing, verdant abundance wound cobbled paths, small lights offering soft illumination.

“Welcome to my gardens,” said Ostara.

“They’re beautiful,” said Mu, her eyes slowly taking in the sight – not something she ever would have imagined finding on a starship.

“I believe that in the quiet places, among the flowers, you can hear the song of the Cosmos, if you know how to listen. I come here when something weighs heavily upon me. There is something just so therapeutic about tending to living, growing things.”

Mu just nodded.

“Tell me, Mukushen,” said Ostara. “What is your favourite flower?”

Mu thought only a moment. “Peonies,” she said. “White peonies. My mother would always place a bouquet of them in my bedroom when I was a little girl.”

Ostara smiled and nodded, her eyes scanning the garden. “This way,” she said.

They walked along a winding path among the many plants until Ostara stopped at a stand. She bent down and gently plucked a single white peony and handed it to Mu. “Take in its scent, take in its beauty,” she said.

Mu held it to her nose and breathed in deep, feeling calm flow over her with the familiar fragrance. She looked at Ostara. She smiled. “Thank you,” she said.

Ostara smiled back. “Mukushen… Mu… you prefer Mu don’t you?”

Mu nodded.

“Mu, peer forward. Perhaps your vision is clouded right now. We are far from Nara Enduri, far from the great filaments of the Starflow… but I’m sure when you look forward for the outcome of this mission, you will sense that there is at least hope. And no small portion.”

Mu lifted her gaze to the stars above and drew the Starflow in, feeling it Resonate with her being, with her mind. She opened the eye within and gazed forth. The Starflow spread out through her light cone, diffusing as it spread towards the edges of time and space. But long before that impossibly distant horizon, she felt those moments in time that surely represented their mission to Shangxia. The events were unclear, as Ostara had predicted, but through the fragmentary imagery and mess of sensations she did find what she was looking for: that kernel of hope, that spark of optimism.

She lowered her eyes once more to meet Ostara’s gaze. “It’s there,” she said. “There’s hope.”

Ostara smiled and nodded. “I know.”

“Do you have foresight too?”

Ostara laughed – a soft and lilting sound. She shook her head, an infectious smile across her face. “No, no. But I have faith in Apollo. He would not have approved of your mad idea if he didn’t foresee at least a chance of it succeeding.”

“Mad?” asked Mu, smiling, but raising an eyebrow.

“Mad,” reaffirmed Ostara. “But we’re all mad enough to go along with it. And mad enough to succeed.”

“Thank you, Ostara,” said Mu. “Here I am, virtually a complete stranger, but it feels like I’ve known you forever.”

“It’s my duty to look after the people on this ship,” said Ostara. “My duty, and my pleasure. Now, you, my dear girl, need to get some sleep.”

“There’s too much to do!” protested Mu. “I’ll just have some more coffee if I feel tired. Have you tried coffee? I just discovered it. It’s amazing!”

Ostara placed a hand on her shoulder. Mu only now fully appreciated how much taller than her Ostara was. She wondered whether she might even be taller than Tavian. “Coffee might be wonderful, but right now you need sleep. No one will be helped if you can’t function come the hour. Nova and Kal will be a while yet getting everything ready. Go to your room and sleep.”

Mu was about to say something, but Ostara cut her off.

“That’s an order,” she said.

Mu nodded. “Okay.”

“Stop by Seraphina’s room if you need some help getting to sleep. She will give you something.”

Mu nodded. And with that she left Ostara’s garden, clutching a single white peony to her chest.

With not much for it, Tavian headed to the mess to fix himself a tea. He took up a seat by the window and sat, nursing his mandolin and absent-mindedly strumming, gazing out on the blue vista of the planet below. In these moments he liked to detach himself, to forget any song he’d learnt and reach out to feel the Starflow, letting it guide his fingers. There was insight to be found in these chords of the stars. It was as if Lady Anu herself was singing to him, humming her cosmic lullaby.

He knew the most ambitious Resonants, those who aspired to Theophany, would sit for days, weeks, or months, meditating and dwelling on the Starflow. They called it cultivating Manda. This was his way of cultivating Manda, he supposed, though to what end he did not know. He certainly didn’t aspire to Theophany. He had no need of the power of a God. He didn’t want to rule the Cosmos, just to live in it.

Live and let live. That had always been his motto. It should be a simple thing, he thought. At least it would be if everyone else abided by it. But of course, they didn’t. The Cosmos was full of Governor Yuchengs, of Wei Jiangs and White Gangs – those who weren’t content with their share and wanted everyone else’s. It was full of Resonance Bureaus who weren’t content to live their preferred way, but instead demanded that everyone else should as well.

Mu had really gone after him in that meeting. As far as he saw it, none of this would have happened if everyone else would just calm down, chill out, and follow the way of the Lady Anu. Then he and Mingxia could have simply met, had their fun, and parted amicably. Fun, joy, pleasure – these were good things and there was nothing morally wrong in cultivating them. Forget Manda, happiness was where it was at.

But maybe Mu had a point. Wishing the Cosmos was some way did not make it so.

Tavian gave a frustrated strum. He could feel no songs of Lady Anu. He could barely feel the Starflow. His mind was racing, unsettled.

He set aside the mandolin and reached over to grab the steaming hot teapot. He poured a little into his cup and raised it to his lips, blowing gently. He took a sip, dwelling on its warmth, on the bitter tannins, on the floral earthiness. As he placed the cup back on the table, Harry appeared, dropping into the chair opposite.

“Feeling musical?” asked Harry, indicating the mandolin.

“Always,” replied Tavian, although it was almost a lie at that moment.

“I play the trumpet,” said Harry.

“Cool,” remarked Tavian. He looked at Harry a few moments more, expectantly.

Harry brushed his long fringe away from his eyes with his fingers. He smiled. “I think you’ve got a long way to go to get out of Mu’s bad books.”

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“I’m aware,” muttered Tavian, darkly. “I was hoping going on this little rescue mission might do the trick. Y’know, if I live.”

“Is it important to you?” asked Harry.

“Living? Yeah.”

“Getting into her good graces.”

“What are you implying?”

Harry shrugged. “Nothing.” He paused a moment, before changing the subject. “But this isn’t a suicide mission. Apollo’s generous, but he certainly isn’t foolish, and if he’s given the nod to this little jaunt, it means he thinks we can succeed.”

“Well, that’s something,” said Tavian.

“We’ve been through some shit,” said Harry. “On this ship. And we’ve always come out the other side. This crew knows what they’re doing.”

“What do you bring to the table?”

“Kal’s in charge of this mission. I’ll do what he needs me to do.”

“Can you fight?” asked Tavian.

“I do alright,” replied Harry. “But I can do much more than that. I can make disguises, I can act any part that’s needed, create one hell of a distraction. I’ve got my fair share of talents to contribute to this little enterprise. What about you? Gonna serenade the guards?”

“You’d be surprised what can be accomplished with a little music… if you know the right notes to play.”

“Mysterious,” said Harry. “You like keeping people in the dark, don’t you?”

“I share what I need to,” said Tavian. “Not more.”

“We’re crewmates now, no need to keep secrets.”

“I’m on board with this mission. Crewmates, though? We’ll see.”

“Real lone wolf, huh?” said Harry. “Well, there’s a reason that wolves usually hunt in packs.”

“The more people, the more complications.”

“You seemed to find some complications just fine while all on your own. Luckily now you’ve got the rest of us to uncomplicate things for you,” said Harry.

“Lucky me,” said Tavian. “Look, are you just here to give me grief? I’ve said I’m in.”

Harry grinned. “I just wanted to get a sense of who you are. If I’m about to leap into danger, I like to know who the guy leaping with me is.”

“I’m solid,” said Tavian.

“Great,” said Harry. “Look forward to working with you.”

“Oh, it’ll be a blast.”

“Everyone here?” asked Kal, looking around.

Mu was sitting in a chair facing him, her arms crossed, watching intently. She had spent most of the last eight hours sleeping and was feeling much more like her regular self again. To assert this fact, she had once more dressed in her Aixin court dress, having carefully prepared her hair and makeup. It gave her a sense of confidence and security to once more appear like her old self, even if it was part of what she was running from.

They were in a small room near the front of the Amrita, which Nova had apparently dubbed the briefing room, but which otherwise seemed to serve no specific purpose. Kal was standing in front of a large display screen. In front of him was an unusual looking podium. Nova sat off to one side, staring at a smaller screen, hidden from the rest of them. Everyone else was seated in the two rows of chairs facing the front.

“I believe so,” said Ostara, who was seated behind Mu. “Before you start, though, Kal, if I could have a moment.”

“Of course.”

“I’ve asked Nova to set up a monitor on online traffic and the Orbital Ring’s security. I’m hoping it will allow us to catch wind of any movements from the Resonance Bureau while we’re carrying out this operation,” said Ostara. “With any luck we can stay one step ahead of them, even misdirect them, if necessary.”

Mu nodded. “Good. It makes me nervous to know they’re looking for me, but having no idea how close they are. I keep getting these feelings. I’m not sure if they’re premonitions or just nerves… but they’ve got me concerned nonetheless.”

“Leave it to Nova and I,” said Ostara.

“Thank you.”

“Excellent,” said Kal. “Well, I’ll start by providing you all with an overview of the layout and security features of the mansion first, and then we’ll burrow down into specifics of how we go about securing the objective,” said Kal.

“Mingxia,” said Mu, letting a little indignation creep into her voice.

“Yes, Miss Mingxia,” agreed Kal, briefly glancing her way, before turning back to the display. “The Governor’s mansion – officially the Shangxia City West Gate Yamen – sits near the western outskirts of the Old City of Shangxia, the planetary capital.”

“Makes sense,” remarked Harry.

“It is a walled compound with one main building and several out-buildings. The perimeter has both automated and human security and the air above is patrolled by drones. There are three routes of ingress to the main building, which we are reasonably confident is where we’ll find our object—Miss Mingxia.”

“We’re confident she’s still there?” asked Harry.

Nova answered. “I managed to access cameras covering just about every angle around the compound. I swept through all of the footage with a facial recognition program, using an old acting headshot I found. Absolutely no sign of her leaving the compound in the time since Tavian last saw her there.”

“And,” Harry began, looking around at the others before continuing, “I don’t want to get too dark about this… but we’re sure that the governor hasn’t… you know… done anything to her?”

Nova looked over at Kal and then back to Harry. “We can’t… we haven’t managed to find any footage of her… but… I mean…”

Ostara spoke up. “The Governor is a public figure. People know who his concubines are. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that he won’t hurt Mingxia, but I believe we can be confident he won’t take any more… permanent action. He may have no scruples, but he doesn’t want to have a situation which will be awkward to explain.”

Mu nodded fervently. “She’s alive. I can’t see exactly how this mission will turn out, unfortunately, but I would be able to tell if it was going to be all in vain. I’d sense that.”

“Okay,” said Harry. “Glad to hear it.”

“Right,” said Kal, with a hint of impatience. “Like I was saying: there are three routes of ingress. The first is the main entrance, which comes off Onyx Tortoise Boulevard. The second is for goods deliveries and the like, and comes off the small laneway on the far western side of the compound. Nearby to this one is an underground service tunnel, used strictly for maintenance purposes. This would likely be the easiest route to take in order to remain unseen, but it is highly circuitous and difficult to navigate. We’re also unclear what – if any – security measures might be in place to detect access via this route. My suspicion is that any access to the tunnel when not in use would trigger some form of alarm or defence mechanism.”

“What’s your recommendation then?” asked Tavian.

“Nova?” said Kal, prompted by Tavian’s question.

Nova grinned. “I found you,” she said.

“You found me?” asked Tavian.

“I found you. I implemented another program to search your face on all the surrounding cameras and I found the moment you and Mingxia returned to the mansion,” said Nova. Mu noticed, that she always had a distinct sense of pride in her voice whenever she talked about her techniques and solutions. “And you were sloshed. Like, shitfaced. Both of you. I totally get why you made such dumb decisions now.”

“It may not have been my finest moment,” said Tavian.

“Do you have any fine moments?” asked Mu. She didn’t get more than a slight shake of the head in response from Tavian.

“Anyway, you two used the goods deliveries entrance,” said Nova. “Oh, and also, I found your escape. One thing I’m unclear on due to the angle kinda obscuring things, but how did you get down from that high window without… y’know… dying?”

“Lucky, I guess,” said Tavian.

“Hrm,” said Nova, her eyes narrowing as she gazed at Tavian. Mu made a mental note to get Nova to show her the footage later. She’d clearly seen something unusual about Tavian’s escape from the yamen. “Well, anyway, my main takeaway from watching your arrival is that the security isn’t nearly as tight as we might have thought. Mingxia talked the two of you in past the guards on the gate, and I guess no one checked the footage until the next day, after your escape.”

“It seems that while there’s plenty of security in place, they are not engaging in best practice,” affirmed Kal. “I have determined we are unlikely to avoid detection on entry, so our best option is to aim to be granted entry on some premise.”

“Sounds like disguises are in order!” exclaimed Harry, rubbing his palms together eagerly.

“That may indeed need to be a component of this plan,” conceded Kal. “Princess Mukushen?”

Mu was about to insist on just Mu, but decided she’d fight that battle later. “Yes?”

“I’m aware you are eager to participate in this mission, however, I believe that given your wanted status – even if we do disguise your appearance – it might be safer, from an overall op-sec standpoint, for you to remain on the Amrita.”

Mu shook her head vigorously. There was a part of her that acknowledged what Kal was saying, but she wasn’t going to have any of it. She simply refused. This had all been at her assistance. There was no future in which she let the others assume all the risk. “I’m sorry, I have to go,” she said.

“I thought you might say that,” said Kal. “There may be an option to get you inside. Harry, we might get you in on this too. You see… the Governor appears to be a man of voracious appetites… and, well, possibly…”

Nova interrupted him. “Kal is too much of a gentleman to say it, but what he’s attempting to work his way towards saying is that we could disguise you as a prostitute and Harry as your pimp.”

Tavian sniggered.

Mu took a moment to take this in. “A prostitute…”

“A lady of the night,” added Nova, helpfully.

“Fine, I’ll do it,” said Mu.

“And how do I get in?” asked Tavian. “As the only one who has actually been inside in person, surely I need to be there.”

“We haven’t worked this part out yet,” said Kal. “But I agree it would be useful for you to be there.”

“The Governor swing both ways?” asked Tavian. “Because I’m game. I’m sure I’d be a top tier whore.”

“Well, you already basically do the job for free,” remarked Mu.

“Hey, that’s derogatory to sex industry workers,” said Tavian.

“What, including you in their number?” asked Mu.

“Your whole tone.”

“Rich coming from you.”

“Can we, perhaps, get back on topic?” remarked Kal. He cast a knowing look Ostara’s way. “From our observations, the Governor’s interests do not extent beyond the ladies.”

Mu was still glaring at Tavian so she saw the exact moment the idea occurred to him. “Drugs!” he exclaimed.

“The booze not enough anymore?” asked Nova.

“I’ve seen enough of Shangxia’s rich and powerful while working in clubs. If they’re hiring prostitutes, they’re for sure also buying drugs. Not a complete night otherwise.”

“You’re suggesting we pass you off as a drug dealer?” asked Kal.

“Precisely,” said Tavian. “But I’m also guessing we can’t just turn up at the entrance with a surprise delivery of girls and drugs for the boss.”

“This is an element of the plan we still need to refine,” said Kal. “We need to gather more intelligence about the logistics of the Governor’s… indulgences. But I think, in principle, your idea is a good one.”

“Mrs Hua,” said Tavian.

“Man, you gotta stop just blurting out random things without elaborating,” said Nova.

“She was the manager of the club I was staying and working at before. She arranges everything for the owner, Mr Wu, and his VIP guests. There isn’t a pimp or dealer in Shangxia City that she doesn’t know,” explained Tavian.

“Will you be welcome back there?” asked Mu.

“Maybe if someone else goes and breaks the ice first, things might go a little smoother,” said Tavian.

“Harry, sounds like a job for you,” said Kal. “Masquerade as a VIP wanting to buy drugs and women at this club Tavian is talking about. Hopefully this woman is as well connected as he says and we can work out how to pull this off.”

“Oh, this is going to be fun,” said Harry.

“It’s not meant to be fun,” said Mu.

“But it doesn’t hurt if it is,” replied Harry, grinning broadly.

“Well, it sounds like we have the beginnings of an access plan,” said Ostara. “But what about once we are inside?”

“Well, assuming we don’t just switch to Plan B, we need to be careful to avoid getting into a firefight. There are a lot of armed guards in there.”

“What’s Plan B?” asked Mu.

“Same as rescuing you. I turn up in the power armour and start blasting,” said Kal.

“Let’s keep that as Plan B for now,” said Mu. “So, we need to find our way to Mingxia, and then get her out without causing a fuss?”

“That would be optimal,” said Kal.

“And I am right in thinking that the current plan is for the infiltration group to be myself, Tavian, and Harry?” she asked.

“I will be on standby,” said Kal. “But I believe a smaller group will be easiest for the purposes of keeping a low profile.”

“Governor not the kinda guy to want multiple ladies?” asked Tavian. “Kinda seems like he would be. Guy's got a wife, multiple concubines, and he’s still hiring prostitutes.”

“I’m not doing it, if that’s what you were suggesting,” said Nova.

“Well, unless he’s the sort that likes them young, that probably wouldn’t work,” remarked Tavian.

“Hey!” snapped Nova. “I am a grown woman.”

“If you say so, kid,” said Tavian and Nova glared at him.

Ostara spoke up, cutting off this line of conversation. “I have rented us a nearby apartment which we can use as a forward base for this operation. Kal will remain on standby there.”

“We’ll also use that as our base while we collect this additional intel and firm up the shakier elements of the plan. At this stage I am not wholly satisfied with the level of detail we have about the interior and the security measures there,” said Kal.

Seraphina spoke up at this point. She held up her hand, her raven perched on it. “Matthias and I can help,” she said.

“Help how?” asked Kal.

“I can come to this apartment on the surface. I can see through Matthias’ eyes. He can scout the Yamen for us,” said Seraphina.

“Are you sure, dear?” said Ostara. “Do you feel comfortable going to the surface?”

Seraphina breathed in deeply. “I want to help.”

“Alright, that settles it. Myself, the Princess, Tavian, Harry, and Seraphina will head to the surface. Nova, you can stay here with the Captain and Ostara to provide mission support and continue to collect electronic intel or find security exploits,” said Kal. “Everyone happy with that so far? It’s not the tightest operational plan I’ve ever made, but it’s a start.”

Mu nodded. “I think we can make this work.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Harry. “Mu, you and I are hitting the shops when we get down to the surface and finding our disguises. Tavian, you should be good as is – you already look like a drug dealer.”

Tavian frowned at him, but didn’t comment further.

“I will go pack my things,” said Seraphina.

“Raaaark!” said Matthias.