Empire of Bones by Terry Mixon

around people that don’t bow and scrape. They tell me what they really think. I like that they treat me as if I belonged and shouldn’t be up on a pedestal.”
    “That should’ve been true in any case. I see that I’ve done you another injustice. I apologize for doubting that you had what it takes to be here.”
    His admission made her preen a little inside. However, his honesty deserved a frank response from her. “I’ll confess that I haven’t warmed to you very much over the years. I blamed you for what happened to my parents for the longest time. Once I became old enough to understand that wasn’t true, it made me feel guilty, but didn’t change how I treated you. For that, I apologize.
    “You’re much more complex than I gave you credit for. Seeing you working here is like watching a different man—a leader. Someone who commands respect and demands obedience. A lot like my father. Our father. It’s a pity Ethan doesn’t get to see this side of you.”
    Jared looked a little embarrassed. “I’ve never felt comfortable in the palace. I honestly don’t think I ever will. Pardon my frankness, but I doubt seeing another side of me would improve my relationship with your brother.”
    “Until recently, my brother and I thought you initiated the visits. He thought you were trying to…”
    “Curry favor? If so, I’m particularly inept at it. Your brother hates me and you can barely tolerate me.”
    “Perhaps that’s because we really didn’t know one another. I suspect that played a role in our father’s thought process when he sent me on this mission with you. He hopes we get past our differences. As do I. This trip could be a chance to start over for both of us. I’m not saying that things will change, but we have an excellent opportunity to start fresh.”
    He smiled a little. “I’d like that.” He took a bite of his dinner as soon as the man deposited the plates in front of them. “Mmm. Very nice. So, while you’ve been exploring the ship, what has Ambassador Vega been doing?”
    “Pretty much the same things as me. I see him in the mess hall, mostly. He also spends a lot of time in his cabin. I’d imagine he has a ton of background information to study. Information that I’m already familiar with.”
    Jared took a drink of his water. “I probably should get together with him before the meeting tomorrow and bring him up to speed. I know I wouldn’t want to be blindsided first thing in the morning.”
    “Good idea. I ate with him at lunch. He had some indigestion and said he’d rest for the afternoon. He’s probably feeling better. Let’s finish and we can go talk to him together.”
    They ate the rest of the meal and chatted about the ship and crew. Kelsey quickly discovered that talking about his people was a sure way to get Jared into an enthusiastic conversation. He really cared about them.
    That made the rest of the meal fly by and they finished before she knew it. Jared stood and led the way back down to her deck. She hoped she eventually learned the ship’s layout. It seemed like she got lost almost every day, even after all this time.
    Jared stopped outside of Vega’s hatch and knocked. When no one answered, he tried again. “He’s probably in the mess or wandering around. Remind me to get both of you communicators so that people can contact you.”
    He brought his communicator to his lips. “Bridge, this is Mertz. Page Ambassador Vega and route his call back to me.”
    “Aye, sir.”
    A louder version of the voice came from the concealed speakers overhead. “Ambassador Vega, please call the bridge on the nearest communications unit.”
    After about thirty seconds, the call repeated. Then the voice came back over the communicator. “I’m sorry, sir. Ambassador Vega isn’t responding.”
    Jared frowned. “Thank you. Mertz out.”
    He put the communicator back onto his belt. “I suppose we’d best check to be sure everything is okay.” He touched his thumb to the