Observe, Mosaic Chronicles Book Four Read online

“And now we’ll hear from Tiffany for a few moments as she introduces another important member of our family.”

  Tiffany got to her feet, straightened her skirt suit, and approached the microphone.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, as a representative of Captain Christopher Price and Rebecca, his wife, I am pleased to tell you that my daughter, Nicole, is here today.”

  She paused as immense applause shook the arena. Nicole’s eyes widened in disbelief. They were clapping for her?

  “As you know, she is an Arete—one we’ve put a lot of hope in for many years. I’d like to formally introduce her as one of our newest initiates. And yes, she joined willingly.”

  More applause, this time accompanied by cheers.

  So, apparently, Tarians had known about Nicole for some time. And something that was also apparent—they’d considered forcing her to join. At least, that’s what Tiffany was insinuating.

  “You all know that I’ve represented the Price family for a few years, but what you perhaps didn’t know is that I am a direct descendent of Christopher and Rebecca.”

  Murmurs spread through the stadium. Tiffany stepped back and beckoned for Nicole to join her at the mic.

  “Say hi,” she whispered when Nicole was close enough.

  Nicole knew that meant to offer a small speech. She wished she’d had something prepared!

  “As my mother has already stated, I’m an Arete, and I’ve chosen to become a Tarian. I’m proud of my heritage and I’m excited to learn as much as possible about how I can better serve the Tarian people.”

  She smiled as the crowd again cheered.

  Tiffany stood next to Nicole at the mic and said, “I feel it important to let you know that Rebecca has chosen Nicole as the one who shall lead us to victory.”

  A hush fell over the arena, interrupted by a multitude of whispering. Nicole had been under the impression that Rebecca would be doing this part of the introductions.

  Tiffany continued. “Given that we are a group based partially on democracy, I’d like to allow you the opportunity to vote for or against Nicole. Those in favor, please raise your hands.”

  Thousands of hands shot into the air. Nicole knew counting them wouldn’t be possible.

  “Those opposed, please show it.”

  Many, many less opposed. In fact, only a couple hundred.

  “Thank you,” Tiffany said. “It appears we’ve chosen our new leader.”

  Just then, Rebecca appeared next to Nicole. Several gasps were heard, along with many confused exclamations.

  Rebecca indicated that she wanted a turn at the mic. “Several of you have already met me. My name is Rebecca Price. And yes, I’m dead.”

  She waited until the gasps and laughter ended. Laughter, probably, from those who knew about her already, and gasps from those who didn’t.

  “I thank you for voting Nicole in as your new leader. Undoubtedly, most of you voted yes because you felt obligated to do so. That is fine. She will earn your trust and respect quickly, as she has mine.” Rebecca took a breath, and Nicole wondered how much power this speech was requiring. She would probably need to rest for a very, very long time after this.

  “Nevertheless, and take me at my word, your vote wasn’t necessary. Nicole will lead the Tarian group regardless of your doubts or concerns. Those who question my authority will give their names to their chapter presidents. And presidents, I encourage you to get in contact with Nicole. I promise you, I will oversee every doubt and concern brought to her and shall deal with them accordingly.”

  Nicole didn’t miss the threat in Rebecca’s tone, and she was positive no one else had either. Apprehension burst into her mind. The fact that the Tarian group still listened to and obeyed Rebecca spoke volumes about their current direction. If Rebecca maintained this amount of control, who was to say the Tarians had truly gone off course, as the woman suggested?

  Nicole hoped she wasn’t in too far to protect herself. Looking around at the vast size of the group, and knowing that the CNN cameras were broadcasting to hundreds, if not thousands, of other Tarians, she felt the first slivers of doubt that she would be successful in her own mission. Especially knowing now—or suspecting now, since it hadn’t been confirmed—that Rebecca really hadn’t turned her back on the Tarian group.

  Rebecca finished her speech—something about the brightness of the future—and turned the mic back to Tiffany, who asked Nicole if she had anything else to say.

  Nicole smiled sweetly and said, “No.”

  “We look forward to Nicole’s leadership and Rebecca’s continued help,” Tiffany said. “Thank you for your support.”

  Rebecca disappeared and Nicole followed Tiffany back to their seats. She struggled to keep her face clear of her emotions. Her situation was incredibly precarious, and she couldn’t risk anyone suspecting her true feelings.

  She took a deep breath, swallowed her nervousness, and plastered a smile on her face. She had a mission to accomplish. And with or without Rebecca’s help, she would do it.

  She only hoped Rebecca had been honest with her all along. It would make things so much easier.

  Tiffany’s cheeks held a slight blush, and the smile she directed repeatedly at Nicole during the next several speeches—given by local dignitaries and which were entirely forgettable—told Nicole that her mother was exceptionally proud of her.

  Nicole had a hard time not scowling at Tiffany. She knew the woman’s pride had nothing to do with anything Nicole had ever accomplished on her own. Her parents were proud because they felt like they had an amount of control and power in the situation. Nicole was still a baby in their eyes. They probably thought they could rule the Tarians through her—use her for their own purposes.

  They were going to be hugely disappointed because Nicole would not be their tool. She wouldn’t bend to their will, and she wouldn’t favor them simply because they were her parents.

  As she continued contemplating the revelations of the day, Nicole realized that the other Tarians must have been very aware of her life. The fact that everyone here seemed to know that she was an Arete and that she’d eventually benefit the group—against her will, if necessary—said a lot. The feelings of privacy that Nicole had felt while growing up seemed pathetic now. She’d lived in a glass bowl her entire life.

  Maybe her feelings were exaggerated, but she didn’t think so as things that had happened over the past several years came rushing back. Times when Tiffany and Dad’s friends would come over to visit and would be a little too interested in Nicole’s goings on. The fact that Walter, president of the Dallas branch and Dad’s best friend, had frequently asked Nicole if she’d Restarted yet, and before that, what her plans for the future were.

  They might not have known she was Rebecca’s descendant, but they had definitely been watching her since she was young.

  Nicole sighed, leaning back in her seat.

  Tiffany misunderstood the action and leaned over. “Exciting, isn’t it?”

  Nicole nodded, smiling. “Yes, very.” She shook her head. “I’m just still so surprised at how many people are here.”

  Tiffany’s eyes sparkled. “We’ve been successful at keeping our numbers unknown.”

  Nicole’s suspicions had been correct, then.

  The meeting finally ended. It had only been an hour long, but it had felt more like two or three.

  Nicole pulled out her agenda—an unmarked one—and checked to see what was next. A meeting with the heads of all the areas. Not every country had representatives present—as Tarians hadn’t infiltrated every location—but each state had a chapter president in attendance. There would be at least one hundred people at the meeting.

  Nicole wondered who would lead it. She had a feeling it would need to be her.

  It took forty-five minutes to get out of the arena and to the correct building on campus.

  She and her parents located the small auditorium where their meeting would take place, then rested for a few minutes in the lobby ju
st outside that room. Nicole pulled a snack out of her purse and checked her text messages while waiting.

  There were several messages from Lizzie, most wishing her good luck, and the last one saying for her to contact Coolidge.

  Nicole was planning on doing that already, so she quickly sent him a text, telling him about the opening ceremony. She was brief, but let him know how serious things had gotten.

  He responded almost immediately, asking her to find out if she could get him a stream to watch the proceedings. The CNN feed wasn’t being made public.

  She told him she’d see what she could do, but not to get his hopes up. She didn’t want to make anyone suspect anything.

  Nicole put her phone away and started on her sandwich. While she was finishing it, she sensed Greg’s magical pulse heading toward her. He was still outside the building, but she knew he’d probably sensed her and would find her even if she hid. She sighed in resignation.

  Instead of running away, Nicole pretended not to notice as he entered the building and walked in her direction.

  Suddenly, arms enveloped her. She pretended to be surprised, wriggling out of his grasp.

  “How’s my babe doing?” Greg asked.

  “I’m not your babe.”

  “That was some speech you gave today. Too bad I didn’t believe a word you said.”

  Nicole folded her arms and glared at him as he took a seat across from her. “Believe what you want, Greg. I don’t have any reason to prove myself to you.”

  He snorted. “Yes, you do. You basically belong to me.” He pursed his lips toward her. “Imagine all the fun we’re going to have.”

  Nicole didn’t respond, and she didn’t have to. Tiffany and Dad beckoned her to follow them. She stood, not saying another word or even sending him a glance as she left.

  Several chairs were arranged in the front of the auditorium, facing the rest. Tiffany indicated that Nicole was to sit in those alongside her and Walter. Dad took a seat with the rest of the chapter representatives.

  Nicole felt her palms begin sweating as she glanced around the room. The president of the United States wasn’t there, and for some reason, this made her feel a little better. She hoped she would’ve known if someone that important had been a chapter president.

  Finally, the chairs were filled, and Dad shut the doors before returning to his seat.

  Tiffany got to her feet and started the meeting.

  “As Nicole’s mother, I’d like to welcome you all to the one-hundred-and-thirty-second annual Tarian world convention . . .”

  She continued on, welcoming new presidents and such. Nicole tilted her head, hesitating. Rebecca had just told the entire Tarian population that Nicole was in charge. Nowhere on any papers had it stated who would be conducting the meeting, but Nicole was pretty sure it shouldn’t be Tiffany.

  She took a deep breath. What she was about to do would upset her mother. But it was necessary. In order to be a leader, she needed to lead. She knew this would go over a lot better with Tiffany if it were done in private, but for these people to respect her, they needed to see her as a leader—taking control in a tactful manner.

  Nicole got to her feet and stepped next to Tiffany once her mother had finished welcoming the newest members, ending with Nicole’s name.

  “Thank you for that warm introduction.” She knew it hadn’t been an introduction. Oh, well. “I’ll take over from here.”

  “No, Nicole. Return to your seat.” Tiffany said this into the microphone.

  So, it was a power struggle. Nicole took a deep breath, trying not to shrivel up inside under the pressure of contention.

  “Only chapter presidents and the main Tarian leader—who has been appointed today—have been invited to this meeting. As you are a secretary, this doesn’t include you. But since you are my mother, I would love for you to stay.”

  Tiffany bristled. “You are far too young to be leading such a large and powerful group.”

  “Be that as it may, I am the best qualified, as indicated by Rebecca herself.”

  Nicole didn’t give Tiffany a chance to respond. She turned to the microphone and glanced out over the group. “Should any of you still doubt Rebecca’s decision, may I remind you that you don’t have a say in my appointment. But I do want to reassure you that it wasn’t amiss. I might be young, but I am capable.”

  Tiffany returned to her seat, a scowl on her face, and Nicole knew it would take her mother days to get over this.

  Nicole pulled the mic from its stand and began a slow pace in front of the group. “What is the main reason the Tarian group was formed?”

  A man in the middle of the auditorium shouted out, “To rid the earth of the Arete scum.”

  Nicole didn’t give the reaction he was probably fishing for. “Exactly. And allowing rifts to appear in our society will only distract us from that goal. There are several people here with reports to give. Let’s move forward with that. We’ll follow the agenda as outlined in your schedules.”

  Nicole didn’t return to her chair. She sat on the edge of the table, making comments in between each report and thanking those who’d prepared their information.

  The first report was from a group in Missouri that had been manufacturing small weapons with government approval. Nicole didn’t need to be surprised about that—she’d read it the night before. Now that she knew the president—along with many other important people—was a Tarian, she understood how they’d gotten that support.

  The report concluded with the information that the weapons would be ready by the end of July. Two months away.

  The next report was given by the chapter president in Colombia. A company he owned was working on state-of-the-art armor. Light, comfortable, bullet and fireproof, it would almost completely guarantee that the person wearing it didn’t die unless he or she did something stupid.

  A man in Germany reported on a company there that had been putting together safety and survival kits. They were nearly ready.

  Walter’s report on the Dallas group was regarding the martial arts trainings they’d been overseeing around the world. Apparently, several professional martial artists had been convinced to move to Texas years ago and had created a program that most active people were able to learn.

  As she listened to this report, Nicole realized something. She’d only seen a few obese or extremely overweight Tarians since coming to the conference. Were they being discriminated against and not allowed to join, or were the members keeping themselves trim in preparation for the coming war?

  Nicole pushed those thoughts aside—but she was astonished at the nearly perfect organization of the group. It was obvious that someone had been helping them maintain their focus for many, many years. Even one hundred and thirty-two years.

  The reports continued.

  Tarians in many parts of the world were slowly taking over their governments. Nicole was able to see just how successful they’d been.

  Many countries had proven difficult to breach, and she found herself wishing she lived in one of those until she realized that the USA was one of them. It made her proud, knowing that Americans were still fighting against the tyranny of the Tarians.

  But seeing how ready the Tarians were, Nicole found herself doubting that Aretes would be able to unite fast enough to fight them, even with superior abilities.

  She needed to get word back to Coolidge, and fast.

  As several more reports were delivered, Nicole noticed a shift in attitude toward her. The presidents were starting to listen to her, acknowledge her. She did her best to recognize and thank them for the work they’d done. She encouraged applause at the end of each report. And she didn’t hog the mic.

  Nicole was relieved to find that the Tarians hadn’t had a lot of success taking over the militaries of the world. Governments, yes, but not militaries. But then she learned that they’d been secretly amassing their own warheads, jets, boats, and submarines. How were these things going unnoticed?

  Nicole
’s eyes drifted to the CNN camera at the back of the room, and she knew there was the secret—with most of the major news outlets under the thumb of the Tarians, so to speak, not much would be leaked to the general population.

  Once all of the reports had been given, Nicole got to her feet again. “What sort of resistance have you all been met with?”

  One man raised his hand, and Nicole pointed to him. “Not much,” he said. “We’ve been in the process of infiltrating these places since Rebecca started our group. With her having lived for so long, she’s been able to help us see the bigger picture. She’s kept us focused. And now that she’s been dead for eight months, communicating with each other through her is actually easier.”

  “Good,” Nicole said, though she felt far from that. “Our goals from here on out are as follows. Continue with your specific projects and assignments. Have your people report any problems as they arise. Those you can’t deal with on your own, feel free to bring to me. From now on, to conserve her energy, Rebecca will be communicating with me alone. I’ll arrange meetings for you with her as needed, though I suspect we’ll be able to figure out any issues without her help.

  “Come July and August, be ready to receive word that we’re moving forward.” Nicole held up the elixir. “I’ve got the necessary materials for success. And together, we will have that success.”

  Nicole paused, glancing down at the agenda while nearly everyone in the room cheered and clapped. “One last item—my own report. Rebecca and I will be working on finding the particular piece of property where the machine is located and I will be purchasing it. She wants to meet regularly with me and possibly with a few of you as needed. As I’ve already said, the goal is to get everything finished in just a few months. As we maintain focus, I assure you, this is possible.”

  Nicole replaced the mic and smiled as the group applauded again. She returned to her seat, exhausted but feeling good about how the meeting had gone.

  Nicole ignored her mother’s stares and snide remarks. She didn’t have the energy to deal with pettiness. For the next several minutes, she shook hands and thanked people who approached her individually. Once the room had nearly emptied, Nicole grabbed her things, finding that Tiffany and Dad had a meeting with the Dallas group that Nicole wasn’t required to attend.